| publishing might be the best way to publish your | | | | royalties once or twice a year and then those |
| book. There are several advantages to self | | | | royalties are only a small percentage of the book |
| publishing that you might not have considered. | | | | price. When you self publish your book then once |
| First, and most important, self publishing places | | | | you have covered any publications costs |
| you firmly in control of your book. When | | | | everything you earn is pure profit. |
| someone else is paying you to publish your book | | | | Finally, it cannot be overlooked that self publishing |
| then they make many decisions regarding the | | | | offers you an opportunity to break into print that |
| editing of the manuscript, the cover, the title and | | | | might not be otherwise available. The simple fact |
| the marketing that can impact not only how well | | | | is that traditional publishing is highly competitive |
| your book will sell but also how it will be received | | | | and many worthwhile manuscripts (and authors) |
| by the reading public. For example, my second | | | | cannot find a publishing home although there may |
| book ended up with the title "Kentucky Kisses" | | | | well be an eager and receptive audience for that |
| simply because my publisher's marketing | | | | book. |
| department reported that books with the word | | | | It should be noted that self publishing may not be |
| "kisses" in the title sold well. I felt the title was | | | | for everyone. If you are still struggling with your |
| rather frivolous for the content but my wishes | | | | writing and voice, or your manuscript still needs |
| were ignored. | | | | polishing, then you should continue to work on |
| Self publishing is also faster than traditional | | | | your book and perhaps bring in the assistance of |
| publishing. With my novel, Kentucky Kisses, it took | | | | a critique group or professional editor. Self |
| me over a year to find a publisher interested in | | | | publishing a book that is not yet ready for |
| buying and several months before we went to | | | | publication could be a costly mistake. If your |
| contract. Then after the contract was signed it | | | | manuscript has been polished and well received by |
| was another 18 months before my book was | | | | several critical readers then you should at least |
| released to the public. That is a long time to wait. | | | | consider self publishing your book. |
| Self publishing also allows you to retain all the | | | | Not only does self publishing offer you the |
| profits from your endeavor. While you may have | | | | advantages of complete control, faster publication, |
| to put some money up front (depending on the | | | | and higher profits, it is easier and less expensive |
| method you use to self publish your book) you | | | | than it has ever been before thanks to modern |
| will not have to wait for months or years to see | | | | technology. Self publishing could be your big break |
| income as a result. Most publishers only pay | | | | as a writer. |