| First, what is our definition of self-publishing? | | | | However, writer beware! There are many |
| Technically, some consider self-publishing printing a | | | | companies out there that ask huge sums of |
| book from scratch. In other words, the writer has | | | | money for a vast array of unnecessary or |
| to create/manage every detail: editing, cover | | | | ineffective author options. Writers are encouraged |
| design, interior layout/typesetting, assembly, | | | | to search what is on offer from print-on-demand |
| printing, and distribution. It can be an | | | | publishers---their prices, their reputation, their |
| overwhelming ton of work if you do it all yourself. | | | | customer service, and the true value of their |
| But there are a number of companies that help | | | | options. |
| authors publish their books by providing | | | | Don't think that self-publishing is an easy option. |
| proofreading, custom cover design, interior layout, | | | | Without forethought and planning, the odds |
| printing and some level of distribution. Currently, a | | | | against success for the self-published are high. |
| very popular type of publisher called | | | | Self-publishing is a great hobby, but unless you |
| print-on-demand provides all these services. Then, | | | | have a passion to write and enthusiastically |
| instead of a garage full of books, either author or | | | | promote your own book, you will not be able to |
| retailers can order a small quantity of books at a | | | | succeed. Commercial publishing is preferable. |
| time. In the remainder of this article, the term | | | | However, contrary to what some think, |
| self-publish will be synonymous with | | | | commercial writers still have to promote and |
| print-on-demand. | | | | market their books tirelessly. So, do expect some |
| Self-publishing is becoming a popular option for | | | | very hard work along the way...and if you want |
| writers, especially since it is so difficult to get your | | | | your book to be more widely read, do accept |
| foot in the door with mainstream publishers. Now, | | | | that there are advertising factors involved in |
| more than ever, only a tiny percentage of writers | | | | publishing. |
| are published commercially, so thousands of | | | | Can authors then persuade bookstores to carry |
| writers are being pushed to check out other | | | | their books? Probably not---stores get many |
| options. | | | | self-published authors pitching books to them that |
| Self-publishing can be a wise strategy, especially | | | | don't sell and are often non-returnable that they |
| for some non-fiction books and especially if | | | | have learned not to stock them and won't order |
| teaching or public speaking provide you a platform | | | | them except for a paying customer. Your book |
| to promote your book. Personal memoirs, local | | | | can be listed with such retailers as Amazon and |
| histories, poetry, children's stories, special interest | | | | Barnes & Noble, but people must be told that |
| subjects -- all are well suited to following this | | | | it exists. My advice is that you do not consider |
| route as they often have relatively easy-to-reach | | | | self-publishing until you have spent at least a few |
| markets, or are intended for personal use only. | | | | years working on your writing, making |
| As has been noted, publishers now allow you to | | | | submissions, and learning about the business of |
| print just one copy of your masterpiece for | | | | publishing. To compare publishers, see this author's |
| personal use or, perhaps, 20-30 copies to give to | | | | website listed below. |
| family and friends. | | | | |