Why Self-publish Your Book?

When I meet an author with a great book100% of the profit?
concept, one who’s definitely the right3. No Waiting, No Rejection. The Cinderella story
person to write that book, right away I’llof the little book that gets discovered by a
often encourage him or her to self-publish. This ispublisher and becomes an overnight bestseller is
because I know that, if an author is thoroughlymostly just that—a fairytale. Yes , it happens.
invested in what they have to say, and ifBut it hasn't been happening a whole lot lately. In
they’re determined to create a buzz aboutthe current publishing climate, with major houses
their message, they’ll discover . . .paying gigantic advances to celebrity
5 Fantastic Benefits of Self-publishingauthors—their “cash cows”—not much is
1. Control. When you enter into a contract with aleft to spend on developing new talent. Let's be
major publishing house, you’re signing anhonest: a publisher isn't going to spend a dime
exclusive agreement that prevents your havingmarketing a book by an as yet unknown author.
input into most of the important decisions that willTo get your book considered for publication in the
affect your book’s perception by thefirst place, you'll need to have an extremely
public, and its sales. You’ll have very littleconvincing marketing strategy in place which you
say about the look and feel of your book cover,intend to implement on your own, at your own
the endorsements that appear on the back ofexpense! Such as the case in every genre from
your book, or the wording of your press release,children's books to alternative health to historical
for example. And since all of the above elementsnovels. First-time authors are being turned away
are critical to giving your book its best chance foren masse. And since many nonfiction book
bestseller status, such loss of control can poseprojects are time-sensitive—well-placed offerings
significant problems. “But don’t publishersintended to respond to a specific market
know better than I what to do to sell a book?”trend—their authors often while way their
you may ask. Not necessarily. Authors usuallyprecious window of opportunity waiting for agents
know more about their book’sor publishers to respond to a proposal. It isn't
subject—and hence, about their target audienceimpossible to get a major publishing house
(market)—than anyone else. Hey, they wroteinterested in a book by a first-time author, but
the book!it’s getting more difficult all the time.
More food for thought about signing with a majorSelf-publishing removes the wait (and the
publishing house: If for some reason your bookaccompanying weight from your shoulders) and
doesn’t sell quickly and the publisher lets itthe discomfort of rejection from the process of
go out of print, there’s often a “waitinggetting your book into print.
period” before the author is allowed to4. Independence. Self-published authors are usually
self-publish the book to get it back on the shelves.people with confidence in their message. Many
In the meantime, the reading public sees thathave already developed a following by giving talks
your book is “out of print” and a great dealand seminars in areas where they live and work.
of word-of-mouth damage is done. Self-publishingExperts know when they have a powerful
means that you are at the helm of your bookpersonal message—they don’t need a
project. Of course, it also means that thepublisher’s approval to pump themselves
responsibility for its success rests in your hands.up. Such authors, many of whom are already
But when you believe in your message and knowseasoned professionals, self-publish their books
that you’re going to do everything in yourbecause they love being in the driver’s
power to get that message out to your targetseat of their book project. Rather than gamble
audience, isn’t it a good feeling to knowthat a big corporation will treat their book with the
that you’re the one driving its success inrespect it deserves, such an author takes the
the marketplace?publishing reins to ensure that her message
I suggest a balance of control and delegation. Thereaches the widest possible audience. No one
right publishing ally can coach you through thecares more about your book than you do.
process of writing and editing your book, and will5. Power of Belief. The power of belief in our
also advise you to design and market yourwords is what makes promises good and turns
message in a way that gets optimum results.dreams into reality. Authors who self-publish their
Your publishing ally may be a book editor, abooks believe deeply that others will benefit from
publishing consultant, a published author, or allreading what they have to say. They have
three. If she’s worth her salt, though,unshakable conviction. Such authors often tell me,
she’ll know what it will take to get your“I had to write this book. I just have to get it
book published, and she’ll know how toout there!” Deep belief is the selfless power
help you make it happen.that drives all true service and makes a
2. Money. Why does it make good business sensedifference in the world. Authors with a strong
to self-publish? Consider the following: a contractsense of purpose know that they can make their
with the book publisher doesn't give you anbooks succeed. They don't want to wait around
ironclad guarantee that your book will ever andfor a publishing house to “accept” their work.
upon the shelves. If you’re a new author,Aware that time is precious, such authors create
your publisher will allocate zero marketing dollarstheir own publishing opportunities. They get behind
to promote your book. It's sink or swim! If yourtheir own message. They launch a campaign
book does sell well, it will be due to your ownfueled with belief in the creative power of
hard work and ingenuity—and your reward willintention.
be a tiny fraction of the book’s totalA good publishing consultant and editorial coach
profits. Self-publishing admittedly involves moreknows that the best way to make your book a
capital risk, but it also means that the extensivetrue success is to create and market a message
footwork you do to market your book will go tothat you will both be proud of for years to come.
producing income for the person who mostCreating uplifting books is a passion. Make it yours,
deserves it. After all, you’re the oneand every one of your books sold will be a vote
who’s doing all the work to igniteof confidence in yourself and the rest of
word-of-mouth about your book. Not only that,humanity!
you wrote it! Don’t you deserve to reap