It has always been difficult for unknown writers to capture the attention of traditional publishers. And this economy hasn't made it any easier. If you're a new writer today, you'll probably going to have to go it alone. Fortunately, the self-publishing field is a lot more wide open than it was just a few years ago.
If you plan to self-publish a book, there are some pro's and con's of self-publishing that you should be aware of. Here are a few of them.
Self-Publishing Pro's
- You don't have editors interfering with the content of your book.
- You don't have to share your financial proceeds. All the book sales money is yours - except for the cost of producing and promoting the book.
- You maintain full ownership of your material.
- You can select the size you want your book to be. Choose paper back or hard cover.
- You can choose from a wide variety of services.
- Create your own cover or hire an artist.
- Simply upload your book to the publisher for printing & choose the options best for you.
Con's to Self-published Books
- You have no editor to help determine the quality of the book.
- You have no publisher to help promote your book.
- You have no input as to how to make your work more interesting.
- You need to do your own marketing & promotion. You're on your own.
- There's lots and lots of competition that a publisher can often get around.
If you plan on self-publishing your own book, there are lots of self-publishers to choose from. They offer a variety of services, some with a different set of expertise - whether it be fiction, non-fiction, self-help, biographies, etc. Prices are all over the board so be sure to compare a few.
I've only used three so far and I can tell you, there are major differences to watch for. Be sure to do your homework and find a self-publisher that's actually willing to help you along the way.
