How To Publish A Book: Common Questions And Answers
"What Is Self-Publishing and How Can It Help Me to Publish My Book?" What is self-publishing? Actually, self-publishing has been around since the earliest days of printing and publishing, but it has taken on new life in recent years as modern technological advancements have brought a new level of quality and cost effectiveness to the process. Many authors today are learning how to publish a book on their own because they wish to retain more control -- they do not desire other people to edit their manuscript, and want to make decisions regarding the marketing and design of their book for themselves, rather than relying on an editor or a traditional publishing company. In addition many first-time writers are learning how to self publish their books because they have no significant public following -- no prior reputation as a writer. As well, you might be helped by learning how to publish a book on your own if the potential "market" for your book is very small -- for example, a family history that may not be of interest outside of your family. Another reason for learning how to publish a book on your own is if your book addresses subject matter that would be considered too controversial for traditional publishing companies (the life of certain criminals, racially or sexually sensitive topics, etc.) A final major reason why many authors today are learning how to self publish their books is financial: they do not wish for a publishing company to receive any of the proceeds of the sales of the book. These writers are looking for more than just a standard advance and royalties; they want to receive 100% of the net proceeds from the sales of their book. "Is There Any Difference between Self-Publishing, Vanity Publishing, and Subsidy Publishing?" Authors who want to learn how to publish a book for themselves are often times confused by the phrases "vanity publishing," "subsidy publishing," and "self-publishing." These terms are not completely synonymous. One of the distinguishing characteristics of a vanity publishing firm is their willingness to publish anything -- as long as the writer forks over the cash to pay all the fees! A subsidy publisher will bear some of the costs associated with printing and marketing a book; vanity publishers do not -- all costs are borne by the author. "Does Learning How to Publish a Book on My Own Mean I Also Have To Promote It?" One concern that authors have when they learn how to publish their books, is that if they learn how to publish a book on their own, they will not have the assistance of anyone to help them to market, or promote their book, once it has been printed. These are important concerns, and should not be trivialized. Although some firms will help you in your marketing efforts, you must realize that if you undertake to publish a book on your own, you will need to put in a significant amount of time promoting its sale as well. You need to consider whether you will have the time to self-market as well as self-publish. In other words, learning how to publish a book for yourself means learning how to market it yourself, as well. "If I Publish a Book on My Own Will Bookstores Carry It?" If you would learn how to publish a book, you need to face up to reality: it is extremely difficult to get some bookstores (especially the larger chain stores) to carry self-published books. Chain bookstores in particular, prefer to order their inventory from established publishing houses or through distributors and wholesalers. Before you rush out to learn how to publish a book on your own, consider this: when was the last time that you saw books by self-published authors in your local bookstore -- or community library, for that matter? If breaking into print means that you want to become a well-known, best-selling author, then you should not bother learning how to publish a book for yourself, and instead concentrate on getting your book into the hands of third-party, traditional publishing houses. |
