The Benefits of Self-Publishing
These days self-publishing isn’t as tricky as in days past and can be done with the right budget. Often aspiring authors hear about the pitfalls of self-publishing, but the benefits make the endeavor worth it. Besides the oft-talked about benefits of complete creative control and 100% of the royalties (which are significant, of course), consider this:
- Faster turnaround to market. Writing and editing take whatever time needed, but once you’re ready to publish, your book can go to market quickly, with profits coming in soon after that.
- Create niche books. Traditional publishing houses require an expectation of a certain number of sales, so if you’re writing a book with a niche audience, you’ll find no objections if you go it alone.
- Get yourself noticed. Being a self-published author can have many influencers’ characteristics that one sees on social media, meaning that book agents and publishers will eventually come to you if you do well.
What Does Publishing Mean?
Traditional publishing is when a publisher offers the author a contract in exchange for printing and selling your book through booksellers from which you receive a portion of the royalties.
Self-publishing is like running and financing a small business dedicated solely to producing and selling a single product: your book. Like any business, the goal is to make a profit over time and create a product that sells well enough to cover production expenses. It is up to you to bring in the necessary help to bring a high quality product to market.
The best way to self-publish a book can be broken down into three broad stages:
- Writing, editing, and illustrating the book
- Cover design, interior formatting, and printing
- Marketing and selling the book
Each of these stages involves many individual steps and decisions that you can take alone, leave to a publisher, or decide together.
Types of Publishing
When it comes to publishing your book, you have a few options, depending on your budget, timeline, and your book’s marketability. To understand the different types of publishing concerning audience and sales potential, let’s break down publishing types.
- Traditional publishing
Traditional publishers require a formal submission from a literary agent who typically takes a percentage of your advance and sometimes a cut of your royalties. If a publisher accepts your manuscript, they acquire the rights.
Many authors don’t realize that a publisher may or may not offer an advance payment, and royalty payments are typically less than 5%. Some publishers may also ask for input for your cover regarding editing and marketing, but they have full control and the final say.
- Self-publishing
Self-publishing has become more common, with assisted self publishing companies and distributors streamlining the process with their online services. While this does have some great benefits to the author, full creative control comes with many responsibilities.
Securing and financing the editing, design, marketing, and production of their book is the first step. If choosing the self-publishing route, it’s best to hire an editor with credible references and to leave your design and illustration to the professionals.
These are the very basics, but we are always happy to chat with aspiring authors. If you are thinking about getting your book published or just considering your options, contact us today.
Self Publishing: Why it works
Self-publishing works because the independent author can collaborate with professionals and interact with their audience in a much more agile way than ever before. It can be hard work but is empowering for an author who want to take their writing future into their own hands.
Self-publishing companies like Palmetto Publishing can provide personalized support and guidance throughout the publishing process, which can be especially helpful for new authors. By being closely involved in the publishing process, authors can learn valuable skills and gain insights that can help them grow and develop as writers.
Self Publishing Offerings
From typeface to cover design and marketing, Palmetto Publishing is a one-stop-shop to get your book printed to your exact specifications and into the hands of readers around the world. We offer assistance with every step of the book lifecycle.
Our comprehensive publishing services will help you develop a finished product that you can be proud of with your creative direction. And we do so without taking any cut of your royalties.
We are your publishing team, and we’ll put in the time to ensure your book is finished to your exact specifications, 100% satisfaction guaranteed. No matter how large or how small the project, our professional staff is ready to assist you with all of your publishing needs.