There are many benefits and drawbacks to self-publishing your book. This article discusses the cost, learning curve, and control of your own publishing process. In essence, this touches on the Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing. We’ll also discuss how self-publishing can benefit you when it comes to targeted marketing to a loyal readership. But if you’re still unsure about the process, read on. You’ll be glad you did. The pros and cons of self-publishing are different for every author.
Cost
The cost of self-publishing a book varies from writer to writer and book to book. While some spend months working on their books, others give their finished manuscripts to editors for a full edit. Editors look for things like inconsistencies in narratives, point of views, grammar, and structure. Regardless of your preferred publishing method, you can count on the cost of self-publishing to be considerable. Below is a breakdown of some of the costs involved in publishing a book.
First, you should estimate the cost of cover design. Cover designs can vary dramatically from £50 for a pre-made full-colour cover to more than £1000 for a custom cover. Whether you’re choosing a traditional publisher or self-publishing, be sure to estimate the cost of cover design in your budget. If you’re self-publishing a book for profit, be sure to budget for these extra costs before you start the publishing process.
Learning curve
The Learning Curve of Self-Publishing is a tale many first-time authors can tell. There is a lot to learn from ISBN’s to Copyright to Marketing.
A common misconception about self-publishing is that all authors are lucky. Despite their apparent success, authors who self-publish face a learning curve. They’ll need to get used to Amazon’s platform, which requires them to become familiar with the tools and resources available. While many writers find self-publishing to be a rewarding experience, it’s important to remember that a high percentage of successful indie authors fail. Space Ranger Fred has been doing Okay, with a few lucky breaks and now potentially making it to the small screen. But it is hard work and that is something every self-published author knows and new authors will soon understand.
Control
The stigma associated with self-publishing is largely unfounded, and the tensions that arise are often avoidable. The key to avoiding these tensions is to avoid generalisations and challenge subconscious assumptions. One such tension is the discussion about the control of creativity in self-publishing. Some authors argue that they have greater creative control in self-publishing than in traditional publishing. Traditional publishing often paints authors as being creatively chained to a publishing company. However, this is not necessarily the case.
Many people tout their own self-publishing advice. However, this information is scattered and contradictory. Too many people proclaim themselves as the Truth of self-publishing. Instead of following them, do your own research. You must not take anything at face value. And, most importantly, ignore conventional wisdom. Instead, put your work out there, make mistakes, and learn from them without ego. If you learn from these mistakes, don’t be afraid to repeat them until you’re confident in your abilities and your ability to succeed.
Targeted marketing to a loyal readership
It’s equally as important to cultivate a loyal readership as it is to attract new readers. Brands need a loyal readership as they serve as their biggest cheerleaders. An engaged community is a powerful marketing tool that will help them promote your book and increase sales. Among the Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing marketing deserves a chapter or three on its own. Once you find a loyal readership, your satisfaction as an author will be tremendous.
Exclusion clauses
When you use an exclusion clause to protect yourself against legal liabilities, you have to be very careful. There are several common pitfalls to avoid, and your contract may have unintended consequences. Firstly, the clause must be narrowly drawn. Courts are unlikely to uphold an exclusion clause if it is too broad. In addition, the clause must expressly mention negligence or loss, but recent cases suggest that this is not necessarily necessary. The clause must also provide a meaningful remedy in the event of a breach. My advice is to take advice!
Enjoy Writing
By far the best piece of advice I ever received was to enjoy writing. I have not made myself a millionaire from writing my books…yet. However, I enjoy writing, I love reading my Children’s books to others and absolutely feel blessed to know someone is reading my work with a smile on their face.
