Online Publishers Guild

Are you an author who has a book that you would like to see published?  If you are, you should know that you do have a number of different options.  While the most common approach taken involves relying on a third party publishing house, you do also have the option of self-publishing your own book.

When an author makes the decision to self-publish a book, he or she has complete control over the whole process.  In fact, that is just one of the many pros or plus sides to self-publishing, as many authors like having complete control over their works of art.  As for the responsibility of an author in terms of self-publishing, an author must write the book, edit it, find a company to manufacturer the printed book, and sell it.  Although the process does seem relatively easy to most, it is important to remember that there are a number of pros and cons to self-publishing.

As it was previously stated, a self-publisher is responsible for the sale of their book.  For many this is a difficult process.  When a third party publishing house is used, they take on most of the work associated with selling a book, such as marketing.  This is not how self-publishing works.  Many self-publishers set up websites where they list their books available for sale.  Even then, however, that website must be marketed so that visitors will find it.  Self-publishers also have the option of approach retailers, including bookstores, hoping to get their books available for sale locally.

Another con or downside to self-publishing is the cost.  Technically, you could say that even when using a third party publishing house, you still pay for the cost of getting your book published.  This is because your publisher does take a fee out of the amount of money that you are paid; however, many authors don’t even take this cut into consideration.  Even though it will cost money to have your book transformed into print, there are steps that you can take to reduce the cost.  The most common approach involves having your book printed on demand, instead of having books on hand.

As previously stated, some self-publishers find it difficult to sell their books.  Yes, this process can be difficult, but many other self-published authors have seen success. When you put the proper amount of time, research, and energy into selling a self-published book, you stand the most chance of making the biggest profit.  This is because, aside from the cost of your expenses, you are able to retain all of your profits.  There is no one else that must share your profits, unless of course you decide to hire help.

Another pro or plus side to self-publishing is the fact that unknown authors are given the opportunity to shine.  Some of the best selling books today are written by authors who already have an established history or name.  In fact, unless you have an absolutely amazing book or a well-known name, there is a good chance that many publishing companies will not want to take a chance on you.  This doesn’t mean that your book is a poorly written one or that it has a bad story line.  It just means that the publishing market is a tough one.

One of the biggest signs that self-publishing may be right for you if you believe that you have a book that will sell, but you still receive multiple rejection letters from well-known publishing houses.  Self-publishing is also an ideal approach for authors who write books that will sell, but books that only have a limited targeted marketed.  For example, if you are interested in writing a book on your city or town, your targeted market may be quite small and publishers may not want to take a chance with that.

Since there are a number of pros and cons to self-publishing, you should take the time to decide if self-publishing is right for you.  Additional research can help you determine if self-publishing is truly your best option.

Are you an author who has decided to go the self-publishing route?  If you have received numerous rejection letters from publishing companies, but you still believe that you have a sellable book, you may be.  Self-publishers also like the freedom and control that they have.

As nice as self-publishing is for many authors, it is still important to proceed with caution.  Did you know that there are a number of self-publishing scams out there?  There are and these are scams that you will want to avoid.

If you are self-publishing a book, you should not be required to sign any contracts.  What you will want to do is search for a printing company that will turn your words into a real book.  You do not need to sign any contracts or agree to give away your work for this to be done.  Often times, all you need to do is agree to pay the already agreed upon fee.  If you are sent a contract, chances you are dealing with a vanity publisher, as opposed to a printing company.

Whether you examine vanity publishers or a printing company, be cautious of any recommendations that you receive.  For example, if an individual in your travels says “I know of a great designer who can design an amazing cover for your book,” proceed with caution.  Of course, the individual or company in question is more than worth the look, but you should know that many companies do not recommend others out of the goodness of their hearts.  Many do so because they receive a percentage of each sale made by working as an affiliate.

Even if you make the decision to self-publish a book, there is still a good chance that you will turn to other experts.  You may be interested in hiring the services of a professional editor or a designer to make your book cover.  When hiring a designer, give them an outline of your book or your expectations, but never hand over your completed work.  A designer does not need this.  If they ask for it, they may have bad intentions.

As for hiring the services of a professional editor, know who you are working with at all times.  Do the proper amount of research first.  You can honestly never tell if an editor actually reads your books and make changes.  Be leery of anyone who says “everything looks good to me,” and then hands you a bill.  It is also important to remember that when you hire an editor, you essentially hand them everything that you have worked on for the past year or months.  Make sure you hire a trusted editor who will not run with your work and then later claim it as their own.

In keeping with hiring assistance, one of the downsides to self-publishing is that you, as the author, are responsible for selling your book.  This is something that many authors do not have the time and experience to do. That is why outside help is often used.  If you do use help, choose a different person.  Do not let the same company publish your book and then sell it.  This is often a sign of a scam.  Instead, hire a marketing specialist who can help you develop and market your own website where your book can be offered for sale.  Or, approach local retailers, like your local bookstores, to see if they can carry your book.

Although there are a number of scams associated with self-publishing, it is a great way to get a book published.  Just be sure to use your best judgment.