Self-Publishing
What is self-publishing?
Well, to begin with, real self-publishers own their own ISBN, having full control of their books.
Self-publishers do everything from writing the story to working directly with the printer, from marketing to selling their books, and everything in between.
Self-publishers choose their printing options wisely. If you are a true self-publisher you or your imprint owns the ISBN, be your own financier and will oversee the entire publication process. Please don’t be confused. A book printer is not a publisher. If you have to pay someone to publish your book, they are not a publisher.
Do not be smittened by the so called “self-publishing” companies. The only self-publishing company is that of your own.
There are only two ways to truly publish a book:
- Through a traditional publisher who will give you an advance and pay royalty on future sales of your book
- Or be a true self-publisher
Every other way in between the above two methods must be approached with extreme caution.
Especially, when vanity presses are owned by traditional publishers. Be informed and be educated. One example would be Author Solutions, which is owned by Penguin Random House.
Not convinced yet?
Click this box to visit our friends at “Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America” and check out their “Writer Beware” section. Learn what a true self-publisher is and what fake “self-publishing” companies do. “Writer Beware” is extremely informative and surely a must-read for any published or aspiring self-publisher.
I publish my books at a Canadian bindery and enjoy the benefits. As a true self-publisher, when I hear about a “self-publishing company” offering their services to publish someone’s book I know that that confuses and traps writers. Most of the time this leads to writers losing precious income and ownership rights, or even to not getting to publish their books any more.
Is self-publishing for you?
Two of my all-time favourite authors are self-published:
– The Joy of Cooking by Irma Rombauer (if you are passionate about cooking, this is a must have book) and
– The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter.
You can be a self-published author too.
You’ll have to assume the roles of many people.
You are going to be the project manager of your own publication.
What skills are required?
Does this characterize you?
- Extremely organized
- Detail-oriented
- Neat freak
- Control freak
Do you do all the above with a smile?
Then you are qualified to be a self-publisher 🙂
A few years ago, I knew nothing about publishing a book. Today, I’m a published author.
It all started with a dream that was put on hold until one day it was time for it to materialize.
You can do it too!
