When Selby ink was founded 17 years ago
publishing a book followed a routine process: You started by calling agents and
editors who most likely told you to send them a query letter. Next step was
usually a book proposal (if they were interested), plus a few sample chapters.
Then the waiting game started, usually ending with disappointment. On the other
hand, the option to self-publish was there, but it had a certain stigma…like
your book wasn’t good enough for a “real publisher”. And eBooks were unknown!
When we see the sales figures for a self-published
book like Still Alice we
realize that times have changed. Today self-publishing is not only popular, but
often it’s the preferred publishing path of many respected authors. As long as
your book is professionally produced, with an eye-catching cover and compelling
content, you can directly compete with any bestselling author.
Thinking about publishing your book soon?
Here are my seven best reasons to self-publish your book:
1.
Timing: Traditional publishers work on a long production cycle, they often plan a
year to a year and a half—or even longer—to get a book out. As a self-publisher
you can do it in a fraction of that time. It’s your material, your career move
- you can take control of when you want to publish.
2. You
Just Might Strike It Rich: Self-publishing offers the potential for huge
profits. No longer do you have to be satisfied with the meager 5 to 15 percent
royalty that commercial publishers dole out. When you use creativity, persistence,
and sound business sense, money is there to be made. Most publishers require
their authors to do their own promotion, why not self-publish and earn a 40 –
400% margin? If your book becomes a hit, publishers will come calling and give
you the upper hand in negotiations.
Even without being a huge hit self-published authors can create a springboard
to traditional publishing. As publicists we have helped many of our authors get
their book published by traditional publishers. Once the marketability of your
book has been proven, they may be eager to take it off your hands.
3.
Ownership: Self-publishing can be the road to your independence. Do you dream of
being your own boss? Do you desire more personal freedom? You can turn that
dream into reality. Here is a dynamic, proven way to shape your own destiny. It
is an answer not only for city folks but also for urban escapees seeking to
prosper in paradise.
As a self-publisher, you own all rights to your
book, whereas a traditional publisher would likely own the rights. If they lose
interest in your book, you cannot print additional copies unless you purchase
those rights back. Traditional publishers often require you to purchase your
book from them to do any promotion you choose to do for your book. As your own
publisher you print as many books as you need.
4.
Niche: Traditional publishers may not take an interest in your book if it is
topic-specific. They may feel the demand is not great enough to warrant a large
press run. However, your book may fill a niche that has not been met, and you
can “test the waters” with short-run printing.
5.
Locality: Books about local or regional topics are generally produced by local
authors in short-run quantities. Large publishers may decline publishing these
books because of their limited sales potential.
6. Control: Self-publishing
gives you the final say on the direction of your book. Your book reflects your
vision and not someone else's. You can personally guide every step, or hire
professionals to be on your team. You can choose the cover you like, the
typeface, and the title you want. You maintain absolute control over your own
book.
7.
Legacy: And last but not least - sharing what you have learned,
building your career, or leaving a family legacy are admirable motives.
Today when you self-publish you
can create your own publishing company that provides you with a tax shelter,
and a way to establish your material in a more professional manner. You are
never stuck doing “it” all alone. There are great professionals to guide you, and
dozens of “how-to” books to educate you in the process of publishing your own
book. With all of these reasons to self-publish what is stopping you now? Will
2015 be a very good year to make your mark with your own book?
Mari Selby founded Selby ink in 1998 after working for a small publisher where she was successful in improving their sales from 20,000 books to over 100,000 books in one year. Prior to being a publicist Mari was a family therapist in private practice for almost 20 years. http://www.selbyink.com
Mari Selby founded Selby ink in 1998 after working for a small publisher where she was successful in improving their sales from 20,000 books to over 100,000 books in one year. Prior to being a publicist Mari was a family therapist in private practice for almost 20 years. http://www.selbyink.com