The Pros and Cons of Self-publishing

Is self-publishing for every writer?

No. We all have different goals and reasons for what we do. Some writers may want to go the commercial route. They know they have the talent and persistence to make it happen and feel that anything less would be selling out. Other writers may not have the interest in spending money or want to commit to the necessary time in editing, marketing and selling. Others can’t tolerate anything that hints at technology, which is a huge liability should you want to self-publish.

To independently publish is to multitask and there’s a lot to learn. It can be done, but not overnight. Creating the product can take years, then you’ve got to market and sell it, usually while you’re working on another project. This along with keeping up a home, job, family, is a monumental undertaking. Still, allow me this argument.

Inside every writer is an independent soul who sits alone for hours thinking and writing, who has a recorder next to him to take down whatever he sees and feels, who waits in a doctor’s office with a feverish child on her lap and whose mind wanders to a faraway place. A fiction writer is a person who knows no bounds, who creates, who believes that anything is possible. The independence and freedom of self-publishing plays into this nature. So I argue: If it can be done, why not do it?

Are there good reasons to self-publish?

Here’s a laundry list: to take control, to get serious, to express yourself, to hone your craft, to learn, to grow, to finish a project, to put your work out there, to test the market, to connect to readers, to get reviewed, to gain confidence, to expand your horizons, to make your dream come true.

Are there bad reasons to self-publish?

Yes, if you have unrealistic expectations, such as making gazillion dollars so you can buy an island and hobnob with old money. Yes, if you’re not totally prepared to write a manuscript worthy of publication. Yes, again, if your ego bruises easily.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of POD self-publishing?

Advantages: You maintain control of how your book is presented. Your book will be in print indefinitely thus allowing a longer time to find an audience. Buying bulk and storing large inventories are not necessary. Basic publishing packages often include distribution, ISBN numbers, and placement in online stores. Publishing is done quickly at a relatively low cost. Post production edits are easy. Selling your book directly to a reader increases profit.

Disadvantages: Your book will be difficult to place in large chain bookstores. You’ll have to do your own editing and marketing or pay someone to do it. To make a profit you must expend time and energy into selling books.

How much money will it cost?

Initially, the expense varies depending on the add-ons that are purchased. Add-ons can be editing services, cover design, marketing packages. However, to give you a ballpark figure, I’d say the average cost to publish a book runs between $400 and $700.

Nevertheless, there’s more to consider than the initial publishing cost especially if you’re not swimming in technological waters. At a minimum, you’ll need a computer, printer, CD burner, Internet access, and a word processing program. Should you do your own cover, you may also require a scanner, digital camera and some type of Photoshop program. Marketing costs can include a website. Clearly, you can be nickeled and dimed when you self-publish; however, don’t be fooled into believing that other types of publishing come free. Many books that are traditionally published have similar expenses. Due to competition and the shrinking editorial staff found in large publishing houses, an author often has to have his manuscript professionally edited before it’s even considered for publication, an expense that can run into the thousands. Toss in postage and copying costs at twenty dollars a pop as manuscripts are routed to agents and publishers, and your trip to Paris may have to be postponed.

How legitimate is it?

Self-publishing is still self-publishing and may always have a ring of illegitimacy. Still, it’s an exciting time with an unknown, unpredictable end game. We’re in the fledgling years of a technological boom where books are being published at an astounding rate, where worldwide markets are expanding, where new voices are heard. Forecasters see POD printers in local drugstores at the ready to publish any book at anytime. Authors may even rent their own POD printers. So how will this shake down? Who knows? But one truism remains: legitimacy is about readership and connecting with people who enjoy your work.

For more info: Linda's Website

Linda is the author of Composition: A Fiction Writer's Guide for the 21st Century  Download for $3.75