Self-publishing is a means through which authors get their novels, poems and other works published without the help of a traditional book publisher. Many people consider self-publishing better than conventional publishing. In the past, self-publishing was considered as an alternative route for authors who could not succeed in mainstream traditional publishing. However, that notion is quickly changing since many reputable authors are choosing the self-publishing method. Only a quarter of Amazin e-book sales are from book titles from big publishing companies. While it has its share of challenges, self-publishing is an option that is worth considering. Here are the main advantages of self-publishing that you should put into consideration.
Self-publishing leads to faster exposure. The main benefit of self-publishing is that the book can get the market faster than the conventional publishing method. The internet has even made it easier for authors to complete their book and publish it online the same day or week. While doing this is not advisable since you need to edit and proofread your work, self-publishing can certainly lead to faster exposure and money in your account within a shorter time. If you were to publish it through the conventional publishing company, it would take you at least two years before your work can get out there.
Self-publishing also helps authors to have greater creative control. This is one of the main reasons even reputable authors choose to self-publish so that they can have better control over the content and appearance of the book. If you opt to publish through the big publishing companies, you will need to meet different requirements for various parties such as marketers, editors, and designers. However, when you opt for self-publishing, you get the chance to graft and have full control of your content and design of the book. The cover art and text will be fully the product of your decisions. You get to choose your preferred format for publishing the book such as workbooks, booklets, and multi-book series.
If you are looking for better royalties as an author, you should also consider self-publishing. Traditionally, the publishing companies pay book authors royalties for the books they sell at an agreed percentage which could be anything between 10% to 15% of the book’s listing price. The rest of the revenue goes to the publisher. However, when you self-publish with Amazon, you will receive about three-quarters of the list price. Sel-publishing through sites like Amazon also enables the author to retain all the rights for adaptations like TV shows, films, and comic books.
Self-publishing is also advantageous because your work gets a longer period to find an audience. Unlike publishing traditionally where your title will have a shorter shelf-life of about two months because these companies are always keen to phase out older books in favor of newly published ones. Self-published books on digital shelves stay indefinitely because potential buyers can access your work with a few clicks. Self-publishing enables you to have more time for building up a following as well as a sustainable lucrative writing career.