Self-Publishing 101
Typically, authors write their books, send them to agents or
publishers, and then hope for the best. However, some authors
opt to not leave anything to chance; they take matters into
their own hands and make sure that the book is published.
Welcome to the world of self-publishing, wherein books or other
media are published by those who have written them.
Self-publishing enables the author to not only ensure that the
book is published, but also gives the author complete control
over content (traditionally, the publisher does maintain some
editorial control over the matter). Other aspects that the
publisher traditionally controls - design of the book, the
layout of the text, the appearance of the cover, the
bookbinding, the quality of the paper, and so on can also be
controlled by the writer when self-publishing.
How is self-publishing different from traditional publishing?
Besides the fact that the author is also the publisher,
self-publishing means that the author pays for the publication
out of his/her own pocket, and also has to handle marketing on
his/her own.
When self-publishing, the author does not get the printer to
print the typical 7,000 copies that the publisher orders. In the
self-publishing model, the author pays for the initial press
run, which is usually small. Unlike the publisher, the author
does not warehouse the books, but stores them maybe in a home or
studio. The author may sell the book directly to readers and
other end customers. Alternately, the writer may consider
retailing by offering it on consignment through retail stores.
There are also those writers who print the book themselves,
using either a xerographic process or a computer printer.
Sometimes writers print on demand, and keep absolutely no
inventory.
Cost issues may also mean that the showy full-color cover used
by traditional publishers is absent. Bindings suitable for short
press runs, like staples, comb bindings, or wire-bindings may be
selected over the perfect binding that is used for larger press
runs.
Besides fiction and non-fiction books, other reasons for
self-publishing include: Sales brochures, catalogs and price
lists, annual reports, prospectus, flyers, posters, pamphlets,
niche market books, invitations to events, and religious
materials.
Remember that though routing your book through a publisher has
its own advantages, self-publishing means that your work can
reach your audience very fast, you can set your own prices, and
you don't have to share a cent of your earnings with agents and
publishers.