Three Reasons You Should Consider Self-Publishing Your First Book
Posted on: 14 September 2015
As if finishing your first book isn't difficult enough, you have to decide how you want to publish your book. Many authors strive to have their books commercially published because they like the idea of receiving an advance payment and letting the publishing company handle book promotions. However, it's surprisingly simple to self publish a book, and you might be surprised to discover that self-publishing is the better option for you. So, before you start sending manuscripts to publishing companies, learn more about online book printing and how it can benefit you.
Do You Want Your Book Published Fast?
One drawback to commercially publishing a book, especially for a new author, is the amount of time that passes between signing your book deal and your book actually landing on the store shelves. Yes, mainstream publishers do typically give advances to authors when they sign their book deal; however, if you're a first-time author, the amount of your advance may not cover your financial needs up until the book is published. If you need to get your book on the shelves as fast as possible, then self-publishing is a good option for you. Online book printing companies can print hard copies of your book quickly, and you also have the option to publish your book in e-book format almost immediately.
How Much Control Do You Want to Have Over Your Book?
When you publish a book the traditional way, you typically have an agent and a publisher who will want you to rework specific portions of your book. It's also likely that you won't have much of a say when it comes to the details of your book cover, and if your publisher doesn't like the title of your book, you'll probably be asked to change it. When you self-publish your book, you don't have to worry about the opinions of others. You have complete control over every aspect of your book.
How Much Do Your Royalties Matter?
When you publish a book the traditional way, the publishing house gets a large chunk the profits from your book sales. After the publishing house gets its cut of the profits, your agent gets a percentage. Then, after everyone else is paid, you receive your royalties. Sure, you won't have to do as much of your own promotional work if you use a traditional publishing company, but there's no guarantee that the publishing company will promote your book enough to make it a best seller. And, if it's not a best seller, you probably won't end up earning as much as you expected to earn when you were writing your book. When you self-publish your book, using an online book printing company, the printing company does take a percentage of your books sales. However, that percentage is only for printing the actual book. Because there aren't promotional fees and agent fees included, you end up making more money off of each book you sell.
Ultimately, the decision whether you self-publish or traditionally publish your first book is entirely up to you. Traditional publishing might sound nice, but don't count self-publishing out. You might be surprised to find that you can grow a really good fan base when you self-publish your first book.
For more information, look up an online book printer such as Dazzle Printing.
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