Self-publishing has been taking the world of books by storm… but what exactly is self-publishing?
If you’re a writer and want to know how to publish a book, get started by weighing all the publishing options available.
Technology has made self-publishing a household term for writers and authors worldwide.
In today’s digital age, writers have more options than ever to become published authors-self-publishing being one of the best options for those who prefer complete creative control.
You might wonder what the big deal in it is. It’s true that, until recently, writers didn’t have many options other than traditional publishing.
Traditional publishing is extremely competitive, and you have to jump through many hoops even to be considered by one.
But now, in the world of self-publishing, the rules are changing, making it easier for writers to publish their books themselves.
This comprehensive beginner’s guide will walk you through the essential details about how to publish a book on your own.
What Is Self-Publishing?
Self-publishing means publishing media, especially creative works of art, as the author or artist, without working with a publishing house or company. While self-publishing is commonly associated with the author and book publishing industries, it is also possible to self-publish other art forms, such as music and visual art. In terms of self-publishing, an author writes a book and handles the entire publishing process themselves, such as editing, designing, and formatting the book without the assistance of any publishing agency.
When an author publishes their own book, they have complete creative control, a higher royalty rate, and complete autonomy over the publishing process. Self-publishing is when an author distributes their book on their own using a self-publishing platform, such as Amazon’s KDP, and retains full rights to everything.
Shortly: As a self-published author, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of your book’s creation, from start to finish, on your own dime, at your own expense.
Here are the steps involved in self-publishing a book:
- Book Writing
- Book Self-Editing
- Complete Book Formatting
- Get illustrations (if you’re writing a children’s book)
- Get a book cover design
- Book Marketing
- Keep up with book maintenance
- Work with a credible self-publishing agency
In reality, self-publishing does not mean that you will perform all of the tasks yourself but rather that you will supervise and fund the process.
Since self-published authors are responsible for the entire publication process, they should make room in their publishing budget to hire professionals to assist with book editing and cover design.
A Quick History Of Self-Publishing
When self-publishing was first available, authors had to invest thousands of dollars in vanity presses or establish themselves as independent, small publishers.
This all changed in the late 1990s, when print-on-demand (POD) technology became available, allowing books to be printed one at a time. This led to the creation of many POD publishing services that provided low-cost self-publishing options for authors. Because there were no print runs, inventory, or warehouses to worry about, the only expense was to design and create the book itself.
The Rise Of Self-Publishing
So, what does it mean to publish your story yourself, and how has it changed over time?
Throughout the years, it has evolved, and a few important events have contributed to its popularity today.
Here are the three phases that result in the rise of self-publishing:
Step 1.0: A new phase began in the 1990s when eBooks were sold online for the first time. It was at this time that desktop publishing and print-on-demand technology were invented.
Step 2.0: In 2007, Apple released the iPhone, and Amazon launched the Kindle eReader. These two options changed how the audience read books.
Step 3.0: The industry is heading for this third wave, which involves direct sales between authors and readers.
Benefits Of Self-Publishing
Here are the benefits you can reap from self-publishing
No gatekeeper. There will be no one standing in your pathway of getting your content published. The only individual that can stop you from sharing your story with the world is YOU!
Your own timeline. Writers who publish their manuscripts can get their voices to market quicker than any traditional publishing procedure.
Complete control On Creativity. You have full authority and final say in how you want your manuscript to be formatted, edited, and designed.
Opportunity for a greater potential of earning. Royalty charges on publishing platforms like Amazon and Kindle are significantly higher than other traditional publishing rates.
Is It Worth It To Self-Publish?
It really is…but only if you’re compassionate and work on the proper steps to get the job done.
Misinformed people often think self-publishing is a waste or that you won’t make money. Many people don’t understand how to properly position, market, or even title their books to sell on Amazon.
Looking for a credible self-publishing agency that can assist you in getting the essentials you require to publish like a professional author? Connect with Ghostbookwriters professionals today. We’ll take your draft, prepare all the essential elements, and refine them to perfection before publishing it on Amazon.
