Self-publishing may be for you if:
You have a book that HAS to be published, no matter what.
You want total control of the final product.
Your book will have a clearly defined market that can easily be reached.
Self-publishing in not for you if:
You don’t have the financial resources to pay for the project (i.e. illustrations, design/layout, editing, printing).
You are not detail-oriented (since you will be responsible for overseeing the project).
You do not want to take the time and energy to market your book.
Believe me, self-publishing is risky. You put up all the money to complete the book, then spend the next few years trying to make your money back, and maybe even a profit, by selling the books. If money is not an issue, you can just give the books away and all is well. Your ideas, stories, and/or information is out there. If, on the other hand, you need or want to make money on the book, you can do it if you work hard and have a bit of luck.You can also have someone else distribute your books (although that takes away a chunk of the money that would otherwise be going to you).
An example: A few years back, I wrote a children’s book about the Lewis & Clark expedition. It was an interactive book in that kids completed drawings and colored in the book as well as wrote the answers to questions. Publishers did not show much interest due to the interactive nature of the book. I had a defined market (8 to 11 year olds) and the topic was timely since it was during the lead-up to the bicentennial. So, I self-published. I worked really hard, driving the Lewis & Clark Trail, stopping at bookstores and museums along the way. Those places ordered, two or three, maybe five at one time, but it was slow going. And then I got lucky. The state’s National Guard decided to develop a Lewis & Clark program and present it to schools. They wanted to hand out my books to their student audiences. Bingo! They ordered 2,000 books, which required another print run which I was more than happy to do since the books were presold.
There are many other self-publishing stories, both inspiring and frightening. The key is to have an awareness of what you’re getting into…before you get into it.
Next time…working with a publisher.
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