As an aspiring writer who works for a self-publisher, I am industry insider. There are many inaccuracies that litter the question of whether you should self-publish. Let's clear some of those up:
1. Writers who self-publish don't have talent. FALSE. I have seen some quality manuscripts. My employer actually has connections to the big publishing houses and we take the time to forward our top 5 staff picks in the hopes that they will be picked up. Mind you, I acknowledge that these are not the majority and many of the manuscripts I have seen could do with at least a copy edit, and even better a content edit. I don't believe that editing is a choice if you truly care about your writing.
2. All talented and skilled writers will get published by a traditional publisher. FALSE. Unfortunately, they reject something like 95% of manuscripts submitted to them. I am told of submissions being returned having never been opened.
3. Self-publishing has no credibility in the industry. This is both TRUE and FALSE. Some publishing houses rely on the sales figures from self-published works to indicate a work that might have potential for them. Others will assume that self-published authors just aren't quality writers.
4. One self-publisher is as good as the next. FALSE. A really good way to find out who you are dealing with is to google the name of the company with the word "complaint" or "complaints". This should let you know what other authors have experienced with that company. We are actually owned by a printing company, so have inherent interest in helping you sell your book but I don't want this to turn into a plug for my employer.
Unfortunately the self-publishing industry has exploded in the last 5 years and not everyone is concerned with the quality of product or with helping you sell your book. (The top 4 companies, AuthorHouse, iUniverse, Xlibris and Trafford are all owned by the same company: AuthorSolutions Inc.) I have heard horror stories from authors who come to us from other self-publishers to republish with us. Tales like not receiving what they contracted, quality of the sample being vastly different from the quality of product received, zero marketing support, piling up additional services, unpaid royalties and misleading royalty percentages, the list goes on. Sadly, there are quite a few scams out there. Be careful.
Questions to ask of potential self-publishers: How many traditional stores carry your authors? Can I set the price of my own book and if I disagree with your recommended price, can I change it and if so, will it cost me? How often is my royalty paid and is there a minimum to cut a cheque? What is the time line to publish? What sort of book promotion do you do? How are the publishing requirements made clear to me? Is there a contact for me during the process? What is your average sale per book?
5. Am I locked out of traditional bookstores if I self-publish? Mostly TRUE. Many of the bigger stores will tell you they don't carry self-published books. This is a problematic mind-set because it is not based on the quality of the piece. We did have an author in B&N, but we think that was because she had a Book Promotion Plan and the insurance against returns that they generally require.
Advantages to self-publishing
You can build up a following through self-publishing that might help you attract the attention of a traditional publisher.
You are in control of your content.
There is usually a higher royalty percentage, but much less market penetration.
You retain the rights to your work.
Most self-publishers will offer non-exclusive contracts, so if you do get picked up, you are free to sign with a more traditional publisher.
Disadvantages to self-publishing
There is no measure of the quality of the published work.
Most self-publishers are not concerned with your booksales and do not offer much in the way of book promotion.
Book sales are (on average) low.
Your book will not likely get into the hands of traditional publishers.
Books and promotional materials are frequently low quality.
You may be locked out of the larger bookstores.
Whether you decide to self-publish or go the traditional route, I really hope you invest in a good editor, writing group and professional cover design.
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