The publishing industry has changed greatly in recent years, opening more options for today’s author. While being accepted by a publisher may still come with increased credibility for your work, the public is widely embracing self-published authors more than any other time in history.
But why are so many authors choosing the self-publishing route instead of waiting for a publisher to come along? The answer lies in these top five reasons.
1. Saves time! One of the biggest reason self-publishing is such a hit is because of its ease of use. Traditional publishing could take years to get your book on the shelf, whereas a self-publishing author can finish the process in just months. If you are building a business or a brand around your book, this gives you faster access to potential clients and ability to earn money back sooner.
2. You’ve got to market yourself anyways. I’m always a bit concerned when I hear an aspiring author believing that a publisher will do all of the marketing for their book. In reality, the success and marketing of your book is really up to you. A publisher will start marketing your work ONCE you’ve proven that you can get the sales. I say, if you’ve got to market your book anyways, why not take the credit for it and self-publish.
3. You get final say in just about everything. Want to choose your cover artist? Know an exceptional layout designer or editor? When you self-publish you retain 100% control over your work. If you choose professionals to support you, you can create a stellar book on your own. If you decide to update and print a new-edition or simply change a few things, it’s a relatively easy process as well.
4. The royalties are higher. When you self-publish you will typically earn a few extra dollars in royalties per book. Those extra few dollars can add up to a lot of extra cash over the lifetime of your book.
5. You can get picked up by a publisher later on in your career. One of the greatest things new authors forget is that you can always get picked up by a publisher later. I love the story of the author who wrote The Shack, who sold millions of copies on his own and then signed on with a publisher for a very delicious price.
Self-publishing is a rewarding option for today’s entrepreneurial minded authors. With faster publishing options, increased exposure through the internet, and a little elbow grease, your self-publishing efforts can take you a long way in the book world.
And if you are ready to take the leap and write your book this year, then check out Andrea Costantine and Lisa Shultz’s latest book… http://www.bringyourbooktolifethisyear.com – Grab your copy today and receive two months accountability and writing support in their monthly mentoring group and other bonuses valued at $150.
Authors Andrea Costantine and Lisa Shultz
