self publishing - my view

In the world of publishing there are very few avenues to pursue in the quest of having your hard work come to fruition. Mainstream publishing is the Holy Grail for most budding authors. To be found by a large publishing house and have your work published and adorned on the shelves of all the major bookshops is a dream for millions but fulfilled by few. The battle for shelve space is increasingly becoming harder and harder. For every book that becomes published in the mainstream world, dozen will fail. Does this mean that the rejected author should give up? The answer is simply no.

It’s no surprise that in this modern time publishing is starting to change. Like most industries change is inevitable. Year on year many authors are taking their future into their own hands and seeking to self-publish. A route that was once and still is to a certain degree frowned upon. Many Authors in the world of Mainstream consider self-publishing to be a cheat’s method of entry into the market. They often despise the fact that an unknown author will pay some unknown company to have their work printed and registered for sale. The self-Publishing market is growing rapidly. So much so that the mainstream publishers are starting to rise and take notice. Many now consider this method a viable and realistic route to publishing, and they’d be right to think along such lines. In recent years many self-published works have been spotted by mainstream publishers and welcomed with open arms. These such works were once refused by mainstream houses leaving the authors feeling dejected and downhearted. But presented in different light they suddenly became interesting, and worth their weight in gold. 

Over the next few years we will notice an upsurge in the number of self-published works. To the mainstream world this is now considered to be a good thing. To a certain degree they will be able to sit back and watch self-published works standing on their own two feet before offering their support and taking the work to the next level. When the gamble element is removed from the decision making process the mainstream publisher have very low risk. And low risk often means a sure bet.

It’s true that giving time the mainstream world could greatly benefit from this market change. And the element of risk will pass from the mainstream and onto the unknown author. This ultimately will cost the self-publisher money. But to the author who truly believes in their work the cost is immaterial if available. I am in no way saying that as an unknown author you should not attempt to contact mainstream publishers and attract their attention. This route will always work in some cases. But sometimes even the greatest books are never accepted by agents or mainstream publishers because they have too many other commitments. Most of the major publishers have client lists which alone can keep them busy without taking on any new work.

Anyone who wishes to travel the path of self-publishing should consider their decision very carefully. The commitment required to fulfil such a decision is immense. They’re lots of factors to take into account over and above the financial cost.

It’s important to know what you want to achieve from publishing your work.

• Set yourself realistic and achievable goals.

• Decide what budget you have for getting you work printed and more importantly marketing.

• A book is only part of the publishing package. The author is equally important and valuable. You must decide what part you wish to play in your marketing plan, IE, book signings, interviews etc.

• As an author you must be prepared to sell yourself as well as your book. The reader often feels a connection with the person who penned the words.

• Cover design is vitally important. Consider this with care. A consumer buys with their eyes. If it looks good they will pick it up. So the next stage to get right is the back text. Do not write this yourself. Have many people write one and select the best. Anyone can write back cover text once they’ve read the book, but not the Author.

• Always know what you’re getting for your money from a self-publishing company. They’re many respected companies operating at this moment in time. You must feel one hundred percent comfortable with your choice before signing. Take your time. Do not rush in. Consider the options. The cheapest option will not be the best option.

• Read and reread your work at every stage of publishing. In many cases you will only get one chance to publish so don’t slip up by being lazy. Make sure your publisher has professional staff who will proof read correctly and make amendments to grammar and spelling. A good editor will offer help and assistance on story line and other areas such as facts and copy write material that may not be appropriate.

• Never lie to a publisher about your work. If you are using characters who are still alive and who may be offended by your work, do not use their real names. The publisher will not be liable for such incidents, you will.

• Open as many avenues as you possible can. The internet is becoming a big ally to the self publishing world. You will be able to contact thousands of people regarding your work for little cost.

• Consider promotional items to use in conjunction with book launches and such.

• Make sure you read the small print in any contract you sign. Where possible have your legal representative cast an eagle eye over it. Many Publishers will attempt to secure film and mainstream rights, but find out what they will be actively doing to attract such possibilities. What will happen if you source these yourself?

These are only a few of the areas that you must consider when looking into self-publishing. Take your time and don’t rush in.

I decided to go down the route of self-publishing after becoming frustrated with a mainstream publishing house who promised the earth, but who wanted more than a pound of flesh. After some very hard decisions and at great financial cost I withdrew from my contract and sought out a self-publishing company. I’ve been very fortunate to be able to fund my publishing to a level where it can re recognised and respected. I will at some point return to the road of mainstream. I’m a little wiser to the world of publishing now than I was a few years ago. But self-publishing is growing and will continue to grow strongly over the next few years.

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