Getting your story published depends on whether you want to self-publish or get your book published with a publisher. Still, if you’re going to self-publish, you will need to consider some factors.
SELF PUBLISH
Self-publishing is common now, especially with technology, so you can say that self-publishing has been made easier for aspiring authors worldwide.
HOW?
- Write, change, and polish your book.
- Share it with beta readers you trust.
- Choose a good book title.
- Employ good editors.
- Hire professionals to make your cover.
- Create a plan for your book.
- Make your own imprint.
- If you are going to print, you need an ISBN.
TIMELINE
With the process that your story goes through, from writing to editing to polishing and more, It would take at least six months to a year, depending on the speed of the process.
CHALLENGES
Finance
As a self-published author, you should expect many expenses you will have to pay because the publication process is not a cheap journey. Especially as a self-published author, you will need to hire book cover designers, editors, and so on to get your book in top shape.
Advertising
As a self-published writer, getting the word out about your work is hard because you don’t have the money to use traditional advertising methods. Advertisements in popular media like TV and newspapers are two examples of these methods. And putting your book in this kind of media will cost you a lot of money.
You don’t have to use old-fashioned advertising methods to make an impression on people. Today, there are many ways to get the word out about your book without spending a lot of money. One way to do this is to use social media like Facebook and create your blog. You can also make a video for your book and put it on YouTube. Advertising can be much cheaper and more effective now that new technologies are being developed daily.
Difficulties with Marketing
Self-published authors frequently have a difficult time drawing enough attention to their books. Problems with marketing and distribution can frustrate any writer. Still, they are especially likely for authors who begin their careers by self-publishing. When bookstores refuse to carry your product, it can be challenging to break into the market through bookstores. But if you can find a reliable marketing team to support you, this process will be much easier.
ADVANTAGES
Control
Self-publishing allows you to keep all of your creative control over your work. Those with influence in the traditional publishing industry will have strong feelings about your book’s content, cover design, and even the choice of title. Your new books are entirely in your hands when you independently publish them. Traditional publishing houses won’t sway you from your preferred choice of cover artist or book layout. Self-publishing can be enticing for authors who want complete control over their careers.
Royalty rates are higher
Royalty rates are higher than they would be in a traditional publishing contract, which range from 7% to 25%. The figure is closer to 70% for self-published writers. If you sell as many books as you would if you went through conventional publishing, you could make more money by self-publishing.
Less wait
After putting in the time and effort to write a book, you probably can’t wait to see it in print and available for purchase. Self-publishing shortens the time it takes from having a completed manuscript to having a finished, marketable product by several days or even a week. Your e-book could be available on digital marketplaces in under six hours, and print-on-demand (POD) services could be ready to go in as little as 24 hours.
A chance to become well-known
Writing success does not happen overnight, even for the most talented individuals. If this is your first time trying to get published, you’re already at a disadvantage. Self-publishing your work has multiple benefits, including the development of a readership and an email list, as well as the demonstration of your writing skills to prospective publishers. Self-publishing has been the steppingstone to success for a great many writers. If you can create an underground hit on your own, you may one day attract the attention of traditional book publishers.
