The Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing Your Own Book
Are you an author who has a book that you would like to see published? If you are, you should know that you do have a number of different options. While the most common approach taken involves relying on a third party publishing house, you do also have the option of self-publishing your own book.
When an author makes the decision to self-publish a book, he or she has complete control over the whole process. In fact, that is just one of the many pros or plus sides to self-publishing, as many authors like having complete control over their works of art. As for the responsibility of an author in terms of self-publishing, an author must write the book, edit it, find a company to manufacturer the printed book, and sell it. Although the process does seem relatively easy to most, it is important to remember that there are a number of pros and cons to self-publishing.
As it was previously stated, a self-publisher is responsible for the sale of their book. For many, this is a difficult process. When a third party publishing house is used, they take on most of the work associated with selling a book, such as marketing. This is not how self-publishing works
Another con or downside to self-publishing is the cost. Technically, you could say that even when using a third party publishing house, you still pay for the cost of getting your book published. This is because your publisher does take a fee out of the amount of money that you are paid; however, many authors don’t even take this cut into consideration. Even though it will cost money to have your book transformed into print, there are steps that you can take to reduce the cost. The most common approach involves having your book printed on-demand, instead of having books on hand.
As previously stated, some self-publishers find it difficult to sell their books. Yes, this process can be difficult, but many other self-published authors have seen success. When you put the proper amount of time, research, and energy into selling a self-published book, you stand the most chance of making the biggest profit. This is because, aside from the cost of your expenses, you are able to retain all of your profits. There is no one else that must share your profits unless of course, you decide to hire help.
Another pro or plus side to self-publishing is the fact that unknown authors are given the opportunity to shine. Some of the best selling books today are written by authors who already have an established history or name. In fact, unless you have an absolutely amazing book or a well-known name, there is a good chance that many publishing companies will not want to take a chance on you. This doesn’t mean that your book is a poorly written one or that it has a bad storyline. It just means that the publishing market is a tough one.
One of the biggest signs that self-publishing may be right for you if you believe that you have a book that will sell, but you still receive multiple rejection letters from well-known publishing houses. Self-publishing is also an ideal approach for authors who write books that will sell, but books that only have a limited targeted marketed. For example, if you are interested in writing a book on your city or town, your targeted market may be quite small and publishers may not want to take a chance with that.
Since there are a number of pros and cons to self-publishing, you should take the time to decide if self-publishing is right for you. Additional research can help you determine if self-publishing is truly your best option.
Tips for Writing a Book That Will Get Published
Are you a writer who has only written web content or a writer who has only written as a hobby? If you are, you may still have the dream of writing your own book, a book that will get published. Although most individuals who research publishing a book have already written a book, you may have yet to accomplish this important task. The good news, however, is that it may work in your favor.
If you have yet to write a book, there are a number of important steps that you will first want to take. These steps, a few of which are highlighted below, may help to improve your chances of you writing a book that will get published.
One of the first things that you will want to do when looking to write a book that will get published, is to choose a genre. This involves first deciding who you want to write for. Do you want to write for children, young adults, or adults? Next, decide what you want to write about. Do you want to educate your readers or give them a captivating story that they just can’t put down? As for the topic or storyline that you choose, be sure to choose something that interests you. A writer who is passionate about what they write is more likely to see success.
Once you have an idea of what type of book you want to write, as well as an idea on your theme, take the time to examine publishing companies. This is easy to do with the Writer’s Market books and other similar printed resources. Most clearly outline what types of books publishers are looking for. For example, a publisher that is accepting manuscripts for science fiction novels may give you specific tips and ideas, as well as things to avoid.
Writing a book with a theme that interest you, as well as a theme that is in demand by publishers is one of the best ways to get your book published.
As for writing your book, it is important to start out with a plot. If you are writing a non-fiction book, such as a how-to guide, be sure to create an outline for you to follow. Fiction authors, however, should first outline a plot. Unfortunately, many authors, especially new writers, just start writing. Of course, it is important to get your thoughts on paper or on your computer, but a clear and solid plot is an important component of writing a book that will get published. Books that are just a collection of words are likely to not get published.
Once your book has been written, it is important that you do the proper amount of proofreading and editing. Many professionals vary on the number of times that a book should be proofread, but you should read through yours no less than three times. In addition to doing your own editing, you may benefit from the professional knowledge and expertise of an editor. Many have reasonable fees.
As previously recommended, it is a wise idea to first see what many publishers are looking for. Also, as previously stated, you can do this by using the internet or printed resource guides, like the Writer’s Market. If you highlighted or recorded the information that you read, you may already have a list of publishers to submit your book to. Once your book has been proofread and edited, you are now ready to send your book to publishing companies, along with a professional cover letter. Good luck.
Tips for Writing a Children’s Book That Will Get Published
Are you interested in writing a children’s book that you one day hope will be published? If you are and if you have yet to start writing, there are a number of important points that you want to take into consideration first. These important points, a few of which are outlined below, may help to improve your chances of getting your next children’s book published
It is important to remember that the genre of children’s books covers a wide range of books. When many individuals think of children’s books, picture books for toddlers and early reading books for preschoolers often come to mind. Yes, these two groups are major parts of the children’s genre, but there is so much more. Typically speaking, publishers categorize children’s books by picture books, early readers, transition books, chapter books, and young adult books. Decide what type of children’s book you would like to write. This will prevent you from falling in between two different categories.
Next, it is important to know what children’s book publishers want. Not knowing what publishers want or expect from authors is a common mistake made. After a close examination, you will find that it often varies depending on the publisher. Many publishers state which categories of children’s books they publish, such as picture books or young adult books. This is important information to know as you will not see success by sending a young adult book manuscript to a publisher that is only looking for picture books.
In keeping with what children’s book publishers want, it is also important to know what they are searching for in terms of themes. For example, a specific children’s book publisher may be seeking stories that are educational in nature or those that focus on a specific religion. Many well-known publishers are trying to stay away from talking animals for the most part. It doesn’t mean that you can’t take this approach, but you need to be careful and realistic when you do. The Writer’s Market book for the children’s genre outlines this information wherever possible. The same information may also be found online.
Another note that many children’s book publishers make to hopeful authors to not outright preach or focus too much on morals in a children’s book. Of course, parents want to purchase children’s books that their kids can learn from, but you don’t want to be too pushy. If you must outright state a theme or good deed, such as being nice to other kids, show it through action and dialog in the book, but don’t outright state so until the end.
Should you wish to write chapter books or books for young adults, you will want to open your book with an amazing beginning. Many professional writers and publishers recommend opening with action and adventure, as opposed to first just introducing the characters. This is because most publishers know that some children are hard to please with books. The attention of all readers and publishers needs to be captured right away.
The above-mentioned tips are just a few of the many that can help to increase your chances of getting a children’s book published. Any writer who hopes to be published needs to know the importance of research. Your chances of seeing your book published increase when you know what is popular with the market today, as well as what publishers want.
Simple Guidance For You In Getting Your Book Published.
