Why Self-Publishing is Not For Everyone
Dr. Tyra Seldon
Self-publishing or print-on-demand companies have literally revolutionized the way that authors not only publish books, but also the content that we read. In many ways, these newer developments have created a more equitable field for authors whose work, at one point, may have been rejected by traditional publishing companies.
The beauty of this is that readers now have a much more diverse pool of books and topics to select from. The underbelly of this is that there are companies that take advantage of people’s desires to become published authors; they will sometimes sell services that are unnecessary or the terms of agreement are so obtuse that clients become confused about who owns what. Unfortunately, this can lead to some people shying away from self-publishing.
When you couple unscrupulous companies with the expenses associated with self-marketing, it becomes clear that it is not for everyone. For many, the beauty of writing a book is the actual writing process—not everyone is vested in the business-side of authorship. From promoting your book to keeping inventory to sending invoices and scheduling speaking engagements, once you self-publish, by default, you become an entrepreneur.
Now, if that does not sound appealing, then you may want to consider pitching your book manuscript to traditional publishing companies. Publishing companies range in size and many have been in existence for centuries, so you want to do your research as to whether a company has a history of publishing books in your genre and subject areas. Also, it is worth noting that many larger publishing companies have smaller imprints that specialize in certain topics.
The key to a book pitch is doing your research—remember, a traditional publishing company will NOT charge you to publish your book. Instead, many will give you an advance to write (or finish writing) your book and all will give you royalties based off of the sales of your book. Some will require you to use a literary agent and others will allow you to submit your manuscript without an agent.
If a company rejects your proposal, don’t get discouraged. Continue to pitch, even if it means that you have to revise your pitch. Remember, book publishing is a business. Companies need to know that they will get a return on their investment, so make sure that your proposal is an accurate reflection of the attributes of your book.
If you feel passionately about your book’s potential to be marketable and commercially successfully, there is probably a company that feels the same, so keep trying.
Happy Writing!
About the Author
Tyra Seldon, Ph.D. is a former English professor turned writer, editor and small business owner. Passionate about the English language and the craft of storytelling, she launched Seldon Writing Group, LLC in 2011.
Seldon Writing Group, LLC (SWG) is comprised of writers, editors, typesetters, and graphic designers. The SWG team has worked with education tech companies, celebrities, aspiring writers, entrepreneurs, media outlets, Fortune 500 companies, school districts, and government agencies to develop their written content. With clients in almost every state, Seldon Writing Group, LLC has helped a diverse range of authors “write their dreams into reality.”
To learn more or to schedule a coaching session, e-mail: staff@seldonwritinggroup.com