Self Publishing PROs and CONs

If you’re at the stage of wishing to publish your manuscript you may be procrastinating because unlike in days gone by, authors now have a choice. That choice is whether to search for a traditional publisher who is willing to accept your manuscript or to self publish.

In making your decision, there’s a lot to consider and that's why I’ve put together a list of pros and cons to ponder. We’ll start with the PROS!

Self publishing PROS

• You don’t have to wait months to hear whether agents/publishers will accept or reject your book. 
• Unlike being traditionally published where you could wait many months before your book is published, you can submit your book to an online retailer whenever you wish. 
• With eBooks, you will earn a higher percentage of royalties if you self publish. Up to 70% in the case of Amazon/Kindle Direct Publishing. 
• You will receive your royalty payments on a regular basis. In the case of Amazon, at the end of each month. 
• You’re at the helm and in control. You can choose your cover, which on-line retailers to sell through as well as the price. 
• The word count of your book is up to you as is the subject matter. 
• Once published, you have direct access to your book’s sales information and marketing.

 Self publishing CONS

• Since you are in control, you are virtually taking on the running of a small business. This means you will be responsible for marketing, any problems that might come up along the way as well as making sure you fulfil your obligation concerning a legal deposit of your work to your country’s library system. 
• If you wish to purchase your own ISBN and Barcode for your paperback, you will have to bare this cost. 
• Unless you are a graphic designer, you will have to employ a professional to design your book’s cover. 
• Your book has to be the best it can be before you self publish so it is wise not only to have your manuscript edited by a professional but also to have a manuscript assessment performed. 
• Bookshops don’t tend to stock self-published books. 
• Your self-published book may not be viewed with the prestige given to a traditionally published book. 
• Once published, marketing your book is up to you alone along with the cost.

 Finally, if you do decide to go down the self-publishing road, there’s a lot of information out there to help you including Amazons/Kindle Direct Publishing/Createspace and Smashwords where each site guides you along the way.