Is it possible to take your novel from manuscript to “book available for purchase” on your own? The overall answer is “yes,” although it might not be the best fit for you. Before jumping into those (often turbulent) waters head first, it’s wise to learn more about self-publishing as it compares to the traditional publishing process.
If you think a lot of time and effort goes into writing a novel, you might find the publishing process even more daunting. As a self-published author, you’ll be responsible for everything, including writing, proofreading, editing, revising, formatting, cover design and marketing. You must also handle legal aspects, such as obtaining an ISBN number for your book. Some authors ultimately determine that they want to go this route. This post will help you learn about the differences between self-publishing versus traditional publishing so that you can make an informed decision.
The perks of self-publishing a novel
There are several potential perks in choosing to self-publish a book, including:
- You gain autonomy over the entire process. If you struggle to accept critique and prefer being at the helm of your own ship, the self-publishing process definitely provides more control than working with a traditional publishing house.
- Theoretically speaking, there may be higher earning potential by publishing your own book, since you keep 100% of the profits; however, as you will learn when you read the “downsides,” you will also incur greater costs in some areas than you would if you sign on with a traditional publisher.
- There are no deadlines, unless you set them for yourself.
On the surface, these perks seem attractive and beneficial in many ways. Before you choose the self-publishing option, take time to review the possible downsides, as well.
Why traditional publishing is often a better option
While working with a traditional publisher means that you, the author, might have less creative control, a joint venture with a publisher helps avoid self-publishing downfalls, such as those shown in the following list:
- As a self-published author, you must bear the financial burden of all upfront costs, many of which are typically included as part of the service with a traditional publisher, such as cover design and distribution fees.
- Lack of professional support might mean that your final product isn’t as polished as it could be. This lack of support might also stunt your reach regarding marketing and distribution capabilities.
The editing services, marketing know-how and networking experience of a traditional publishing company are valuable resources, especially for new authors. Unless you have a background in proofreading, editing, revisions, cover design and formatting, you’ll likely wind up paying others to perform these tasks with a self-published book. Keep in mind that these services are usually included as part of a traditional publishing contract.
