Many people have tried their hand at serious writing. Yet, good as they feel it is, one after another publisher rejects it. It’s easy to get discouraged and wonder if it’s worth the trouble. On the other hand such writers feel their piece could benefit others and shouldn’t be buried in a drawer somewhere.
For such people self-publish may be a good option. There are several reasons to consider this. First, the rejecting publishers may be looking for material you find offensive. Maybe you want to stick with more discrete themes or language. Perhaps too you are anxious to get something into print even if your writing style isn’t as professional as they want.
Self-publishing through a printing firm means that you pay for part or all of the cost of getting your writing into print. Many variations of this are available. The writer may simply pay for a given number of books to be printed for him. In such a case, the writer is then in charge of his own marketing. Better firms work with the writer to improve the content and help them get the books sold.
Firms handle self-publishing in different ways. Some share the cost of printing and then in profits. Others dump the full cost on you and then, of course, you get the full profits once it is printed. Be careful that you are working with a reputable firm. There are many scammers who want to profit from you inordinately. For example, does the company demand that payment in advance? If they do, you are in danger of ending up with less money and no publication.
One advantage of self-publishing is to avoid the editor’s scalpel. Also, you can still spread your message with a minimum of cost. Third, personal financial investment motivates the writer to do his best and makes him ask if he really believes it is good. Fourth, some good books were first self-published and then, as they became more public, a publisher is willing to invest in it.
Some disadvantages of self-publishing are also worth considering. First, though an editor may not be present to remove important parts of your writing, neither are they there to refine it. Often the work of an editor improves the writing.
Second, with no major publisher involved, you will not have the needed exposure to get your work published. Unless you know a lot of people, you may have difficulty even getting your investment back. Third, it is of course, a greater personal investment to self-publish. The thought is every before you: perhaps no one wants to publish it because it just isn’t any good.
If you only need a few copies, you might consider this. Make a formatted printed copy of your work, looking just as you want. Programs like Clickbook allow you to format it for stapling, comb binding, or as a larger work. Hire a local printing firm to print as many copies as you want.
Then take these copies to a book rebinding company who can make them into hardback books for you. This way, it will last for generations to come. If you need an expert, consider Tightly Bound Books where you’ll receive “Book repair with personal care.”
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