For authors, being able to write without restrictions or having editors change the tone of their books is extremely important. However, those without experience with self-publishing usually focus a lot on the cost. With traditional publishing, the publisher would shoulder the costs, but with self-publishing, the author would have to shoulder the expenses.
As a self-published author, you are responsible for hiring editors, cover artists, publishers, printers, and distributors. On the other hand, there are self-publishing businesses or companies dedicated to producing or selling your book or CD.
There are three main stages when self-publishing:
- Creating, writing, editing, and providing illustrations if needed
- Preparing the manuscript for printing
- Marketing and distributing the book
Of course, the manuscript needs to be written first. Some authors are unable to be published by a traditional publisher because they do not fit their standards. However, you don’t have to wait for the publisher’s approval with self-publishing. You can publish whenever you’d like.
To be an effective writer, you must touch the hearts of those in your target audience. You must identify your target audience and write with them in mind. If you are concerned about profits, make sure you have a really good book on your hands.
If you would have to go for a self-publishing company, then most of them would do the entire thing. When you are done with your manuscript, you would have to either publish it yourself or hand it to a company that will publish it for you.
The author will have to approve the layout and design of the book. If it gets approved then the author will have the option of viewing a proof to ensure it will print just the way that they want it. After the proof has been reviewed and it is determined there are no additional changes needed, it is time for distribution.
Once the author has given final approval and later decides to make changes, it can cost additional fees. So be sure that what you have submitted is the perfected final draft.
Some self-publishing companies also include other kind of services in their package, such as ISBNs, copyright, promotional materials and other things. If the company you partner with doesn’t take care of these things for you, you need to make sure you contract a professional if you are unable to do these things yourself.
After reading all of this, I’m sure you may be a bit overwhelmed. And just imagine, this is only the surface. It will require a lot of patience and hard work. But I promise it will be worth it in the end.
If you have never published before and need assistance, please check out I A.M. Editing, Ink at www.iamediting.com to get started. We look forward to working with you.
About the Author
Adrienne Michelle Horn is the owner of I A.M. Editing, Ink. Although she has a full-time professional career in healthcare, she is also a South Florida-based editor, poet, author, entrepreneur, and mother of her beautiful daughter, Paris.
For more information about Adrienne and her company, follow I A.M. Editing, Ink on social media or visit https://linktr.ee/iamediting