Selfpublishing - self-publishing a book
With self-publishing or self-publishing you as the author take complete control over the publication of your book, without the support of a traditional publisher. This means that you are responsible for all steps in the publishing process yourself - from revising the manuscript and designing the book cover to marketing anddistribution.
However, this does not mean that you are completely on your own when self-publishing - providers such as Nova MD support you as a self-publisher with the distribution of your work.
The advantages of self-publishing
Self-publishing offers numerous advantages that allow you to publish your book according to your own ideas and without restrictions. From creative control to financial benefits, here are the most important aspects of self-publishing your book:
- All usage rights remain with you: you retain publishing rights for various formats as well as movie and merchandising rights.
- Time-limited distribution contracts: Contracts usually have a limited term, so you remain flexible.
- Direct sales: Providers such asNova MD allow you to sell your books independently at trade fairs or readings, which increases your profit.
- Full control: You decide on all processes, from editing to cover design and publication date.
- Higher royalties: Compared to publishing with a publisher, you earn significantly more on every book sold.
- Free advertising strategy: You decide when, where and how you advertise your book.
The disadvantages of self-publishing
As flexible and lucrative as self-publishing can be, it also comes with challenges. In particular, the financial and organizational effort is entirely your responsibility. Here are the most important disadvantages that you should consider when making your decision:
- High own costs: you bear all the costs incurred, such as for editing, printing and book design.
- Self-marketing: The entire marketing is in your hands, which requires a lot of time and commitment.
- Additional costs for design: If you don't have a creative streak and have the cover professionally designed, you will incur additional costs.
- Responsibility for stock and reprints: You are responsible for stock and reprints.
- Limited opportunities to be nominated for literary awards: Books by self-publishers are not usually considered for major literary prizes (but there is, for example, the specialSelfpublishing Book Prize)
Support for self-publishing through self-publishing providers
If you decide to self-publish, you don't have to manage the publishing process completely on your own. Self-publishing providers offer targeted support in various areas of self-publishing.
They usually take on tasks such as printing, distribution in online stores and bookshops and the provision of ISBN numbers. In addition, self-publishing providers often also offer other services such as editing, cover design or marketing advice to help you realize your book professionally.
The advantage: despite the support, you retain full control over your work and your rights.
Book publication with a publisher
Publishing a book with a publisher offers authors the opportunity to benefit from the expertise and resources of an established partner. A publisher usually handles all the important steps of the publishing process, from manuscript review, professional editing and design to marketing and distribution.
However, while this form of support offers many benefits, it also comes with certain requirements and limitations that need to be considered.
The advantages of publishing with a publisher
A publisher takes many tasks off your hands and allows you to concentrate fully on writing. From covering the costs to professional networks, working with a publisher offers numerous advantages. These points speak in favor of publishing through a publishing house:
- Complete support: the publisher takes care of all processes involved in publication and bears all costs.
- Professional editing and printing: Editing, proofreading and printing are organized by the publisher.
- High-quality design: Publishers work with experienced graphic designers who design the cover and typesetting.
- Logistical relief: The publisher always keeps an eye on stock levels and takes care of reprints.
- Advance payments: Some publishers pay authors an advance.
- Marketing support: The publisher supports you with professional marketing measures to successfully promote your book.
The disadvantages of publishing with a publisher
As helpful as a publisher can be, there are some limitations to working with them that you should consider in advance. In particular, the loss of creative and financial control is an important factor. Here are the main disadvantages of publishing through a publisher:
- Rights surrender: you cede most of the rights to use your story to the publisher.
- Lower royalties: As the publisher pays the costs incurred, you naturally receive less royalties than in self-publishing.
- Limited say: Decisions on pricing or print runs are usually made solely by the publisher.
- Influence from the publisher: Some publishers want to make changes to the story, which can restrict your creative freedom.
- Irregular royalty payments: Most publishers only pay out royalties once a year. TheKampenwand Verlag pays out royalties monthly, for example.
Printing cost subsidy publishers: Beware of hidden cost traps!
If you are looking for a publisher, be careful with so-called "printing cost subsidy publishers". With these publishers, you are expected to pay for the printing costs in advance, before the book is even produced. These are often four-figure sums that you have to raise to enable the production and distribution of your book.
But many authors don't realize this: A reputable publisher does not work according to this model. Instead, the publisher usually assumes the financial costs for printing and distribution and thus bears the financial risk.
With print subsidy publishers, on the other hand, you are not only burdened with a high upfront payment, but in the worst case, you also end up with an inferior printing company. These types of publishers often promise "professionalism" but offer no real support in terms of sales and marketing. You are left on your own with the costs and a potentially unsuccessful book project.
Self-publishing or publishing: important decision criteria
Whether self-publishing or publishing with a publisher - both options offer opportunities and challenges. Self-publishing gives you complete control and higher income, but requires a high degree of self-organization and investment. Working with a publisher offers support and financial security, but at the expense of creativity and control.
Before deciding on self-publishing or a publisher, it's important to carefully consider your goals, resources and personal preferences. Think about how much time and money you can and want to invest in your book project. Do you have the skills or the opportunity to get support for tasks such as editing, cover design and marketing, or would you prefer to leave these tasks in the hands of professionals?
Your target audience also plays a role: for a niche audience, self-publishing can be an ideal solution, while a publisher can help you reach a wider readership. Also, think long-term - do you want to publish several books and build a brand image, or is this book a one-off project?
The decision should be well thought out, as it will not only affect the publication itself, but also your future path as an author. Make sure you weigh up all the factors carefully to find the best path for your book project.
