Why Should You Self-Publish? The Brave New World Of Going It Alone
The golden age is before us, not behind us. — William Shakespeare
Self-publishing is a controversial subject among writers. Some say traditional is the only way to go, others think it’s better to do it themselves. So, why should you self-publish?
Authors have never had it better. Never in the history of man has it been so easy to get your message – your book – published so that it is available for hundreds, thousands, or even millions of readers to readily purchase.
You are entering a new era for authors and writers who want to publish a book. The revolution that is occurring as we speak is far more monumental than the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1436, and more revolutionary than the invention of the alphabet by the Semitic people thousands of years before Christ.
This is a new age of freedom of expression, in which everyone has the right and ability to publish without going through layers of censorship and barriers to get their message to the public. No longer do you have to face hundreds of rejections from publishers before one takes pity and decides to give you a chance to publish your work.
Besides a few restrictions on extreme materials, the path is free and clear to publish any original works that you create. You have an amazing chance to deliver your thoughts, message, and words direct to your audience.
Despite this, there are many who claim that the Golden Age of Self-Publishing is over. I’ve read articles by so-called gurus, saying the bubble has burst, and that it is now even more difficult to get your book noticed and to even make sales; much less make a living.
Nonsense.
These Are Exciting Times For Writers
There has never been a more exciting time for those who want to publish and sell their own works. In fact, the potential here has just started to become untapped, and there are phenomenal opportunities for those who are willing to put in the time and effort.
In the past, if you wanted to publish a book, you had to gain the interest of a publishing house, which usually meant you had to schmooze an agent because there usually wasn’t an easy way to contact the publisher directly and be taken seriously.
Alternately, you could use your own money to print thousands of copies of your book, store them in your garage or closet, and hope to sell a few at local bookstores and pawn to your friends and family.
Those times are over. Sure, the traditional publishing world still exists, and there is value in getting books published in that manner. Unfortunately, it’s just as difficult as it ever was, if not more so, to take advantage of this avenue.
In these early years of the new millennial century, you can publish your own books with your message and deliver them rapidly, or better yet, transmit them instantaneously (and directly) to your audience for purchase. You can choose to publish your book electronically, in paperback, hardcover, spiral-bound, and even in audiobook format. These options are available from various vendors free of charge or for a small fee.
This is a brave new world for those who want to become authors and the opportunities are endless, fueled by your imagination and determination.
Don’t get discouraged while you are still learning how to write, publish, market, and promote your book to get it in front of your audience. Growing pains are not only natural, but necessary.
Don’t worry if your book doesn’t sell right away. Take it as an opportunity to review what you’ve done, fine-tune the message, develop promotional materials, create the perfect book cover, and so forth.
Never stop learning and continually keep updated on how to write and publish, promote and market, and about all the various options available to you.
Avoid the scams that claim that you can learn to write million-dollar bestsellers in a matter of days or even mere hours. Believe me when I tell you: every single one of them is a scam.
Steer clear of the fads or narrowly focused niche subjects and formats touted as the all-too cheap and easy answer for only a few dollars. These inevitably lead to disappointment, and don’t help you build your long-term career and success.
Avoid the temptation to “jump on the bandwagon before it’s too late.” Take some quality time to research your market, understand your niche and passion, and build your reputation and credibility in the same way that you would for any other career.
Most of all, don’t listen to others pessimistically describing how hard it is to ‘make it’, or that you simply haven’t got what it takes. It may be a very subtle message, perhaps even striking below your consciousness, but if you put in the work, get the needed education and keep trying, you may be surprised to find you succeed.
Don’t give your power away to the naysayers or doomsayers. Take their negative efforts as a good sign that you are showing true potential and passion.
Why Should You Self-Publish?
Start writing today. Get your book finished. Make it as good as you can. Then publish it. The sooner you get moving, the sooner you can build yourself a career that earns you an enjoyable and decent living.
Good luck and welcome to the awesome new world of self-publishing.
Richard is the Owner and Senior Writer for The Writing King, a bestselling author, and ghostwriter. He’s written and published 63 books, ghostwritten 40+ books, as well as hundreds of blog articles.
