Here are ten more reasons why self-publishing might not be the right thing for you when you’re trying to get your new book published. But as you read through this list, keep in mind that there is no one right way to get your book published. Therefore, it is important for each writer to consider their own goals, reasons, and resources before choosing to go the traditional book publishing route or the self-publishing route.
1. You are responsible for all editing
As a self-publisher, you must acquire skills in all areas of editorial and design, or hire and pay an expert to do so. Editing takes a long time to get right. And a good editor is not easy to find. If you overlook any editorial errors, you could be stuck in your book until the next printing.
2. You should treat your desktop publishing like a business
Running a business, even a very small one, takes a lot of time. As the owner, you are responsible for all aspects of the business such as marketing, finance, public relations, design, writing, website design, etc. The list is endless.
3. Booksellers will not buy directly from an author
Many booksellers will not buy directly from an author. It is too expensive and time consuming for them to set up an account to handle a single book. That means you’ll need to find a dealer, who will insist on a deep discount from the cover price. That means around 70% of your profits are consumed very quickly.
4. It can be hard to get reviews
Most reviewers, especially in the mainstream media, will not review self-published books.
5. You must get a lot of exposure
You’ll discover very quickly that with self-publishing, writing is 5% of the process; Marketing is 95% of the process. You can spend twelve months writing your book, and then spend the next sixty months devoting all of your time to marketing that book. Marketing your book never ends. Going with a traditional publisher puts your book well ahead of self-published books, right from the start. Traditional publishers have the ability to get your book a lot of media exposure very quickly.
6. Self-publishers may not turn a profit for a long time
Most traditionally published books see a positive return on their investment. Most self-published books never make a profit. So if positive cash flow is your only motivation for getting into desktop publishing, you may be making a mistake.
7. There is a prejudice against desktop publishing
This is the general perception of the general public and of the majority of those who work in traditional publishing, the media and all universities and colleges. These are the same people who believe that unless you’ve convinced a traditional publisher to publish your book, there must be something wrong with it. If this bothers you, then self-publishing is not for you.
8. All marketing and promotion is your responsibility
Although this is similar to traditional publishing, with self-publishing you are completely on your own. You will need to spend an enormous amount of time learning how to market and promote your book. Your life will be consumed with marketing and promotion for the life of your book. It never ends
9. Self-publishers have smaller marketing power and reach
This is a great reason to use a traditional editor. They have enormous marketing power and influence, and are highly sophisticated marketers. They can exert their power to take your book to every outlet imaginable. The fact is that there are fewer marketing and advertising opportunities for self-publishers.
10. Self-publishers don’t have strong industry and media connections
This is another great reason to use a traditional editor. The main reason is that, as a self-publisher, you will need to develop your own connections within the media and within the industry in which you write. And there is already a traditional publisher within the media to promote your book on a large scale.
