by Codi Moltrup

Created on: June 06, 2008

Being able to write creatively takes talent. Being able to sit down and write a full-length manuscript takes discipline. Being able to self-publish takes both of these and determination. If you have all of these three traits, then you are taking that first step on the long road of getting your book self-published.

I, myself, am currently looking into trying this. I have never published a book (be it self or through a publishing house) in my life, but while I tend to do things by the seat of my pants, this is something that simply cannot be done when choosing this route. Like with any serious venture, this takes research, hard work, time and commitment as well as a financial ability to carry it all out.

If you're going to be writing and publishing your first book, there are some things to consider. Depending on your books genre (be it fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction or a type of nonfiction such as reference materials), you need to know how to pick the right publisher as that each company only takes in specific genres. If you have a mixed one, such as a combination fantasy or sci-fi, your choices are limited further.

Then you must take into account that publishing houses tend to be wary of first-time, agentless authors. There is a risk involved as that you are not established and they don't have any idea as to whether your book will be you and them money. As for getting an agent, it's also tricky to work this. It's hard to get into a publishing house without an agent and it's hard to get an agent if you're unestablished with a publishing house. It's a classic catch-22.

Also there is the profits. If your book is successful and you do make it, the publishing house takes a substantial cut for their fees. So if your book sells for $15 a copy and you sell 1,000 copies, you may only get $250 after their fees, whereas if you self-publish for the same price per copy, selling 1,000 copies, you could get about $8,000.

However, self-publishing is not without its financial drawbacks as well. Since you are doing this entirely on your own, you are responsible for not only writing the book, but for editing, design (front and back covers plus any interior design), formatting, printing, promoting and getting your book out to businesses. Each one takes a focussed and concentrated effort and absolutely nothing can be skipped.

There is some help though. You can hire freelancers to assist you. There are ghostwriters, freelance editors and graphic designers. Bear in mind though

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