by Monique Martin

Created on: September 06, 2010   Last Updated: September 07, 2010

eBooks used to be the poor red-headed stepchild of publishing. Not anymore. eBooks are, like it or not, the future of publishing. And, as an author, you should like it. There are enormous advantages to self-publishing an ebook.

• It doesn't take forever to publish

Publishing through traditional channels is a long, drawn out process. It can easily take a year for a finished manuscript to finally hit the shelves at Borders. eBooks are as close to immediate as you can get. Within days of submitting your book, it's online and available for purchase.

• But it's not a real book

Piffle. An ebook is as real as the one gathering dust on your shelf. While the tactile sensation isn't the same, ereaders let people carry their entire library with them wherever they go. Remember the old days of packing for a trip and having to choose just one or two books to take with you? eBooks have changed all that.

You can self-publish using a Print On Demand (POD) house like Lulu, but the costs can be high. Some ebook authors also buy small sets of print versions to make available for marketing. But, the print cost is still significantly higher than the ebook.

• Longer shelf life

The shelf life for most books is, sadly, very short. In some cases, a traditionally published book can have a life of just a few months before they have to make room for the newest releases. Unless your book goes into multiple printings, it comes and goes in a flash. eBooks are forever. Literally. They're there until you decide you don't want them to be.

• eBooks have a larger audience

Not only can anyone with Internet access buy your book, but because your book will be available for years, you're increasing your potential buyer pool by millions with an ebook. 

• What about money?

Unless you wrangle a great advance or hit the mother load with a cup of coffee on the New York Times Bestseller list, you probably won't see much money from a traditionally published book. Now, self-publishing your ebook isn't an easy path to riches either, but because you control the pricing and the marketing. It's all what you make of it. And, there is the little matter of royalties.

Traditionally published books will earn the author roughly 10 to 15 percent. eBook royalties start at about 40 percent and go all the way up to 85 percent. Not too shabby.

• If everyone can do it…

The democratizing of publishing does lead to a slew of poorly edited, not so great fiction. But, it also gives voice to thousands upon thousands of talented novelists whose books might not see the light of day otherwise. If you count yourself as the latter, ebook publishing can be a life-changing, empowering decision.

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