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Therefore, many people automatically assume that if you self-publish, your book may be of a lower quality and they may even assume that you self-published because your book isn't good enough for traditional publishers.

5. You may have a hard time getting the book into brick and mortar stores. Self-published books can definitely make their way into brick and mortar stores, but it can be a battle to get brick and mortar stores to stock your book. Again, the responsibility for getting your self-published book into the store will rest on your shoulders and it may be an uphill battle.

SELF-PUBLISHING PROS

By this point, you may think there is no way you would want to self-publish a book. But don't lose heart! Just as there are self-publishing cons, there are also self- publishing pros that make self-publishing an attractive option for many authors. Below are just some of them.

1. You have complete control over the work. A traditional publisher may require you to add certain things to your book or remove certain paragraphs or perhaps even chapters that you really like. In traditional publishing, authors seldom have control over even simple things such as the title of the book. As a self-published author, you maintain complete control over every aspect of your book.

2. You can complete the book on your own time table. As a self-published author you will not be pressured to complete your self-published book fast, but can often complete it and get it published much quicker than if you were going with a traditional publisher. The traditional publishing route takes a very long time. You may write the book, then take a year or longer to find a publisher, only to have it take an additional year or so for it to hit the shelves. As a self-published author, you can write your book as slowly or quickly as desired, and have it published within a few months after completion.

3. You don't have to deal with rejection, at least on the publishing level. As a self-published author, your book is guaranteed to be published. You don't have to send it out and then bite your nails while you wait for a response (which often turns out to be a rejection) from a publisher.

4. You can potentially make more money. Although self-publishing cost money, it can also potentially make you more money because you keep the lion's share of the profits. For instance, through a traditional publisher you may make $1 per book, and through books you self-publish, you may make $5 per book. (Actual figures vary, based on numerous factors. But self-publishing always provides a much higher royalty rate.)

5. You can be as creative or offbeat as you want to be. As a self-published author, you don't have anyone to put down your idea or tell you how far you can or cannot go. Your creative will not be hampered in anyway.

Only you can determine whether or not self-publishing is the best option for you. At the very least, it's an option to consider if you want to see your book in print.

Learn more about this author, Rebecca Livermore.
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