Here are ten reasons that explain why self-publishing might not
be the right thing for you to get into when you are trying to publish
your new book. But when reading 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 pursue the traditional book publishing route, or the
self-publishing route.
1. No Guarantee Of Success
There
are no guarantees of any kind of success with self-publishing - or any
kind of publishing or business - or in life in general. That's just how
it is. One of your publications that you put all of your efforts into
might sell one copy a week. And your next one will sell 100 per week.
You won't know for certain which of your books will sell well until you
write it and publish it. And to make the whole process of
self-publishing more interesting, you will shoulder 100 percent of the
financial risk. If you can't deal with any of that, then self-publishing
is not for you.
2. High Out-Of-Pocket Expenses
Self-publishing
start-up costs can be very high if you foolishly purchase and take
delivery of a large quantity of books from a printer. And then spend the
next three years trying to sell them. And then get sick of the entire
process and sell them to a big bookstore chain for pennies on the
dollar. Where do you think those expensive coffee-table books on the
bookstore discount table come from?
3. Choosing A Particular Niche For Your Writing Can Be A Crap-Shoot
There
is a market and audience for every imaginable niche. But if you expect
to make any money writing about your particular micro-niche, you better
pick wisely - and really know what you are writing about. A traditional
publisher probably won't accept your book if your micro-nice is too
small to be profitable. They will help you make your book more
marketable to a bigger audience. But if you don't want that kind of
professional help, you can self-publish your book about a very obscure
topic that is of interest to you, and not many others, and languish in
obscurity.
4. Revisions Can Get Expensive
Revisions
can be very expensive if you haven't yet sold the bulk of your initial
inventory of books - that inventory that you foolishly ordered in bulk
to lower your per-copy price - and are now storing in your basement.
5. Distribution Is Limited
Distribution
can be limited because bookstore chains, for the most part, do not
accept self-published books. But eventually you will find other sales
outlets for your books. You can do your own distribution by finding
bookstore that will accept self-published books in your niche. You can
also sell and distribute your books directly to buyers that contact you
through your own website. Shipping fees, bookstore fees, and
distribution company fees will all take a huge chunk of your profits.
And all of this takes time away from your writing.
6. Fiction Market Is Very Tough
The
fiction market can be particularly difficult to sell to - especially
for unknown or new authors. It is especially difficult to build a
following for your fiction without the backing of a traditional
publisher. And most reviewers will not touch your book with a ten-foot
pole.
7. Can Be Very Time Consuming
Self-publishing
is extremely time-consuming - especially if you expect to make any
money at it. Don't forget, that with self-publishing you are responsible
for all aspects of your book's production, marketing, sales, design,
writing, publicity, finances, website design, etc. It can easily become a
major portion of your life.
8. You Must Accept Returns And Give Refunds
If
your books do not sell, the stores return them to you for a refund. And
you pay for shipping both ways. You can offer a larger discount and
write a special contract refusing returns, but stores will not accept
that. Accepting returns and giving refunds can be a dangerous and costly
game for a self-publisher with limited financial resources.
9. There Is A Huge Amount Of Competition
If
you are afraid of competition, and the challenge of building a
following for your publications, then self-publishing is certainly not
for you. Competition is what keeps you on your toes, and constantly
striving to offer a better product, and helping more people in the
process. It's called capitalism. If you don't have the intestinal
fortitude for a good challenge, and the chance to help people with your
books, and make a few bucks while doing it, then a life of
self-publishing is not for you.
10. Big Learning Curve
There
is a very big learning curve for self-publishing. It can take a few
years to learn all the ins and outs of self-publishing. In addition, you
need to learn the ins and outs of the publishing industry, and also
learn about all aspects of running a small-business.
