Skip to main content

Why authors might choose to work with a publisher instead of publishing themselves

 


Why you might prefer to publish with another company instead of do it yourself.

There are a lot of blog, newsletter, training and podcast information telling the good news about current publishing opportunities. Most tout the benefits of putting your own book on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). It is a great resource, but contrary to the popular discussion, it’s not the only option.

It seems most information coming out seems to publisher shame anyone who does not “do it yourself”. It’s as if the expectation is to self publish and anyone who does not, is a publishing pariah. There are so many published articles describing benefits to putting your own content out though KDP, heck, even I do it. Most build entire businesses around the KDP instruction or consulting opportunities. 

However, I’m more concerned with the author who just wants to write and publish their books without the hassle of the publishing business. The author who wants an outlet to make their book available so they can go to the next project, or just happily communicate their message. 

 Let’s face it, when you delve into the publishing world, emphasis becomes more on marketing, making money, chasing book reviews and sales, and less on writing. Many authors who want to focus on writing, can partner with a publisher who can assist with the marketing. Part of the formula is partnering with the right niche publisher.

For new and potential authors, publishing has change so much. I remember in the 90s and early 2000s when I was trying to publish my first book, a novel, I had to rely on traditional publishing companies to do so. I have binders of rejection letters for my efforts. Then later I did a study for my master’s degree where I asked the question to many authors about whether authors should self-publish or go with a traditional publisher. That was a very sensitive target for at that time as those traditionally published were elevated while self-published authors were not as well received. 

Now things have almost flip flopped where there is so much pressure to self-publish a book even if that’s not something that you want to do. If you just want to write books without worrying about format, keywords, begging for reviews, selecting 20 categories and on and on, I recommend finding a good publisher. 

Here’s what I mean. I love the business of publishing as well as writing. I formed my company to sell my security books and have carved out a successful niche. I also have other authors who publish with me. I’ve fallen into the hype and tried to convince them to take their own books to KDP. However, I soon realized, that is not a solution for everyone, and it should be the exception and not the expectation. I now gladly publish other’s books and have several happy authors on my team.

 So, as far as the question of whether you should self-publish; yes, if you want to develop a book-based business. Answer no, if you want to just write and let others who can, assist you with their resources. 

Hear my podcast, Book Based Business Incubator for more discussion of this topic.

See our upcoming book, 

If you need assistance with book ideas or business ideas, check out book based business incubator or The Side Job Tool Box for more publishing and writing topics.

If you need assistance with book ideas or business ideas, check out book based business incubator or our book Get Rich in a Niche.

 

Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is the owner of Red Bike Publishing. Jeff is an accomplished writer of non-fiction books, novels and periodicals. He also owns Red bike Publishing. Published books include: "Get Rich in a Niche-Insider's Guide to Self Publishing in a Specialized Industry" and "Commitment-A Novel". Jeff is an expert in security and has written many security books including: "Insider's Guide to Security Clearances" and "DoD Security Clearances and Contracts Guidebook".

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

3 Ways to Build Credibility By Teaching a Course

Residence classes This is a real opportunity to build credentials and create a real academic presence. Traditional education opportunities are solid and recognized ways to get your message out. Teaching provides a return on investment but takes hard work and persistence to get started. Also there are two different avenues. You can host these classes yourself, or you can get them sponsored. Host the Residence Class Yourself Just like self publishing you can control the product. You have the freedom to create and do not need to seek approval from anyone to get started. You choose to set up the class time, the material, the advertising, and everything else you need to start a successful course. It also means that you have to bring in the resources yourself. For a residence class, you will need a classroom or similar environment, curriculum, projector, screen, training aids, certificates and supplies. There is a terrific possib...
2 comments
Read more

World Class Marketing Installation 1-Bone Fides

World class marketing can be easily executed by self publishers and authors. It is one thing to be good at writing, know the self publishing industry and capable of getting books to market. It’s quite another to become recognized as a leader in your niche industry, recruit assistance within industry and become recognized for the good work. In the second example, your efforts perpetuate themselves as you earn trust; others become force multipliers and quickly engage and support your vision. One way to ensure such success is to cross product market. One way to do that is through professional branding. Of itself branding is not the answer to instant success, but does complete the picture. For example, there are many authors who are very influential and well respected; their work stands alone. Cross product marketing for them would continue to demonstrate their dedication to their industry, technical competence and leadership. When you achieve a recognizable brand, such that your...
1 comment
Read more

How will you publish your book

  You can publish your book yourself, or publish with others. There are so many options available depending on how much work you want to put into the process. Writing a book is a great experience that can help you further your business opportunities. Publishing with it’s many requirements and resources could prove to be more work than you want to do, especially if writing is not our primary business.   Self-publishing provides an increasingly valuable method of getting information to your audience. With self-publishing, you can write, outsource the printing, and market your book while controlling the process. This type of publishing can be done with very little money up front and, if done right, creates a great source of revenue. If you plan to self-publish, you will need some basic items and information. Books should have copyright protection and each book sold through distribution channels will need International Standard Book Numbers (ISBN). However, with Kindle Direct Publ...
Post a Comment
Read more