Self Publishing
Publishers do sometimes let a bestseller slip through their net, but they don't get it wrong as often as frustrated writers would like to believe. Many books are rejected because they're not remotely up to publishable standards. Many others are turned down because there is no ready market for them.
A publisher accepts a book and finances its publication because 'in his judgement' it will enhance his profits or his prestige - preferably both. If your offering is rejected by publisher after publisher, but you still believe it has merit (or perhaps you relish the challenge of going it alone), you could publish it at your own expense - and your own risk.
Do take a very careful look, though, at what's involved. If you get carried away on a cloud of 'publication at any price' euphoria, you could be in for problems.
Is Self Publishing for You?
Ask yourself these questions, and answer them with ruthless honesty:
- Do you have enough capital to fund your venture? It will cost upwards of £2,000 to typeset, print and bind a few hundred copies of a very modest book. Don't offset sales against this - there might not be any.
- Can you afford to lose this money if it all goes wrong? Be realistic - any such venture has an inbuilt high-risk factor.
- Have you assessed the competition? What books on your subject are already on the market? Will your book be better? How will it be better?
- Have you identified potential sales outlets? (Don't include family and friends - they'll expect freebies.) Is there really a market for your book? If your subject is specialised, do you know how to promote your book to potential buyers? Do you know where it would be cost-effective to advertise? Publishing a book is not difficult - selling it might be harder than you think.
- Do you know how to prepare the copy yourself (or are you willing to learn)? Do you have proofreading experience? If not, you must add to your costs: typing, copy-editing (checking for typing and spelling mistakes, grammar, punctuation, syntax, ambiguity of meaning, errors of fact and so on), page design, typeface selection, cover design, and proofreading.
- Do you have the time and stamina to go out and sell your product? Can you afford the services of a representative if you want to sell through bookshops?
If you've answered 'No' to any of these, perhaps you should think again.
