Welcome, bookworms and wordsmiths! Have you poured your heart and soul into a manuscript, a story begging to be shared with the world? If the traditional publishing route seems daunting, fear not! Self-publishing has become a viable and exciting option for authors of all kinds.
This blog series, brought to you by Asset Print, will be your one-stop guide to navigating self-publishing. In Part 1, we’ll delve into the history of publishing, the rise of self-publishing, and some inspiring success stories.
What Is Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing?
Traditionally, an author submits their manuscript to publishing houses. If accepted, the publisher takes care of editing, design, marketing, and distribution – in exchange for a share of the profits. Self-publishing, on the other hand, puts you, the author, in the driver’s seat. You handle all aspects of getting your book out there, but you also reap the majority of the profits.
In the traditional publishing landscape, authors often face numerous barriers to entry, including rejection from agents and long wait times for publication. Self-publishing, on the other hand, puts the power back in your hands. You retain control over every aspect of your book, from content to distribution.
A Short History Of Self-publishing
For centuries, the publishing landscape was dominated by a select few gatekeepers. The printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg in 1440, democratised access to information, but publishing remained largely an exclusive club. But then things changed…
The internet came along and revolutionised everything, including publishing. The rise of self-publishing platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) opened doors for countless authors. In recent years, this mode of publishing has experienced a meteoric rise, thanks in part to the advent of digital technology.
Proof That Self-Publishing WORKS
Did you know that in 2022, over 1.5 million self-published ebooks were sold in the US alone? According to recent stats, self-published books accounted for over 1 million titles in 2023, a testament to the growing popularity of this alternative publishing method.
Many self-published authors have achieved remarkable success, proving that you don’t need a traditional publishing deal to make an impact. Amanda Hocking, a self-published author, sold over a million ebooks before the age of 23! Or how about Andy Weir, who initially self-published The Martian before being picked up by a major publisher and adapted into a blockbuster film? With over 30 million copies sold worldwide, it’s a shining example of the potential of self-publishing.
How To Self-Publish A Book In 10 Simple Steps
Ready to take the plunge into self-publishing? Here’s a sneak peek at the ten simple steps we’ll be diving into in our next installment:
- Define your goals and audience
- Write your book
- Edit and polish your manuscript
- Design a captivating cover
- Choose the right publishing platform
- Format your book for publication
- Set a reasonable price
- Market your book effectively
- Launch with a bang
- Gather feedback and iterate
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our series, where we’ll delve into formatting and finalising your manuscript for self-publishing success. Ready to turn your writing dreams into reality? Contact the Asset Print team today for easy and affordable book printing solutions in South Africa.
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