The Top 10 Reasons to Self-Publish Your Own Written Material
Category: Entrepreneurs, Small Business, Home Office (AA52)Originally Submitted on 8/21/97.
You can become a "self-publisher" by taking your material (book, manual, report, newsletter, etc.) and by-passing all the "middlemen" by going directly to a printer and handling all the marketing and distribution of the product yourself. As a self-publisher you invest your talent, time, energy and money. The benefits you receive are entire control over your product and all the profits! Here is a condensed version of 10 good reasons why you should self-publish.
1. Self publishing may be the only way to get published.
You may not be able to get anyone to professionally look at your idea. Self-publishing may be your only realistic solution at a given point in time.
2. As a self-publisher you get to keep all of the profits from your sales.
It's not a matter of greed; but ask yourself why you might settle for 4%-6% in royalties from a publishing company when you can have it all!
3. You have absolute marketing and editing control when you self-publish.
According to a Writer's Digest poll, 60% of the largest publishing firms do the final editing; 23% select the final title; 20% will not even consult an author on the cover design, and 37% do not involve authors in promoting their own material.
4. Major publishers may receive up to several hundred manuscripts a week.
Unless the have already published your work, the odds they will even look at your material aren't very high. There are thousands upon thousands of manuscripts, etc. being sent to publishers continually.
5. When you self-publish you are in control every step of the way.
By depending on another publisher to make things happen for you, you take the chance of never getting anywhere.
6. By self-publishing you gain a different perspective.
You will be able to see the complete marketing picture from a publisher's point of view, and gain the credibility of "walking the talk" regarding something creative that you believe in.
7. Self-publishing will save you valuable time.
Even if a publisher did accept your work, it takes an average of 18 months before the first copy reached the market place. This can become a toleration, especially if you can't afford to miss a market that may quickly pass by.
8. Self-publishing eliminates the waiting and wondering.
Waiting for a letter from a publisher that may never come can be a frustrating and embarrassing experience. Self-publishing is a proactive process!
9. You get more directly involved in the entire process.
When you self-publish and get more directly involved in marketing you will obtain a more total business picture, and develop greater skills than you otherwise would have.
10. As a self-publisher you will receive greater business tax advantages.
This can be important - especially if it means off-setting some of the income received from the sale of your work; something royalties alone cannot provide!
About the Submitter
This piece was originally submitted by Dr. James S. Vuocolo, Master Certified Coach, ICF; Certified Mentor Coach, Coachville & CoachU; Certified Executive Coach, WABC, Professional Coach, Minister & Life Strategist, who can be reached at jim@lifecoachconsulting.com, or visited on the web. Dr. James S. Vuocolo wants you to know: I am a Business Coach and Life Strategist who works with professional men and women who want to create more of what benefits them in less time than they could do alone. My services are delivered by means of telephone calls, public speaking and workshops, with follow-up email and telephone support. I am also an author, teacher, mentor coach, and ordained minister. To read and hear actual testimonials, go to:http://www.Soulbusiness.com/endorse.htm
. The original source is: Adapted from a Richdale publication.
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