5 Reasons Why Authors Should Not Go Into Battle Without A Publisher
So you’re an amazing writer and you just finished what seems to be the best work of literature the world has ever seen. There is only one obstacle between your book and the world and that is publishing. Your confidence is soaring now and you feel like you can do anything, including self-publishing your own book, but before you do consider this.
Yes, people have been doing things them selves since the beginning of human history. We commonly associate “doing it yourself” (DIY) as a less expensive and more accomplishing way of doing things. Chances are years ago this theory proved to be true, but that was because there were no other options available. 150 years ago most people had to build their own houses, raise their own barns, grow their own food and make their own clothes just to survive. Sounds like a fun life right? Luckily we live in a world where these things can be done for you in a much more efficient and productive way, saving you time and money to do the things you love, like write.
In this day and age self-publishing should be looked at in the same light as building your own house. Sure, if you have the time, the right tools and the expertise to do it then by all means. But, at the end of the day most people would agree that a house would be stronger, bigger, better, less expensive and less likely to fall on your head, if it was built by a professional. The same goes with publishing your book.
Consider these factors when deciding if you want to self-publish or not.
1. There is no “I” in team
Think of your book as the Denver Broncos (or your favorite football team). Now think of what it would take for your favorite team to make it to the Super Bowl. In most cases it will take more then just the star player, right? It takes every player, position, coaches, marketing teams, investors etc. Now think of what it would take to get your book to the place where you want it to be. Marketing teams, sales teams, design teams and that is just the beginning. I’m not saying that making it to the big leagues as a one-man team is impossible but consider what will be the best and most resourceful way of getting your book to the top.
2. What you see is what you get
Unless you are Steven King, chances are you do not have the credibility to place your book on the shelves of bookstores around the globe. This does not mean you are not a credible writer, it just means that book distribution is a hard industry to break into. Publishing your book professionally can help make the transition from paper to the public easier and less expensive. It’s plain and simple; The more people that see your book, the more success you will see in the future.
3. You’re a writer for a reason
There is a reason why you have chosen to be a writer. Not because of the endless hours racking your brain for ideas and countless trips to the coffee pot but, because you love writing and you’re damn good at it too. There’s also a reason why you are NOT a publisher. Point taken?
4. Time is money
As a writer you know better then anyone that time is money. If you don’t write the next big book, someone else will. Often self-publishing will take longer then traditional publishing for one main reason.
You have more work to accomplish with a minimal amount of resources.
The longer it takes you to get your book out onto the shelves, the more money you are losing in the end.
5. Develop a reputation
Ever since your freshmen year of high school you have known how important it is to have a good reputation… well maybe. But, now as an adult your reputation says quite a bit about you and your line of work. For writers it takes years to develop a good reputation and it takes seconds to destroy it. One small mess-up while self-publishing could cost you your entire career in the writing industry. By using a professional publishing company, you are decreasing the chances of error and increasing your chances at success.
There is no “right” way of going about publishing your writing. People have been experimenting with publishing techniques for hundreds of years. Some have mastered the art of “doing it yourself” but, most have not. Consider what is best for you and your book, because professional publishing may be the right way to go.
-by Kipp Grange