So if you follow any of my blogs, you likely know about my self published book, "Growing Food: A Guide for Beginners". I wrote, formatted, edited, created the cover, added illustrations, marketed it, and generally made it my life. And, I have to tell you, I didn't even bother trying to pitch it to a traditional garden publisher because I didn't think they would be interested in a book that was partially crowdsourced and heavily social media friendly. (If you would like to know what I mean by that, check out the Growing Food blog for press releases and a sample chapter). Since I have survived the process, I thought I would share with you what I consider to be the myths and realities of self publishing.
Myth #1: You can sell tons of books if your book is good enough.
Reality: The truth is that could happen...but it is more likely that you will sell your book to a smaller niche audience who has always wanted to know how to create a picnic blanket out of zipties, or whatever your subject matter. In fact, I would say that it is these specialized markets where self publishers have an advantage. You can tailor your book to meet the needs of the audience, as long as you know what those are.
Myth #2: Nobody ever gets picked up by a major publisher because they self publish.
Reality: Not true. I was snagged by a major garden publisher (thanks to Roger at Cool Springs Press) and signed a contract to write a big deal garden book. And did the fact that I had taken the initiative to write my own book, start to finish, have an impact on that? You bet it did. Will my "Growing Food" book be republished by Cool Springs or anyone else? I am going to guess yes. Because, why not? Here's a book that is already completed with market research and a small, but die hard following. That's a great indicator of a successful niche book.
Myth #3: Nobody takes self publishers seriously.
Reality: Absolutely false...now if you are churning out spammy MLM junk, then yes, no one will take you seriously. But there is something about having a published book that makes people stop and take a second look. And that second look may be your opportunity to get your foot in the door...
Myth #4: Self published content isn't as high quality as content published through other channels.
Reality: Um, no, that would be false...Self publishing is not the determining factor in quality. There are plenty of authors who simply can't make it into the big publishing houses because they can't get above the fray. That doesn't make them less of an author.
Myth #5: Well, I am just going to stick to traditional books, because I always have.
Reality: Here's the news about that...you may think you are, but you aren't. As publishing looks to survive a major paradigm shift in content production and distribution, more authors will have an opportunity to publish their work. And you have likely already purchased something through Amazon that was self pubbed. Further, all of that terrific content is going to start showing up in books...really, it already has in a number of books about Twitter.
It is a better time than ever to consider self publishing, especially for your first book. The key is in understanding what it can and can't do for you. Right now, the self publishing or print on demand options are not as fantastic and user friendly as they will be in the next couple of years. But those systems will improve and publishing your own book will be a great option to traditional channels.
Have you written and self published your own book? Tell me about it...
