Self-publishing a book is one of the fastest-growing trends in the writing industry. Many writers look to self-publishing to get their book to market faster while keeping creative control over their work. In theory, this sounds like a good solution for first-time authors. While there are advantages to self-publishing, there are many pitfalls. As a result, many writers are disillusioned when they attempt to publish a book on their own.

Self-Publishing Often Means Self-Editing – a Bad Idea

It isn’t easy to edit your own work, yet most writers who self-publish try to handle the details of editing themselves. When you have created something, it’s nearly impossible to edit with clarity. The alternative is to hire editors to provide developmental feedback, content editing, copy editing,, and proofreading. Without the benefit of an editorial team, a self-published writer runs the risk of producing a book that isn’t as good as it can be.

You’re on Your Own with Marketing

A publishing house or hybrid publisher has the knowledge and available resources for marketing each book it publishes. Marketing includes a proper cover, relationships with suppliers and bookstores, and connections for everything from book reviews to interviews and other promotional opportunities. An established marketing department knows how to tailor marketing efforts for greater impact across different genres and target audiences.

A new writer has none of the tools of a traditional or hybrid publishing house. A self-published writer has to do far more work with far less knowledge. Getting your foot in the door is difficult without a marketing team behind you. Consequently, a writer has to do more leg work and lots of it.

The Stigma of Self-Publishing

Although self-publishing is rapidly entering the mainstream, there is still a bit of stigma attached to it. Some writers have self-published successfully thanks to e-publishing and print-on-demand technologies. Most, however, never see their book sales take off. 

Part of the problem is perception. For many readers, a self-published book is the result of an author being rejected by traditional publishers. The assumption is that a book published independently will not be of the same quality as a book from a publishing house. There are exceptions to this, particularly with the growing popularity of Amazon’s e-book marketplace and online publishing options, but it’s still an uphill battle with many readers.

Burn-Out

There’s a genuine danger of burning out on your book if you self-publish. After all the effort to write, edit, design, format, print, and market your book, you may have nothing left. Self-publishing requires a writer to be everything from a cover artist to a marketing specialist. At the end of months of trying to wear so many hats, a writer can suffer burn-out. The frustration can lead a writer to give up before reaching the tipping point between an unsuccessful book and a successful one.

An alternative to self-publishing is Dudley Court Press’s hybrid publishing model. We work closely with writers to guide them from written word to published book. Unlike traditional publishing houses, we offer a partnership approach that allows writers greater creative control combined with our publishing expertise. We offer an Assisted Self-Publishing Program as well as full-service publishing. 

Dudley Court Press

Dudley Court Press works with writers like you every day. As a full-service, hybrid publishing house, we help thoughtful people write their books and become successful published authors.

Are you interested in Self-Publishing, but want some assistance. Check out our Assisted Self-Publishing Program.

For more information, including about DCP’s latest program Aspiring Author to Published Pro, please get in touch at info@DudleyCourtPress.com.