Check out my interview on Fox 5 DC with Annie Yu below…
One of the biggest decisions a potential author faces is whether to self-publish or to seek a literary agent that can hopefully attain a traditional publisher for her book. While there are still benefits to traditional publishing there are several benefits for entrepreneurs and authors who want to bring a book to market via the route of self-publishing.
In the following article I will be sharing “The Top 4 Benefits to Self-Publishing” from my perspective as an entrepreneur, author, success coach and psychologist. I will also discuss some of the peculiar challenges and joys of self-publishing my book The Adventures of Isabelle Book I: The Embryo Goddess and the Morpho
The Top 4 Benefits of Self-Publishing
1) Financial Benefits
- You get to keep more of profits you control this decide what you want to invest and make as profit
- Higher royalties i.e. 40-60% vs. 10-15% for Hardcover, 8-10% for Softcover and 25% + for e-books that are traditionally published. Note the higher margin for e-books.
- Good passive income stream once book written esp. e-books. Print on Demand (POD) allows you to print books for customers as they are ordered thus avoiding keeping a large inventory or having unsold books.
- While you have to pay for editing, design and printing you can shop around to get good price
- No wait on royalties but also NO ADVANCE as in traditional publishing.
2) Adds to Client Offerings.
- Having a book means that you have a product from which your clients can benefit.
Feature in the Jamaican Gleaner*
- You are able to help more people by sharing your knowledge and expertise.
- A book can also be a good tool depending on services you offer. i.e. I use it in workshops as in my Cross-Generational Reading and Discussion
3) Great Marketing Tool for Entrepreneurs
- Shows expertise in your field.
- Can attract speaking opportunities
- Adds to your credibility
4) Author maintains Control
- You own all rights of truly self-published books. No constraints set by publishing house.
- You maintain control of the creative aspects i.e. cover art, design. I’ve known authors who are unhappy with cover art and design when using traditional publisher.
On the Fox 5 DC set with Anchor Annie Yu
Question: What would I say has been my biggest challenge around publishing “The Adventures of Isabelle” a.k.a. What are the cons of self-publishing?
Answer: It’s difficult to do marketing and book promotion on my own. It’s challenging to get the work out there and it’s hard to get bookstores interested in self-published books but it is possible.
Question: What have I most enjoyed about the process a.k.a. more pros?
Answer: I love that this book is a great tool for my success coaching clients! I loved writing the book and the whole creative process and being able to hand select and work closely with my illustrator Wayne Rodney and graphic designer and fellow author Sherron Washington of The P3 Solution (check out her book Market Simple: The blueprint I wish I had before I started a business)
I also love the intimate events like the Cross-Generational Readings. I love when people tell me that they have gotten real enjoyment and a message from my book. It makes me happy to feel that people are actually getting something from my book!
What are some of the Additional Benefits of Self-Publishing?
- Process is relatively easy with online publishing and programs that authors can use to create their books.
- Faster process to bring books to market.
- Self-published books can attract traditional publishers for future publications.
Self-publishing has empowered authors in new and exciting ways. One thing to keep in mind before you go this or the traditional route is to do your research and have a goal and a plan for your book.
If you want to consult about this or any other aspect of success coaching then let’s Connect…
Email: Dr.Cutts@nicolecutts.com
Twitter: @SuccessDoc
Instagram: Dr.Cutts and The Adventures of Isabelle Book
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*Click to “Read Author Empowers Girls…” in the Jamaican Gleaner
