Seven Considerable Benefits of Self-Publishing You Must Know

The thought of sharing your work in a competitive world can be overwhelming. After all, keeping the hope of being recognized as an author among so many talents can make anyone nervous. While authors had to be approved by a certain company for publication traditionally, modern writers do not have to limit their expression.

Self-publishing has opened several doors of opportunity for millions of writers. Now, anyone with a passion for writing can get their work out there in hopes of reaching the right readers and being recognized for their work.

While self-publishing has made the dreams of many come true, here are some benefits you must consider if you are still feeling skeptical.

1. Secure Your Royalties

Most authors can agree that they expect to be paid for their work even if their writing journey started for a completely different reason. Of course, no one hates a passive source of income. However, the possibility of making a good enough income with traditional publishing houses is very thin.

Most writers working with traditional publishing houses only receive 10-15% of the sales. Being paid for just a bit of your hard work can not be enough. That is why writers who want to make the best of their work try and learn how to self-publish a children’s book or any other type of literature that they are interested in.

Self-publishing has become a ray of home for independent and novice writers everywhere. They can earn up to 70% of their sales. The stark difference in income can make self-publishing look like a great option to all writers.

2. Gather Industry Information

Many authors are focused on a learning experience from writing a book. If you also have a knack for learning, you may not like the traditional publishing approach. You may miss out on a lot of opportunities to learn and get exposure in the field.

On the contrary, self-publishing can teach you a lot about the industry. From getting in touch with an editor to finalizing the book cover, every important aspect lies on your end. Communicating with different professionals, meeting deadlines, and managing your work by yourself can teach you lessons that can help you navigate throughout life.

In addition, you can also make professional relationships as a writer that may help you in the future, especially if you want to pursue your career as a writer.

3. Stay Relevant

Another issue that is prominently faced by publishers who choose traditional publishing houses is that they are not in control of several important aspects. One such important aspect is your book’s visibility in stores or online.

Every piece of literature is nothing more than a business opportunity for traditional publishers. They will not put a lot of thought into removing your book from display and replacing it with a newer publication. Novice authors often fall victim to this approach.

If you want to be in control of how long your book stays on display, you must choose self-publishing over the traditional approach. This way, you will have complete authority over how long your book remains visible.

4. Forget about Waiting

Any writer who puts their heart and soul into their work wants to see it on display as soon as possible. They get in touch with traditional publishers in hopes of making things happen. However, it is normal for traditional publishers to leave enthusiastic authors waiting for months.

Long weeks of wait can take a toll on any professional’s mental well-being. There is a limit to how long one can hold on to see the outcome of their efforts.

Yes, you can go with the traditional publication approach if you are not in a rush. However, you may want to rethink your choices if you are an impatient person.

Statistically, self-publishing is a lot faster than traditional publishing. Once your work has gone through the editing and design process, you can finalize things and make it discoverable for readers.

5. Think Outside the Box

People who favor innovation and an element of surprise often do not have a great experience with traditional publishing. This way of publishing is not very welcoming to new and innovative ways. They prefer to stick to the traditional ways.

They feel that sticking to the old ways has gotten things done with accuracy for years. Hence, they do not see a need for change.

If you want to think outside of the box and have complete control of the way your work reaches the world, choosing the traditional approach can be a great way. This approach ensures that you have ultimate control over your work so that you do not feel like a stranger to your own work.

6. Practice Your Rights

Working with a traditional publishing house means that you will have to sign a contract. These contracts are lengthy, and there are always some terms that you may have differences with. Bargaining these differences can be a challenge, especially for a novice writer.

For example, you may not want to give the publishing house the right to edit your word beyond a certain point. After all, no one wants their work to be turned into something unrecognizable.

If you are also uncomfortable with your rights being taken away, you must consider self-publishing. Authors that self publish have all the rights to their intellectual property in any form. You can turn your book into different mediums such as eBooks, audiobooks, television series, and more.

7. Pick Your Price

All writers do not write for what it can yield financially. However, it is always a good idea to turn your passion into a source of income, at least in a passive way.

Authors who are expecting to earn through their work hold the right to make all financial decisions for their work. However, it is always recommended that novices keep their prices in check to avoid impacting their sales. A reasonable price for your work can help you reach a vast audience to begin your journey as a writer.