Self-Publishing: Another Publishing Option in the 21st Century

Photo: Claudia Zurc. February 3, 2019

After grueling weeks, months, even years of writing your book, you’re ready to share it with the world. But, where do you go to have it published? Who do you contact? Should you publish the traditional way or self-publish? These and a myriad of other questions regarding the future of your book may keep you up at night.

A great number of new authors would rather get published with big-name houses; however, publishing houses are swamped with manuscripts every day. Let’s face it; they’ll just consider those who merit being published―the next J.K. Rowling or Stephen King― in other words, those who’ll bring readership and big money.

As a new author, you have to ask yourself (and be honest!), am I seeking recognition, am I doing it for the money, or both?

Everyone has different motives for writing, but whatever the reason, you still have to do the legwork.

• Have your book edited by a professional
• Research all publishing houses in your genre
• Edit once again (you don’t want to send a slapdash copy)
• If you get some rejections, do not take it personally; it’s part of the process
• Consider revising your manuscript as it may be lacking some elements that are not appealing to publishers
• If anything fails, go the self-publishing route
• Do not give up!

Being self-published does not mean that you can slack. On the contrary, you have to work twice as hard. You have to be involved from beginning to end. Moreover, you cannot sell yourself short. Self-publishing does not mean you’re less commendable as an author. You can see it as another option to get your book out and in the hands of your audience while waiting to get discovered by a big house. Even better, you can see self-publishing as getting acquainted with the industry while paving the way for your second book.

Note: I wrote this article with the new author in mind. I am aware that established authors already work with a publishing house.