That’s my question for you today.
As I’m patiently waiting to hear from a publisher about my book idea, I’ve also considered self-publishing as a fallback. But is it really a “fallback?”
A few years ago, that was my impression. And let’s be honest, books like this one don’t help that perception.
But then I got to thinking. Truth is, if you’re a blogger, you self publish. Anyone can write a blog, just like anyone can self publish a book. There’s a wide variety of quality and depth throughout both. A blog, like a self-published book, is what you make of it.
And on the practical side of things, you have the potential to make more money by self-publishing. Sure, you might not get a small advance or a (probably minimal) marketing push from a publisher. You’ll have to market the book and hire an editor and designer on your own. You won’t make it into Barnes & Noble.
But you’ll also keep most of the profits. If your book does moderately successful on Amazon, you could make a nice paycheck. If you’re a first-time author, you’ll have the chance to build your brand and expand your audience—which sets you up to possibly go the traditional publishing route the next time around, if that interests you.
These are some of the pros and cons of self-publishing I’ve been thinking about lately. If it doesn’t work with a traditional publisher, then I’ll likely go that route.
And you can be certain that I’ll hire a professional editor and designer to help with the book. I have no desire to make this list of terrible book covers.
But I want to hear your thoughts.
Do you view self-published books differently than traditionally published books? Do you care either way?
(Image: Getty)
