Publishing a book on your own or with a publishing house?

felabruno Level 1

October 7, 2017, 2:15 pm

67

Write the reason you're deleting this FAQ

Publishing a book on your own or with a publishing house?

What do you think is a better option: publishing a book (or e-book) on your own, paying for everything and then making money on your own or publishing with a publishing house? The latter feels like a safer option but you probably won't make as much money and it is more difficult to publish a book that way. Have you done any of those? What do you prefer?

Comments

Please login or sign up to leave a comment

Join

Judas2018

Judas2018

Publishing houses are normally for heavy hitters. It's where very well-known personalities, news people, celebs or people in those circles go to have their books published. Mostly because they know the check is going to be massive. A publishing house will pay a big sum of money for the rights to distribute a book from a well-known or controversial person. But you still have to promote the book on your end. So people can know it's out. I think if you don't fall into that category it's best to release it yourself.

Publishing houses, the more established ones? Pay such high sum for book rights because they know that book is gonna sell based on its content and its Author. If your name or content doesn't carry that weight yet, then they would show very little interest unless it's an idea that blows them away. Or you can get someone elite to vouch for you. If getting your book out there into the marketplace is the goal? Just getting it released into the public space? You're better off releasing it in house.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

anor0428

anor0428

I agree. You have a good point. It is really hard to compete if you are not as popular like any writer does. They will of couse prioritize those books that they are sure to have a big sale. It is hard to publish book on publishing house if you are not a well known writer.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

ballyhara

ballyhara

Feel you too. When you are new on this area, you really need a publishing house, that way you will use their connections, they're supposed to be the experts on it, and they will support your work by making others know you. Once you're a well known writer or collaborator, then you can take advantage of it, and make the next step on going on your own. At least it seems like the clever way to do it.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Adesuwa08

Adesuwa08

Nowadays I feel self publication is far better than going through the whole stress of publication houses, you have to write your book proposals to the houses wasting and waiting on some opportunities that hardly clicks, due to the strict policies of well known publication houses.

But instead your self publication saves more time, money and stress. Through online advertising and help of some well known websites and blogs, who recommend your books and other means of advertising you are heading more step ahead than most others who go through normal process of publication houses.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Authord

Authord

Yeah, that's really where the emphasis are, if you are not a hitter in your niche, and your expectation on the book is not high, then you should stick with publishing on your own, it will give you the experience, and help you establish, so you can then shift over to publishing houses.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Rumu

Rumu

I completely agree with you on that. However, as a beginner you might be faced with a lot of difficulties trying to go about the whole process on your own.

I think it's better to use publishers as a starter so as to be familiar with the entirety of going about such. It doesn't matter if you make Juat a little using publishers, all that matter's is to get it right.

I've learned from past personal experience to always get a lead from experts.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Judas2018

Judas2018

The problem with established publishers or publishing houses for new authors, is that you're on their clock. No control over your own destiny. You have to wait to hear from them in regards to any interest. Or wait to hear from them regarding the ultimate decision of picking up and pushing your book or not. Or... wait for them to decide on your book because they already have a ton of other books in the que. Some publishing houses already have so many other titles waiting for release that yours wouldn't get picked up. Even if it did, it wouldn't be promoted for release until a year or so later. Releasing it yourself on your official website or Amazon or another marketplace enables you to at least get it out there. After that, driving downloads and sales is the goal. If your friends list is big enough that won't be a problem.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

augusta

augusta

I think publishing by the publishing firm will be a lot better.At least they're the experts, they'll give one the ultimate solution to the publishing of the book neat,clear and cheap.

I think publishing alone will be way expensive because one might not know how to go about it cheaply.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

anor0428

anor0428

Well I agree with you. With the help of publishing house, a beginner will be guided by experts. But on publishing alone, I think it is cheaper to do it online like in a form of ebook. That way you will have wider range of costumer, you can even sell it worldwide without being hassle doing shipping since all they need to do is purchase and download the book.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

vhinz

vhinz

For beginners with tight budget I think publishing your own e-book is easier. After your done writing your e-book you can immediately sell it online. You don't have to worry the shipping because it can be downloaded in your customers devices.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

wiseagent

wiseagent

One thing is fact: if you really want to, you need to start somewhere. However, the beginner position most of the time is something that can cause a lot of concern because when things don't go according to what you expect, you can be very frustrated.

It's important to always be prepared and willing to take risks.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

vhinz

vhinz

I agree with you. That is why it is also better to ask guidance from the people who've done it already so you have a greater chance to succeed. If you can find a mentor then it would be great so you will be guided what's the right thing to do and what should be avoided.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

wiseagent

wiseagent

As for asking someone for help, there is another problem (unfortunately): there are people who don't how to deal with the idea of having to ask for help because they feel neglected by it.

People have to learn (once and for all) that no one goes very far preferring to go it alone.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

vhinz

vhinz

That's one problem I also got before. I'm always trying to figure out things on my own way. I have a thought that if I could do it by myself, I would be so proud. Maybe it's also because of my pride. But then I realized that if I want to learn something it would be easier and faster if I could ask someone who really knows how to do it.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

wiseagent

wiseagent

When people want to learn things on their own, I don't see it as a problem because I find it very interesting that they want to discover things in a self-sufficient way.

Of course the fastest way is to ask for some kind of mentoring, but one thing doesn't nullify the other, does it?

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

gelotologist

gelotologist

I agree with this one, when you're doing something like this always expect something bad will happen or something wrong but eventually that bad thing is the first stage to become success or a step to be on the top someday, like what he said, it's always about taking the risk no matter how hard it is. And always think that it's not always ups and when something bad happen think of it as a lesson and learn from it.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

wiseagent

wiseagent

The risk can even be calculated to try to mitigate the problems, but it's something that is hardly out of the way of people's success. Taking risks is almost like a golden rule in order to get on the right track.

The frustrations will come, but you have to learn how to deal with them.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

peachpurple

peachpurple

Thanks for your advice. I was looking for answer to this too since I wanted to start my ebook online too. To start with, which ebook writing site should I register for free?

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

overcast

overcast

I think there is a lot of money to be saved with self promotion, and self publishing in general. You get to decide which sources to promote. And how to save money doing that. I have seen that the publishing house are not going to be easy. And they charge very high amount for things. So on that basis, I'd surely say it's reasonable to go through self publish route initially.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

vhinz

vhinz

Yap! You could benefits and enjoy 100% of the profits of your effort writing your content and do not need to ask other people to just get published. And with the advantage of the internet and emerging technologies publishing and selling your own works become easier and faster with less expenses.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

overcast

overcast

These days I am seeing a lot of people promoting their writing through blogging. Also some of them are on the free network sites like wattpad, wordpress, and steemit. So this is possible that more and more people may promote. And the book gets some sort of the traction. Such cases are also possible when it comes to the promotion. Books are harder to sell anyway. But yes every corner covered counts.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

overcast

overcast

Publishing on your own is a good option when you have not established yourself. That's something you have to learn there. And another thing is that you can make use of the smashwords and other options. And then build your work around. That seems to be working in many ways. I have learned that publishing with the house takes time. And also earning cut is very low. But it works out just fine. And they pay upfront along with the percentage of the future sales. So it's not that bad either.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

DarthHazard

DarthHazard

The amount you earn per sale will be a lot lower when you go with a publishing house but the benefit is that your earning potential will be a lot higher as well. So you have to weigh both of those and figure out what you would prefer. The fact that the publishing house will tend to help you with marketing and sales is a massive advantage to have so if you are a relatively unknown author then it may be the best to go through a publishing house.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

overcast

overcast

I think 35% of the pricing model in Amazon KDP is also low. And for this reason I think it's better to have a publishing deal in that case. But people write short stories. And this is definitely a good reason for many of us to publish a book. Because it gets some revenue source going. I have learned to earn some decent money through writing non fiction books. Yet it has not earned me like 5$ a day. But monthly 5$ is possible at the lowest possible way if the book is promoted occassionally. Not bad if you ask me.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Barida

Barida

I think publishing the ebook on your own is the better option. I mean it is going to save you the cost, and even if you spend time in making it look nice and of high quality. I think it will be worth it instead of paying a publishing house to do the work. One thing that might make me want to try it out a publishing company is when I cannot do it well.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

overcast

overcast

It increases the overhead of promotion though. I meant to say if the book is written on your own. You have to spend time trying to promote it. And that is a very huge task if you ask me. It requires many people to work on this. And if things not properly done in this case then there is a loss of time. So it's better to in that set of direction.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Barida

Barida

One thing that I want us to get clear here is that once an author is ready to publish any of his/her book alone without the involvement of a publishing house, then the author should be ready to market it as well. I think it all goes down to planning things right.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

overcast

overcast

That's true. Author have to think of strategies and some sort of plan to promote. Because writing is the easy part. But managing there after may not be. I think some writers take time for this. And it may not be easy for them. I guess we have to just check out what's possible and what is not. Then act on that accordingly.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Keibah2

Keibah2

If your book is a big hit, then I suggest you go with a publishing house otherwise you can just do it yourself self. But again in other to understand the pros and cons of publishing like The experts do, the publishing house would still be ideal. What better way to connect with others in your field and also gaining that much required experience.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

wiseagent

wiseagent

I kinda agree with you, but... You'll only know if your book is - in fact - a big hit, once it's known by the readers... Is that correct?

So, I think it's a relatively frustrating situation because it can make you feel worried / sad if things don't turn out as you planned (in your mind).

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Barida

Barida

I am assuming that the author has got some experience in publishing books, would you advise such a person to publish those books at the publishing house? I think everything is about what you can be able to do and as long as the author can do it. I think it is a good way to start.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Heatman6190

Heatman6190

One wouldn't have the skills and knowledge to publish his or her book as ebooks and still venture to get it done by a publishing company, that's a very unreasonable and odd behavior. It's best to put such skills and knowledge at work by publishing the book by yourself.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

tophew

tophew

My advice to you if you want to publish e-book try it online you can sell there quickly just sell your e book on a trusted website market place like listingdock.com amazon.com etc. in that way many people can see your master piece because when you sell on out side of your house only few can see your work and that is not productive so since your new to this try online selling.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Authord

Authord

Yeah, that's the best bet for a beginner, because when you are starting off and you go offline to sell your books, not many people will know about the book, except the people you have alerted about the book. So the best option for a beginner is to start with an e-book and market yourself online.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

PinkTurtle

PinkTurtle

If you are able to make it on your own you'll see more profits out of it, because almost everything will be yours. I think it is easier to do it as an ebook than with regular books. I got this friend who managed to published and actually sell her ebook on her weightloss journey just by selling it to her followers on her Tumblr account, she wasn't getting any profits at the beggining, when she started her blog was just for motivation but after she gained so many followers she decided to do it and succed!

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Judas2018

Judas2018

Definitely. Ebooks are everywhere now and even e-comic books or digital comics for download. Paperbacks only work if it's a top author who has a loyal following. The paperback would just be a collector's item but folks would buy it nonetheless based on the author's resume.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

DarthHazard

DarthHazard

It depends on what you want really. It is probably better to go with a publishing house especially if you are a relatively unknown author. The problem with publishing a book on your own is that you have to worry about every aspect. You have to worry about printing the book, making sure that everything you have written is correct (in terms of grammar and spelling) and you also have to be in charge of marketing.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Authord

Authord

Exactly, there are too many things that go around publishing a book, which will leave a beginner scampering for guidance. So it's very important to start with a publishing with a publishing house, because they will take care of almost every thing, that will make your book professional and up to the mark.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

wiseagent

wiseagent

Working with experienced people would give me more confidence to continue working. Not that I don't trust myself (that's not the question), but if I'm entering a world that I'm not very familiar with, I'd rather ask help from anyone who understands the subject more than I do.

I would feel very guilty for failing at something that I could have avoided if I had asked for someone's help before.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

vinaya

vinaya

I have published three books so far.
My first books was a self published book. I was 21 years, I had saved my pocket money to publish 500 copies of 60 pages pocket-size book. I was able to sell 250 copies with door to door sell and library sell and recovered my investment.
My second book was an ebook. I published it through Amazon kindle and did not spend a dime to publish this book. My third book was print on demand book published with Amazon. I had to spend money on illustration and cover design.
My experience tells me, get a publisher to publish your book.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

AmieBotella

AmieBotella

Wow. Can I ask, did you achieve your goal in terms of profit for your second book when you didn't spend on publishing it? And also how's the difference of your second and third book in terms of sales when you spend more on the design?

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

vinaya

vinaya

I did not spend money on my second book. I wrote the book, did the cover design myself and published on Amazon Kindle, which is a free publishing platform. I priced the book $2.99 and was entitled 70 percent royalty. Whatever money I made from the book was my profit because there was zero investment. I was able to make $200 from the second book and I used that money to finance my third book. I hired a professional editor and designer.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

jaymish

jaymish

I agree with Vinaya. It's better to get a publisher. The method you chose should depend on your objectives. Do you want to make money in the process or do you just want to get your work to the public?

If you self-publish you probably will have to go the internet route. How do you get people to read your e-book? This will also cost you as you advertise your book. You may have to also pay for your book to be reviewed by online review sites. This looks a bit complicated.

If you get a publisher they take care of all the advertising and marketing. You'll be able to tap into their existing networks and may be able to reach a larger audience. They also take care of all your costs upfront. The disadvantage is that you get a standard fee, Your book may sell millions of copies so in this way you may lose.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Tronia

Tronia

I think that there isn't any wrong or right choice when it comes to this matter because the publishing a book depends on so many different factors. Both, self-publishing and publishing through a house have their own advantages and disadvantages. I think that you should just always be careful when it comes to relying on other people though because some publishing houses do take a lot of the profit for themselves. I personally have never written a book though.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Judas2018

Judas2018

A publishing house is going to take a percentage or cut of the profits regardless. Which is why I said for financial reasons, going it alone is the best option. The publishing house has better tools, mechanisms and methods to get your book out there but they're going to take a cut of the money made off the title for putting those wheels in motion. Now some publishing houses will take a larger cut than others. If you can find one that will offer you a fair deal, great. But if you end up dealing with a publishing house that's gonna try and bleed you dry, best to keep shopping around.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

PedroP

PedroP

I guess that publishing on your own has benefits but it will be hard at first. When you have the support of a company you'll have to deal with the company keeping a part of your revenue also. So it's all a trade-off between the safest and most profitable route

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

wiseagent

wiseagent

Choosing to work alone (in any case) is always the most difficult / complicated way... But depending on how prepared you are for the challenge, it can be something that will bring you much more personal satisfaction.

Well... At least for me, this is something that I value very much.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

PedroP

PedroP

Yes, I agree with you. Unfortunately for me trying to work alone has never yielded positive results. But I guess this varies a lot from personal profile to personal profile. The important thing is that you always look to learn and move forward

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

wiseagent

wiseagent

Yes, it's something that really depends on person to person.

With me, this always worked. Some people even call me antisocial because of that, haha (but I don't care because it sounds very funny to me, considering I'm a very communicative person).

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

JoeMilford

JoeMilford

I have actually done both of these, and each comes with its own ups and downs, just like anything else. I have used lulu.com to publish my own books (I will include a link below), and they have great customer service and good distribution and marketing assistance. They are print on demand, so if you do readings or sell your own books, you can purchase them in bulk and them sell them for what you like. Lulu takes its cut, and the rest is up to you. Also, at lulu, you can sell your book as an ebook or directly from their webpage for you and get paid a percentage of the sale that way. They pay out quarterly through Pay Pal, so it is pretty convenient. Publishing with even a small press can be quite difficult, but it is also rewarding in its own way. I have a book of poetry on one small press that is doing pretty well, and the cover artists, editors, management, etc. are a great small team with a family approach. I wish anyone trying to publish and write under any circumstances all of the luck in the world!
https://www.lulu.com/

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Baburra

Baburra

I think being a part of a publishing company still has a bit more weight to it. However, that only really matters to those who give weight to that type of thing. If your goal is to just gain an audience then self publishing is a good enough alternative and sometimes it might even be better because you will have complete freedom. Sometimes having a publishing company to reign you in is good too though.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

wallet

wallet

My personal opinion is that if we want to publish a book the best choice is to publish it with a publishing house. A publishing house may edit the book and if there is any mistake they may correct it, besides they may offer discounts and you may pay less if they publish it.
The only disadvantage is that a book is hardly accepted by a serious editor!

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

jasminemax

jasminemax

I prefer publishing my own book with the help of publishing home. Because, it is a safer option for beginners and it also reduces the expenses.

I agree that we can't make much money in that way but it is more preferable option for newbies and one who are planning for a low budget thing.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

dzannerz

dzannerz

Well in this matter maybe it is better to published your work in a publishing house rather than by your own because a good publishing house can also be help to promote your book in the marketing world I mean if the publishing is famous then your work also has the potential to become famous because people will think that it is a good book or a good work because a good publishing house published it.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Blank629

Blank629

If you are a starter, it is better to pulish a book in publishing house. Because publishing a book will cost you high. If you get started to be a well-known writer, you can now try to publish on your own.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

manmad

manmad

The answer can be different, depending on the level of success you are at. Of course, if you are a new writer,it won't be as easy to use a depending publishing house, because a lot of time, it's going to cost you money, which you probably wouldn't have, however on another note it is good to use one, because they are going to help you with spreading your work and making it go off on the market. If you go and publish it yourself, it'd be cheaper, but harder, because there are things one must know.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Soulwatcher

Soulwatcher

I say if you have the money to publish it yourself then go for it. But keep in mind you can lose whatever you invest in the book. Or you can choose the route of the ebook, which is a low cost investment and you don't even need a place to sell it, you can make your own website for cheap and sell it off your own website.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

iamawriter

iamawriter

If at all I write a book I will certainly need the help of publishers or an agent to get my book published. I am a small entity not known to the world and therefore trying to publish it without involving those that have clout would be a difficult proposition.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Authord

Authord

I think it the best option here is to publish with a publishing house, if you can afford, and even if you can't afford it, then you should borrow, depending on the hopes you have for the book, and how professional the book is. But if the book is a mediocre or not so professional, then you should stick with publishing on your own.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Heatman6190

Heatman6190

In my personal opinion, if you have the skills and knowledge and ability to successfully publish your book my yourself in the form of ebook, it's definitely going to be more better than going to a publishing company. It will save you costs and still make sure you gain more from creating your work in ebooks. But if you lack the resources, knowledge, skills and abilities to create an ebook, it's better that you visit the publishing company.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

potentialwriter

potentialwriter

In the publishing industry, it's generally believed that publishers don't do things in the interest of the authors. This affects the lives of authors negatively and makes it almost hard for them to step up with their writing skills. Publishers are engaged with the production, publishing and marketing, but advances are due to authors on submission of manuscripts which are not usually given to the authors. Publishers sell the publications, deduct all expenses incurred right from production through sales and then pay 10% of the residue to the authors as royalties.

Self publishing is far better than publishing through a publishing house, though challenges are attached. It is hard at the initial stage due to the cost involved, but yields lifetime dividends in the end. Because publishers don't disclose the true picture of the sales to authors, it's not worth it handing over a well-researched writing project to publishing houses. They don't really care for the authors.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Pixie06

Pixie06

Since you are a beginner it will be better for you to publish your book with a publishing house. Maybe there will be more costs involved but it is less risky. In the long run, you can learn more about publishing and then you can publish your own book. My cousin has self-published two storybooks so far and she is not a beginner yet it was difficult for her.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Adesuwa08

Adesuwa08

The publication houses take more time to approve of your works to be published, most times you end up being denied due to their own interest, self publication has paved way for writers to be free minded.

Publication houses have their own set limits and themes, sometimes you don't get to fit well with their own terms and conditions which robs you most times of enough earnings you make from your books, self publication is best you get to be your own boss and feel so happy with all the processes and no hindrance to it except you.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

DenisP

DenisP

I think that if you're just starting out as a budding writer, you're probably better off self-publishing your content, for at least the first stretch of your career. The thing is that if you're doing things through a publishing house, you're going to have limitations set on yourself that might end up restricting your creativity. Publishing houses are notorious for wanting to edit and chop up work in order to meet their idea of what is going to be the most approachable and marketable work of literature. This along with strict deadlines can be incredibly hindering for an aspiring writer, so it's best to allow yourself some freedom first.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

aecel

aecel

I haven't experienced publishing my own books. I think if you want a bigger market and get a good publicity of your books then publishing house could help you because they know how to market your books to get a better sales but the disadvantage about it if ever your books get popular the profit won't be 100% yours. Publishing a book on your own might be hard and it can give you a headache because you need to think, strategize, and expenses to promote your books. But if you're 100% believe in yourself that you can do it alone, have enough money to provide for publishing your own books and won't regret the losses then go ahead there's nothing wrong if you're going to try.

7 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

Jeane

Jeane

Most people don't have a choice. They just have to head the self-publishing route because it is hard enough to get your book published by a "traditional" publishers. However should you land a publishing deal, you will be one of the lucky writers who gets to make a lot of money.

IMO self-publishing should be the final option when your rejections pile up or when you just have to get your book published fast. Nonetheless one should always try to pitch their books to agents and publishers first.

6 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?

NogChurchi

NogChurchi

Of course, it's easier to publish your book with a publishing house, but you have no idea how long it takes to
find an agency willing to work with a new writer. Your material should
be interesting for a broad audience. I've read a few stories about
YouTube bloggers who created an audience of followers first and then
published their books. The risk is lower when you already have some
people who are aware of you and more likely to buy your product. Also, I
have a friend who writes stories for apps like LoveSick and Stories. I know it's something between audio porn and fiction for teenagers, but still, it's a good start to get some skills.

4 years ago

Are you sure you want to delete this post?