Self-publishing has emerged as a viable and credible option for authors, thanks to advancements in technology and the rise of online booksellers. Whether you are a new author or an established writer looking to explore new avenues, understanding the self-publishing process is crucial for your success. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about self-publishing, including vanity and subsidy publishers, printing options, ISBN requirements, eBook creation, and more. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to successfully self-publish your work.
Introduction
Self-publishing entails taking full control of the publishing process, from writing and editing to designing and marketing your book. While it was once considered a last resort, new technology and the rise of online booksellers have made self-publishing a credible business model for many authors. This guide will help you understand the different aspects of self-publishing, allowing you to make informed decisions and successfully bring your book to market.
What Are Vanity and Subsidy Publishers?
Vanity and subsidy publishers charge authors for the cost of producing their books, then give the authors a percentage of any sales revenue generated. Historically, vanity publishers had a bad reputation for exploiting authors with expensive production costs and false promises. Today, many of these operators have been replaced by more transparent online printer/publishers like Lulu and Amazon’s CreateSpace.
Modern Subsidy Publishers
Modern subsidy publishers offer a range of service packages that can be tailored to an author’s needs, including print, design, distribution, and marketing. While you still have to pay to be published, the process is far more transparent and the quality of services has improved significantly. However, it’s important to note that true self-publishing requires you to own your own ISBN (see below).
How Do I Print My Own Books?
Printing physical copies of your book can be done through either offset printing or digital printing, each with its own advantages and considerations.
Offset Printing
Offset printing, also known as offset lithography, is a traditional printing method where ink is pressed onto paper. It is cost-effective for bulk printing, typically requiring a minimum run of 1,000 copies. Offset printing is known for its high quality, making it ideal for large print runs if you are confident in selling a significant number of books.
Digital Printing
Digital printing uses technology similar to home or office printers and is cost-effective for smaller print runs. This method allows for Print-on-Demand (POD), where books are printed as they are ordered. Digital printing is often used by subsidy publishers and is ideal for authors who want to print limited quantities or avoid the costs and storage issues associated with bulk printing.
Choosing the Right Printing Method
The choice between offset and digital printing depends on your needs:
- Bulk Printing: Choose offset printing if you need large quantities and have the storage space.
- Small or On-Demand Printing: Choose digital printing for smaller runs or Print-on-Demand.
When selecting a printer, consider the quality of their work, their experience with book production, and their requirements for electronic file submissions, often needing a properly formatted PDF.
Do I Need an ISBN to Self-Publish?
The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) identifies not only the book but also the publisher. If you obtain an ISBN from your printing service, they become the publisher of record, which can limit your control over your work. To be recognized as the publisher, you must acquire your own ISBN from accredited agencies like the Nielsen ISBN Agency in the UK or the Bowker ISBN Agency in the USA.
ISBN Considerations
- Ownership: Owning your ISBN gives you control over your book.
- Multiple Editions: Each edition and format of your book (hardback, paperback, eBook) requires a unique ISBN.
- Purchasing ISBNs: You can buy ISBNs in blocks if you plan to publish multiple books or editions.
How Do I Self-Publish an eBook?
Self-publishing an eBook offers advantages like lower costs and easier distribution. eBooks can be read on various devices, including computers, tablets, and eReaders.
eBook Formats
There are several eBook formats, but the three most important are:
- ePub: Used by many companies including Apple, Sony, and Barnes & Noble. It’s an open-source format.
- AZW: Used by Amazon Kindle, based on the open-source Mobipocket format with added DRM.
- PDF: Adobe’s Portable Document Format, commonly used for printable versions of eBooks.
How to Create an eBook
Creating an eBook involves converting your manuscript into a digital format. Some word processing software can export directly to eBook formats, but most online booksellers provide their own conversion tools.
eBook Conversion Tips
The conversion process can be tricky. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth transition:
- Simple Formatting: Avoid complex formatting to reduce conversion errors.
- Standard Fonts: Use common fonts like Times New Roman.
- Avoid Page Numbers: eBooks do not use traditional page numbers.
- Minimal Carriage Returns: Use minimal paragraph breaks to avoid formatting issues.
- No Tabs: Use the ruler to indent text instead of tabs.
- No Headers/Footers: They are not recognized in eBook formats.
- Manual Lists: Create bulleted and numbered lists manually.
- Single Source File: Convert from one clean text file to avoid errors.
Tips for Designing an eBook Cover
An eBook cover is crucial for attracting readers. Here are some design tips:
- Simple and Strong Design: Ensure your cover stands out even when displayed as a small thumbnail.
- Proper Dimensions: Amazon recommends at least 800 pixels high and 500 pixels wide.
- Readable Fonts: Avoid elaborate fonts that may be hard to read on small screens.
- Resolution: Ensure your cover is at 72dpi (dots per inch).
- Title Prominence: Make sure the title is clear and easily visible.
Where Can I Sell My eBook?
There are several platforms where you can sell your eBook, from your own website to major online retailers.
eBook Retailers
The Big Four eBook retailers are:
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Dominates the global eBook market. Simple upload process without the need for an ISBN.
- Apple Books: Requires ePub format and a US tax reference for non-US authors. Aggregators can help with submissions.
- Barnes & Noble Press: User-friendly for both print and eBook submissions, no EIN required for non-US authors.
- Kobo Writing Life (KBL): Popular in Canada, with a straightforward self-publishing portal.
What’s an eBook Aggregator?
Aggregators distribute your eBook to multiple online stores. They often offer conversion services and manage sales revenues and taxes, simplifying the process for self-publishers. However, using an aggregator means they may be listed as the publisher of record.
Using PDFs in Self-Publishing
PDFs are essential for both print and digital self-publishing. They ensure that the formatting remains consistent across different devices and printing methods.
Designing PDFs
When preparing your PDF, follow these guidelines:
- Page Size: Design according to your book’s intended size.
- Embed Fonts: Ensure any unusual fonts are embedded in the PDF.
- High-Resolution Images: Use images with at least 300dpi resolution.
- Include All Elements: Design the front cover, spine, and back cover.
FAQs: Ultimate Guide to Self-Publishing
1. What is self-publishing?
Self-publishing is the process where authors publish their work independently, without the involvement of a traditional publishing house. Authors take full control of the entire publishing process, including writing, editing, designing, marketing, and distribution.
2. What are vanity and subsidy publishers?
Vanity and subsidy publishers charge authors for the cost of producing their books and provide a percentage of sales revenue. Unlike traditional publishers, these entities require authors to bear the financial burden of publication. Vanity publishers often have a bad reputation for exploiting authors, while modern subsidy publishers like Lulu and Amazon’s CreateSpace offer more transparent services.
3. How do I decide between offset and digital printing?
- Offset Printing: Cost-effective for bulk printing (minimum of 1,000 copies) and offers higher quality. Ideal for large print runs if you have storage space.
- Digital Printing: Suitable for smaller print runs and Print-on-Demand (POD). Cost-effective for limited quantities and avoids storage issues.
4. Do I need an ISBN to self-publish?
Yes, if you want to be recognized as the publisher of your book. Owning your ISBN gives you control over your work. You need a unique ISBN for each edition and format of your book. ISBNs can be acquired from accredited agencies like the Nielsen ISBN Agency in the UK and the Bowker ISBN Agency in the USA.
5. What are the main eBook formats?
- ePub: Used by Apple, Sony, and Barnes & Noble. It’s an open-source format.
- AZW: Used by Amazon Kindle, based on Mobipocket format with added DRM.
- PDF: Adobe’s Portable Document Format, commonly used for printable versions of eBooks.
6. How do I create an eBook?
Convert your manuscript into a digital format using word processing software or online booksellers’ conversion tools. Follow tips for simple formatting to ensure a smooth conversion process.
7. What are the tips for successful eBook conversion?
- Use standard fonts like Times New Roman.
- Avoid complex formatting and multiple carriage returns.
- Do not use page numbers, tabs, headers, or footers.
- Manually create bulleted and numbered lists.
- Start each chapter with a page break.
8. How do I design an effective eBook cover?
- Ensure a simple and strong design that stands out as a thumbnail.
- Use proper dimensions (at least 800 pixels high and 500 pixels wide).
- Choose readable fonts and avoid elaborate typefaces.
- Ensure a resolution of 72dpi.
- Make the title prominent and easily visible.
9. Where can I sell my eBook?
- Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): Dominates the global eBook market.
- Apple Books: Requires ePub format and a US tax reference for non-US authors.
- Barnes & Noble Press: User-friendly for both print and eBook submissions.
- Kobo Writing Life (KBL): Popular in Canada, with a straightforward self-publishing portal.
10. What is an eBook aggregator?
Aggregators distribute your eBook to multiple online stores, offer conversion services, manage sales revenues, and handle taxes. However, using an aggregator may list them as the publisher of record.
11. Why are PDFs important in self-publishing?
PDFs ensure consistent formatting across devices and printing methods. They are essential for print copies and can be used as review copies for eBooks.
12. How do I design a PDF for self-publishing?
- Design according to your book’s intended page size.
- Embed any unusual fonts.
- Use high-resolution images (at least 300dpi).
- Include all elements like the front cover, spine, and back cover.
13. What are the advantages of self-publishing?
- Full control over the publishing process.
- Higher profit margins as there are no intermediaries.
- Flexibility to update and revise content.
- Direct engagement with readers and control over marketing strategies.
14. What are the disadvantages of self-publishing?
- Upfront costs for production, marketing, and distribution.
- Responsibility for all aspects of the publishing process.
- Potential challenges in gaining visibility and credibility.
- Limited access to professional networks and resources available to traditionally published authors.
15. How do I market my self-published book?
- Build a strong online presence through a website and social media.
- Utilize email marketing to engage with readers.
- Take advantage of online book retailers’ promotional tools.
- Participate in book fairs, author events, and writing communities.
- Seek reviews and endorsements from established authors and reviewers.
Conclusion
Self-publishing offers authors unprecedented control and flexibility over their work. By understanding the different aspects of self-publishing, from printing options and ISBNs to eBook creation and distribution, you can make informed decisions that will help you succeed. Follow the tips and best practices outlined in this guide to navigate the self-publishing process confidently and bring your book to market effectively.