Self-publishing is a very different experience than getting a book deal with a traditional publisher. It’s certainly not an experience for everyone. That said, for many authors self-publishing is a great way to keep a lot more of the end profits from their book. Instead of getting around $1 per book sold, you can easily earn as much as $4 to $6 or even more depending on the price of the book.

So what does the self-publishing experience actually entail?

==> No Restrictions on Content

You don’t have a publisher or editor looking over your shoulders every step of the way. You have no limitations on content and you don’t need to write for marketing. You can just write precisely what it is you want to write.

The downside to this of course is that you have no guidance. You don’t have the eyes of someone who’s experienced in the industry helping you along.

==> You Have to Co-Ordinate Freelancers

Traditional publishers have a large staff of people on hand, ready to do all kinds of different things to help get your book off the ground. When you self-publish, you have to do all of these things on your own or find freelancers to do it for you.

These tasks include:

* Proofreading your book
* Having graphics designed for your front cover
* Providing photographs for your author bio
* Getting the book edited
* Having your book laid out
* Etc.

==> Getting Your Book Printed

There are many, many different print on demand and small print run companies to choose from. You can find many of them through a Google search.

The more books you print at a time, the lower your cost per book and the higher your profit per sale. Though you can sell books on a single-printing basis, you’re usually better off buying a couple hundred at a time.

==> Marketing Your Book

When you self-publish a book, you have to handle all of the marketing yourself. You’re responsible for generating the publicity that brings in the sales. You can generate sales through online advertising, through in-person sales, through reputation or through whatever techniques you want to use to generate buzz.

Most large stores like Barnes & Noble tend not to deal with self-published authors. There are exceptions to this rule, especially if you’re able to create a ton of demand. By and large, however, you can’t rely on traditional forms of distribution to do your marketing for you.

==> In Summary…

In short, you can expect to be behind the wheel every step of the way. That means you have more control over the whole process, but it also means you don’t have the same level of professional support. You’ll make a lot more money per sale than if you went the publishing route, but you won’t have access to traditional distribution channels.