So You Want to Write a Book: Episode Two

Last week, we covered planning and writing your book. This week, let’s talk about publishing. Hi, I’m Cachline and I am your guide to crafting stories and navigating the publishing world.

WHAT IS PUBLISHING?

Before I dive into publishing, I think we need to look at what exactly publishing is. Publishing refers to making something (content or information) available to the public (whether for cost or free). As it relates to books, publishing is the act of making a book available for public consumption (Creation & Distribution of a book). Therefore, publishing can take place in many ways and platforms (E.g. Online or physical).

Three Main Types of Publishing

There are three main types of publishing, they are traditional publishing, hybrid publishing, and self-publishing. Every kind of publishing is unique and can serve different purposes for different audiences.

1. Traditional Publishing

In the traditional publishing model, authors engage in a multi-step process that begins with submitting their manuscripts to a publishing house. Once the manuscript is submitted, a thorough evaluation process ensues, where the publisher carefully assesses the content, quality, and market potential of the work. If the manuscript successfully passes this evaluation phase and is selected for publication, the author enters into a partnership with the publishing house. This partnership is characterized by a division of labor where the publisher assumes various responsibilities essential for bringing the book to life. These responsibilities include editing the manuscript to enhance its clarity, coherence, and overall quality. The publisher also takes charge of designing the book's layout and cover, ensuring that the visual presentation complements the content and attracts potential readers. Printing and distribution are critical aspects of the publishing process, and the publisher oversees these operations to ensure that the book reaches its intended audience. Moreover, the publisher handles marketing and sales strategies to promote the book effectively and maximize its reach in the competitive literary marketplace. Authors benefit from this collaborative partnership through various means, such as receiving an advance payment against future royalties. This advance serves as a form of financial support that enables authors to focus on their writing without immediate financial concerns. Additionally, authors earn royalties from book sales, providing them with a continuous stream of income based on the book's performance in the market.

Some Pros & Cons of Traditional publishing?

Pros:

• Professional editing, design, and marketing

• Established distribution channels

• Advance payments and royalties

Cons:

• Less creative control

• Longer time to market

• Completeness. It may be difficult to get selected.

2. Self-Publishing

Self-publishing is exactly what it sounds like. It empowers authors to have complete autonomy over the publishing process. Authors handle tasks such as editing, designing, printing, and marketing their books. Self-publishing comes with various benefits, such as total creative freedom, increased royalty rates, and quicker time to market. Nevertheless, it necessitates authors to dedicate both time and financial resources to the publishing endeavor.

Print on Demand (POD)

Print on Demand is a self-publishing solution that enables authors to produce copies of their books on demand, meaning they are printed only when an order is received. This approach eliminates the necessity for extensive print quantities and lowers initial expenses.

Benefits of Print-on-Demand

• Cost-Effective: No need for large print runs, reducing upfront costs.

• Reduced Risk: Only print copies when there is demand, minimizing the risk of unsold inventory.

• Flexibility: Easily update and revise content without wasting existing stock.

• Global Reach: Most POD services offer international shipping, allowing for greater reach.

Five best self-publishing or print on demand sites

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KPD)

• Ingram Spark

• Lulu

• Book Baby

• Draft2Digital

3. Hybrid Publishing

Hybrid publishing is a combination of traditional and self-publishing, where authors typically cover some publishing services costs like editing and marketing, while the publisher takes care of the rest.

Pros:

• More autonomy compared to traditional publishing

• Access to professional assistance

• Shared financial burdens and responsibilities

Cons:  

• Initial expenses

• Lower royalties

• Reduced rights

So….

I know it’s a lot, but bear with me, this is just the beginning! In the upcoming week, our focus will be solely on self-publishing, specifically the five best print-on-demand websites. Make sure you don’t miss it!