
Before the invention of modern book publishing methods, authors would have to attempt going through a traditional publisher to get their hard work out there. Now authors have the choice of indie publishing, which allows for authors to publish an eBook or print-on-demand (POD). This can be achieved through the use of either a Web-based publishing platform, such as Chat eBooks, or a custom printing service. Either option provides authors with advantages that are specific to one type of publishing. Before deciding what option is best for you, take some time to learn what the advantages are and determine what is going to be best for you.
Traditional Publishing
- Royalties: Many traditional publishing companies who have accepted a book and are publishing your work, will typically pay the author an advance on the royalties that the book is projected to receive. This is then followed up with the balance of actual royalties. Royalties can range anywhere from 7.5{e9882222d34a627c01256861a8ec0603d0c81cc8f48678048d03a7472f7f9be6} to 15{e9882222d34a627c01256861a8ec0603d0c81cc8f48678048d03a7472f7f9be6}, sometimes even higher, and are determined by the publisher.
- In-house Editing: After being accepted by a traditional publishing house, their in-house editor will provide a complete edit of your manuscript. Opting to self-publish means that authors have the added expense of finding and hiring an editor to edit their manuscript prior to publishing. Most publishing houses will have a staff of competent editors that all hold a bachelors degree in either English or journalism and have demonstrated a proficiency in editing skills.
- Publishing and Printing Cost: Because cost associated with publishing and printing a book can range upwards of thousands of dollars, most authors find it advantageous to rely on a traditional publisher who covers the cost and assumes all risk and liabilities associated with publishing.
- Marketing: A publishing house will handle a vast majority of the marketing of the end product. This doesn’t mean that authors are exempt from contributing to marketing their work. In fact, many authors are required to cooperate in publicizing, promoting, and marketing their work as well. This can be achieved through online promotions, book signings, etc.
- Credibility: Most people tend to give more credibility to books that are published by traditional publishing houses, compared to those that are self-published. Part of this is due in fact to the poor quality of editing that most self-published novels receive, and are regularly published.
Indie Publishing
- Fast Turn Around Time: When a book is self-published, it can be brought to market in a matter of months, compared to the average timeline of two years for traditional publishing. eBooks are the fastest publishing method, taking on average a couple of weeks to reach the market.
- Author Retains More Control Over Final Product: When electing to self-publish, the author is able to retain control over important decision regarding their work. This includes: format of book, cover design, planning, editing, publishing, marketing, and any other critical decisions that need to be made. It is worth noting that POD publishing does limit the author’s control.
- Retention of Rights: The only way for an author to retain full rights to their work is through indie publishing. This allows for the author to do whatever they want to their book at any given time. When using a traditional publisher, the author is limited by the constraints put in place by the publishing company. POD publisher can also limit what an author can and can’t do to their published work.
- Low Inventory: The ability to publish on demand and custom printing service options, allows for independent authors to print books as needed, instead of mass quantities at a time. When books are printed in large quantities, authors run the risk of having stacks of unsold books, or having to ship and store unsold books. Therefore, printing as needed also saves authors money.
The way that books are published has changed, and is continuing to change. Thanks to online printing platforms, such as Chat eBooks, authors are able to self-publish at a fraction of the cost, retain control of their work, and receive most, if not all, of the royalties by doing the work themselves!