Can You Be Your Own Book Publisher?

Can You Be Your Own Book Publisher?

November 12, 2009

By Sophfronia Scott

There's a new book out whose author is determined to “expose” the “deception” and “overcharging” of self-publishing companies. Michael N. Marcus, author of Become A Real Self-Publisher, writes “Just as no one can eat lunch for you or take a bath for you, no one can self-publish for you. The companies that call themselves ‘self-publishing companies’ are really vanity presses that make most of their money by selling services to misinformed and naive writers, not by selling books to readers.”

He advocates becoming a “real self-publisher”, meaning that you do it all yourself: get the printer, get the designers and editors, get your own ISBNs and market your book. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m just wondering—if writers are “misinformed and naïve”, how can they do any better doing everything on their own? It seems to me they would still be prey to overcharging and deception by printers, editors and designers.

This is why I have always encouraged my clients to take charge of their own book publishing process by clearly understanding their goals and learning as much as they can about publishing so they can make the best choices for their book. Why are you writing the book? Why do you want to be published? What do you hope to get out of it? How much money do you want to spend? How much work are you willing to put into it?

When it comes to self-publishing, I believe it’s very much like a home renovation project. You could supervise the whole thing yourself: hire the architect, the electrician, the carpenter, the plumber and order all the materials yourself. Or you could hire a contractor to do all this for you. It’s the same with your book. You can oversee the whole project yourself or use a company that offers publishing services. It’s up to you to understand both options and choose accordingly.

Many of these publishing companies are reputable (I will admit not all are great, that’s why you must do your research!), and these days offer a better quality book and larger distribution than would normally be in the reach of a new author. I’ve used such publishing services and I work with a highly regarded company to bring these same services to my clients to help them bring their books into the world. This works best right now, and I may choose to do it differently in the future. But I will be the first to tell any writer that no choice is automatic. You must weigh your options and decide which path is right for you.

There doesn’t have to be “victims” here as Mr. Marcus says. But there is every opportunity to have many more educated consumers.

© 2009 Sophfronia Scott

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Sophfronia Scott is Executive Editor of the Done For You Writing & Publishing Company. Learn what a difference being a published author can make for your business. Get your FREE audio download, “How to Succeed in Business By Becoming a Bestselling Author” and your FREE online writing and book publishing tips at www.DoneForYouWriting.com.