In my recent blog redesign, I added the “SHOP” to the menu to make it easier to find resources with basic information about publishing a book. Each resource helps with a stage on the journey to becoming an author and publishing a book.
People ask me all the time, “Is Amazon self-publishing worth it? Is it better than traditional publishing?”
In this article, I’ll seek to answer those questions. This article is part of a larger series (linked below), and I hope you find something in these articles to enjoy and profit from.
Is Amazon Self-Publishing Worth It?
The simple answer that no one likes is, “It depends.”
What are your goals?
Q: Do you want to keep the highest amount of royalties? Do you want to maintain creative control?
A: Then self-publishing is the best option.
Q: Do you want to have worldwide distribution and access to bookstores?
A: A few years ago, I would have said you needed to be traditionally published to do that. But the times have changed. You can have worldwide distribution and access to book stores as a self-published author.
Q: Do you want help marketing your book and selling more copies?
A: Again, a few years ago, you would have had to go with traditional publishing. But now-a-days, traditional publishers are doing less to support their authors.
And with self-publishing and Kindle Direct Publishing through Amazon, you can advertise and market your book to hundreds of millions of book readers in a matter of minutes. You can run your own promos, control the pricing, target different niches, and do it all from your personal laptop.
Q: So is Amazon self-publishing worth it?
A: In my opinion, it definitely is (for those reasons above and many more).
If you want further proof in the direction of self-publishing, or on the contrary, if you want to hear the other side of the argument, check out the resources below.
- 5 Good Reasons to Self-Publish Your Book
- 7 Reasons Not to Self-Publish—Is This You?
- Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing
Getting Ready to Publish
The very first thing to do when you start thinking “I’m going to self-publish!” is to find out what kind of self-publisher you might become. This decision is critical because it will influence the decisions you make down the road about organizing your publishing business (if you start one), budgeting for your book, and the way the book will be manufactured.
In order to help decide on your publishing path, take a look at these articles on the different ways to be a self-publisher:
What Kind of Self-Publisher Am I?
- Two Kinds of Self-Publisher—Which One Are You?
- Self-Publishing Basics: Four Ways to Publish Your Book
- The Self-Publisher’s Self Questionnaire
Now that you know the direction you want to go, it’s time to do some homework. You’ll have to establish your company with local authorities, pick a name for your press, and set up your accounting and record keeping. You’ll be putting in place the infrastructure your new company will need to launch your book. You’ll deal with companies like Bowker and get your ISBNs in preparation for publishing your book.
Preparing for Publication
- How to Create, Register and List Your New Publishing Company
- Slow is the Best Speed for Self-Publishing
You’re just about ready to start your publishing life. It’s natural to feel a little nervous about the world you’re entering, but pretty soon you’ll feel right at home. Each time you make progress toward publication, or increase your readership, you add valuable experience.
For most self-publishers, this book is the first one they have written and published. It’s daunting to have to learn everything at once.
Fortunately, companies like Self-Publishing School can help you on the journey, whether through education or done-for-you book production services. They’re always ready to help aspiring authors, so book a call with their team to find out how they can help you.
Becoming Part of the Community
Becoming part of the community of self-publishers, indie writers, editors, book designers, marketers and everyone else associated with indie publishing gives you the opportunity to learn from dozens of experienced people.
- 5 Things That Shouldn’t Surprise You About Self-Publishing
- Top 5 Discussion Forums for Self-Publishers
- 3 Indie Publishing Discussion Groups: Getting Your Questions Answered
There’s no other way to say it: Self-publishing can be an exhausting and demanding job, but it’s also satisfying in very unique ways. Sometimes when you’re getting started, it helps to remember both sides.
Getting Up and Running as a Self-Publisher
- 6 Ways to Jump-Start Your Self-Publishing Career
- 8 Answers That Help Self-Publishers Get Up and Running
And even though we won’t talk about marketing until later in this journey, it’s time for your publishing company and you as an author to have a presence online. The sooner the better. Authority and influence build over time.
Author Platform: What Are You Waiting For?
Next time we’ll take the next step, Planning Your Book.
If you’re wanting to learn how to self-publish your book on Amazon, click here to get your free copy of Chandler Bolt’s book, Published.
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