• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar

MAKJAY PUBLISHING

 

The writer’s life isn’t just about creating books, it’s expressing your voice using different creative forms and making your audience feel something.

  • Makjay Publishing
  • Design
  • Write
  • Publish
  • Promote
  • Broadcast
  • Advertise
  • Connect
  • Writer Resources

To Publish or Not to Publish: This isn’t the Question

May 18 by Makjay Editor

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are "affiliate links." This means we may garner a small commission at no cost to you if you choose to make a purchase. Read our Disclaimer Notice for more information

To publish or not to publish: That is not the question

To publish or not to publish: This isn’t the question

Serious writers are not asking whether to publish or not to publish. If a person writes, it is fair to assume they want their work in the marketplace. Therefore, the real debate centers on whether writers should choose self-publishing, follow a traditional path, or opt for a hybrid solution. Conversation and opinion abound in this debate, giving writers every reason to weigh their options thoroughly.

Self-publishing path

On this path the author might decide to start and operate an independent press or imprint. In essence the writer becomes their own publishing house using their personal name or by creating a formal business name. Writers cover the entire cost of bringing the book to market and assume the responsibility of getting the job done.

Not that a writer couldn’t hire professionals such as editors, book cover designers, and others along the way. After all, “Nobody publishes a good book alone.” In fact, during a workshop presented by Women in Publishing, the speakers recommended writers employ the services of an author’s virtual assistant. For many authors this makes sense considering how much work writing, publishing, and marketing a book requires.

Greater control, greater rewards

Another consideration, and often a powerful feature, of the self-publishing path involves the level of control writers prefer over their books. This path gives most control to the writer and gives them the lion’s share of the sales. Or, at least, a greater part of it goes to them. A percentage of the revenue may still go to book distributors who ask for discounts on their book orders.

Traditional path

This path involves a traditional publisher who contracts with the author to produce and distribute their book. On one hand, the author has much less control over their book and smaller portions of the book’s proceeds reach the author. On the other, the author has less work in preparing the book for publication except for writing, revising, and marketing. The publisher handles book production, distribution, warehousing, and some marketing. 

Traditional publishers often require that authors engage the services of an agent. Agents, after securing a contract on behalf of the author, will take their cut, along with the publishing house and its different departments. Although more authors are self-publishing, a strong sense of accomplishment and relief arises when an author is “picked-up” by a traditional publishing house. For instance, Amanda Hocking experienced outstanding success as a self-published author, but when St Martin’s Press and Pan Macmillan offered her a contract, she accepted. Why? Amanda’s success wasn’t without plenty of time and effort. She would be the first to admit self-publishing is hard work. When a traditional publisher came along, they offered the relief and help she needed.

Hybrid path

There is a third choice on the table as well; hybrid. Think of this model as a compromise between the self and the traditional paths. Today’s marketplaces offer services that range from editorial only to full-service packages for independent authors. Companies offering these services are just as varied and often include ones that are more traditional. The author pays for most of the services, such as editing, book design, marketing, and more.

The greatest benefit to the hybrid path is having a team of experts to help with all the work. However, authors should research these service providers well before contracting with them. Sad, but true, unscrupulous businesses have taken advantage of many authors. Best practice is to speak with other authors regarding their experiences.

Learn about the publishing process

The key? Learn as much as possible about the different paths. Some recommended ways to help select one include:

  • Read books related to the industry.
  • Read blogs from industry experts.
  • Take online courses.
  • Attend writer’s conferences.
  • Listen to Podcasts from organizations such as Association of Independent Authors.
  • Find a mentor or join writers’ groups that include authors experienced in publishing.
  • Ask questions whenever you can or need.
  • Do not be afraid to seek help from author virtual assistants.
  • Weigh the costs versus the benefits of each path.
  • Consult sites such as Writer Beware to help identify less reputable service providers.
  •  Obtain references and recommendations from other authors

These excellent resources go a long way in helping an author make informed decisions.

To publish or not to publish may not be the question. But asking which path is right; now that is the real question.

MJP Editor
Makjay Publishing

 

  1. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/jan/12/amanda-hocking-self-publishing

 

DMCA.com Protection Status

Filed Under: Publish Tagged With: hybrid publishing, independent author, publish, publishing, publishing paths, self-publish, traditional publishing, types of book publishing

Primary Sidebar

Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Twitter
Visit Us
Follow Me
Tweet
fb-share-icon

Recent Posts

  • To Publish or Not to Publish: This isn’t the Question
  • Where, Oh Where, Are All The Story Inspirations
  • Make Good on Your Ideas
  • 5 Rules for Writers
  • Stephen King On Writing Still Best Out There

Recent Comments

  • Lauren Ann Harrison on 5 Rules for Writers

Categories

  • Design
  • Publish
  • Write
  • Writer Resources

Word of the Day
Word of the Day
provided by TheFreeDictionary.com

 

Quote of the Day
Quote of the Day
provided by TheFreeDictionary.com

 

Article of the Day
Article of the Day
provided by TheFreeDictionary.com

 

This Day in History
This Day in History
provided by TheFreeDictionary.com

 

socialpilot

Secondary Sidebar

Helpful Websites

  • Jane Friedman
  • Funds For Writers
  • The Creative Penn
  • The Independent Publishing Magazine
  • Writer Beware
  • Written Word Media

Podcasts for Writers

  • AskAllie:Self-Publishing Advice Podcast
  • First Draft: A Dialogue on Writing Podcast
  • Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing Podcast
  • Go Publish Yourself: An IngramSpark Podcast
  • Helping Writers Become Authors Podcast
  • Hope Writers Podcast
  • Kingdom Writers: A Podcast for Christian Writers Today Podcast
  • The Creative Penn Podcast
IBPA Proud Member

Alliance of Independent Authors /


Copyright © 2023 · Makjay Publishing, LLC All Rights Reserved
Copyright Notice   Affiliate Disclosure  DMCA Notice   Privacy Notice   Terms and Conditions

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT