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I just completed the manuscript of another book after months of writing, editing, and cross-checking information. This is my ninth book, and my previous ones were all self-published. I want to reach a wider readership for this one, so I opted to write a memoir around my career and my field of expertise in addiction. Still, I’m uncertain which way to go with this.
To get published by big-name publishing houses is a big deal, but not simple for unknown writers like me. One needs an agent who likes and thinks your work has good market potential and has their foot in publishing houses’ editors’ offices. When a publisher picks your work, they throw in massive resources to dress up your work, publish, and advertise the finished product. Often, the writer gets an advance as the price of owning your book’s copyright. The publisher gets the lion’s share of book sales, and you get only a few dollars. It’s still quite lucrative, considering selling the book in bulk. You hit the jackpot when your book gets to the bestseller lists, a dream for many new authors. Look at it this way: say, for each book, you get a dollar royalty; now think of a million copies sold. That’s a fruit in a tree beyond reach for many aspiring writers.
Enter self-publishing, like Amazon Kindle Publishing or iUniverse, among others. They offer various services for a fee to get your work ready for publication, from editing, proofreading, formatting, and cover design to marketing. These can add up to thousands of dollars. Often, you retain ownership of the book copyright, but they get to keep the bulk of the book sales. Kindle offers a better deal because if you opt to do all the work, you only pay for the printing cost per book. They have everything you need to know online to work on your manuscript and get it published at no cost.
“I like the idea of having control of my work and setting its retail price. My books are priced much less than most comparable books in the market. I have established some following from my previous books and consulting work and consider the affordability of my books to my overseas audience.”
If you want some work done by them, they offer different printing and advertising packages that suit each writer’s needs. You have the choice to use third-party publishing services that will get your manuscript ready for Kindle to publish. You get to set the price of your book and keep the proceeds minus the printing cost, other fees, and taxes, which are minimal. You have access to Amazon’s global outlets that list your book. Other online bookstores, big and small, will also carry your book. Be cautious when dealing with other self-publishing companies. They are often big on promises and short on good results.
Finally, there are indie or micro publishers that are independent and not connected to large houses. They operate differently than big houses and may be selective of the book genre they are interested in publishing. They are an easier avenue to pursue than large publishers. There are those that border between self-publisher and indie publishing. One should read the fine print carefully when working with them.
There. I have walked you through my choices. I have little confidence large houses will pick up my work. It also takes longer for your book to come out in print because of the lengthy process of getting it ready. I like the idea of having control of my work and setting its retail price. My books are priced much less than most comparable books in the market. I have established some following from my previous books and consulting work, and consider the affordability of my books to my overseas audience. It makes better sense for me to pursue self-publishing and do all the work to cut costs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Fernando B. Perfas is an addiction specialist who has written several books and articles on the subject. He currently provides training and consulting services to various government and non-government drug treatment agencies regarding drug treatment and prevention approaches. He can be reached at fbperfas@gmail.com.
