The Pro’s & Con’s of self publishing.

I started self-publishing some of my work a few years ago and overall it has gone very well.  But I will be the first to admit that self-publishing is not for everyone.  The advantages of self-publishing are that you have control of everything, from the editor you choose, to the cover, blurb, and even the locations where you make it available.  The thing is that everything is up to you.  Another big advantage is that the proceeds of the book are yours as well.  You don’t need to share them with a publisher.

The disadvantages of self-publishing are the flip sides of the advantages.  You are in charge of everything, so it’s all on your shoulders.  You also need to pay for everything including covers and editing.  So in addition to you reaping the rewards, you are also on the hook for all the costs.  As I see it, there is another disadvantage and that’s when it comes to promotion because that’s all you as well.  There isn’t a publisher to help promote you or your book.  For a new author that can be daunting.

The best advice I can give anyone is to think about what you want and what you hope to gain very carefully before you make the self-publish or not decision.   Self-publishing can be very rewarding, but it can also be extremely frustrating.  No matter what you choose, I wish everyone the very best of luck!!!!!

Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.