The fact that there are 3,150 books about self-publishing on Amazon.com, is representative of a burgeoning trend towards printing your own words. Many people are asking themselves: could I get my ideas or story in print?

Self-publishing gives you ultimate control on the direction and editing of your book.

Although you may take care of the promotion, with self-publishing you can earn a profit of 30 to 150%, whereas a large publisher finances a project but may only offer a 5 to 15% royalty. Of course, you do take on some risk when publishing. But with self-publishing you can choose to print as many books as you will likely sell, from 100 copies (digitally printed) to 2,000 copies or more.

As a self-publisher, you own all rights to your book which means you can reprint as needed. If you use a traditional publishing house, they will own all rights and may not do your book justice, with little time and effort spent.

For largely unknown authors, their books may last on bookshelves just three months, and publishers expect you to do three months of touring and promotion for your small profit – not easy if you are a parent of young kids. Wholesalers and distributors to bookstores take over 55% of the retail cost of books, and often return the books if unsold. Remember, bookstores are just one avenue for book sales, and many people never go into bookstores at all. Luckily there is a plethora of other avenues!

Publishing houses are usually not interested unless your book is likely to sell 10,000+ copies. Books targeted to a small audience may not be mass produced because publishers feel the demand is not enough to warrant a large print run.

Books as a Marketing Tool

If you are an expert in your field, there is a niche market out there eager to purchase your polished book. And with your business contacts, it will not be hard to find them. Your book could act as a promotional tool for your business. The book itself is a product with its own value.

It can come free with purchase (value adding), or be offered with every presentation you do. Best of all, people do not throw away books like they do company brochures.

Even if you cannot afford all of the publishing & promotion costs yourself, you can choose to subsidise your publishing venture with others in business who are compatible with your venture. You might offer them a special page in the book for their promotion or have their logo on the cover; this is a form of sponsorship.

Serious professionals might then proceed to the step I took, publishing a small number so that you can distribute directly in Australia. This can lead to larger print numbers pending your book’s successful marketing campaign.

Successful self-publishers include Dale Beaumont, compiler of the ‘Secrets Exposed’ series – up to 170,000 books printed, Michael Yardney (How to Grow a Multi-million dollar property portfolio), Sandy Forster (How to Get Wildly Wealthy Fast), and others too numerous to mention. Although it takes time to write, edit and publish a book, the self-publisher’s business inquiries or opportunities increased markedly. They also make money on the book sales through their seminars, through their web sites and affiliated online and offline bookstores. The success of these books might make you rethink any ideas you had that self-publishing is not profitable. It’s all about creating new sales avenues.

Books Add Value

You can add value for your book, or through offering your book as a package with a course or similar.

Some networking groups are including a free book with membership, which adds value at the right ‘product price to value’ ratio, and attracts new members. What ways could a book add value to your product or service?

In Summary

Publishing your own book is an expression of yourself; you can help others by sharing your personal story and wisdom. Never let anyone dissuade you of the value of your experience.

There are secrets for successful book publishing and promotion through niche channels. It’s tough to succeed alone without this knowledge. When I delved into the publishing world, I found a lot of pitfalls for the unwary and some very useful advice. You really need to know these things while you are still writing and forming your book, or even if it’s just an idea in your mind.