The Self-Publishing Path: It’s Often Anything But “Self”

For the new author, it can be a big (and confusing) decision to decide between traditional publishing and self-publishing. But doubly confusing are the choices faced once you settle on the self-publishing path. There is growing complexity in the market and service options—and most authors, unless they have background in the book publishing industry, require some assistance to self-publish successfully.

As with so many things in the publishing world, the best approach to self-publishing depends on your goals and available resources. There isn’t really a right or wrong way as long as you’re dealing with transparent and honest service providers and retailers. But here are the key considerations I always bring to the table in conversations with authors when deciding on the right self-publishing path for them.

1. Full-service publishing providers.
2. Book distributors that offer economical publishing services.
3. Distributors and retailers without any service component.

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