Reasons for Self Publishing
Self publishing is probably easier and more inviting now than it has ever been. There are many book doctors and self-publishing assistants and sites on the internet, more writers have technical know-how and there are more freelance editors and illustrators and designers in easy reach.
So, why would you self-publish a book? There are lots of reasons, and your specific reason, or reasons, will have an impact on your best course of action.
Reason 1. You have written a novel or book of poems or a non fiction title and, having done the rounds of the appropriate commercial publishers, you still haven't landed a contract. This may mean your book doesn't fit the current publishing scene. It may have actual problems (maybe you are an inexperienced writer and it shows) or it may have zeitgeist problems (it just isn't "today"). Maybe there are techniques you haven't learned yet. It's also quite likely it's a good book, but the editor was offered 100 good books this quarter and has room for only five of them. Or maybe it's a genre that is out of fashion. Whatever the reason, your chances of commercial publication now seem slim-to-none.
Reason 2. You have written your book and you want to get it published now. Maybe you've done the rounds of publishers before. Maybe you have a specific deadline in mind. You want your book out before you retire, start your family, or before your primary reader loses interest (or, in the case of a child or elderly person) gets too old. Maybe you have an event you want to celebrate or at which you want to offer your book.
Reason 3. You have written your book and you have a set idea of how it will look. Or maybe you are the kind of person who likes to keep creative control. Or perhaps you just want a challenge.
Reason 4. You have written a book you suspect, or know, will have a limited commercial appeal. It will never sell thousands or even hundreds of copies, but you'd like a copy or so for you and the family.
So, why would you self-publish a book? There are lots of reasons, and your specific reason, or reasons, will have an impact on your best course of action.
Reason 1. You have written a novel or book of poems or a non fiction title and, having done the rounds of the appropriate commercial publishers, you still haven't landed a contract. This may mean your book doesn't fit the current publishing scene. It may have actual problems (maybe you are an inexperienced writer and it shows) or it may have zeitgeist problems (it just isn't "today"). Maybe there are techniques you haven't learned yet. It's also quite likely it's a good book, but the editor was offered 100 good books this quarter and has room for only five of them. Or maybe it's a genre that is out of fashion. Whatever the reason, your chances of commercial publication now seem slim-to-none.
Reason 2. You have written your book and you want to get it published now. Maybe you've done the rounds of publishers before. Maybe you have a specific deadline in mind. You want your book out before you retire, start your family, or before your primary reader loses interest (or, in the case of a child or elderly person) gets too old. Maybe you have an event you want to celebrate or at which you want to offer your book.
Reason 3. You have written your book and you have a set idea of how it will look. Or maybe you are the kind of person who likes to keep creative control. Or perhaps you just want a challenge.
Reason 4. You have written a book you suspect, or know, will have a limited commercial appeal. It will never sell thousands or even hundreds of copies, but you'd like a copy or so for you and the family.
How Affa Can help
Affa offers manuscript assessment, editing and proofreading services for self publishing. She can help you format your book for print publishing via Lulu, and assist in finding an illustrator if you need one.
Affa can't guarantee your self-published book will sell a million copies, but her services will help you produce a book that is a polished example of its kind. It will be free from the common problems that make some self-published books read like first drafts.
Affa can't guarantee your self-published book will sell a million copies, but her services will help you produce a book that is a polished example of its kind. It will be free from the common problems that make some self-published books read like first drafts.
Want a more formal approach?
If you want a total package for assisted self-publishing, Affa recommends a visit to her LINKS page where you will find reputable and talented service providers.