To Self-Publish or not to Self-Publish?  That is the Question

You’ve written a book?  Well done! The question now is do you self publish or do you submit your manuscript to a publisher. There are many things to consider before you decide.

There are costs associated with both options. Should you decide to send your manuscript to a publisher/s you must ensure that it is a "final manuscript". In other words with little or no mistakes. To ensure this is so you will need to engage the services of a proof reader and/or editor. Historically speaking your chances of success in getting your book published by a publisher is about 5%.

Publishers review a book based on many criteria, the main one being the "sellability" of the book. If your book is rejected it does not mean you are a bad author or that you must give up... it may just mean that the publisher does not feel it would be a money maker for them.

J.K. Rowlings was rejected on multiple occassions but she persevered and look where she is today.

Publishing your book yourself makes sense for a number of reasons. Foremost, with the advent of digital printing, a small number of books can be printed at a relatively low cost per copy, and reprinted in small quantities as needed, in other words Print on Demand... With Print on Demand the cost of printing comes down with the higher number you need printed. Always bear in mind that the quality of the finished product is just as important as the price. Don't sacrifice quality to save a few cents.