Self-publishing is the new fad, offering authors full control over the creative and selling process. The self-publishing route allows you to bypass the gatekeepers of the literary world and take your book directly to your audience; the journey from manuscript to reader is more simplistic, and you as the author are in full control of looks, formatting, etc.
Self-Publishing
Let’s talk about the steps involved when it comes to self-publishing, and we’ll also briefly discuss the costs associated with this route in addition to the earning potential.
What does self-publishing entail?
Writing: It all starts with writing a manuscript. Authors need to produce a polished and compelling story. We assist authors with getting their manuscript ready with our editorial review, or we provide a consultation on how to get started.
Editing: Unlike traditional publishing, where the publisher provides editorial services, self-published authors must either self-edit or hire an editor. Professional editing is imperative for ensuring quality, and it can include developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading. We include editing services in our publishing packages.
Design: The book’s cover and layout are next. Self-published authors often hire graphic designers to create professional covers that can compete with traditionally-published books. We include graphic arts (cover & in-book illustrations) in our publishing packages.
Formatting: The book must be formatted for various types of publication, from regular print to e-books. Authors generally use software like Adobe InDesign to achieve proper formatting, or they can hire a professional to ensure necessary formatting is completed. We include formatting in our publishing packages.
Publishing: Using digital & print-on-demand platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, authors can upload their books to make them available to their audience. We include worldwide distribution in our publishing packages (yep, we’re an authorized retailer for Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target, Apple Books, etc).
Marketing & Sales: Marketing is perhaps the most challenging aspect for self-published authors. They must employ strategies such as holding book signings, utilizing social media platforms, implementing email newsletters, sponsoring book giveaways, and often even paid advertising to promote their books. We are more than willing and able to help authors market their books!
Okay…so where exactly does Honored Abilities come in if I have to do all of this stuff myself? Well, we’re glad you asked!
Look, as a self-publishing company, we don’t expect you to do all of this on your own – it’s a lot to handle and you need (and deserve) to have someone in your corner helping you along the way! We are your guide, mentor, and facilitator. What makes us amazing is that we absorb all the work that generally comes with self-publishing, so that you as an author can put your focus and efforts where they’re most needed (on your creative work, not on all the extra time-consuming stuff). We basically give you the benefits of traditional publishing, with self-publishing prices and all the other benefits that come with self-publishing.
How much does it cost to self-publish?
For an author to do all of this on their own, not only is it time-consuming trying to find the right professionals to help, but costs can be pretty significant! Editing services alone can range from several hundreds to several thousands of dollars, depending on the manuscript length (the average manuscript is about 33,000 words) and the depth of editing required. Cover design can also cost anywhere from $50 to $500 for a professional look. Marketing costs, including paid ads and promotional services vary widely but can easily range from several hundreds to several thousands of dollars.
When it comes to how much it costs to hire a self-publishing company like us, we’ve literally seen our competitors charging over $10,000 for these services (crazy, right)! So, if you’re an author, look no further…take a look at our book publishing packages today, and see how much you can save over doing it yourself or hiring one of our competitors.
How much can I earn if I self-publish?
Self-publishing offers higher royalties compared to traditional publishing, so this equates to more return on your investment in the long run. However, because all expenses come out of your pocket, the initial financial burden is heavier. Successful self-published authors often excel in niche markets or genres and can make substantial income after building a strong reader base.
Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing begins with the author crafting a manuscript that they believe has commercial potential. The first crucial step after completing the manuscript often involves securing a literary agent. These literary agents often act as gatekeepers to the publishing houses; they identify marketable manuscripts, pitching them to suitable publishers, and negotiating contracts on behalf of the author.
Once an agent has accepted a manuscript, they submit it to various publishers, aiming to secure a book deal. If a publisher expresses interest, the agent will offer the author a contract, which typically includes an advance against royalties. Advances are upfront payments made to the author before the book is published and are calculated based on the publisher’s estimate of the debut book’s earning potential. The size of an advance can vary tremendously, often reflecting the publisher’s confidence in the book’s success.
After the deal is signed, the manuscript enters the production phase. This includes rounds of editing to refine the content, designing the book cover, planning marketing strategies, and setting a release date. The editing process can be extensive, involving structural edits, copy edits, and finally, proofreading. During this time, the marketing team works to build anticipation and awareness for the upcoming title through various channels, including social media, book reviews, author interviews, and book tours.
How much can I earn through traditional publishing?
With traditional publishing, you can expect to receive an advance against royalties ranging anywhere from $5,000-10,000 on average for first-time authors. Aside from this upfront payment, you continue to earn royalties from traditional publishing as a small percentage of the book’s sales, typically ranging from 10-15% for print copies and up to 25% for e-books. However, these royalties are paid only after the advance has been ‘earned out’ – meaning the book must earn back its advance before you start receiving royalty checks.
Summary
It’s possible to be successful in the publishing realm, no matter which option you choose, but it’s important to understand how self-publishing and traditional publishing differ, carefully weighing the pros and cons of each. We, as a self-publishing company are obviously in favor of self-publishing, but we’re here to help you weigh your options if you’re having a difficult time trying to understand which route is best for you. Wanna chat about it? Glad you asked! Simply click that purple ‘Contact Us’ button on the top right corner of your screen and let’s have a conversation.
I hope this article helps you on your journey to publishing your work!
With Honor,
~ Aerias & The HA Team