Is Self-Publishing right for you?

Whether you're sending your manuscripts to a publisher or trying to self-publishing your book yourself, each one has benefits and headaches that go along with the process. First, you need to understand that it is a process. No matter which option you choose, you need to have patients and understand the risks.

Here are some options when deciding how to publish your book:

Pay to have a company publish your book. This can become expensive, but rewarding, some publishers will help you absorb some of the cost (proofreading, cover design). This is a good option, if you are confident that your book will sell, and you can recoup the money you put into it by receiving a percentage of the royalties.

Submitting your manuscript to publishers. This is high risk options; you are hoping a publisher will read it. Remember, publishing companies receive thousands of manuscripts a month, they will only select a small percentage to publish. Since they are doing all the work, they are absorbing the risk that your book will sell. You are receiving a smaller percentage of the royalties.

Self-Publish your book yourself. This option allows you to be in control. You are doing all the work (proofing, cover design, copyright, etc.). It is lower risk and higher reward, since you are banking on your ability to write something someone will want to read. You are keeping most of of the royalties.