What is Self-Publishing Without Vanity Publishers?

Self-publishing, also known as selph publishing, involves the independent work and effort put into printing or publishing a book without taking the traditional publishing house route. This self-sufficiency is a powerful choice for many authors who are eager to bring their stories to life, despite the challenges and rejections that sometimes come with it.

The Challenge of Traditional Publishing

The path to publication via traditional publishers can be long and often challenging. Many authors submit their work, only to face numerous rejections. Despite the difficulties, the allure of professional editing, design, and marketing often compels them to persevere. However, not everyone gets the opportunity to work with a traditional publisher, and those who do often find the process lengthy and uncertain.

I personally experienced this firsthand. After receiving several rejections from standard publishing houses, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Learning to self-publish became a necessity, and I found a wealth of resources available online to guide me through the process. Self-publishing, while demanding, offers a more immediate and direct route to releasing your work.

Understanding Vanity Publishers

While self-publishing can be a rewarding and cost-effective option, it's important to be wary of vanity publishers. These companies often offer attractive packages that can be very appealing, but they often come with hidden costs. They may claim to have lower charges but ultimately end up being more expensive. I received a quote from a well-known vanity publisher for a standard "package," which included a cover design, editing, and formatting. Despite my having already done the necessary work, their quoted price was over $1,000. Moreover, the books would only come at a high cost to me, around $30 per copy. How could I possibly make a profit under these conditions?

This is the stark reality of vanity publishing. These companies aim to profit from the author's hard work by pushing them to pay high costs for minimal return. Be cautious and avoid them at all costs.

Choosing a Reliable Self-Publishing Platform

Fortunately, there are numerous reliable self-publishing platforms available that do not involve unrealistic fees. Ingram Spark, Smashwords, and Draft2Digital are some of the primary first-hand makers and distributors that offer services with modest setup charges:

Ingram Spark: Offers both print and eBook services. The print setup fee is $49, and eBooks are available to everyone. Smashwords: Primarily focuses on eBooks and also provides internal sales at no charge. Draft2Digital: Another platform for eBooks, offering significant distribution options and no setup charges. Kindle Direct: Primarily serves Amazon dealers and offers expanded distribution through Ingram at no charge.

These platforms allow you to provide a formatted text and a cover picture (in JPG or PDF), which they then produce and distribute throughout the world. Royalties vary based on the distributor's retail price and the type of book, ranging from 15% to 70%. Payments are generally made through direct deposit to American-style bank accounts or sometimes through PayPal. Checks, however, typically require a minimum amount, usually ranging from $25 to $100.

Conclusion

Self-publishing, while demanding, offers authors a unique and rewarding opportunity to bring their work to the world. By avoiding vanity publishers and utilizing reliable self-publishing platforms, you can publish your book with minimal costs and maximum control. Good luck with your self-publishing journey!