One thing that might be holding you back from writing a book is knowing what to do with it after it has been written. Or, you may have a manuscript already waiting for the next step. It can be a minefield out there if you don’t know the pros and cons of where to go next. You may be thinking shall I get a publisher, do I self-publish or are there any other options. So here is a quick guide of each one.
Publisher
This is also called a traditional publisher and novice writers think that they want a publisher without knowing what they do or don’t do. Firstly, you have to be aware that a publisher will buy the copyright of your book. They are then in control of your book. The cons of this are that if you want to reproduce the content of your book, i.e., to teach in your business, then you won’t have the copyright to do so.
You will need the permission of the publisher to use any of that content. Also, as they now own your book, they can change whatever they like, the title of the book or anything else. You will be consulted but in my experience, you have little control. Most novice writers will think that if they are with a publisher the publisher will do all of the marketing and they will sell more books. This is not necessarily the case. It is still the author’s responsibility to market their books. You will also have to pay a publisher a percentage of what you earn.
Assisted Publisher
In short you pay for the services of an Assisted Publisher. They will literally take your manuscript and turn it into a book. They will assist you to self-publish and therefore you retain all copyright. Some Assisted Publishers will take a percentage of book sales but some do not. In essence you retain all control of your book. The Assisted Publisher is in charge of all of the management of your book from manuscript to book. You are also paying for their expertise and guidance. You should always ask for a sample edit and a call to see if you are compatible with the publisher.
Self-Publisher
This is where you self-publish your own book. You will need to do all of the management of your book, buying ISBN numbers, arranging a cover designer and the formatting (inside of your book) and uploading it all to the appropriate sites.
Pro’s and Con’s
For me when I published my first book, I wanted to regain control of my copyright as I wanted to reproduce the content for my coaching clients and perhaps use it for a course. I also wanted control over the title and the cover. Most of my clients who publish with Forward Thinking Publishing also have the same idea but don’t have the knowledge or the capacity to self-publish.
It took me about a year to figure out what was the best way to move forwards with my first book, Kick Ass Your Life. An Assisted Publisher brings all of their experience and will get your book in the best possible shape for publishing. Forward Thinking Publishing takes on the project at manuscript stage so will do all the editing, formatting and book design. It is not just the service that you are paying for but also their guidance and support.
The pro’s of a publisher is that you have the support and their expertise. The cons are as above that they buy your copyright which is a big no, no for anyone who wants to reproduce their content.
Really it is all dependent on how much you want to be involved. If you want to retain control or just want to do things yourself. Make sure you are armed with all the facts before you publish. I know a few of my clients have made mistakes and it has cost them more money.
If in doubt please sign up to have a Zoom coffee with me, Founder of Forward Thinking Publishing and I can answer any of your questions.
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