Publishing

DIY Self-Publishing vs. Supported Self-Publishing: What's Right for You?

If you want to get your book published your way by self-publishing, you have a couple of options to take. You can do everything yourself or seek support from a self-publishing company.

There are two main types of self-publishing: DIY self-publishing and supported self-publishing. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the differences between these two methods, so you can decide which one is right for you.

What is DIY self-publishing?

DIY self-publishing (also known as independent publishing) is a publishing model that involves the author taking on the majority of responsibility for creating, formatting, distributing, and marketing their own book.

You are DIY self-publishing if:

• You handle everything from designing the cover and interior layout to printing or ordering the books, uploading them to retailers, and creating a promotional plan.
• You handle the vetting, hiring, and dealing with professionals who can assist you in creating and publishing your book.

What is supported self-publishing?

Supported self-publishing is a popular way for authors to get their work out into the world without having to go through a traditional publisher. This type of self-publishing involves enlisting the help of a professional company that provides services to assist authors in producing, publishing, and promoting their books.

You are on a supported self-publishing path if:

• You receive help from the self-publishing company regarding many details associated with publishing, including designing the book cover, formatting the interior layout, and registering the book with Amazon or other retail outlets.
• The self-publisher provides marketing support and guidance to help you reach your target audience and maximize sales.

The Pros and Cons of DIY Self-Publishing and Supported Self-Publishing

DIY self-publishing

• Pros: DIY self-publishing gives you the freedom to be completely in control of your book, from cover design to marketing. You don't have to worry about a publisher telling you what to do or how to do it, and you can make all the decisions yourself. You also keep all the profits from your book, as you don't have to give a share to a publisher.
• Cons: DIY self-publishing requires a lot of work, and you may not have the technical knowledge needed to properly format and design your book. While you avoid sharing profits, the out-of-pocket costs for essential services like editing, formatting, and marketing can add up.

Supported self-publishing

• Pros: Supported self-publishing takes much of the work off your shoulders. A publishing company like AuthorHouse will handle the formatting and design of your book, and often provide marketing and promotion services as well. This can be a huge help for authors who aren't confident in their own abilities or who simply don't have the time or energy to handle everything themselves.
• Cons: While supported self-publishing takes some of the burden off your shoulders, it does come at a cost. You’ll need to invest financially on publishing and marketing services. Additionally, publishers will typically take a percentage of your profits, so you won't make as much money from your book as you would if you went the DIY route.

Should you DIY or go for supported self-publishing?

The answer to which type of self-publishing is right for you depends on a number of factors. It's important to consider your individual situation and determine what best suits your needs.

Do you have the time, energy, and expertise to handle every aspect of book publishing and promotion? If you’re confident, DIY self-publishing is for you.

DIY authors are typically those who are tech-savvy and comfortable with working in an online environment. It can be a great way to take complete control of the publishing process, but it can also be time consuming and require a certain level of technical know-how.

Do you want assistance in navigating the publishing process so that your book comes out the way you have envisioned? If you don't have the time or inclination to handle every single aspect of the process, supported-self-publishing is where you want to go.

Supported self-publishing services can provide authors with professional editing, formatting, cover design, distribution and more, while giving you control over your own work. You can focus on writing and leave the rest of the publishing process to the experts.