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Updated April 19, 2023
Subtitle
Reasons Self-Publishing Might Not Be for You
Synopsis
The odds against becoming a successful self-publisher can seem daunting. But if you are serious about seeing yourself in print and using your writing to help as many people as possible, then no number of negatives can stop you from accomplishing your goals. Here are ten reasons why self-publishing might not be suitable for you to get into when trying to publish your new book.
What You Will Learn
1. You will learn the most common reasons self-publishing can be disheartening.
2. You will learn about some of the major stumbling blocks that make self-publishing seem too daunting to start.
3. You will learn why self-publishing might not be the right path to explore.
Introduction
The odds against becoming a successful self-publisher can seem daunting to a novice. But if you are serious about seeing yourself in print and using your writing to help as many people as possible, then no number of negatives can stop you from accomplishing your goals.
However, when reading this list, remember there is no right way to publish your book. Therefore, each writer needs to consider their own goals, reasons, and resources before choosing to pursue the traditional book publishing route or the self-publishing route.
Here Are Ten Good Reasons Why Self-Publishing Might Not Be the Right Path for You and Your Book:
Con # 1. No Guarantee Of Success
There are no guarantees of success with self-publishing or business. One of the publications you put all your efforts into might sell one copy weekly. And the next one will sell 100 per week. That’s just how it is.
You will not know which books will sell well until you write and publish them. And to make the whole process of self-publishing more nerve-racking, you will shoulder 100 percent of the financial risk. If you can’t deal with that, self-publishing is not for you.
Con # 2. High Out-Of-Pocket Expenses
Self-publishing start-up costs can be very high if you foolishly purchase and take delivery of a large number of books from a printer.
And then spend the next three years trying to sell them. And then get sick of the entire process and sell them to a big bookstore chain for pennies on the dollar. Where do you think some expensive coffee-table books on the bookstore discount table come from
Con # 3. Choosing A Niche Can Be A Crapshoot
There is a market for every imaginable niche. But if you expect to make money writing about your micro-niche, you better pick wisely and be knowledgeable about that topic. If the audience for your topic is too small, it could be challenging to make enough income from it.
In addition, a traditional publisher probably won’t accept your book if the market for your topic is too small to be profitable for them. And if your book covers a vast market, they might prefer a more experienced author with a large following.
Con # 4. Revisions Can Get Expensive
Revisions can be costly if you haven’t yet sold the bulk of your initial inventory of books – that inventory that you foolishly ordered in bulk to lower your per-copy price – and are now stored in your basement.
Con # 5. Distribution Is Limited
Distribution is limited because bookstore chains generally do not accept self-published books. But eventually, you will find other sales outlets for your books. You can do your own distribution by finding bookstores that will carry self-published books in your niche.
You can also sell and distribute your books directly to buyers who contact you through your website. Shipping, bookstore, and distribution company fees will take a considerable chunk of your profits. And all this takes time away from your writing and running your primary business.
Con # 6. The Fiction Market Is Very Tough
The fiction market can be challenging to sell on a large scale – especially for unknown or new authors. It is tough to build a large following for your fiction without the backing of a traditional publisher. Using social media to build a large following can take a few years and a tremendous amount of time. And most mainstream reviewers will not touch your book with a ten-foot pole.
Con # 7. It Can Be Very Time-Consuming
Self-publishing is exceptionally time-consuming – especially if you expect to make a profit. It can easily take over a significant portion of your life. Do not forget that with self-publishing, you are responsible for all aspects of your book’s production, marketing, sales, design, writing, publicity, finances, website design, etc. Hiring people or companies to provide these services will be time-consuming and expensive.
Con # 8. You Must Accept Returns and Give Refunds
If your books do not sell, the retail stores return them to you for a refund. And you pay for shipping both ways. You can offer a more considerable discount and write a particular contract refusing returns, but stores will not accept that. Accepting returns and giving refunds can be a dangerous and costly game for a self-publisher with limited financial resources.
Con # 9. There Is a Huge Amount Of Competition
If you are afraid of competition, AND the challenge of building a following, AND striving to learn all aspects of building a business, then self-publishing is undoubtedly not for you.
Competition keeps you on your toes, constantly striving to offer a better product and help more people live better lives. This process is what capitalism is about. If you don’t have the intestinal fortitude for a good challenge, then a life of self-publishing is not for you.
Con # 10. Big Learning Curve
There is a substantial learning curve for self-publishing. Learning all the ins and outs of self-publishing can take a few years. In addition, you need to understand the basics of the publishing industry and learn about all aspects of running a small business.
Conclusion
Sure, the odds against becoming a successful self-publisher can seem daunting. That’s life. Deal with it. If you are serious about seeing yourself in print, using your writing to help as many people as possible, and making money, then no number of negatives can stop you from accomplishing your goals. I am telling you this because I know it to be true.
I’ve learned to go around or over every stumbling block I’ve encountered in self-publishing, business, and life. And you can, too. And do not forget that becoming a self-publisher does not preclude you from going to a traditional publisher in the future.
Questions to Think About
1. What stumbling blocks have you encountered in self-publishing?
2. How did you deal with those obstacles?
