The Expensive Reality of Self-Publishing and Why Books Don't Sell

Self-publishing has opened doors for writers all over the world to bring their stories from their minds into physical books, or e-books available to readers everywhere. However, the harsh reality many learn is that self-publishing is not in any way a guaranteed path to success or the ever-loved rag-to-riches tale. 

Many authors underestimate the true cost of self-publishing and the expensive nature of the publishing process. 

Before you're caught unaware let's take a look at the costly aspects of self-publishing and why writers struggle to find an audience for their novel. 

The Pricey Path to Publication

If I were to have a dollar for every time a writer came to me and told me that they were going to self-publish their novel because it would make them more money in the long run due to the difference in royalties - I would never need to sell another book again, I would just be able to give them all away. 

The sad reality of this is that although the royalties are higher for self-published authors compared to most traditional publishers, the other expenses required out of the author's pocket soon add up. 

Self-published authors have to cover costs such as professional editing, book cover design, formatting, and ISBN registration. 

And this is to just get your novel ready for publication, not even getting it into the hands of your readers. 

The Hidden Marketing Costs

 Your book is now available through the self-publishing platform of your choice - but now what? How are you going to get it into the hands of your readers? 

Promotion. And while you can technically do this for free through social media, unless you are starting with a large following this isn't going to translate to many sales in the beginning.  

Effective marketing requires financial resources for things such as book advertisements, social media campaigns, website development, author events, and book reviews if you are sending out ARC copies to readers.  

Without proper marketing efforts, your books can get lost in the vast sea of new titles that grace readers' social media feeds daily.

This brings us to the next point.  

Discoverability Challenges

 There are millions upon millions of books available online, so discoverability is a tough hurdle for self-published authors to cross.

If readers can't find your book, then they can't read your book. 

With limited visibility on popular platforms, even with targeted ads, partnered with fierce competition and algorithmic challenges, authors can have a tough time reaching their targeted audience. 

Without strategic marketing and a decent-sized author platform with a following, readers aren't going to know your book even exists. 

The Importance of Professionalism

Many self-published authors try to save a dollar here and there and decide to forgo professional services and attempt to bring their book up to professional standards themselves - 

Well without having any experience in formatting, cover design, editing, or marketing, your novel - despite how well written it may be - might appear to your target reader as being something a middle schooler whipped up last minute in an attempt to finish a semester-long project the night before.

Investing in these services will give your book a leg up above the rest - however, they can carry some significant cost so some authors choose not to pay it and their book sales pay the price.  

Building an Author Platform

 Gone are the days when an author can submit to a publishing agency and suddenly their book will be put in front of their potential readers. 

Nowadays even if you are trying to be traditionally published, agents take into consideration the size of the platform that you are bringing with you in deciding whether they are going to take on your book. (Or not.)

Authors need to build an online presence including a website, blog, email list, and as many social media platforms as they can juggle. ( I am currently able to be found on six of them.)

This will take time and effort and require you to invest in branding, content creation, and most importantly community engagement, all of which can be time-consuming and financially demanding to reach large audiences. 

---

Don't be disheartened. Understanding the costs involved in self-publishing will help you focus on strategic marketing, book quality, and building a strong author platform to give your book the best chance it has at making your financial goals a reality.

Most importantly - keep writing. 

With love, 

B. King xo xo

____________________________________________________

*If you've liked what you read you can show your support by subscribing, pledging your support, or leaving me a tip that directly supports and aids me as a writer.

By joining Vocal+ you can earn more per read on every story you publish on Vocal.

Click my link to start your 7-day free trial today and start earning more for your stories.

_____________________________________________

This story was originally posted on Medium.

If you would like to experience Medium yourself, consider supporting me and thousands of other writers by signing up for a membership. It only costs $5 per month, it supports us writers, greatly, and you have the chance to make money with your own writing as well. By signing up with this link, you'll support me directly with a portion of your fee, it won't cost you more. If you do so, thank you a million times!

If you love what you've read you can also show your support by buying me a cup of coffee to fuel my writing. 

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/barbaraking

____________________________________________________