Profit Difference- Publisher or Self Published?

[Kelli Wheelwright]

What is the Authors profit difference between going with a publishing house vs. self publishing?

 

Which do you prefer and why?

 

Thank you!

K Wheelwright

http://www.ekfamilybooks.blogspot.com

 

[Joe Perrone Jr.]

In today's marketplace, the self-published author who has the ability to promote his or her work is much more likely to make money than one who relies upon a publishing house.  From what I've read, the only authors who receive the big promotion dollars are those elite few with whom we are all familiar.  For the new authors, budgets are all but non-existent, and Interviews, book signings, etc. are often left up to the author to arrange and promote.  With the availability of advertising outlets like Google AdWords, Microsoft Bing, and Facebook (not to mention the myriad of author and reader websites), it only requires effort - and not very much cash - to generate an effective sales campaign.  Additionally, the advent of Ebook reading devices like the Kindle and the Nook, and the growing number of readers who use them, has created an environment in which the entrepreneur has a very good chance to succeed.  Utilizing these tools, I was able to generate over $25,000 in royalties in 2011, and 2012 looks to be even better.

I banged my head against the publishing establishment wall for several years before deciding to self-publish, and I must say it was the best decision I ever made.  I realize that not everyone is cut out to "go it alone," but if you believe in yourself AND in your writing, you owe it to yourself to give it a try.   There are plenty of individuals out there who offer reasonably priced services like editing, proof reading, formatting, and cover design that enable even the least business-oriented authors to have a chance at success.  Utilizing a background in advertising copy writing, I have even been able to help several authors launch ad campaigns.  The tools are out there; just look and you'll find them!

[Kelli Wheelwright]

THanks Joe, I will certainly weigh my options when I get there.

[Emma Daley]

Yeah, thanks Joe!

This is all really good to know myself. I have put lots of money into big advertising. My experience is that those types of things don't pay off. It's the small stuff, like building a network, like we are doing here, that does. 

[Joe Perrone Jr.]

When I first began, I did all the little things like local book signings, etc., but what really got things off the ground was Amazon "Tag Your Books" and exchanging reviews with other authors.  Then, I started my "big" ad campaign with what was then Yahoo Sponsored Search.  My original budget, believe it or not, was $3.00 per day!  That's it, just $3.00 per day.  Now, I spend upwards of $1,200.00 per month - but it's worth it!  Keep in mind that when you use either Facebook display ads, Google AdWords, or Microsoft Yahoo/Bing, you only pay when someone clicks on your ad, and you set the budget you're comfortable with.  Give it a try.  Also, avail yourself of every opportunity that you can, such as author interviews (written and live on Internet shows), reviews by other authors, etc.  There's no down side.  Good luck!

[Kelli Wheelwright]

those are some great ideas. I certainly wouldn't have a ton of money to dump into my book right away, but $3 a day seems reasonable and there are a ton of great resources now.

[Joe Perrone Jr.]

:)

[jeff ashcroft]

The power of words !

Books fire the imagination. They protect the past and pave the way for the future. They have no boundries or limits. They keep the mind alive and the brain active. Fiction read by those who deal in fact, sometimes oause and consider " What if?"

keep writingJeff

[jeff ashcroft]

well to me when starting out, it wasn't for the money but to see my story available for all to buy, read and hopefully enjoy. I love the positive meails I've received. I write for the fun of writing and self publication is another step towards seeing your book on the book shelf (as well as in e book format) Write for the fun of writing. Enjoy the written word, be different!

[Joe Perrone Jr.]

I totally agree.  This past weekend when 2132 individuals downloaded my two books for FREE, it gave me an incredible sense of satisfaction that all those people would be reading what I wrote.  The money is nice, but knowing that others are enjoying what I have created is the real "high."

[Leanna]

Some advise to self-publish and aim for at least 5,000 sales the first year whereupon the publishers are likely to pick you up. I'm new to all this but it appears that a new author can waste a lot of time trying to get a publisher. Optimally, if we self-publish and do a good job of marketing (and of course have produced a quality work) then eventually a publisher is likely to pick it up and give it more publicity.

[Eugenia O'Neal]

Yes, I agree with this, Leanna.  From all I've read, publishers may not be willing to take a risk on a book that doesn't look like it will have wide commercial appeal but if the author self-publishes and the book flies off the digital shelves, publishers AND agents will sit up and take notice.  The onus is on the author to write the best book, get it properly edited, etc. and then put it in the hands of a few well-placed reviewers, to be active in groups, etc. and, most importantly, to work on the next book so that when the first takes off, readers don't have a long wait till the next one.

[Kelli Wheelwright]

I think thats a really interesting point when it comes to self pubs. Sometimes its a stair step to becoming published or at least having the opportunity presented.

 

KW

http://www.ekfamilybooks.blogspot.com