A lot of people don't like the idea of self publishing or publishing on demand because they feel their book wasn't really 'published,' didn't undergo the scrutiny they suspect any manuscript would have to endure and surpass if it was purchased and produced by a 'traditional' publisher, and that it wouldn't be looked upon favorably by distributors and bookstores around the world as a viable product worthy of promotion and marketing efforts.
In recent years, the truth about the self-publishing strategy has finally come to light and it has surprised quite a few authors.
Until about a decade ago, self-published books (and by association their authors) were looked upon as the poor cousins of the publishing industry.
These books were authored by folks who meant well, but had no writing talent.
Subsequently, the books wouldn't sell and no 'legitimate' member of the traditional publishing industry wanted anything to do with the matter.
It was as if anyone who embraced the self-publishing concept (author, printer, bookstore or anyone in between) would be permanently sullied by their association.
Now the lines have blurred dramatically.
Technology has leveled the playing field.
And a lot of market pressures have caused things to change.
To begin with, you can no longer say a self-published book is, by definition, poorly written and presented.
Authors have learned that getting the help of freelance editors and artists can improve the book to a higher level than they thought possible.
On the other side, traditional publishers have had to cut costs to maintain profitability.
Editing and proofreading isn't what it used to because these folks don't have all the time they need.
Walk into any bookstore.
Look at few books from both camps and you really will have a tough time telling the difference.
Technology has improved to the point that anyone with a computer, a color printer and a kitchen table can be a very effective, albeit limited, book publisher.
Another factor is time.
We live in an instant world and few authors have the luxury of a six-month lead time before the book hits the shelves.
We want things when we want things.
Self-published books are now regularly turned around (when there are no glitches) in about 72 hours.
Distribution used to be another challenge.
Traditional bookstores handled only traditionally published books, unless the manager was your uncle or you had another sort of in.
You could print all the books you wanted but without a place to sell them, well, what was the point.
Amazon.
com welcomes self-published books.
Do I need to go on? There presence means anyone's book is now just a few keystrokes away.
That in itself has nailed shut the lid on the distribution monster.
Not too long ago you could go on a radio talk show promoting your book and have the host ask the question you hated most...
"So where can we find your book?" You'd hmm and awww and invite the listener in any but the biggest city nearby to give you a call.
Now the reply is just, "You can get it on Amazon.
com.
" and you have all the distribution credibility you could ever need.
Not only have other book stores fallen in line behind, but now anyone who sees a profit, from pet stores to dental offices, can be an outlet for the self-published book as well.
Cost? You're kidding, right? Digital technology (glorified photocopying) means a run of 100 copies is well within any budget.
Want just one or two copies? You can do that yourself for little more than the cost of cheap copy paper and a couple of photocopies.
You'll need five cents worth of glue, too.
I'll give you all that info at Publishing for 50 cents a copy! The real difference between traditional publishing and self publishing is how much work you want to put into your book after you've written it.
Marketing is where you should be placing most of your time and money.
But that's true regardless of how your book is published.