Self Publishing
Self publishing is a good option for new authors who do not have a bestseller to their credit. Earlier publishing a book was not easy as the author was required to first approach a publisher with his book. All traditional publishing companies accept a book only if it is sure to be a bestseller.
No Surety Of Positive Response From Publishing Companies
Only if a writer has already authored books in the past that have sold millions of copies, can he be sure that the reading community will accept any book written by him. This is possible only for authors who have written several books and are well known.
But if a person has written a book for the first time and wants to publish it, it is best to opt for self publishing as it is really difficult to convince a traditional publisher to accept his book. First of all the publishing company will ask him to do a market survey to ensure if the book will surely be accepted by the audience and will make good sales. Even if the results turn out positive the company may or may not accept the book. Most new authors have got used to being rejected by publishers. It is considered to be part of the game that publishing houses will return a new author's work with a "no thank you" note or a message that they will contact the writer in future which will surely never happen.
Finally if an author is lucky enough to be accepted by a publisher, he will find that there are many disadvantages with traditional publishing whereas self publishing is more beneficial for a new author.
More Profits From The Sale Of Books
First of all, the author has to sign a contract with the company in which most of the clauses will be in favor of the company. For instance, if the book makes good sales, he will receive a royalty on each copy which will be only a small percentage of the cost of the book. On the other hand, by choosing self publishing the author can get the entire money that is earned by selling each copy of the book. Also in traditional publishing the author is legally bound by the company to attend seminars and book reading events as dictated by the company which does not happen if he is his own publisher. Then he is his own boss and is free to attend events of his choice and sign only those copies of his book that he wants to.
However along with the benefits there are some disadvantages of publishing a book on one's own which the new writer must keep in mind. When a company signs a contract with the author they take all the responsibility to market the book. This is done through exhibitions and displays at book stores, by organizing seminars and reading sessions. But in self publishing the author is solely responsible for marketing his book. He has to personally approach book stores and make requests to display his book. However, there are many online book stores which willingly advertise new books by first time authors on their website.
Though self publishing may require more involvement on the author's part, it is a sure way to get a printed version of one's own book in his hands.