Self Publish Your Book
Amadeus Consulting Discusses using Technology to Self-Publish Your Book on an eReader or Smartphone
Author: John Basso
Last week, the Wall Street Journal published an article that highlighted how E-Readers are changing our reading habits. In sum, people with an e-reader, such as the Kindle or Nook, buy more books and read more on average than people without such a device.
From a technology and entrepreneur standpoint, this presents an amazing opportunity for new authors to build and expand their audience, as well as provide new revenue streams to support their love for writing. This article focuses on three distribution methods that can help authors and other artists distribute their works.
3 Distribution Channels
Publishing a book on these devices can happen in a variety of different ways.
- 1. You can develop a proprietarycustom software application for a specific device
- 2. You can submit a book into any existing e-book application for a specific device
- 3. You can post your manuscript online (for free or behind a pay wall) in a format that is compatible with these devices
As a custom software developer, our perspective is based off interaction with clients as well as our experience in mobile app development, including iPhone® app development, iPad®, and Android® development platforms. As such, this article looks technology options for helping the self-published author.
Keep in mind that although self publishing often refers to books, most of the options below can also be used to publish music, videos, DVD and CD type media, and other visual and auditory formats.
1) Develop a Proprietary Application
Custom Smartphone apps are small programs that can be installed onto your phone. Blackberry, Windows, Android and Apple’s iOS devices (iPod®, iPhone and the iPad) all have unique markets and are not cross-compatible with one another.
Creating a unique application for these devices to showcase your works (such as book, music, art, or other works) can be the perfect platform for you, although it also comes with some unique challenges.
Advantages to creating a unique application
- · Full editorial control, although some stores have content restrictions
- · Take advantage of the device features (such as animating elements of a graphic novel or children’s book so they move and you tilt the phone)
- · Integrate music, video, voice, or many other interactive elements
- · Higher royalties, no third-party commissions, and a broad range or pricing controls
- · Analytics (monitor sales and downloads) and quick user feedback
- · Ability to update the application
Be sure to read our previous blog post about what to look for in a Smartphone Application Developer.
Disadvantages
- · Higher startup costs (the highest of the three options)
- · Unique to each operating system (An iPhone app does not work on Android phones, for example, but it would work on the iPad or on an iPod Touch)
- · Still need to self market, or pay for marketing. However promotion is a bit easier since people are familiar with the app market concept
- · Longer development time
2) Submit to an Existing E-book Application
One option for self-publishing is to create a custom e-book application that can be distributed on an e-reader device. There are three main brands of e-readers on the market, and a fourth if you include the iBookstore for the iPad. These include the Kindle Reader by Amazon, the Nook by Barnes & Noble, and the Sony E-Reader (multiple varieties).
The benefit to this approach is that each of these devices also has an application that allows the e-books to be purchased and read on a variety of different devices including smartphones, other tablets, and on desktop/laptop computers.
While these all have their own nuances and benefits, here is a quick breakdown of some of the good and bad to this option. In general, this is a great “low commitment” option that has almost no start-up costs, and is perfect for the hobby writer. For authors interested in this option, we highly recommend you visit the specific providers directly (links above).
There are also other online self-publishing options that do not exactly fit into this category, such as Lulu.com or Smashwords.com which may also be worthwhile as they provide many of these same types of services.
Advantages to using an existing marketplace application
- · Generally quick and easy to format a manuscript and get it into the store
- · Quick compatibility across multiple devices
- · “Organic” visibility as people browse the store
- · Generally free to submit a manuscript, so no upfront costs
- · Freedom to choose your own pricing, with some exceptions
- · Excluding Apple’s iBookstore, other e-bookstores work on almost all platforms, including most types of smartphones, e-readers, tablets, and desktop/laptop computers
Disadvantages
- · Higher commission – You make less from each sale
- · Still need to self market, or pay for marketing, however it is a bit easier because the market owners (Amazon, Sony, Barnes & Noble, and Apple) are all very well trusted retailers
- · Some content restrictions, fewer customization options
- · In most cases, no copy protections or DRM control options
- · Some distribution restrictions limiting your freedom to sell on other platforms or in other formats
- · Not as easy to publish graphic-heavy books, such as comics and graphic novels
3) Host Your Works Online
A third option is to host your content online in a format that is optimized for mobile app devices such as e-readers, smartphones, and tablets. This option can include free or paid distributions methods, meaning that a person would need to purchase the document before being able to access it. Once purchased, the file could be downloaded and accessed by the user, similar to other e-commerce and digital distribution systems.
Custom or semi-custom website development options are available from a large variety of developers, as well as template sites that have limited configuration options, which can fit most hosting needs and budgets.
Advantages
- · Easier to provide preview or demo content
- · Full editorial control with no content restrictions (except for illegal content, of course)
- · Generally cheaper than creating an application
- · Easier to promote all your works in one place, as well as promote yourself
- · Advanced analytics and sales tracking
- · Easy to add new content and works
- · Can be deployed in conjunction with the above options
- · Full price control, no commissions (unless you specifically choose to)
Disadvantages
- · More difficult to market and promote to an external audience
- · More expensive than piggy-backing on other e-book stores
- · Higher ongoing hosting costs, and pay management
- · Some device compatibility restrictions on format
- · Ongoing IT or tech support may be necessary
- · Less control and prevention against redistribution
Summary:
There are lots of options for self-publishing, and each may appeal to a different level of writer and artist. In general, piggy-backing into existing apps may be an ideal place to start for hobby writers, since no upfront investment is needed, although the payback is less.
For more serious and ambitious self-publishing writers, creating a proprietary app for each of your works, or selling your works independently online may be a more ideal choice. In either case, self-publishing can be challenging and very rewarding.
Resources:
The Wall Street Journal story mentioned at the beginning of this article can be found here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703846604575448093175758872.html
We also invite you to visit our website for more information about Amadeus Consulting’s mobile application development options, and our custom website development services.
About the Author
Tagged with: android app developer • custom website development • e book publishing • ipad app development • iphone app development • mobile software developer
Filed under: Uncategorized
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If you self-published, you own 100% of the rights to your book. Yes, of course you can submit it for review of any traditional house. When they accept it, they buy the publishing rights from you and they will publish the book themselves based on how they want it packaged and on their own time frame.
There are many self-published book authors who were later on picked by traditional publishers. John Grisham is one of them. Don’t lose hope.
Just so you know I’m only trying to help, take a quick peek at the reference I’ve listed below, that being said, the general answer is a resounding NO!!
In one out of 10,000 instances self-publishing proves to be a sensational stratagem. For the other 9,999 people who get involved with ‘vanity publishing’ it’s just a way to get yourself ripped off. Several classic books have purportedly been self-published until mountains of sales convinced the big publishing houses to buy the contract out.
But these are the exceptions that prove (meaning ‘test’ as in ‘proving ground’ means testing area) the rule.
The problem is that it’s very unlikely you do have the time, money and expertise to market your book and . . .
G A S P !!! in most cases you don’t have the market saavy to genuinely appreciate whether or not your book is actually marketable.
The odds for non-fiction books, especially well-written ones on subjects where you are truly an expert are the only exception to the idea of self-publishing for the writing public at large, but by and large if the experts don’t feel your material is saleworthy, I’d be inclined to believe them.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t believe in your book. It just means that maybe an honest appraisal is required here and now. Is this really the best presentation? Could much of it be cut and the book benefit by starting with the ‘chase’ scene? Do you need to get a copy editing service to help you with your deplorable grammar and spelling? Do you need to extract three chapters, throw the rest of the book away and start fresh? Is there some way you can unify the theme? Do you use flashbacks too much? Do you use dialogue too little. Are your characters cardboard and lifeless? Could they benefit by adding in some faults or little quirks or bad habits etc. to make them seem three-dimensional and sympathetic? Is your book really a treasure but, it’s honestly about 40% too long? Should several key scenes be modified so that we see the action through another character’s point of view? Have you chosen the wrong main character? Got the point? Realism is vital. Realism also tells you that Ken Blanchard, Stephen Crane, Poe and Twain successfully self-published at least one book so go to the link below . . . Good luck!
Only if you are ready to go through standard publisher operating procedure of edit and contracts = edits publishers most often find necessary, contracts being their business.
Know that publishing contracts are made to purchase some form of copyright.
If you already have your book wrapped up in your own copyright– as in it is already a copyrighted piece, it is no longer available for editing. It’s copyrighted ‘as is.’
A ‘patent’ is even worse to for publishers to deal with, if you have one. So, yes, that makes it very unlikely you can sell this book to mainstream publishers or even independents.
The best you can hope for is that a publisher (or agent) sees and loves your self-published book so much they are willing to buy it to sell as is.
It’s extremely hard to self publish successfully. First of all, all the expenses to manufacture the books are on you. Secondly, it’s your job to distribute the books. You won’t be able to get them into any chains stores such as Barnes and Noble. The best you can hope for is a local, privately owned bookstore or the library if you feel like donating to them. And lastly, you will get no advertisements for self published work. You get no reviews, no articles in the newspaper, no space in the NY Times bestsellers list. Sadly, this makes a big difference.
If you want to publish a novel or other serious piece of work and expect to get famous from it, self publishing is not the way to go. Most self published books are special interest books, such as family chronicles, that are a limited print and passed around to only a few people.
However, there are examples of people who have gotten successful after self publishing. Christopher Paolini, the author of the “Eragon” series, self published. Of course, his family owned the publishing company and were perfectly willing to go around the country and help him advertise the series until a major publisher picked it up.
Though it is possible to self publish successfully, ultimately it’s better to publish through more traditional means.
EDIT: I’d completely forgotten about it before, but there is a self-publishing website called Lulu.com that allows you to self publish for free. I’m not exactly sure how it works, but I believe you can publish your work over the web for free, and then put it up for sale on the website. People can either download it, or order a hard copy (which I think does cost you money to produce). If you really do want to self publish, I would say that’s probably the way to go.
http://www.lulu.com/
Agree somewhat with the first post.
You have to be very, very careful in the self-publishing market, especially with vanity presses. Do you know anyone who has self-published? Ask them for detailed, inside information. I did that after I learned my uncle knew a professor who had self-published his first book. If not, investigate the companies thoroughly.
Yes, you pay everything up front when self-publishing, and even have to buy your own author copies. Some companies, like Dorance (sp) Publishing, might require you to guarantee them that you can sell X number of books before they will print. Other companies like Author House (reputable – I know someone who has used their services, and considered it myself) will sell you publicity and marketing packages along with your self-publishing contract. That way, you can focus on what you do best: write. Unless you’ve got a mouthpiece of have tons of money to pay in newspaper ads, buying a package such as this might be better, since professionals do this for you, and you have a better chance of selling your books.
I have not really looked into on-demand printing; I dismissed it as an option early on. I learned from someone with experience, that on-demand publishing does not generate a lot of sales.
The best way to start your journey to becoming a best-selling author is to do your research. Get books like The Novel Writer’s Toolkit (if you’re writing novels), books on book publicity (tons), and especially the Writers’ Market series of books. Go to your library in the writing section and explore. There is tons of information, even how-to books on writing queries, synopses and proposals. You will still need a synopsis and/or propsal even if you intend to self-publish your book.
I have thought about self-publishing my novel, but I have been directed into a different path. I’m working on finding an agent. Writers have much better success, in general, when an agent believes in their work and sells it to a publishing house. If you’ve never been published, it will be hard, but don’t give up on the first no, because there might be a lot of no’s.
Good luck, from one author to another.
try lulu.com it’s free.
Having a pook self-published and making money depends on your marketing to make it a success. I do not give out the amount of money I make on anything on the Internet but you can make money through self-publishing.
Some feel that self-published books are not of the quality of those through traditional publishers. This is not true and this opinion is starting to increase in popularity. Any publishing activitiy requires active participation by the author whether you self-publish or are lucky to get a traditional contract.
Hi. I hate to burst your bubble but self-publishing companies are not really free. Its called an investment, too.
The question is, how far are you willing to invest to get it started especially when you decided to publish it yourself. Because self-publishing entails a setup fee to publish your book, companies right now offer programs with minimal costs.
Xlibris, for one, has programs that are affordable and suitable for your budget. Although their most affordable programs begin at $499, it can already get you started. It may be nothing fancy but considering the fact that distribution is covered, maximum exposure for your book is already present.
I hope these helps 🙂
i think of that too! im waiting for an answer too :/
It depends on what your goals are and how much you want to spend. You have to be really careful, too, regarding copyrights and the details of who holds those rights. iUniverse, for example, a self-pub company set up by Barnes & Noble, holds the rights to works published. Different companies offer different deals, pluses and minuses. Research carefully.
what are the disadvantages of self -publishing your book…?
I am writing a book about my experiences that I could share to my own native land and I will soon be completing it and want to market it ……I only have a small budget and would like to self publish or publish on demand only….how does one become a successful author of a best selling book.?.what are some tips for me to maximize self publishing…thank you very much.
Is Self Publishing Your Book A Smart Move?
Assuming the book (fiction) is well written, is the market extremely difficult to tap into? What percentage of self-published books do you think ever make back the investment? Does the ease of self-publishing make it harder to get a good book read?
How much have YOU made on your self-published book?
Okay, I have researched numerous sources and I have decided that self-publishing is the best avenue for me to go. I realize that every situation is different. But I want to know from those of you who have already self published just how successful you have been.
How many books have you sold?
Have you made any money at it?
Did your self published book service work well for you?
For anyone who’s self published a book who did you use as a service and what was your experience with them? Not as far as sales afterwards, just during the production phase, were you happy and feel like you got good service, or was it a nightmare? Thanks to all in advance.
Is it possible to publish a book from a company even if your book is already self-published?
If I had already published a book by my self, can I “re-publish” (so to speak) my book from someone else?
And let’s say I already got a patent for it, is that such a bad thing?
Which self-publishing company should you go for if you want to publish your book?
If you self-published your book (I used Booksurge), does it present a problem when trying to really publish it?
I want to submit my manuscript to a large traditional publisher. Will they deny it if they know I self-published it with Booksurge?
Am38, I guess you misread my question. I was asking if it would detract from my chances, not add to…
If you self publish will your book sell?
it seems odd that you could self publish?
Are there any self publishers that will publish your book for free besides Create Space, Word Clay and Lulu?
Hi.
I am looking for a free book publisher. I’ve already tried Create Space, Word Clay and Lulu. When I search, those are the only alternatives I can find. Do you know of any others by any chance? Your answers are greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Magali
Can you get a company to publish your book to stores after you make enough $$ from self-publishing?
Can you self-publish a book, then once you make enough money to make more copies, then send the manuscript to an agent or publishing house for them to send out more outside from where I sold them (by myself through self-publishing)?
Even… Ignore the whole money thing. Can I self Publish a few book like 100 and then later send that very same manuscript to a real publisher and then him publish it nationally, etc??
Or once you self-publish – that’s it – there’s no way of getting it out there? I hope this question make sense. Sorry if it doesn’t and thank you in advance for all related answers!
: )