Have you ever dreamt of holding your own published book in your hands, a tangible testament to your creativity and dedication? For many aspiring authors, the allure of traditional publishing can be incredibly strong, even in 2024; there are STILL many authors who drag their feet on releasing their book because they think self-publishing is beneath them and not “legit”.
In the world of publishing, the landscape is constantly shifting, and authors who cling to outdated models risk facing a rude awakening. Today, authors have more options than ever before, and understanding the advantages of print-on-demand (POD) and self-publishing, as well as developing a realistic sales strategy, are crucial for success.
Fear of Stepping out and Doing it Wrong
Of those authors holding out waiting for that ever-elusive publishing deal, there’s a segment who harbor a deep-seated fear of the dreaded “pallet purchase.” This is the idea of being forced to buy boxes and boxes of your own book, with the looming uncertainty of selling them all and recouping their investment.
This fear isn’t unfounded.
Then there are countless authors have fallen victim to predatory vanity presses who prioritize their own profit margins over the success of the author. It can be tempting to believe since these “publishers” want to publish your book (albeit for a fee) that this is a good indication of our book’s merit. But if you don’t know the difference between a vanity press and a true traditional publisher, you could wind up shelling out thousands of dollars for your services, regardless of whether your book sells or not.
I’ve had a few clients come to me to help them get out of shady contracts and republish their books after wasting thousands of dollars on publishing a book with a horrible cover and that their “publisher” had overpriced to the point of being unsellable on Amazon.
I Was Warned to Not Go with a Publisher — A Decade Ago
In the early days of my own publishing journey, I was warned by a few seasoned authors about the dangers of legit traditional publishing. One warned me of aces their publisher had up their sleeve that left him empty-handed whenever the publisher ran promotions for his books.
Another spoke of a contract that initially forced him to buy thousands of copies of his book. Decades later, this same man of God still had boxes and boxes of his book and outdated cover designs.
These stories instilled in me a healthy dose of skepticism and a firm belief in the power of self-publishing models.
With self-publishing and print-on-demand (P.O.D), your book is only printed when a customer places an order, eliminating the need for costly inventory and the stress of potential overstock.
Check out this neat video someone showed me of how print-on-demand works.
This innovative approach empowers authors to reach a global audience without the burden of certain upfront investments or outdated inventory.
However, not everyone is aware of the vast possibilities offered by P.O.D. Many authors remain in the dark, clinging to outdated notions of traditional publishing and falling prey to unscrupulous publishers.
Realistic Sales Expectations
Beyond the pitfalls of traditional publishing, another common hurdle faced by authors is the tendency to overestimate book sales. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing your book will be an instant bestseller, attracting hundreds or even thousands of eager readers. The reality is that selling books requires dedication, hard work, and a well-defined marketing strategy.
If you’re considering taking the plunge into the world of publishing, don’t rush headfirst into a deal that could leave you with financial headaches and unfulfilled dreams. Talk to someone who can guide you through the process, someone who understands the pitfalls of both traditional publishing and self-publishing.
Likewise, don’t let fear or outdated information hold you back from achieving your publishing goals. Educate yourself, explore your options, and connect with someone who can help you navigate the complex world of publishing with confidence.
Let’s rewrite your publishing story, together.
Additional Food For Thought
The following are just a few points you will also need to follow to avoid some of the typical pitfalls first-time authors fall into.
- Research different POD platforms and assisted self-publishing companies offer and compare their features and pricing.
- Invest in professional book editing and graphic design services.
- Network with other authors and learn from their successes and failures.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest publishing trends and technologies.
- Most importantly, never give up on your dream of becoming a published author.
By implementing these tips, you can navigate the publishing landscape with confidence and achieve your author dreams.
Ready to break free from the shackles of traditional publishing and embrace the possibilities of POD? Schedule a free call with me today and let’s discuss your publishing dreams! Let’s steer your writing project in the right direction together.
Or, if you know someone in need of specific tailored advice and think I’m the person to connect them with, give them this article.
