There is no perfect path to success. Every dreamer has its own share of ups and downs. And writers who dream of publishing success have their fair share of encounters in the course of their publishing journey.
Self-publishing may be new for some writers. Either new writers or writers new to self-publishing. It is a journey where the road is never trouble-free. There are the hassles of rough roads. Rough roads that have to be taken course to reach the smooth pathway to success. But like a traveler unfamiliar to the route, there are occasional unforeseen humps along the way that causes self-publishing complaints.
As writers take the route of self-publishing, various humps can be encountered.
Complaint #1: Lack of Sales and credibility.
According to a 2004 Wall Street Journal, 85% of self-published books had sold fewer than 200 copies, and only around 3% had sold more than 500 copies. Another, in a January 2009 article in the New York Times, a certain self-publishing company reported selling more than 2.5 million books in 2008- a huge figure- but averages to about 41 sales per title.
Self-publishing companies do not promise high book sales. It is outside the self-publishing control to have high book sales. These companies only offer strategic plans for marketing.
Complaint #2: Lack of Industry-Standard Discounts.
Booksellers are accustomed to availing discounts of 30% or more, 90-day billing, and full returnability.
Self-publishing involves the author’s funds. Its income revolves around the book sales, making it improbable to give industry-standard discounts.
Complaint #3: Unproductive marketing and publicity
Prices can be enormous, and packages tend to be based on minimally effective methods.
Self-publishing companies only offer the right tools that involves strategic book marketing campaigns, the author has the part in making the right plan and be persistent on their book marketing campaigns.
Complaint #4: Limited distribution
Books does not have numerous stocks on bookstores and are likely visible only online.
Self-published books have two types: the e-book pub and POD. POD or Print-on-Demand books are printed as ordered by bookstores and through online.
Complaint #5: Expensive
The entire pricing is left for the author’s discretion. Self-publishing is an investment. Authors shell out money.
Complaint #6: Poor physical quality
Some books from self-publishing companies can be poor in appearance, with covers that curl and pages that fall out while reading.
Self-published authors that seek self-publishing services avail of publishing packages that includes cover designs and lay-out. Authors may ask a copy or two of their books to examine its quality. Self-publishing companies cannot be generalized regarding its efficiency and effectiveness.
Complaint #7: Less income
Self-publishing is an investment. Authors put their money at risk. However, that investment allows authors to make an attempt in their publishing venture.
Self-publishing complaints can be proved true or otherwise, as long as authors don’t put all the blame on one direction. In self-publishing, authors are part of the entire process. Self-publishing company only assist and help them reach their publishing dream.
As a writer takes the road to the publishing dream, humps may be confronted but it is part of the journey. There are ideal routes to success but at times, writers need to grasp the reality. One cannot expect to attain something while lying in a bed of roses. Misconceptions cloud one’s thought and might end up as a frustration. One can stop and turn back but giving a shot to your publishing dream makes it all worth it.