Writing and Self-Publishing: Money and Cost
Self-publishing is a big thing, rather it is a big topic. It can be a interesting commentary on how much you spend on your work or what you write about. The thing which most writers don’t think about is the cost of self-publishing.
Did you know that if you are hit finger to keyboard writing a blog you are, in fact, self-publishing?
I found it interesting that for a low cost, you can self-publish your blog into a book. Now, that is self-publishing to the highest degree. Still what is the cost of self-publishing? A while ago i did a post on the costs of becoming a self-published author.
The writer kindly pointed out that writing is easy, but they had (at that point) not made a profit. It is important to note that they did have an editor but they did not pay for the editing. So, when you read this post, bear that point in mind.
Your blog can make you money, but if you factor in the time it takes to write your posts, and to market your blog, you might find in fact your cost is higher than you expected.
3 Comments
David M. Perkins
I've only published one book, so I don't pretend to know much, but I used CreateSpace. I did not take advantage of any of their editing or design services, but uploaded my final book and final cover ready to publish.
As a result, my only cost was the purchase of one proof copy of my book to approve before publication. I must say, they produced a beautiful book which, once I approved it, was on Amazon within 10 days and other major online booksellers within 3-4 weeks. No complaints here.
The only thing I would do differently, and may still do, is provide my own ISBN rather than accepting the free ISBN from CreateSpace. It allows for more options outside the CreateSpace arena.
Otherwise, they really have the whole thing down to a no-cost process (at least for their part) for those who are capable of doing the work, or are willing to pay independent editors and designers to do it for them.
David M. Perkins
Dear Austin – A Letter To My Son
http://www.davidmperkins.com
Rebecca E.
David– an excellent point, and one we should think about… this might lead me to a very good new post.
chenille rug
The only thing I would do differently, and may still do, is provide my own ISBN rather than accepting the free ISBN from CreateSpace. It allows for more options outside the CreateSpace arena.