Self-publishing an ebook puts you in complete control of its destiny. However, this means you’ll also bear all of the costs of ensuring that destiny is positive. If you’re considering doing this, here’s a listing of the expenses associated with self-publishing an ebook.
Computer and Software
Odds are, you already have Microsoft Word or some other compositional tool. But if you don’t have a good word processing platform, you’re going to need one. Similarly, while you currently might only have a tablet or a smartphone, you’re going to require a laptop computer at a minimum. You’ll also have to get publishing software to make your finished book compatible with the various reader platforms.
Editors and Proofreaders
Once you’ve written a draft of the book and have your thoughts organized in what appears to be a coherent form, you’ll need the services of an editor to ensure they really are. There are actually a number of different types of editors. A development editor will look at the book from the perspective of a reader and offer you advice regarding tone and flow.
Graphic Artist/Art Director
One of the most important aspects of publishing a book is choosing the cover. As much as the writer in you wants to believe the words inside the volume matter more than its cover, most people will never see those words if the cover inadequately telegraphs the content.
Formatting/Digital Conversion
Here, you’ll also choose whether to attempt it on your own or hire a professional. This decision will figure heavily for writers considering establishing their own ebooks online stores.
ISBN Registration
While Amazon, Apple’s iBooks and Barnes & Noble have numbering systems for ebooks, you’ll need an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) if you want your registration number to be the same regardless of the platform upon which it is offered. Opinions vary regarding their necessity if you’re only publishing electronically, but others feel it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Marketing/Public Relations
Once your book is written, you’ll have to let people know it’s available. This means mounting a PR campaign and marketing strategy. Social media figures prominently these days and managing it properly can be quite time-consuming. Yes, you can do it on your own, particularly if you already have an active blog. But if your time is better spent working on your next book, you might find a marketing professional’s expertise valuable in this regard.
As you can see, there are a number of decisions, experts, and expenses associated with self-publishing an ebook. Making the right decisions in these regards can be a huge determining factor in your tome’s profitability and success.
