Self publishing and vanity publishing

There is much debate about self publishing, however most would agree that however you choose to publish your book it is best to be informed.

Self publishing is certainly not an easy option and if you choose to go down this route you should be prepared to do a lot of research and be aware that you will also need to do your own marketing and promotion.

What is vanity publishing?

If a publisher asks you for money, this is known as vanity publishing. A reputable commercial publisher will pay you for publishing your work. We regularly hear of people who have been conned out money by vanity publishers who promise the world and deliver very little.

Vanity publishers may actually pretend that they are mainstream publishers by offering a variety of ‘services.’ For example they may advertise the fact that they will send a copy of your book to the British Library. Any publisher is required to do this by law and there is no indication that the books will appear in bookshops.

Another trick is to tell you that your book will appear on Amazon. Any small press can register with Amazon Advantage, although Amazon will take 60% of the cover price of the book. While it is advantageous to have your book available through Amazon (it’s the first place a lot of people look) people still have to know to search for your book.

Vanity publishers also often offer bookmarks and posters. Both can be useful, but can actually be relatively easily produced. Once you have your bookmarks and posters please remember that you will have to persuade people to use them.

Many vanity publishers will also tell you that they have a selection process. Unfortunately this is generally not the case and many books published by vanity publishers are poorly written, most are not professionally edited and many are very badly produced. (People do judge a book by its cover, otherwise publishers wouldn’t spend such a huge amount of time and money on them.)

What is the difference between self publishing and vanity publishing?

Basically self published authors have full control of the process, whereas vanity publishers will publish the work on your behalf. For more in depth information see Johnathan Clifford’s website.

Why would you choose to self publish?

There are many well established and respected forms of self publishing. Scotland has a thriving pamphlet poetry scene, many writers successfully publish local interest books and writers groups often self publish their work for distribution amongst friends and family. If you do your research you can often produce pamphlets and books professionally for a relatively low cost.

Some writers choose to self publish because they want greater control over their work, or their work is not hugely commercial. These are valid reasons, but if you are considering self publishing as an option do remember you will have to edit, proofread, research and promote your work. This will take time. Always ask yourself, would this time be better spent concentrating on writing? Generally those who have successfully self published are very hard working and are not afraid to promote their work.

What are the benefits of mainstream publishing?

• Knowledge of the market
• Working with proof readers and editors
• Getting your work in to bookshops
• Marketing your book to a wider audience

If you do decide to go down the self publishing route...

• Do your research
• Do it for the love of it
• Know how and where you can promote your work
• Don’t expect to make your first million

Useful websites

Johnathan Clifford
 
New Writing North
 
Scottish Pamphlet Poetry
 
The Writers' and Artists' Yearbook
 
Writers Services