Self-publish a book? Before you do, come closer. More. It’s dark in here. Closer… Nope, closer still.
Okay.
I’m going to tell you a secret.
A confession really.
Do you see that, over there… next to the stairs?
Take a look.
Now, look at me.
It physically hurts to look at cartons of your self-published book in your garage or basement.
If you’re married or in a serious relationship, it hurts even more…
Because you’re going to hear about your foolish investment from your loving other
(and I don’t mean just once).
Yes, I’m speaking from experience.
It’s been 10 years now, and I’m still reminded of all the different ways we could have spent that money… and it’s not because I’m stuck in the past.
It’s because my beautiful darling beloved comes down into this basement once in a while to get something, and she sees my boxes of self-published books in a corner (underneath a blanket of dust and spider webs).
“We could have gone to Sweden,” she says.
“Yes, honey.”
“We could have gone to Vegas.”
“You’re right, dear.”
We could have this, we could have that.
Yes, I know…
To be honest (if I had any wits about me), I’d get rid of these damn books.
But I keep thinking, One day I’m going to sell these rare volumes of poetry as limited,
first-edition collectibles…
Not sure if I’m delusional or a genius (only time will tell). Although the love of my life
(shhh, she’s just upstairs) has already formed her opinion.
To be honest, I can’t blame her.
Ten long years… and it still hurts.
An aching.
No, a burning.
A burning question…
* * *
Why Self-Publish a Book?
Why self-publish a book? Why self-publish a book? Why self-publish a book?
I guess I let my [something] get the best of me.
But what was it, exactly?
Why did I do it?
Deep down I must have known better, right?
Time for psychoanalysis…
Isn’t that what most writing is, after all?
A cheap form of therapy?
Okay.
Here goes…
Closing my eyes…
Deep breaths… in, out, in, out…
Drifting back in time…
One year… two years… ten years…
Slipping into my stream of consciousness…
What was I thinking???
“Why self-publish a book?”
“Get all the profit (instead of a tiny royalty).”
“Why self-publish a book?”
“No waiting (publishers take forever).”
“Why self-publish a book?”
“Do everything your way (no one editing your brilliance).”
“Why self-publish a book?”
“Be in complete control (instead of at the mercy of a publisher).”
“Why self-publish a book?”
“Design the cover that you want.”
“Why self-publish a book?”
“Get paid instantly (no waiting 6 months for royalty statements).”
“Why self-publish a book?”
“Guaranteed publication (no chance of rejection).”
Seems I’m really good at coming up with reasons to do what I want to do.
Creativity at its best (worst)?
Today I’m much clearer, looking at those books in my basement. If I were to ask myself the same question today, I’d have a different answer…
“Why self-publish a book?”
“You’re an idiot.”
“Why self-publish a book?”
“You’re a masochist.”
“Why self-publish a book?”
“You have money to burn.”
“Why self-publish a book?”
“You want to sabotage your marriage.”
“Why self-publish a book?”
“You’re afraid you’re not good enough to get a real publisher.”
It’s embarrassing, sharing my foibles like this. But it’s worth it. Because I know
that you might be asking yourself the same fateful question…
* * *
Before You Self-Publish a Book
Maybe I can spare you some grief, help you avoid the pain that I experienced
(and still experience from time to time, reflecting at moments like this).
Spiders in the basement.
Spiders in my mind.
I call it PTSPD, or Post-Traumatic-self-publishing-Disorder. Although you won’t find it
in the DSM-V, it’s a chronic condition triggered by self-publishing, exacerbated by
friends and family that make jokes and/or ask too many questions.
Yes, if you self-publish a book you’ll be able to start telling people that you’re a published author (and that’ll feel good for a while). But those same people are eventually going to follow up.
They’re going to ask more questions later like “How’s it going?” and “How many copies have you sold?” And that feels like crap (sorry, there’s no polite way to say it).
I hope you’ve learned your lesson by now (or, I should say, I hope you’ve learned my lesson). Because this is embarrassing…
But I’m willing to “throw myself under the bus” if it will help you.
In fact, one day I’ll probably upload a picture right here on my website… of my first (and only) self-published book.
That’ll teach you.
And I bet it would be even more therapeutic for me.
By the way, most self-published books sell less than 100 copies (most people don’t have more than 100 family members and friends who love them enough to buy their book).
Ouch.
* * *
Really, Why Self-Publish a Book?
Before you ask yourself that question, you should know… self-publishing is a short-term ego boost that costs you lots of money and almost always ends in failure.
I’m not telling you that you should never self-publish a book (I’m simply recommendingthat you only do it as a last resort).
Yes, I know…
It’s risky daring to dream about getting published by a traditional publisher.
You might not have what it takes.
But what if you do?
Why self-publish a book?
Honestly, I don’t know.
As I stated in another recent article Self Publish a Book, just because you can do something (and that something might be tempting), it doesn’t mean that you should.
I beg you…
Don’t be seduced by the trappings of modern technology: print-on-demand, ebooks, the internet, blogs, and social media (and think that you can defy the publishing odds).
Or should I say “gods” (or “goddesses”)?
And, please…
Don’t be fooled by the charlatans and scammers, trying to convince you to work with a “publisher” that asks you to pay them something, instead of them paying you.
That’s self-publishing, too.
And it’s often a scam.
Click here to read my article about bad literary agents and writing scams.
Now, if you’ve already self-published and been disappointed by your results, don’t be too hard on yourself.
Just don’t let it happen again.
And, make sure you share your experience below.
Remember, it’s therapeutic…
Your weeping can be someone else’s warning.
And, it always feels good to vent,
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
Your “Undercover” Agent
P.S. Make sure you also check out this other article I wrote called Self Publish a Book. It contains a thorough list of factors to consider if you’re deciding whether you should self-publish a book or try to get a literary agent. This article (above) is, admittedly, a general diatribe against self-publishing. And I’m okay with that. 🙂
* * *
* * *
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
MARK MALATESTA is a former literary agent turned author coach. Mark now helps authors of all genres (fiction, nonfiction, and children's books) get top literary agents, publishers, and book deals through his company 
Mark,This is a very superb and informative article.Thank you very much.I am glad that I stayed in contact with you.I will be finished with a good children’s book by next week,and as soon as I have typed it and saved it on a junk drive,I will contact you.May God bless you and your lovely wife,Mrs Ingrid. Respectively, James L. Thompson
Thank you James, and have a great weekend!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
http://markmalatesta.com
The Bestselling Author
https://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Hi Mark,
I love you!! Thank you soooo much for the information regarding self publishing. I’ve read ALL of your articles/writings on the matter and I cannot tell you how very thankful I am that you wrote them. You are a fantastic writer! These writings have pulled me from the abyss of self publishing that I was falling into, but thanks be to God you came along via internet searches and pulled me in from the wormhole.
Thank you Jill, you just made my day… maybe my week… we’ll have to see how it goes. 😉
Appreciate the love and have a great week!
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
Each experience is different. While self-publishing isn’t for everyone, but it is for some people and some do make a decent living off of it (think 6-7 figures/yr). The publishing industry is changing dramatically. If I had a choice, I would have taken the same route of self-publishing; yet, I’ve talked to many authors who prefer traditional so they can just focus on the writing and not worry about the rest. You make some excellent points that need to be considered when making a decision.
Hi S.E. Smith… it’s slim pickings either way… trying to find authors in both camps who are doing extremely well… who are very happy with where they are… self-publishing or traditional… who don’t think the grass looks greener on the other side. 🙂
– Mark
Mark Malatesta
The Bestselling Author
http://thebestsellingauthor.com
Literary Agent Undercover
https://literary-agents.com
I have no money to burn, as you said. But I have a book to be published, more than one to be true. Once it is published, I would like to ensure it gets circulated, not killed in a warehouse. But who cares? Naturally everyone has to think of his own profits. It is not wrong. So the book remains with myself on the computer. That is the situation now.
Thank you for asking for my comments.
With regards,
J.L.Jawahar
Hi J.L., glad to hear you see the value of getting your work out there and make money. They’re both good things. Hang in there and keep doing what you’re doing. You’ll get there. And make sure you take advantage of all the resources listed on our different websites that you can find here: http://thebestsellingauthor.com/websites/. All my best. Mark
Your “4 Types of Publishers” was good, informative, up-front. Doesn’t say where you fit in except for the one-hour chats ($?), and doesn’t go into e-publishing–do you help us there? Or should I just go to Amazon or some unknown and stick my opus in? Becoming a businessman is low on my list of things to do. I did the work, or most of it, by interviewing those pilots and crew and that German machinegunner from WW2, and would like to minimize the rest but in a smart way. (200 words more……
Hi Randy, thank you for that. Regarding your question about the support I provide, there are three ways that authors can work with me (listed here): http://thebestsellingauthor.com/coaching/. All roads lead, eventually, to the introductory coaching call you referred to, since I can help anyone on a call like that. But, beyond that, I have to see if I’m a good fit to do more with someone. If you’re considering e-publishing, we still might be a good fit to do more together. But it would depend on what your book is about and what you want to do with it. I don’t commit to longer-term coaching unless there’s a clear way for the author to sell enough books to make it worthwhile. Mark
Self publishing is mainly about marketing. If you have a niche market & a recognizable name in that niche, then you wll do OK as I did with my little book “Systems, Simple & Sophisticated, & my big book “Winning WithThe Thoroughbreds” which were sold at many major racetracks, & out of the Gamblers Book Store in Las Vegas a few yrs back. For my latest self pub’d book Ive already set up several booksignings & a radio interview in Laughlin/Bullhead area, those who have read it say sexiest book ever
Hi Jos. Thanks for posting. You’re absolutely right. If you’re going to self-publish, you better have marketing ability… and the willingness to make it your first priority. Glad to know you’re having success. Mark
Yes,Mark, this is James again.I just finished some more writing on my bestseller,and I thank God that I have played around on this computer and found you. I have just read the previous diatribe about self-publishing, and you can bet that I won’t use this scam.Mark, just like you told me earlier,”Start at the top,and let’s see what happens”. And this is exactly what I plan to do.I want the best , and I know that you have the best offer and services because I have researched you thoroughly. Thanks | Self-Publish a Book
Hi James, glad you’re keeping at it… and I’m delighted to know that you’re continue to find my website useful. Self-publishing is fine, as long as you know what you’re getting into… and you’ve, first, done everything possible to get a traditional publisher. So yes, please start at the top! Mark | Self-Publish a Book
You know Mark I wished I’d read your article on self publishing two years ago. I completed a creative writing course over 30 years ago but never got around to actually writing until a couple of years ago, and rather than try my luck with a real publisher I fell for the internet adverts that promise the world. It is still early days for me sales-wise as I only published this year but now you have me thinking what an idiot I have been.
Regards,
SPC | Self Publish a Book
Hi Stephen, sorry to hear that. At least you’re not the only one. I’m right there with you, along with a zillion other authors who had stars in their eyes obstructing their vision. Upward and onward. Have a great weekend and thanks for posting. Mark | Self Publish a Book
I self published my first poetry book. With this article I’ decided to never do it again. My book didn’t sell we’ll. Thanks for the info.
Hi Esther, I’m glad you posted… poetry is very unique. Based on your publishing history, self-publishing can be one of the only options for the new author. If you want a publisher to consider publishing your book of poetry, you will almost certainly need to have already published some of your poems elsewhere and/or won some awards. Don’t be discouraged. Be smart, and persistent. 🙂 Mark | Self Publish A Book