
A hundred years ago, if you wanted to write a book, you had two options. People with wealth could self-publish their books. Everyone else had to submit their work to a traditional publisher.
These days, the publishing world works differently. Self-publishing has become much more affordable. A new option, boutique publishers have arrived. We want to compare self-publishing and boutique publishing so you know the best option for your book.
What is self-publishing?
Self-publishing is the act of publishing a book by yourself. In the old days, this meant going to a local printing office and asking them to print copies of your book. You likely encounter self-publishing all the time – flyers for local businesses, local information pamphlets, and small newspapers are all self-published.
For fiction and non-fiction books, self-publishing involves an author independently publishing a book. They may hire freelance editors, formatters, or cover designers, or may do these tasks themselves. Print-on-demand publishers and e-book marketplaces allow authors to sell books without worrying about having boxes of books in their basements.
What is boutique publishing?
Boutique publishing is a system where an author works with a company to produce a book. The author and company work together to produce a book. The publishing company has a repertoire of experts that can work on a book.
Some boutique publishers specialize in a specific genre. Others, like us, work with a broad spectrum of books.
Is self-publishing the best option for me?
The biggest advantage of self-publishing is also its biggest drawback: control. Self-publishing gives authors the most control over the final product. Authors can choose exactly who they work with and exactly how their book is published. They can handle the project however they like.
However, if the author makes a mistake, they are the only one responsible for it. An author could skip proofreading and release a book filled with typos. They could select a stunning cover that completely misses what readers want. They have to worry about every detail involved in publishing, even procuring an ISBN.
Self-publishing is a great option for people who are comfortable with risks and want to reap the rewards taking those risks can give.
Beware of vanity publishers
Authors who are considering working with a boutique or hybrid publisher should know that not all boutique publishers are created equal. Some companies are only interested in siphoning authors’ money. Vanity publishers will take money from any author who submits a manuscript and may give them poor-quality work.
If you are considering working with a publisher, look at the Independent Book Publisher Association’s Hybrid Publisher Criteria. These criteria ensure that a hybrid or boutique publisher is offering high-quality and valuable services.
Publishing Your Way
At Siretona Creative, we start every publishing project with a discovery call. During that call, if we discover that an author’s expectations align with traditional publishing or self-publishing, we will let the author know. We will also reject a manuscript that would be better served by another company or still needs more work. We want to make sure we provide a high-quality experience.
What is the best publishing option for you? Tell us about it in the comments.
Our discovery form is open if you’re interested in exploring more. Click here to fill it out.
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