So you’ve decided to write an e-book. Congratulations! You have chosen an exciting, yet potentially profitable career path. The sky is the limit as far as the demand for e-books is concerned. There are a variety of options when it comes to publishing your e-book. You may be wondering which program is best suited to help you make the most of your opportunity. Let’s explore the various publishing options so that you can make the right decision for your needs.
Traditional Publishing
If you’ve tried online communities such as Reddit or social media, you may have come across authors whose work was published by traditional publishing houses. While this may be the case, it does not represent the entire population of self-published authors. If you’ve decided to go down the traditional route, there are a variety of traditional publishers to choose from. The two most popular ones are:
- Bloomsbury
- HarperCollins
Each of these publishers has a variety of programs that they offer. You may want to consider signing with one of the Big Two if you hope to take advantage of the broad audience that they represent. You’ll still be able to maintain your independence as an author, but you may benefit from the clout that a traditional publishing house can offer.
Creative Publishing
An independent author’s work may be published by a creative publishing house. For authors looking to expand their reach beyond that of their own community, this may be a lucrative option due to the variety of platforms that creative publishing houses provide. Popular creative publishing houses include:
- Permanent Press
- Summit
- Red Hook
- Grand Central
- Oberlo
As with any other type of publishing, you can choose a ready-made manuscript or pitch an existing story into a book proposal and see what happens. Either way, you’re on your own to promote and sell your work. Creative publishing houses typically offer author-centered workshops, branding, and marketing support.
The Open Road
If you’re looking for a more independent route, you may want to consider self-publishing your book. With every step of the way taking care of, you’ll be able to maintain your author’s independence. It’s an option that’s worth considering if you’re looking for maximum control over your final product. If this is the case, you may want to consult with an independent contractor who can help you get your book published. They will be able to walk you through the entire process, from idea to finished product. If you decide to go this route, be sure to consider the various royalties that are associated with self-publishing. It can be a lucrative option, but it’s certainly not for everybody.
Varying Publishers
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop when it comes to publishing, you may want to consider signing with a larger publisher. However, you should still maintain a close relationship with your independent contractor who helped you get started. They can advise you on where to pitch your ideas and how to position yourself as an author. Varying publishers will often have inhouse teams that can help you get your book launched.
While it’s tempting to simply sign with the first company that you come across, it’s important to consider the various advantages and disadvantages of each option. For example, if you go with a traditional publishing house, you’ll be able to maintain a close working relationship with your editor. You’ll still have some independence, but you may not be able to deviate from editorial suggestions. If you go the creative publishing route, you may not gain the benefits that a larger company can offer, but you’ll be able to maintain full control over your product.