Self-Publishing is the word.

A large segment of our generation today dreams of being a published author. Well, that’s what it seems. And surprisingly it is not really difficult to get self-published, provided you follow systematic (and logical steps) towards getting known. And yes, let’s not forget the (small) amount of money involved.
Not many budding authors, today, follow the path of traditional publishing. Given the delays and the snail’s pace of work being delivered, self-publishing is considered more quick, efficient and a cost-effective.

Self-publishing has given a new meaning to self-expression. No fear of facing rejections and denials. If you have the money, get your work out there for others to read.
But before I jot down certain points that one should remember when going in for self-publication, do not forget the importance of persistence, finesse, patience and of course – writing talent!

So, here are a few things you must remember:


Research: Study the publishing houses around. Find out what kind of books each house publishes. It will help you find the best suited publisher for your kind of work (fiction, non-fiction, comics, illustrations, recipe or cook books, mythology, etc.). Bank on the power and spread of internet to help you with the details. Most publishing houses come out with a certain number of books each year. It is wise to get in touch with them to know the finer details.

Follow Instructions: Each publisher will have their own set of instructions – regarding submissions - the deadlines, proposals, manuscripts, etc.
Never delay your responses. Inform the concerned publisher in case of any setbacks or deferrals. Maintain clear communication and keep a record of them all.

Pick the services: Most publishers provide a gamut of services. From editing to designing, to even helping in promotions and marketing the final product, publishers offer to walk the author through the entire manuscript-to-printed copy process. At a cost, of course!

Proof-read: Your work is a reflection of your personality. And you wouldn’t like to stake your image with shoddy work. Proof-read, edit and constantly improve upon your work before submitting it to the publisher for their final edits. Seek help of a good editor if need be.

Publicist: Hiring a publicist will help you promote and market your books better, if you don’t possess the flair for marketing. Getting associated with celebrities, big or small, also helps hit the extra mileage. Do not forget the power of social media platforms that prove to be more effective in most situations.

Cost: The most important aspect of self-publishing – make sure you keep your expenses in check. It really doesn’t take much to get a few thousand books out in the market. But viral promotions and publicity do.  Also, self-publishing gives you the advantage of chosing the number of copies you wish to get printed.


Quite a few new and old publishers are joining the bandwagon and providing self-publishing services, thereby giving first time writers a fair chance.
I cannot stress enough on this one point that authors should never compromise on proof-reading and editing. When you go for self-publishing, the quality of refinement isn’t as high. So make sure your reputation is not at stake. Make sure your work is not over-shadowed by mistakes and typos and shoddy grammar.

Not everyone can deliver exceptional work. The least you can do is not make it atrocious.