Self Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing - video

Author Kathi Macias offers insights on the role and value of self-publishing, and weighs the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing. Experts used to advise authors not to self publish because there wasn’t any marketing—you had to do it all yourself. But now days, traditional publishers don’t usually provide any marketing either, so you have to do it yourself no matter how your book is published. So as far as marketing is concerned, self-publishing and traditional publishing are on even ground. Distribution is the difference. Most bookstores won’t carry self-published books unless they know the author—for example, if it’s your hometown. But if you can overcome that obstacle, you can go a long way with a self-published book. The market is changing, and if you do quality work, your self-published book can compete with books from traditional publishers. But quality work is important. Go to a quality self-publisher that will do a beautiful job, and then the fact that it’s a self-published book won’t make one bit of difference to readers.
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  • I noticed you are working with Xlibris to self-publish your book. Let me assure you that Xlibris is an outstanding company. They work with you every step of the way, and they deliver wonderful work based on your own ideas. I have published two books with them, and have received another offer from another publisher to re-release them. Since the author retains all rights, I had no problem when I requested the files!! Good luck with your book, Sherry Fletcher Seaton
  • Thank you, Kathi, for confirming my own observations.
  • Thanks Kathi this was very interesting...
  • Thank you, Kathi. Xlibris has done a great job publishing my first book and it will be launched later this month.
  • This is really motivating and encouraging Kathi. Many writers however start acknowledging this and now I understand the gist of self publishing and their difference with traditional one. I am finishing off my book with Xlibris and wish they to deliver an outstanding work. Dr Wanzola