Self publishing has changed considerably over time. A look at the history of it will show that in one form or another, self publishing has been used since the beginning of publishing times, in some form. Technology has allowed this type of publishing to change drastically too. The use of xerography and later desktop publishing made it very easy for anyone to publish their work. Other features including print on demand have also increased it.
In other forms, such as the use of media channels and blogging, self publishing has taken on a new look, but with the same abilities. Those who produce the work can publish it so that anyone, anywhere can read it, especially through these formats on the web.
Types of Self Publishing
There are several types of self publishing available to most interested. Each form is a slightly different take and may work for only some forms of media. As an author, you should consider all of your options and take the time to research what others have used in the past, in the niche you are writing in, to know which is the best opportunity for you.
True Self Publishing: One of the most common means is true self publishing where the author of the work will take control and handle all aspects of the publishing, including the distribution, storage, and marketing of the finished book. As this happens, the writer of the book gets all the proceeds from the sale of it. This is perhaps the least expensive way to publish works.
Subsidy Publishing: A secondary type of publishing is subsidy publishers, who will distribute the book in its own imprint, and does select which books it will publish. The author of the book pays the publisher to print and bind the book. They do pay some of the costs themselves including distribution, editing, and some forms of marketing of the book. The author receives payments for any books sold.
Print on Demand: This is mostly a web based service offered by publishers where the author submits their product online, and pays a fee to allow the print on demand, or POD, publisher to handle the printing of the book, when it is needed. For an additional fee, they will do the copy editing, marketing and even provide an ISBN number.
Joint Venture Publishers: Here, you have a publisher who will publish works without regard to the quality of contents. The writer will select them and pay a fee for their services of printing the books. The author takes all the risk.
Self publishing continues to be one of the most important ways for authors to promote their works.