What is self publishing?

Quite simply, you pay all the production costs, and receive the quantity of books that you ordered. The books belong to you. You may give them away to friends and family, or sell them through bookshops and other retail outlets, libraries, schools, by mail order through newspaper/magazine ads, or promote them yourself on the Internet. Self-publishing gives you the freedom to do exactly what you want with your books.       
       
What is vanity/subsidy publishing?      
       
The expression ‘vanity’ publishing came into being because some firms, which advertise for authors to submit manuscripts for consideration, send writers very flattering letters about their work and a promise to publish their book for a sum of money. Often a very large sum of money! Many of these firms print only a few copies and make no attempt to promote or sell the books as they promise to do. Authors will receive 6-10 copies for their own use, and that may be all that is printed.      
       
Remember also that, with vanity publishing, you are paying for publication. You are not paying for books, and you do not own the books that are printed. Quite different from self-publishing.
     
       
Which course should you follow?      
       
If you are unable to find a conventional publisher, and it does seem to be getting more and more difficult, or if you just want more control over what your book looks like and how it is sold, The Society of Authors suggests that you consider self-publishing before vanity/subsidy publishing. But, the Society also warns that you should 'be very clear about what your money is buying.' Before handing over any money, you should have been told in writing exactly what you will receive. Pauline Curtis - Trustee