10 more disadvantages of desktop publishing
Here are ten more reasons why desktop publishing might not be the right thing for you when trying to publish your new book. But as you read this list, keep in mind that there is no one right way to publish your book. Therefore, it is important for each writer to consider their own goals, reasons, and resources before choosing to go the traditional book publishing route or the self-publishing route.
1. You are responsible for all editing
As a self-publisher, you need to gain skills in all areas of editorial and design, or hire and pay an expert to do so. Editing takes a long time to do correctly. And a good publisher is not easy to find. If you overlook any editorial errors, you could be stuck with your book until the next printing.
2. You should treat desktop publishing like a business
Running a business, even a very small one, takes a lot of time. As the owner, you are responsible for all aspects of the business such as marketing, finance, public relations, design, copywriting, website design, etc. The list is endless.
3. Booksellers will not buy directly from an author
Many booksellers will not buy directly from an author. It is too expensive and time consuming for them to set up an account to handle a single book. That means you’ll need to find a dealer, who will insist on a deep discount off the cover price. That means around 70% of your earnings are consumed very quickly.
4. It can be difficult to get reviews
Most reviewers, especially in the mainstream media, will not review self-published books.
5. You must get a lot of exposure
You’ll find out very quickly that with self-publishing, writing is 5% of the process; marketing is 95% of the process. You can spend twelve months writing your book and then spend the next sixty months devoting all of your time to marketing that book. Marketing your book never ends. Going with a traditional publisher puts your book way ahead of self-published books, right from the start. Traditional publishers have the ability to get your book a large amount of media exposure very quickly.
6. Self-publishers may not make a profit for a long time
Most traditionally published books see a positive return on their investment. Most self-published books never make a profit. So if positive cash flow is your only motivation for getting into desktop publishing, you may be making a mistake.
7. There is a prejudice against desktop publishing
This is the general perception of the general public and most of those who work in traditional publishing, the media and all universities and colleges. These are the same people who believe that unless you’ve convinced a traditional publisher to publish your book, there must be something wrong with it. If this bothers you, then self-publishing is not for you.
8. All marketing and promotion is your responsibility
Although this is similar to traditional publishing, with self-publishing you are completely on your own. You will need to spend an enormous amount of time learning how to market and promote your book. Your life will be consumed with marketing and promotion for the life of your book. It never ends
9. Self-publishers have smaller marketing power and reach
This is a great reason to use a traditional editor. They have enormous marketing power and influence, and are highly sophisticated marketers. They can wield their power to get your book to every outlet imaginable. The fact is that there are fewer marketing and advertising opportunities for self-publishers.
10. Self-publishers don’t have great industry and media connections
This is another great reason to use a traditional editor. The main reason is that as a self-publisher you will need to develop your own connections within the media and within the industry you write for. And there is already a traditional publisher within the media to promote your book on a large scale.
