Self Publishing As a Home Business Opportunity

A Home Business Article Contributed by Sharon Hill

Is do it Yourself the Right Home Business Opportunity for Your Book?

For those who want to write non-fiction, there are several publishing options for this home business writing opportunity. Most of us think of the traditional book publisher. But what you don't know might keep you from earning a profit. Hear one tale of woe.

Traditional Publishing - One Home Business Opportunity Horror Story

What many authors do not realize, do not think about, in the excitement of their first book contract, is that they - not their publisher - are going to be the primary means for their book's marketing success. Many authors, especially first time authors, don't want and don't know how, to do this. They mistakenly think that publication by a traditional brick and mortar book publisher means immediate national or international acclaim and automatic delivery to national book stores where folks flock to purchase their masterpiece, their first home business writing opportunity.

Nothing could be farther from the truth. Authors are responsible for providing the names of media to whom press releases are to be sent, the names of professional journals to whom review copies are to be sent by the publisher and solicitation to book stores to buy and shelve their books. If authors don't aggressively market the books chances are the books are not going to sell. They must actively seek speaking opportunities, book store sales, and other publicity.

And for this, and all their writing and research efforts they earn somewhere in the neighborhood of 10-13% of the net profit of the book (not gross - net. After publisher expenses.)

So What's the Alternative Publication Method for This Home Business Opportunity?

Self-publishing may be the preferred method. There is some very reputable help out there, too. Three methods of self-publishing are available. You could, of course, simply mimic that traditional publisher, but taking upon yourself the editing, indexing, binding and distribution tasks yourself. A good local print shop can do the binding and printing for you. But then you're left on your own for all the marketing.

You could also publish your book as an e-book, available only as an electronic download from the web. Or you might provide, as your home business writing opportunity, a POD publication. POD stands for Print on Demand. Again found solely on the Internet, the consumer orders your book and you, or the vendor with whom you contract to do it for you, prints one issue of the book as it is requested and paid for.

You could compare this with traditional publishing by comparing fast food and made-to-order. The traditional publisher, just like Burger King, has several book "Whoppers" waiting in the bin for its book hungry consumers. POD providers, however, like your local fine dining provider, cook your consumers publishing steak after they open up the menu and ask for it.

One of the most reputable self-publishing firms is booklocker.com who can not only handle the complete transaction from order to print and delivery but also provides cover art assistance.

Self-publishing is an attractive home business opportunity for your writing business for two main reasons - you keep more of the money for yourself and the turnaround is faster. Depending on whether you choose the e-book or POD option (you can, at Booklocker, choose both) your royalty percentage is approximately 30-70 percent of gross. And you don't have to wait the six months to two years before publication that traditional publishers require.

Do it yourself may be the best way to start your book writing career.