For new authors or even novie writers, the world of self-publishing can seem a little daunting to begin with and even a little confusing. We've outlined a few key questions that may help answer some of the questions that you may have. 

Will my book look professional?

Depending on your budget and whether or not you have artistic friends, can help add a little bit of art to your title,  if you outsource design and printing to a quality self publishing company, then certainly, yes. Even basic templates for styles can look classic and actually like a proper book.

What is self publishing?

As the name suggests, it involves producing and distributing a book yourself. You can pay for a company to print the book for you, and they can also offer added services such as distribution and marketing.

Why is the industry so popular?

Mainly because the old model of publishing seems increasingly redundant, the self publishing sectors minimises the barriers to entry for some individuals, giving a better chance for more people to get published by themselves. Traditional publishers need to be profitable, so are reluctant to take risks and publish anything they are not certain will be commercially successful. Self publishing allows authors to skip the commercial side of publishing and get their work directly into the hands of those who want to read it. Authors are also able to make more money and retain creative control over their work. 

Will my book suffer if I don't know how to market it?

Marketing is an important factor to a book's chances of success, and many self publishing companies can help you with this. It's often best to use these services, as book publishers are likely to have high quality contacts and resources available to them. But social media is a great way to channel your book through your own efforts which can help create a buzz around your products.

Does a self published book stand less being successful?

In the past, self published books were viewed as inferior by some. This is categorically not the case anymore, and many of the best books are brought to life via this route. 50 Shades of Grey was a self-published title and that had huge success.

 Is Self Publishing a Long-Term Fad?

Self Publishing is now a genuine alternative to traditional publishing options. The self publishing UK industry is only going to continue growing over the next few years as more and more authors discover the advantages that come with it, so it will only grow and improve.