subject: Trying To Get Published? 3 Benefits Of Ebooks And 1 Possible Downside [print this page] Many authors have long been frustrated with traditional publishing, but new opportunities are emerging with the growing popularity of ebooks. This article outlines three big ways in which publishing in ebook format can be of benefit to authors who have struggled to get accepted by a traditional publisher. There is a possible downside, though.
100% Chance of Being Published
When you decide to publish your book as an ebook, you can completely forego the stress and uncertainty that comes with trying to get published the old fashioned way. You no longer have to send out out millions of letters and sample chapters, only to be rejected time and time again. You no longer have to deal with an agent or anyone from a publishing house. There is no question whether you will be published because you can do it yourself.
You're In Control
With ebooks, you're in control. In traditional publishing authors sometimes have to compromise on their initial vision to make the publisher happy. When you create your own ebook, everything is up to you. You can create your own cover or hire someone to make one the way you want. You can choose your own editor. You don't have to change anything about the story or content of your book. Since you are creating your own ebook, you can even design the inside of the book to your liking.
Make More Money
Relatively speaking, it's very possible to make more money selling ebooks than paper books. You don't have to pay an agent or a publisher any percentage of the money you earn. You will still have to pay the store or website that helps you sell the ebook, but many companies offer a much higher percentage than you'd get through a publisher. Plus, you don't have to pay for physical paper books to then sell to bookstores. Since ebooks are digital files, it costs nothing to send them to multiple retailers.
Possible Downside: Do More Work
There is one big downside to the freedom of publishing your own ebook: doing all of the work yourself. When not being backed by a large publisher, you will have to do all of the marketing yourself. Before you can even do that you'll have to learn how to create the ebook on your own (or you can pay someone else a nominal fee to do it for you). But it's not all bad. This is only a "possible" downside because this kind of work might actually be enjoyable for you. There are free ways to promote your ebooks online, like blogs and social networking, and if you're a creative type, you might love the process of making a book cover.
Publishing is fast becoming a very different industry than it was in the past. Authors now have an unprecedented amount of flexibility and opportunity.
