The publishing industry has experienced significant transformations over the past decade, driven by technological advancements and changing reader preferences. One of the biggest shifts is the rise of self-publishing, which has empowered authors to take control of their publishing journey. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key changes in the publishing industry and highlight the power and benefits of self-publishing compared to traditional publishing.

The Rise of Self-Publishing

Self-publishing has grown exponentially, thanks to the accessibility and affordability of digital platforms. Authors no longer need to rely solely on traditional publishers to bring their books to market. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and Smashwords have made it possible for authors to publish their work independently, reaching global audiences with just a few clicks.

Benefits of Self-Publishing:

• Creative Control:  Self-publishing allows authors complete creative control over their work. You can decide on the content, cover design, formatting, and pricing without the constraints often imposed by traditional publishers.
• Publishing Timeline: You control the timeline, from writing and editing to publishing and marketing. This flexibility allows for a quicker release, enabling you to respond to market trends and reader demands more effectively.
• Higher Royalties: Self-published authors typically earn higher royalties compared to those in traditional publishing. Platforms like Amazon KDP offer up to 70% royalties on eBook sales, significantly more than the 10-15% often offered by traditional publishers. By selling directly to readers through your website or other platforms, you can retain a larger portion of your earnings, maximizing your revenue potential.
• Global Reach: Self-publishing platforms provide global distribution, allowing your book to be available to readers worldwide. This eliminates the geographical limitations often faced in traditional publishing. Digital formats ensure your book is accessible on various devices, from eReaders to smartphones, catering to the preferences of modern readers.

Tips for Self-Publishing:

Just because it’s called “self” publishing, doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. There are small companies like Elite Online Publishing that have experience and expertise in helping author self publishing in a frustration free and successful way. It’s a lot to learn and navigate on your own and you need support in order to do it well!

Traditional Publishing

While self-publishing offers numerous advantages, traditional publishing still holds significant value for many authors. Established publishers provide a range of services that can be beneficial, especially for those seeking to leverage their expertise and resources.

Benefits of Traditional Publishing:

Professional Support: Traditional publishers offer professional editing, cover design, and formatting services, ensuring your book meets high-quality standards. They have established marketing and distribution networks, which can enhance your book’s visibility and reach, often securing placements in bookstores and media outlets.

Industry Credibility: Being published by a reputable publishing house can add a level of prestige and recognition to your work, which can be advantageous for securing speaking engagements, media coverage, and literary awards. Many traditional publishers work with literary agents who can negotiate favorable contracts and provide valuable industry insights.

Keep in mind that traditional publishers may not always reprint books or provide adequate marketing support, even for previously successful authors. Authors often lose control over their intellectual property and book rights. This lack of control can be frustrating for authors who want to keep their book relevant and accessible.

Navigating the Choice:

Choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing depends on your goals, resources, and preferences as an author. Here are some factors to consider:

Goals: If you prioritize creative control, higher royalties, and a faster publishing timeline, self-publishing might be the better option. If you seek professional support, industry credibility, and established distribution channels, traditional publishing could be more suitable.

Resources: Assess your ability to invest time and money into the publishing process. Self-publishing requires a more hands-on approach, while traditional publishing provides structured support.

Audience: Consider where your target audience is most likely to discover your book. Self-publishing excels in digital spaces, while traditional publishing can offer more visibility in physical bookstores and libraries.

The publishing industry is changing, offering more opportunities than ever for authors to share their stories with the world. Whether you choose self-publishing or traditional publishing, understanding the benefits and challenges of each path will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Embrace the power of these evolving publishing models to bring your book to life and reach your readers effectively.

Ultimately, the best publishing route depends on individual needs, goals, and resources. Traditional publishing might offer prestige, while self-publishing and hybrid publishing offer more control and earning potential. If you’re someone who loves complete autonomy and is ready to invest time and effort, DIY might be your path.

Elite Online Publishing stands out for those seeking a high-end, concierge service that combines the benefits of self-publishing with professional support. As more authors pivot towards maintaining control over their work, self-publishing continues to rise in popularity.

Are you ready to take the next step in your publishing journey? At Elite Online Publishing, we are committed to helping you create, publish, and market your book to become a bestseller.

FAQ

What are the initial costs associated with self-publishing? Initial costs for self-publishing can vary widely but typically include expenses for editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing. Some authors also invest in professional services to ensure their book meets industry standards. We recommend partnering with experts like us, who can help you navigate self publishing and make sure you are getting the best. 

How long does it take to self-publish a book? The timeline for self-publishing depends on various factors, including the length of the book, the level of editing required, and the author’s schedule. On average, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year to complete the self-publishing process.

Can self-published books win literary awards? Yes, self-published books can and do win literary awards. While traditional publishers often dominate major literary awards, there are numerous awards specifically for self-published works, and many general awards are open to all authors. Learn more about book awards here! 

How do I market my self-published book? Effective marketing strategies for self-published books include building an author platform, utilizing social media, running targeted advertising campaigns, leveraging email marketing, creating a book launch team, and engaging with your audience through blogs and podcasts.

1. Minimalism Reigns Supreme

Firstly, minimalism continues its reign. This trend emphasizes simplicity and subtlety. Covers feature less clutter, opting for clean lines and ample white space. Moreover, limited color palettes are in vogue, conveying stories through stark contrasts and understated elegance. The minimalist approach speaks volumes, enticing readers with its serene, uncluttered aesthetic.

2. Maximalism Takes A Stand

Conversely, covers featuring eye-catching designs are making waves. This trend is all about embracing extravagance and richness in design. Book covers under this trend are visual feasts, featuring an array of elements that come together in a harmonious yet complex composition. These covers are characterized by their eye-catching designs, often incorporating many colors, patterns, and textures. The artistry lies in the intricate layering of these elements. They blend seamlessly, creating a tapestry that’s both captivating and indicative of the book’s content.

3. Bold Typography Abounds

Bold typography is here to stay. As a complement to minimalist trends, covers showcase large, impactful fonts to draw attention. These typefaces are not mere text; they’re artistic statements. Often, they blend seamlessly with imagery, creating a cohesive and striking visual. This trend reflects a shift towards covers that are direct, assertive, and unapologetically eye-catching.

3. Hand-Drawn and Personalized Artwork

Next, there’s a rise in hand-drawn and personalized artwork. Custom illustrations are replacing stock images, offering uniqueness and personality. These covers feel intimate, as if the artist has left a piece of themselves on the cover. They range from intricate sketches to bold, abstract designs. Each cover becomes a one-of-a-kind piece, attracting readers who seek something truly special.

4. Nostalgic Elements with a Modern Twist

Lastly, nostalgia with a modern twist is a noteworthy trend. Designers are revisiting retro aesthetics, reimagining them for the contemporary audience. Infusing retro imagery with modern design principles will be sure to catch readers’ attention. This fusion creates covers that are both familiar and fresh, appealing to a wide range of readers.

2024‘s book cover trends reflect a blend of boldness, personalization, and innovation. These designs are not just protective covers; they’re storytelling mediums. They invite readers into new worlds, hinting at the wonders within. As publishers and authors, embracing these trends can make our books stand out in an ever-competitive market.

Remember, a book cover is the first conversation with your reader. Make it count with Elite Online Publishing.

FAQ

Question: How can self-published authors incorporate these trends cost-effectively? 

Answer: When a self-published author wants to use these cool book cover trends without spending a lot of money, they can try using design software that doesn’t cost much or find affordable artists on Fiverr or Upwork. You can also hire a professional Graphic Designer or Hire Elite Online Publishing to create your book cover. 

Question: Do these design trends change how people feel about a book before they read it? 

Answer: Yes, a book cover design can change how people feel about a book before they read it. A trendy, modern cover might make the book seem more exciting or fresh, while a classic or minimalistic design might give the impression of a serious or deep story. The cover sets the tone and expectations for what’s inside.

Question: How do these trends fit with e-readers and audiobooks? Since a lot of people read on devices or listen to books, it’s interesting to think about if and how these cover design trends matter in the digital world.

Answer: In the world of e-readers and audiobooks, the impact of these book cover trends might be a bit different. On e-readers, the cover still plays a role when people are browsing online, but it’s usually seen as a thumbnail, so the design needs to work well both big and small. The design needs to have contrast. A white book cover never looks good on a phone or a tablet as a thumbnail because it blends into the background of the book store’s website. Go for bright and bold colors with contrast. For audiobooks, covers also appear as tiny thumbnails, so the design has to be eye-catching even at that small scale.

Here are the detailed instructions.

HOW TO OPEN A MOBI eBook FILE on Computer Desktop, iPhone or Android

DESKTOP

On Desktop: To open the MOBI file you can right-click and open it with Kindle Reader or iBooks. To download Kindle reader for desktop.

 Go here: https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=ruby_redirect?ie=UTF8&node=16571048011

1. Choose the download option for PC & Mac.

2. Click on the downloaded file.

3. Save the downloaded file in a folder.

4. Wait for the application to successfully install. 

5. Once the application is installed, the Kindle App should appear on your screen. 

iPHONE

On iPhone: download the Kindle app, open your email to this email, click on the file and click on the Arrow with a box around it – click open in Kindle App or iBooks app.

1. Click on the App Store

2. Type on the search bar, “Kindle” or “Amazon Kindle.”

3. Choose Amazon Kindle, download the app, and open it.

4. The Kindle App will then open on your iPhone.

ANDROID PHONE

On Android phone: download the Kindle app Move Your Mobi File in the Kindle Folder. Select your MOBI file and tap on Move, and move it into the Kindle Folder in your external or internal storage. Open the Kindle app and read the book.

1. Go to your app drawer on your android device and click on the Play Store.

2. Type on the search bar, “Kindle” or “Amazon Kindle.”

3. Choose Amazon Kindle, download the app, and open it.

4. The Kindle App will then open on your Android.

So what is the truth? Believe it or not, but self-publishing your own manuscript can actually be a vital step toward landing a traditional contract with a literary agent and major publishing house. IngramSparks explains the process in Chapter 2 of their free online course How to Self-Publish:

“Traditional publishers and literary agents are going to take notice if you can prove you have a large following already, as they know there’s potential for those people to buy your book. This might be having a top YouTube channel (funny how most top YouTubers have books now), a TV show (especially for non-fiction, such as cooking), or even a popular blog. This is why it’s worth putting yourself out there and connecting with your audience before you even finish writing your book.”

This all makes sense once you think from the perspective of a business owner: If someone wanted you to stock your shelves with a new product that has little accessibility or even popularity, you’d be wary to order it, too. But if you see that the kid across the street has a line around the block for her thirst-quenching lemonade, then you’d be inclined to ask her to partner with you.

How can self-publishing grab the right attention, you might ask? IngramSparks continues to explain how with a few easy steps.

“Self-publishing and traditional publishing don’t have to be an either/or decision. For many authors, getting traditionally published is their dream, and like many things, the path to success in book publishing can be made of stepping stones.

As mentioned previously, the first big stepping stone to becoming traditionally published for many is finding a literary agent. This task can seem extremely daunting, but many have landed a literary agent or book deal by self-publishing first with the following tips:

• Hone Your Craft

First things first: you’ve got to be a good writer. Good writing is what grabs the attention of a literary agent. Write every day, write when you don’t want to, and write a lot. Even if you think what you’ve put on paper is bad, you’re actually refining your writing skills the more you exercise your writing abilities.

• Invite Yourself to the Party

When you’re just starting out, looking at publishing a book with a major publisher is like standing at the summit of Mount Everest. If you’re not in a position to make that quantum leap just yet (few are), then don’t worry about it! Platforms like IngramSpark allow writers to publish their own work, get it out into the world, and start making a name for themselves.

• Make Connections

At the end of the day, so much of your success in landing an agent is going to be who you know. Go to events, attend readings, and engage with people in the industry on social media.

• Use Self-Publishing as Your Launching Point

Your self-published book can help you build up your author platform and acquire sales to gain momentum behind your name. Once you’ve achieved this, it’s time to start thinking about your next project.”

So if you’re tired of emailing numerous literary agents and sick of seeing yet anotherrejection letter, you can have the best of both worlds by self-publishing that great story of yours. Or, another approach is that you could write a nonfiction (which typically does better self-published) and get enough popularity to bait a contract, then save your epic for the big fish. Either route will lead to creating a name for yourself as a successful author.

Luckily, here at Elite Online Publishing, we specialize in self-publishing manuscripts in a variety of genres, including fiction. Give us a call if you want any help promoting your book.

Ownership is great and being online helps open you up to the other options out there. When self-publishing you may experience struggles with getting your books enough exposure. However, the costs and experience of putting the book together can bring about many revelations. Here are a few keys to success:

Focus and get it done –

One challenge of self-publishing is the lack of deadlines. You can become too relaxed in terms of demands on your own time. If you have no deadline pushing you, you can take as long as 10 years or more. You may have to create your own deadlines and it may mean being a hermit at home to write sometimes.

Relax and let it flow –

You will have writer’s block. This can cause your project to take longer. Don’t pressure yourself too much. Relax through it and go with the flow. Allow yourself some grace during the dry spells while remembering your objective and it will come to you.

Research and ask for help –

Research, Google and YouTube searches are your friends. Do your research. Join writing groups and ask questions. People are more willing to help than you realize. You may choose to pay someone for their service. Editors and others can make your book more polished. Others can help with publicity. There are companies out there like ours that can facilitate much of the busy work. We can take many of the hassles out of a challenging endeavor.  If you don’t love research, dealing with Facebook, waiting for uploads, formatting then you may want a partner in publishing.  That’s where a company like ours comes into play.  We can find and facilitate the services you need to succeed.

Thicken your skin –

If you’ve asked people to critique your work, do not be hurt when they say ‘this reads wrong’ or ‘I don’t understand this’ because that will sink any sort of mistakes that people will catch. One of our authors, Author Cory Jenkins, who just published the Amazon bestseller “I Love Myself So… A Guide to Creating a Life You Love,” said “You can read your own book as many times as you like and still miss so many mistakes. You know what you mean to say so your mind reads it that way.  Also, if you’re reading it just after writing it, then you read it as you meant to write it.  You need a gap in between writing and reading. When I came back and read my book after a few months, I found several mistakes that grammar check wouldn’t normally catch. None of which I had noticed because I knew what I meant to say. I also saw flaws in the organization that I had missed before. I was able to completely reorganize it and release the second edition.”

Make it a priority –

Outside pressures from work, friends, and family will come. The best way to view writing your book is as a second job. Give it as much importance as anything in life that you want to get done. You have nobody to police you, but you, so prioritize, to keep from getting frustrated.

Promoting to number one takes the right strategy and focussed promotion.

1. Self-Publishing Sucess!
2. Promote! Promote! Promote!
3. Get Reviewed!
4. Have a Party!

1. Self-Publishing Sucess-

Self-publishing is the best way to go for most first-time authors. There are many self-publishing platforms to use and you should research them carefully. After learning the ropes, we choose to publish through Amazon Createspace for our clients’ paperbacks and Kindle Direct Publishing for their e-books. Bookbaby is more expensive to use but does most of the work for you which can be a drawback. Createspace is less-expensive to print books and gives you all the control over your book you could ever want including the ability to quickly update the book itself and pricing. The best part of self-publishing by yourself or with us is that you keep more of the money from the sales. And since, you will be doing most of the book promoting anyway, why even bother with a traditional publisher?

2. Promote, Promote, Promote –

Time to use that powerful and visible personal brand to promote your book. As soon as you know when you are going to publish, you should start using all your social channels to get the word out. Companies like ours can assist in this process. Email blasts, live video, requesting appearances on podcasts, and telling everyone you know are all techniques you need to employ. Reach out to local bookstores and set up book signings timed with your release. Look for venues that are relevant to your book topic and see if they will let you speak to their audience. Expect that it will take months to continuously promote your book to get it to the top of the charts. This is as hard a task as it was to write the book. However, a company like ours can make that process painless and speed it up immensely with our resources.  If you don’t currently have a personal brand or following ans would like to use a book to create that, we can help!

3. Get Reviewed –

The more reviews you get on Amazon, the more your book gets promoted by Amazon and the more likely it is to sell more copies. Some say the magic number is 50 and some say it’s 100. If you promote your book well, you will get some reviews organically – meaning readers will submit reviews on their own. But if you want to reach the 50 or 100 marks, you will have to solicit reviews one by one. This means personally ask people to buy and review your book. This is a process you should continue through the life of the book as you can never have too many!

3. Have a Party –

Plan a book launch party timed near the release of your book. It’s a fabulous way to generate interest in your book, get the attention of the press, and get a direct feel for how people view you and your book. This will be promotion money well spent and if you are able, look for a sponsor. The party can create a personal relationship with the attendees, giving you the opportunity to directly ask for book reviews. You have also worked hard to get to this spot and the party is a well-deserved reward for your efforts.

You can see now that writing a book and getting it to be a bestseller is not an easy task. It requires creative thinking, excellent writing skills, personal brand building and a truckload of hard work. But anyone can do it — you just have to ask yourself one question: “How bad do I want it?!”  If you want it, but you’d like to work less, then hiring a company to create the bestseller campaign and possibly assist you with the writing of the book can make it a seamless and fun experience!

Here are just a few of the benefits of having a bestseller! We’ve covered several of these in previous parts of this series.  Find out more about these in the courses and more below.

1. Instant credibility
2. A teaser for a course or coaching program
3. A door opener when used to book speaking or training engagements
4. An opportunity to increase profitability at any event through book sales
5. A leaving piece for current or prospective clients

Stay tuned for more great information on this and other topics!

We have several other resources on our website as well that will assist you in writing your book. These include workbooks to take you through the writing process,  courses and consulting services.  We can assist you in getting your book not only written but to number one! You may also want to watch our online courses on becoming a bestseller and getting your book off the bench and out working for you.

Click Here to Watch Our Free Course – The 5 Secrets of Bestselling Authors

Click Here to Take Our Zero to Hero Course

There are a few questions to ask yourself when you begin the process of writing a book aside from your purpose and target market. As we said last week, your purpose for writing the book directs your content and promotion. Your purpose along with certain other factors will help you determine what professional services you will need to employ.

1. How much time do you have?
2. What skills do you have in writing?
3. How professional and polished do you want to appear?

1. Time

Do you have a deadline or a limited amount of time to work on this project? There are several options and services that can assist you in writing your book with a limited time frame or limited time availability.

• Dictating your book into your phone or any technology able to accommodate talk to text can help you save time in typing.
• A ghost Writer can free up your time to focus on your business or meet a book launch deadline.
  • You can give them either text, audio or video to work with in creating your content
  • They can take the time to sort through and pull things together if you don’t have the time.
• An ghostwriter and editor together can take your ideas and turn them into a great manuscript for you.
  • Your job is then to simply review and request or make changes so it truly reflects your intended message.
  • If you have the money but not the time, this is the way to go!
  • This takes much of the hassle off your shoulders.
  • It gives you a professional team to work with.
  • Team work makes the dream work!

2. Skills

If you are looking to stand out as a professional in your field and establish credibility, you will, at a minimum, want an editor.  You may even want to go so far as to hire a ghostwriter to assist you in ensuring your content is spot on and that you are not only delivering cutting-edge material but in a manner that comes across easily to provide the great value you have to offer. This is important if your book is intended as a prospecting tool as it will be your first impression. How complicated is your subject matter and what will it take to present it in an organized, useful format? If you already have most of it created then a ghostwriter may not be necessary. However, if this is the first ttime you have attempted writing your ideas down for someone else to read then a ghostwriter might be jus thte thing you need!

• A ghostwriter as stated above can take your ideas and turn them into useful copy.
• An editor can help you organize your ideas so they flow in an orderly fashion that that makes them easily understandable.

3. Polish

Are you wanting to establish credibility or become an authority in your field? Is your book intended to open doors so you can speak on the subject matter as a keynote speaker or trainer?  Is your book is going directly to your clients to build your relationship with them and increase their loyalty?  If any of these ring true, then you want to put your best foot forward.  We have several resources for our clients, including great editors and ghostwriters as well as formatting and cover creation experts. We are also expert promoters!

• A ghostwriter can help you craft your message properly and save you time.
• An editor can catch errors in grammar and spelling to ensure you look polished and professional.
• A good publisher can assure your book gets formatted properly, put together professionally and promoted to the top!
  • A great cover is key as it’s your first impression and attention grabber!
  • Professional formatting is crucial as it sets the tone for the book and makes the text easy to read!
  • Proper promotion is paramount! You must have a plan of action and the necessary resources to get you to the top!

Stay tuned for more on promoting your book to number one!

We will be talking about getting your book to number one and what that provides next week!

1. Your target audience
2. Your goal or purpose behind writing a book
   • Are you wanting to share a story to make a difference?
   • Are you wanting to establish credibility or become an authority in your field?
   • Are you writing in order to draw attention to and increase revenue in your business?
   • Maybe you’re focused on all of these!
3. How much time you have to devote to the project

Target Audience

Before you decide to write a book, you must envision what the reader will gain in reading your book.  Who will benefit from the message you plan to share? Tell your story to friends, family and possibly clients. Share it on social media. Gage the reaction and feedback.  They may tell you about friends they wish could hear that message or story. If you are not hearing this or the phrase, “you need to write a book,” change your approach. Maybe share a different part of your story depending on your purpose behind writing a book. It’s best to know your target audience wants to hear your message before you begin. It’s also great to focus on a specific type of audience so you can craft a message. If your audience is current and prospective clients you may already have this decided. Otherwise, you will need to define and describe the type of people you think would benefit most from the message you are sharing.

Brand You

Start building a brand before you ever begin writing your book. It will be the most valuable asset you have to evaluate your audience, find your voice, sell your book, get reviews and get noticed by the press. Start preparing your audience for the content of your book. About 120 days before the release, start telling your audience specifically about the book. Share excerpts or ideas and gage their reaction. It can actually help you in writing the content that speaks directly to their needs. You can start answering questions and comments you get from sharing parts of the message.

Blog it Out

Writing blogs relevant to your personal brand and book topic is the best way to find your unique voice, understand what exactly you are trying to say to the world and how your message resonates with your audience. Thoughts in your brain take on a different shape when you are writing with the intention of speaking to your readers. It is challenging to find success as an author without writing a few dozen blogs or posts first. In the absence of a blog, you can use a Facebook page to share in a similar fashion.

Stay tuned next week for more on this Bestseller series!

We’ll be discussing how your goal or purpose in writing a book affects your approach. We will follow that up by looking at how the amount of time you have to devote to your book project directly affects the types of professional services you’ll need to seek.

Self-Publishing Secrets –  How to Market a Book. Melanie Johnson and Jenn Foster talk about how to market your book. They talk about how often to post on Social Media and how to use your book to make more money in your business.

Subscribe to the PODCAST NOW on Apple Podcast 

Listen Below or Watch the YouTube Video.

For access to all of Elite Expert Insider podcasts visit:

Elite.Libsyn.com  or  YouTube – Elite Expert Insider – Second Season