Why do authors now have to pay to get published? 

There is a common misconception that authors are ‘now having to pay’ to get their books published. The truth is, authors always pay to get their books published.

How?

Traditional publishers take the cost of publishing from the sales of the book. This is why traditionally published authors only receive 10% of royalties, rather than 70% of sales when investing in themselves.

This simple truth has just been hidden and disguised from everyone.

Authors also pay intangible costs by selling their rights to traditional publishers, including their right to control what happens with their book.

Those who are wise to this truth, and are entrepreneurial in spirit, choose to invest in themselves and their book. By investing in your book you have more accountability (which not everyone likes) and more flexibility on timelines and deadlines.

With the traditional publishing model, authors are unaware of the costs involved for editing, design, and distribution. Traditional publishing is seen as as the publishers investing in authors and assuming financial risk. That may be true in essence, but the publishers are a business. They are interested in profit and return on investment – which is why they reject so many books.

It’s becoming more common for authors to contribute to production costs, especially in hybrid publishing models. Even though authors get the prestige of being published by a traditional publisher, and a relatively easier life than going it alone, they make more in royalties per book sold by investing in the new innovative ways of publishing.

There is also the added intangible benefits of added confidence and pride of investing in oneself and creating success on our own terms.

All the author has to do is figure out which option is best for them.

If you are considering your options, then book a call with Dawn and she will go through your options, give you all the advice you need, AND work out a plan with you!