You can technically self-publish a book for very little money.
Platforms exist that allow authors to upload book files and make them available for sale without hiring a publishing company at all.
So why would an author pay a self-publishing company thousands of dollars to help publish a book?
It is a fair question.
The answer comes down to what you want to do yourself, what level of quality you expect, how much professional support you need, and what you want the finished book to accomplish.
Paying a self-publishing company is not simply paying someone for permission to publish your book. You are paying professionals to help turn your manuscript into a professionally produced book and manage many of the specialized tasks required to get it there.
For the right author, that can be extremely valuable.
What Does a Self-Publishing Company Actually Do?
A full-service self-publishing company can manage many of the tasks that an author would otherwise need to handle independently or outsource to multiple freelancers.
Depending on the company and publishing package, those services may include:
- Professional editing
- Custom cover design
- Interior book design
- eBook conversion
- ISBN assignment
- Book formatting
- Printing setup
- Proof copies
- Distribution
- Retail availability
- Publishing guidance
- Project management
- Marketing and publicity
- Author support
Instead of coordinating an editor, designer, formatter, distributor, printer, and marketing professionals separately, the author can work with one publishing company that helps manage the process.
That convenience is a major part of what you are paying for.
Why Not Just Do Everything Yourself?
You certainly can.
DIY self-publishing can be an excellent choice for authors who have the necessary skills, time, and willingness to manage the entire process.
The challenge is that writing a book and publishing a book require very different skill sets.
Being a talented writer does not automatically make someone a professional editor.
Writing a compelling story does not mean you know how to design a commercially competitive cover.
Knowing your subject does not mean you understand book metadata, distribution, interior formatting, print specifications, or retail positioning.
And being an author does not necessarily mean you want to become a publishing project manager.
That is where professional assistance can become valuable.
What Are You Really Paying For?
When evaluating the cost of a self-publishing company, it helps to stop thinking exclusively in terms of individual deliverables.
You are also paying for expertise.
You are paying for professional execution.
You are paying for infrastructure.
You are paying for coordination.
And you are paying for time.
Consider what would be involved in independently finding and evaluating an editor, cover designer, interior designer, formatter, printing solution, distributor, and marketing providers.
You would need to identify qualified professionals, compare prices, negotiate terms, provide instructions, manage deadlines, review work, coordinate files, and solve problems along the way.
Some authors enjoy managing that process.
Others would rather spend that time writing, running their businesses, working, or focusing on their families.
Does Paying More Guarantee a Better Book?
No.
Price alone does not determine quality.
An expensive publishing company can still be the wrong fit, and a less expensive solution can sometimes provide exactly what an author needs.
That is why authors should compare what is actually included rather than simply comparing prices.
Ask whether the cover is custom designed.
Understand what type of editing is included.
Find out how distribution works.
Review the royalty structure.
Understand who owns the publishing rights.
Ask who will manage your project.
Determine whether marketing is included or available.
Look at books the company has actually produced.
The objective is to evaluate value, not simply price.
Explore Professional Self-Publishing Services
If you want the control of self-publishing without having to manage every part of the publishing process yourself, professional assistance may be worth considering.
Explore MindStir Media’s self-publishing packages to see the professional publishing services and package options available to authors.
When Is Paying a Self-Publishing Company Worth It?
Professional assistance tends to make the most sense when you want a professionally produced book but do not want to become responsible for every technical aspect of publishing.
It can be particularly attractive if:
- This is your first book.
- You do not have publishing-industry experience.
- You want professional editing and design.
- You do not want to coordinate multiple freelancers.
- You want help with distribution.
- You want access to professional book marketing.
- You value having a publishing team supporting you.
- Your time is valuable.
- The book is important to your professional reputation or personal brand.
The more important the finished product is to you, the stronger the argument becomes for surrounding yourself with experienced professionals.
When Might Paying a Publishing Company Not Be Worth It?
Professional full-service publishing is not the right choice for everyone.
If your primary objective is simply to make a book available as inexpensively as possible and you are comfortable doing the work yourself, DIY self-publishing may be a better fit.
Similarly, an experienced independent author who already has trusted editors, designers, formatters, and marketing professionals may not need a full-service company.
The point is not that every author should pay for professional publishing.
The point is that authors should choose the model that matches their priorities.
What About Rights and Creative Control?
This is an important consideration when comparing publishing companies.
One reason authors choose self-publishing is the ability to maintain greater ownership and control over their work.
Before signing an agreement, understand exactly which rights you retain and how much input you have over editing, design, pricing, and other decisions.
Do not assume that every company operates the same way.
Read the agreement and ask questions.
What About Royalties?
Royalty structures can vary significantly between companies and packages.
Authors should understand how royalties are calculated, whether the percentage is based on retail price or net sales, which costs are deducted before the royalty is calculated, and when royalties are paid.
A high advertised royalty percentage is only meaningful if you understand what the percentage applies to.
This should be part of your evaluation of the overall publishing arrangement.
Think About the Value of Your Time
This is one of the most overlooked parts of the decision.
Suppose you could save money by spending 100 hours learning how to manage every aspect of publication yourself.
Was it actually free?
Your time has value.
For an entrepreneur, executive, physician, consultant, professional, or busy parent, those 100 hours may be worth considerably more than the money saved.
For another author, learning the entire process may be enjoyable and worthwhile.
Neither answer is universally correct.
Is Paying a Self-Publishing Company Worth It?
It can be, particularly if you value professional assistance, convenience, quality, guidance, and time.
The question should not be:
“Can I publish this book more cheaply?”
You probably can.
The better question is:
“What kind of publishing experience and finished book do I want?”
If you want to manage everything yourself, DIY publishing may make sense.
If you want an experienced team helping you professionally produce and distribute your book, paying a self-publishing company may be a worthwhile investment.
Talk With MindStir Media About Your Book
MindStir Media helps authors professionally publish their books with services that can include editing, custom book design, production, distribution, marketing, and ongoing author support.
If you have a manuscript and are considering professional self-publishing, you can discuss your book and available options with the MindStir Media team.
Schedule a publishing consultation with MindStir Media to discuss your manuscript, publishing goals, and potential next steps.