Self-publishing has become increasingly popular in recent years, due to the relatively low costs involved, and the ability to get one’s work out quickly and easily. However, it’s important to remember that there are several potential pitfalls of self-publishing that should be taken into consideration before moving forward.
One of the biggest pitfalls of self publishing is that you don’t get traditional editorial support. This means that, if you choose to go down this route, it is up to you to make sure your book is edited, proofread and formatted correctly. Self-publishing authors are solely responsible for acquiring and paying for editing, proofreading and formatting services, so this is definitely something to keep in mind.
Another potential issue is that it may be difficult to find a qualified, reliable editor or proofreader who has experience in the genre in which you are writing. Amateur, inexperienced writers may end up with a subpar result if they don't choose their editors carefully, resulting in a finished product of low quality.
Also, self-publishing can be expensive. While there is no cost up front, you may have to pay for a variety of services, such as editing and marketing. Additionally, self-publishing can require an ongoing financial commitment, as it is up to the author to acquire marketing and promotional services.
Finally, it can be difficult to get self-published books placed in physical bookstores, as they will usually only carry books published through traditional publishing houses. Similarly, it’s difficult to get self published books offered in online stores like Amazon, due to the sheer number of available titles, and the quality and review standards for self-published works.
All in all, it’s important to keep in mind that self-publishing isn’t as easy as it looks and, as with any venture, careful consideration of the potential pitfalls and rewards is recommended before taking the plunge.