Self-Publishing: The Pros, the Cons, and Legitimate Companies You Can Use

A balanced guide to the pros and cons of self-publishing, plus legitimate platforms writers can trust and vanity presses to avoid.

Self-publishing has transformed the publishing world. Writers no longer need to secure a traditional publishing deal to see their work in print or available online. 

Today, authors can publish ebooks, paperbacks, and even audiobooks themselves, often with global reach.

However, self-publishing is not automatically the right choice for everyone. It comes with clear advantages, genuine drawbacks, and a landscape that includes both reputable platforms and firms best avoided.

This guide looks at the pros and cons of self-publishing and highlights legitimate companies writers can use with confidence.

The Pros of Self-Publishing

1. Creative Control

Self-publishing allows you to retain full control over:

Content and tone

Cover design

Pricing

Release dates

Updates and revisions

There is no editorial board to persuade and no requirement to reshape your work to fit a market trend.

For many writers, this freedom is invaluable.

2. Faster Time to Publication

Traditional publishing can take literally years from submission to publication.

Self-publishing can take:

Weeks

Or even days

This is particularly beneficial for:

Timely non-fiction

Serial fiction

Bloggers and content creators

Writers responding to current events or trends

3. Higher Royalty Rates

Self-published authors typically earn a much higher percentage per sale than traditionally published authors.

While exact rates vary, self-publishing platforms often offer:

Significantly higher ebook royalties

Transparent payment systems

Regular reporting

You may sell fewer copies, but earn more per copy.

4. Ownership of Rights

When you self-publish, you generally retain:

Copyright

Distribution rights

Translation and adaptation rights

This gives you flexibility for future opportunities, including audiobooks, foreign editions, or licensing.

The Cons of Self-Publishing

1. Upfront Costs

Self-publishing is not free if done properly.

Potential costs include:

Professional editing

Cover design

Formatting

ISBNs (depending on platform and country

Cutting corners here can harm credibility and sales.

2. No Built-In Marketing

Unlike traditional publishing, self-publishing rarely includes:

Marketing campaigns

Media outreach

Bookshop placement

You are responsible for:

Promotion

Audience building

Visibility

Many books fail not due to quality, but because nobody knows they exist.

3. Discoverability Is Challenging

Online marketplaces are crowded.

Standing out requires:

Strong metadata and keywords

Good cover design

Consistent promotion

Patience

Success is often gradual rather than immediate.

4. Quality Control Is Your Responsibility

There is no external gatekeeper.

That means:

Mistakes can slip through

Poor presentation can damage reputation

Reviews may be unforgiving

Professional standards still matter — even when self-publishing.

Legitimate Self-Publishing Platforms You Can Use

The following platforms are widely regarded as reputable, transparent, and non-exploitative.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Best for:

Ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks

Global reach

Pros:

Easy to use

Huge marketplace

No upfront publishing fees

Considerations:

Competitive environment

Exclusivity if you enrol in certain programmes

IngramSpark

Best for:

Print distribution to bookshops and libraries

Pros:

Professional-grade printing

Wide distribution channels

Suitable for authors targeting bookshops

Considerations:

Setup fees

More complex interface

Draft2Digital

Best for:

Wide ebook distribution beyond Amazon

Pros:

Distributes to multiple retailers

Simple dashboard

No upfront fees

Considerations:

Slightly lower royalties due to aggregator model

Kobo Writing Life

Best for:

International and UK-friendly ebook distribution

Pros:

Strong presence outside the US

Transparent reporting

No publishing fees

Considerations:

Smaller market share than Amazon

Apple Books for Authors

Best for:

Direct access to Apple’s ecosystem

Pros:

High-quality storefront

Good international reach

Considerations:

Requires Apple-compatible setup

A Word of Caution: Vanity Presses

Be wary of companies that:

Charge large upfront fees

Promise guaranteed sales or bestseller status

Market themselves as “hybrid publishers” without transparency

Lock you into restrictive contracts

A legitimate self-publishing platform:

Does not require thousands of pounds upfront

Allows you to leave

Does not claim to market your book magically

If a company makes publishing sound effortless and expensive, proceed carefully.

Is Self-Publishing Right for You?

Self-publishing suits writers who:

Value independence

Are willing to learn

Accept responsibility for quality and promotion

Prefer long-term growth over instant validation

It may not suit writers who:

Want full marketing support

Dislike technical processes

Prefer traditional gatekeeping

Neither route is “better” — they are simply different.

Final Thoughts: An Empowering Option, Not a Shortcut

Self-publishing is not a shortcut to success, but it is a legitimate, empowering route for writers who want control, flexibility, and ownership.

Done well, it can be deeply rewarding.

Done carelessly, it can be frustrating.

The key is informed choice, realistic expectations, and professional standards.

Crafting the Perfect Pitch: How Authors Can Woo Publishers

So, you've penned your manuscript, revised it a dozen times, and now you're ready to take the next step in your writing journey, finding a publisher. 

In a world that's bursting with talent, it's crucial to know how to make your book stand out. To do that, you need to craft a compelling pitch. A strong pitch can be your foot in the door to the publishing world, and we're here to guide you through the process.

Understand Your Audience

Before you even think about approaching a publisher, you need to understand your audience and your book's market. What genre does your book fall into? 

Who is your target readership? What other books are similar to yours, and who publishes them? The more you know about your audience and where your book fits in, the better you can tailor your pitch to appeal to publishers who specialize in your genre.

Write a Stellar Query Letter

A query letter is your first point of contact with a publisher. It should be concise, engaging, and professional. Here's what to include:

A strong hook: Begin with an attention-grabbing sentence or two that encapsulates the essence of your book. Make the publisher want to keep reading.

A brief synopsis: Summarise your book's plot and major themes. Be specific and give a sense of what makes your story unique.

Author information: Provide a brief bio that highlights your relevant writing experience and any publications or awards.

A personalised touch: Mention why you're reaching out to this specific publisher. Did you enjoy one of their recent releases? Have you met them at a writer's conference? Personalise your letter to show you've done your homework.

Perfect Your Elevator Pitch

Imagine you're in an elevator with a publisher, and you only have a minute to pitch your book. What would you say? Your elevator pitch should be a concise, one- to two-sentence summary of your book that conveys its essence and what makes it unique. Practice this pitch until it's smooth and captivating.

Create a Compelling Book Proposal

If a publisher expresses interest based on your query letter, they may request a book proposal. This is a more detailed document that includes:

A cover letter: A brief introduction summarizing your book and why you believe it's a good fit for the publisher.

A synopsis: A more in-depth summary of your book, including the main plot, character development, and any unique selling points.

Market analysis: Explain your book's target market and how it fits into the current literary landscape.

Author bio: Provide a more extensive bio, emphasising your qualifications and credibility as a writer.

Marketing and promotion plan: Describe your ideas for promoting your book, such as book tours, social media, or author events.

Sample chapters: Include the first few chapters of your manuscript to showcase your writing style.

Polish Your Online Presence

Publishers often research authors online before making a decision. Make sure your online presence is professional and engaging. This includes your author website, social media profiles, and any other platforms where you connect with readers.

Be Persistent and Patient

Rejection is a part of the publishing world. Don't be disheartened by rejection letters. Keep refining your pitch and sending it out to other publishers. Persistence can pay off, and many successful authors faced numerous rejections before finding the right publisher.

Crafting a compelling pitch is an essential step in the journey of getting your book published. Understanding your audience, perfecting your query letter, creating a comprehensive book proposal, and polishing your online presence are key elements in this process. 

Remember, patience and persistence are vital, as the path to getting published can be long and challenging. Keep honing your pitch, and you'll increase your chances of catching the attention of a publisher who believes in your work as much as you do. Good luck on your publishing journey!

(Image courtesy of Javier Rodriguez from Pixabay)

How to publish a book with Kindle

Publishing a book with Kindle is relatively easy.

First make sure your manuscript is finished and typo free. Then check it again. Also ensure that you check for the wrong word, spelt correctly! And the accidental  double use of the the same word can be off-putting to your readers, so please check check for those, too!

You will need to design a cover. My cover was designed using a photograph my wife create. The image was sent to Powerpoint and the text added there.

The image -complete with text- was then saved as a jpeg.

Then you need to go to http://kdp.amazon.com and simply follow the instructions. They take you through setting a price plus various other features that you can use to help promote your book.

You are advised to use a .doc file or it might not work. In Open Office I was able to save it as a .doc file.

You will need to wait for approval and then your book is out there, in the wild!

You can -please!- check my book of short stories out at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0070DA1PO

The next book I am working on via The Rann Street Press? A book on basic health and safety principles for the workplace. A vastly different project, but one which I feel passionate about.

Poetry

Poetry, if it is anything, must come from the heart.

It can rhyme, or be blank verse. Long, in multiple verses, or with only one verse or even only two lines.

Here are some examples of this short form of poetry:

Years ago, you gave me a stone heart. "How cute!" I thought.
I believed it was symbolic. Now I know better...


"Do not build a house on a sandy foundation," the Bible warns.
But what if our life is made of sand?

The birds of summer are leaving.
"See you next year," I say, as they fly away, high over head.


Why not have a go at this form of short poetry yourself? You can use it to experiment with ideas. Who knows? If you write enough, you might be able to collect them in the form of a book, either in print or as a Kindle book and sell it via Amazon.

New facility for readers of Be That Writer

There are many books available for the aspiring and the more experienced writer. But if we are not careful we can spend far too much of the income we generate from writing on buying such books.

We can guard against this unfortunate event by buying our books wisely. Such as buying from Amazon who do stock a wide range of books of great interest and worth to us writers.

Be That Writer has introduced an Amazon search box/sales facility which you will find on the right hand side of Be That Writer.

Be That Writer hopes you will enjoy using this facility. Will Be That Writer earn any income from such sales? Be That Writer certainly hopes so, as this will help defray the costs of running the site!

Write On! The Writer’s Help Book

This is an essential guide for all writers, from the newest to the more experienced amongst us.

Seasoned and published author and writer Adrian Magson (you’ll probably have seen  his name in writer’s magazines) will help you get your ideas in to action and then on the screen and the printed page.

He reveals the many tricks and tips that professional fiction writers use to help them in their craft.

There’s advice on how you can edit your own work before you submit your work for publication.

Adrian covers a variety of topics and subjects involved with writing from dealing with writer’s block, right through to getting published.

The book is inspirational and makes a fine reference work for all writers, no matter if they have published dozens of articles and books or if they are hungering after their first sale.

Hunger no more! This book will feed you  with what you need!

The book is available via The Be That Writer Amazon Search Box to the right of this item at £9.99 (or less).

It is published by Accent Press and is available from 10 August. Paperback, ISBN 9781908006776.

Kindle reader and Kindle books for free, thanks to Amazon!

Those kind, wonderful people at Amazon allow you to download a free Kindle reader from their website.

But not only that, they also have a vast library of free to download Kindle books available on Amazon, too!

Besides which, there are many, many really interesting books (fiction and non-fiction) that are available in the Kindle format that are available at very modest and heavily discounted prices.

Just visit www.Amazon.com or www.amazon.co.uk (or the Amazon site appropriate for where you live) to find out more.

Or you could check the Amazon search box on Be That Writer.

These free Kindle books are, of course, suitable for a stand-alone Kindle reader, too.

Overheard in a bookshop “Did Beatrix Potter ever write any books about dinosaurs?”

Every bookseller has stories about some of the weird and wonderful comments they have overheard in their bookshop whilst on the shop floor, not to mention a whole host of quirky customer queries. To celebrate Independent Booksellers Week, independent booksellers from across the UK have been invited to share some of their favourites...

SIMPLY BOOKS, Bramhill, Greater Manchester

Elderly chap came in on Saturday and asked whether we had one of Delia Smith’s books called Cooking for Sluts… didn’t bat an eyelid when I said the book I thought he was looking for was called How to Cheat at Cooking.

GROVE BOOKSHOP, Ilkley, West Yorkshire

Customer: I’m looking for a book, all I know is that it’s by a Scottish archaeologist who is on television

Bookshop Owner: Might it be this one, The History of Scotland, by Neil Oliver?

Customer: Oh, no, this was a much taller gentleman.

FOREST BOOKSHOP, Coleford, Gloucestershire

Customer: Do you have the latest book by Jackie Collins?

Ian (bookseller): Well there’s Lethal Seduction, her latest in paperback.

Customer: I’ve read that.

Ian: Or, ‘Goddess of Vengeance’ which is in hardback only.

Customer: No, I won’t bother with that one, the hardbacks are all dearer, for some reason…

THE MAINSTREET TRADING COMPANY, St Boswells

Customer: I’d like a Where’s Wally book please.

Bookshop owner: Our system says we have one in stock, but I, ah, can’t find it!

FALMOUTH BOOKSELLER, Falmouth, Cornwall

Customer: Have you got Lionel Ritchie’s Wardrobe?

(Same customer): Also, do you have the AA book of Milne?

RIPPING YARNS, London

Customer (to their friend): God, the Famous Five titles really were crap, weren’t they? Five Go Camping…Five Go Off in a Caravan…If it were Five Go Down to a Crack House it might be more exciting.

****
Customer: Do you have a copy of Jane Eyre?

Bookseller: Actually, I just sold that this morning, sorry!

Customer : Oh. Have you read it?

Bookseller: Yep, it’s one of my favourite books.

Customer: Oh great (sits down), could you tell me all about it? I have an essay to write on it by tomorrow.

****
Customer: Do you have any books on star signs?

Bookseller: Yes, our esoteric section is over here.

Customer: Good. It’s just I really need to check mine – I have an overwhelming feeling that something
bad is going to happen.

****
Customer: Do you have a book that lists aphrodisiacs? I’ve got a date on Friday

DEVIZES BOOKS, Devizes, Wiltshire

Bookseller: Do you need a bag for your books?

Customer: No, it’s OK, I have a cardigan.

BUY THE BOOK, Oakham, Leicestershire

Bookseller: Good afternoon, Buy The Book in Oakham, how may I help?

Gentleman: Can I book a double room please.

Bookseller: (after brief, confused pause): I’m sorry sir, I think you have the wrong number – we are a
bookshop.

Gentleman: (undeterred): OK, can I have a twin then?

www.independentbooksellersweek.org.uk

INDEPENDENT BOOKSELLERS WEEK, 18th- 25th JUNE 2011
Independent Booksellers Week (IBW), now in its fifth year, is a celebration of independent bookshops nationwide, and the important part that ‘indies’ play in their communities and the excellent, personal service they provide for customers.

Hundreds of events and promotions will be taking place at independent bookshops around the country. Local bookshops who take part in IBW are supported by the BA with the preparation of toolkit packs, including information on how to engage with the local community and media, and point-of-sale materials.

Brand new for 2011 is National Reading Group Day, which takes place on Saturday 25th June, a new initiative spearheaded by BA President, Jane Streeter, which will allow booksellers to focus on the Reading Group phenomenon, organise their own Reading Group Day, or partner with other organisations, such as local libraries, to create a lively reading group initiative.

THE BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION
The Booksellers Association (BA) of the United Kingdom and Ireland Limited [“BA”], representing over 95% of the specialist booksellers in the UK and Ireland, is committed to providing the widest possible range of services to its membership, the value of which far outweigh the cost of being a member.The BA is an inclusive association, representing bookshop chains, general and specialist independents, institutional suppliers, wholesalers, and supermarkets who sell books. 

The Association is very active in representing booksellers’ interests to publishers, the UK Government and the European Commission. But the BA particularly focuses on providing services to help its members increase sales and reduce costs, e.g. Electronic Gift Cards, which help facilitate the gifting of books in a modern, easy and attractive way (only BA members can sell and exchange Book Tokens). 

The BA also organises the annual Book Industry Conference, the conference for academic booksellers and publishers, and is a sponsor of The London Book Fair.