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.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your First Novel

So, you've read our previous blogpost and by now you have completed your first novel, and you're ready to share your masterpiece with the world. Congratulations! Selling your first novel is a thrilling journey that can be as rewarding as the writing process itself. 

However, breaking into the competitive world of publishing can be challenging. But don't worry; this blog post will guide you through the process of selling your first novel, from polishing your manuscript to landing a publishing deal.

Revise and Edit

Before you even think about selling your novel, make sure it's in the best possible shape. Editing is a crucial step in this process. Here are a few tips:

Self-edit: Go through your manuscript multiple times to catch typos, grammatical errors, and inconsistencies.

Beta readers: Share your work with trusted individuals for feedback. They can offer a fresh perspective and point out areas that need improvement.

Professional editing: Consider hiring a professional editor. They can help you fine-tune your novel and make it more appealing to publishers.

Write a Stellar Query Letter

Once your novel is polished, it's time to craft a really compelling query letter. This letter is your first opportunity to capture the attention of literary agents or publishers. A well-written query letter should include:

A concise synopsis of your novel.

A brief author bio highlighting your qualifications and previous writing experience.

A personalized introduction indicating why you're approaching this particular agent or publisher.

Make sure your query letter is professional, concise, and free of errors. It's your chance to make a great first impression.

Research Literary Agents and Publishers

Find the right literary agent or publisher for your novel. Research is key here. Look for professionals who specialize in your genre or have a track record of publishing similar works. Make a list of potential agents or publishers and their submission guidelines.

Prepare a Submission Package

In addition to your query letter, most agents and publishers will require a submission package. This typically includes:

A well-crafted synopsis of your novel.

The first few chapters or a specified number of pages.

A brief author bio.

Any other materials they request.

Ensure that your submission package adheres to their specific guidelines.

Network and Attend Writing Conferences

Networking can play a significant role in getting your novel noticed. Attend writing conferences, join writing groups, and engage with the writing community. These connections can lead to valuable insights, referrals, and opportunities.

Be Persistent and Resilient

Rejections are an inevitable part of the process. Even some famous authors faced numerous rejections before they were published. Don't be disheartened by rejection letters; use them as opportunities to learn and improve. Keep submitting to different agents and publishers.

Consider Self-Publishing

If traditional publishing proves elusive, consider self-publishing your novel. Many successful authors, such as Hugh Howey and Andy Weir, initially self-published their works and later attracted traditional publishing deals. Self-publishing can help you build an audience and establish your author brand.

Did you know that Charles Dickens decided to self-publish A Christmas Carol? Apparently he felt he had been cheated on the payments he received from his previous novel Martin Chuzzlewit, so took the decision to self-publish A Christmas Carol, selling out an initial print run of 6,000 copies in a matter of weeks, at five shillings a copy. 

Build an Online Presence

An active online presence can be a significant asset when selling your novel. Create a website, engage with potential readers on social media, and establish an email list. Publishers and agents often look for authors who have a platform and can actively promote their work.

Keep Writing

While you're in the process of selling your first novel, keep writing. Having multiple projects in the works can demonstrate your dedication and versatility as an author.

Selling your first novel is a challenging but rewarding journey. It requires hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to improving your craft. With the right preparation, patience, and determination, you can increase your chances of getting your novel published. Remember that the road to success may be long and filled with obstacles, but many authors have walked this path before you and achieved their goals. Keep believing in your work, keep refining your skills, and keep pursuing your dream of becoming a published author. Good luck on your journey to selling your first novel!

(Image courtesy of R-region 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.

How to start writing and how to get it published

In this article I will tell you how to start in your life as a writer.

First take a piece of paper lined or blank, it doesn't matter which, a pen or a pencil and write 50 words. You could write 50 words on why you want to be a writer. But that's entirely up to you. You can write about anything. I'll wait here until you are done with that assignment.

OK, so with your 50 words done, type them into the word processor package of your choice and then save the document as a text file.

Now go to www.blogger.com and sign up for a blogging account, unless you already have one, then all you need do is start up a new blog with your existing account. Do you have to use Blogger.com? No, but it's what I use and it is what I am familiar with and comfortable with. I have tried several other blogging platforms but did not get on with them in quite the same way as I do with blogger.com.

Copy and paste your text file into your blog and there you have it! Not only have you written your first article, you have also published it, too! Cool!

And just because you self-published it does not mean that it is any the less of an article for that. Charles Dickens self-published, as have many literary greats. So you are in good company.

Now you have started, how do you continue? Write. Write about anything and everything you feel you want to write about. Tighten up your grammar, work on your spelling (if you need to) and practice. Because with writing, practice is everything!