Australian Self-Publishing Myths and Misconceptions

Some of the more common self-publishing myths and misconceptions Australian authors should be aware of as they navigate the self-publishing journey!

Despite the popularity of self-publishing in Australia and worldwide being at an all-time high, there are still a whole lot of self-publishing myths and misconceptions that continue to plague the Australian publishing industry. As a new Australian author, it can be pretty daunting to navigate the self-publishing process. So, we wanted to debunk some of the more common self-publishing myths and misconceptions.

Not only are many of these self-publishing myths and misconceptions simply incorrect, but they also often lead authors down the wrong path. This can result in costly mistakes and, in some cases, deter authors from self-publishing altogether. The last thing we want is fewer authors pursuing their dreams.

If you’re currently considering self-publishing, and you’re not sure which is the best self-publishing platform for you, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark Publishing, or others, check out The Best Self-Publishing Platforms to Publish Your Book! We cover the pros and cons of Australia’s most popular self-publishing platforms.

In the following article on self-publishing myths and misconceptions, we’ll cover:

1. 1. 1. 1. Self-publishing is just for authors who can’t land traditional publishing deals
        
        Self-published books aren’t the same quality as traditionally published books
        
        When you self-publish, it means you need to do everything yourself
        
        Self-published authors never make any money
        
        You have to have a physical version of your book
        
        Self-published books aren’t as respected as traditionally published books
        
        Self-publishing FAQs

Myth: Self-publishing is just for authors who can’t land traditional publishing deals

False. In fact, many authors choose to self-publish rather than seek a publishing deal. Many people believe that self-publishing is a ‘last resort’ for authors who can’t land traditional publishing deals. However, many authors, including traditionally published authors, now embrace self-publishing as a valid publishing option.

Have you heard of the Hollywood movie The Martian? Author Andy Weir started releasing his book for free online before self-publishing it as an ebook. He then landed a traditional publishing deal with Crown Publishing. That deal eventually led to the blockbuster film starring Matt Damon.

Another good example is E.L. James and her novel Fifty Shades of Grey. She built a massive following as an independent author before a traditional publisher picked up her book, and the series of movies went on to achieve enormous success.

Apart from keeping 100% of the profit, self-published authors also retain complete creative control over their book throughout editing, cover design, and formatting. Self-published authors are free to go in any direction they want with their design. This level of creativity has led to the release of some truly amazing books in the last few years.

Speed of release is also a factor. When you’re not in control of the publishing process, it can be challenging to release books quickly. Traditional publishers often take up to a year to release each book. Self-publishing allows authors to set their own deadlines and release schedules.

Myth: Self-published books aren’t the same quality as traditionally published books

False. Some self-published books are truly low-quality. However, most self-published authors pour their heart and soul into their books while sticking to their budget.

High-quality self-published books will rise to the top, while poorly edited, formatted, or low-quality cover-design books will fall to the bottom. Whether traditionally published or self-published, the book market is highly competitive, and low-quality books rarely last long.

With the addition of AI into the mix, we’re seeing a lot more books being released. This is driving up competition. However, many of these books are repetitive, poorly edited, and lack a human touch.

At Author Services Australia, we have a dedicated team standing by to assist Australian and New Zealand self-published authors with professional editing services, including manuscript evaluations, beta reading, developmental editing, copyediting, and proofreading, professional book cover design services, and professional print and ebook formatting services to ensure that when your self-published book hits the shelf, it looks impressive.

Self-published authors invest both time and money into their books because they want to give their books the best chance of success.

Myth: When you self-publish, it means you need to do everything yourself

False. The myth that you’re ‘all alone’ or have to do everything yourself as a self-published author is wrong. Self-publishing doesn’t mean that you need to be the writer, editor, graphic designer, and publisher. It means that you have the freedom to build your own team of self-publishing experts who understand your book and can help you realize the best version of your project. As a self-published Australian author, you’re more like a project manager. However, at times it may feel a lot like a one-person band.

Let’s look at editing. Several editors at Author Services Australia have worked for some of the world’s biggest publishing companies. However, like traditionally published authors, when you work for someone else, you don’t have a lot of choice about who you work with. They’re now freelance editors, which gives them the ability to pick and choose books that align with their beliefs and genres they love to work in.

Social media has made connecting with other self-published authors easier than ever before. There are hundreds of writing groups where authors can connect and collaborate as they navigate the self-publishing pathway. You might have to wear a lot of hats as a self-published author, but you’ll never truly be alone.

Myth: Self-published authors never make any money

False. The misconception or myth that self-published authors don’t make any money from their books is 100% misleading. Many self-published authors earn more money and achieve greater financial success than traditionally published authors. This is especially true for new authors just starting or working with small publishing houses.

Print-on-demand (POD) platforms such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark allow self-published authors to collect up to 60% of their book’s earnings for print copies, and 70% for ebook sales. Check out What Is Print On Demand for Authors? to learn more about POD and the benefits it offers authors.

Remember, Amazon publishing platforms collect royalties when they sell a book. Whether it is traditionally published or self-published. Also, if you have a publisher and agent, they’ll take their royalty percentage off the top of that.

Not all self-published books are going to become bestsellers. However, many traditionally published books never make a profit either. With a little hard work and dedication, self-published authors can make quite a good living from their self-published books.

Myth: You have to have a physical version of your book

False. Even though at the advent of the ebook it was supposed to spell the end of paperback or print books, before we even had audiobooks, print books are stronger than ever. That doesn’t mean you have to have a print version of your self-published book. However, there is something undeniably good about a physical version of your book. Nothing beats the feeling of handing over a print version of your book. It makes the whole process feel real.

Lately, platforms such as Amazon KDP have been heavily pushing their audiobooks, with automated conversion tools that allow eligible titles to be automatically converted to audiobooks at no cost to Amazon KDP authors. It’s a valuable addition to your book’s profile and may help boost your audiobook sales. For fiction and non-fiction books, the cost of producing an audiobook was always relatively high. However, this new service drastically reduces that cost.

Ebooks and audiobooks offer many benefits to consumers. They’re easily downloadable, portable, and generally cost much less than print versions.

One of the most significant factors that deters self-published authors from self-publishing paperback and hardcover books is the complexity. However, at Author Services Australia, we offer professional and affordable print and ebook formatting packages which enable authors to upload print-ready files on multiple platforms and even take their print files to local printers for larger orders.

Myth: Self-published books aren’t as respected as traditionally published books

False. The stigma surrounding self-published books is slowly fading away into the past, where it belongs. Are there bad self-published books? Yes. Just like there are bad traditionally published books. However, like traditionally published bad books, self-published bad books quickly find their way into obscurity.

Many self-published books have won major literary awards and gained peer recognition for their excellence. Most literature competitions now include specific categories just for self-published books.

The acceptance of self-published books is a significant step forward for self-published Australian authors and authors worldwide. Don’t ever let a perceived stigma prevent you from achieving your dreams.

Self-Publishing FAQs

What is self-publishing? – Self-publishing is when you manage the writing, editing, cover design, print, and ebook formatting and publishing of your book yourself. You are the author, project manager, and publisher.

If I self-publish, do I need to do everything myself? – No. Just because you’re self-publishing, it doesn’t mean that you need to do every task yourself. Think of being a self-published author like being a project manager. Numerous professionals within the self-publishing industry offer self-publishing services to help you publish your book. You get to choose how much you spend and who you work with.

Will my self-published book be available on Amazon and other online book retailers? – Yes, if you choose to self-publish on Amazon. Your book will be available alongside other self-published and traditionally published books. Some of the most popular platforms include Amazon, IngramSpark Publishing, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, AppleBooks, Kobo Writing Life, and many others.

What’s the difference between self-published and traditionally published books? – Self-published books are organized and paid for by the author, with all profits going back to the author. Traditionally published authors typically receive a royalty advance against future earnings. The publishing company covers the costs of editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing, but they take their payment from royalties until the advance is covered.

What is vanity or hybrid publishing? – Vanity or hybrid publishing typically refers to a mix between traditional publishing and self-publishing. The author pays upfront for services such as editing, cover design, formatting, marketing, and publishing, and the hybrid or vanity publisher also takes a percentage of royalties and retains future rights to the book for the duration of the contract. Vanity publishing is the least recommended way to publish a book. Check out Vanity Publishing: What Are You Really Paying For and What Is It Ultimately Costing You? to learn more about Vanity and Hybrid Publishers.

What Is Print-On-Demand (POD)? – Print-on-demand is a service provided by self-publishing platforms such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark Publishing. Instead of printing large numbers of copies, the print-on-demand company prints a single copy each time one is sold. They then ship it directly to the customer.