People who choose to self-publish their work sometimes also attempt to do so completely on their own, independently of any professional help whatsoever. For some it’s due to financial constraints while for others it’s because they have the time to try and do it all, and then there are those who cannot let go and are afraid to lose control of the project so want to go it alone to maintain control.
Whatever the reason, over the years we at Reach Publishers have seen many self-publishing authors come to us after the fact, when they have attempted to go it alone and failed. They often come to us when it is all too much for them (as many also have full time jobs so simply don’t have the time never mind the lack of skills), or when the promised edit from a friend is never forthcoming, or their own layout attempt of the book is unprofessional and childish (certainly not up to international standards), or they have no idea how to design a cover (lacking the graphic design skills) and also lack printing knowledge and online expertise (online upload and e-book creation).
They never realised the skills necessary for attention-grabbing cover design, professional layout and editing, organising ISBN numbers, barcodes and other legalities and formalities and expert advice – or perhaps, never understood and fully appreciated the extensive process that goes into professional publishing.
Yes, if you have the time and the diversified skills to be an expert in each stage of the process, then you can indeed go it on your own. However, for most people this is not the case which is why authors have been using professional self-publishing services like Reach Publishers for over 25 years with some authors coming back again and again to publish their next books (some on their tenth or even twentieth book with Reach Publishers).
The problem with going it alone, is that especially as an unknown author, you have one shot to present your work – your dream and creation – to the world.
If you mess it up and present a low quality product, then you have robbed yourself of making your book the best it could be and giving it the greatest chance of success. Rather leave it to the professionals, people who do this for a living, and let them help you create something special, worthy of the effort you put into writing it.
The good news is that you still maintain control of the creative process by directing the team to your preferences and most importantly, you still own the copyright to your book – it’s a win-win.
