Self-publishing in a Nutshell
What is self-publishing?
Self- Publishing is a way to get a product out into the world but is fully funded by the creator. This is not only something authors do, but, since I'm an author, I'm going to fill you in on my journey.
In 2000 my husband told me a joke and in 2016 I wrote a book about it. I switched some things to make it more kid- friendly.
I was then introduced to some wonderful local authors and designers. They both helped tremendously. Then, I searched for my own illustrator. After talking with a few illustrators I was introduced to Peg McClure and she created Nate.
So, I had a story, a designer and an illustrator. I was excited. But I quickly realized that I'm the one publishing the book! I had to pay for these wonderfully talented people. We're not talking a few hundred dollars...... we're talking a few thousand! If you want a quality product you definitely need to pay a good price for them.
My designer team at Davis Creative did so much that I was unaware of. I needed copywrite, ISBN numbers, accounts, tax info..... etc etc etc. All of these things needed to be paid for as well! Guess who had to pay??? Yup! I did. But I was so thankful I hired such a knowledgeable team. Thank God for them!
Now that my book is done and on Amazon, I should be done right? Nope. I need some books printed! You guessed it.... more money out of my pocket! I sent a quote request for 500 books to be printed from a few companies. I got some pretty astronomical amounts. Ultimately, Davis Creative had the hook up again. So I ordered my 500 books.
Now, here I am. Setting up my website for you to purchase directly from me. Free shipping just like Amazon Prime. BUT, I do not owe Amazon ANYTHING for selling. You see, Amazon charges for things they sell. Then the place I print them through (IngramSpark.... they print and ship for Amazon) charges a fee for printing every book and shipping every book. Therefore, selling through Amazon is pricey.... but it's easy!
Ultimately, self-publishing is funded by the creator of the item. So if you ask yourself, "Why is this 32 page book so expensive?" Now you know why.