For new book writers, and even for experienced book writers, the question of whether to pursue the route of traditional publishing or to go down the self-publishing route is an important one to think about. In many ways, this question is just as crucial as the question of whether to use UK book proofreading services, or to hire somebody to provide editing and proofreading services for your manuscript. The purpose of this article is to explain what the main features of book self-publishing are, and to outline the possible uses of proofreading and editing in book self-publishing.
In contrast to traditional publishing, the proofreading and editing process in book self-publishing is left almost entirely to the author, as well as the professionals that they recruit for assistance (e.g., freelance editors or proofreaders, or any experts who work in companies dedicated to providing these types of services). Traditional publishing generally involves securing a book deal with a publisher and, once this has been achieved, collaborating with the publisher and their in-house editors to refine the manuscript. Another feature of traditional publishing is that distribution and marketing will be overseen and managed almost entirely by the publisher who offers the author a book deal.
Self-publishing has become popular in the age of Amazon, the Kindle, and – more generally – the evolving digital economy, but there are clear disadvantages to not having the support of a publisher. Of course, there are advantages, including the greater level of control that the self-published author exerts over all aspects of the process. However, if the process of self-publication is not managed systematically, and if the author who decides to go this route does not seek assistance when it is necessary, this can, in the worst case scenario, undermine the books chance of publication.
An important consideration for book authors who decide to self-publish is the issue of finances. If you strike a deal with a traditional publisher, then they are likely to cover the cost of cover design, editing and proofreading services, and marketing and distribution. However, the publisher recoups these costs after your book hits the physical and online stores, where – in most cases – authors tend to receive only around 10% of the royalties their books generate. The author will retain all royalties in self-publishing, but they themselves will need to invest in all of the pre-publication activities, including hiring book proofreading services in the UK.
The advantages of both of these routes to book publication – is that, traditional publishing and self-publishing – differ considerably, as this article has shown. So too understand the disadvantages between both of these two routes in book self-publishing. However, finding a strong editor or proofreader to help you finalise your manuscript, without ceding creative control, is a key advantage, and one that often makes the difference.
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