Tag: Independence day

Remember the days when the dream of becoming a published author seemed impossible? When publishing a book meant spending hours researching companies and editors and writing countless queries only to receive no response, or worse a rejection letter. Well, those days are gone.

Authors are no longer required to suffer the authoritative power of traditional publishing firms. They now have the freedom to independently publish their books without the approval of a profit-minded company. Here are three reasons you should celebrate Independence Day by self-publishing.

1. Freedom of speech.

Traditional publishers are looking for books that appeal to a widespread, commercial market. They rarely are willing to take the chance on a book that is unique or appeals to a niche market. This doesn’t mean your book isn’t worth publishing. It simply means your manuscript doesn’t match what that company wants to say to their readers. Self-publishing gives you the freedom to write your story as you see fit.

2. Creative freedom.

If your manuscript is accepted by a traditional publishing company, you lose control of the project once you sign your contract. The editor may require you to change a large portion of your book, and you will have little say in creative processes such as cover design and illustrations. With self-publishing, you have the freedom to control the entire process so your book looks and reads exactly how you imagined.

3. Freedom of choice.

With traditional publishing, authors get little say in details such as pricing and distribution. Self-publishing authors are not confined by this lack of power. They have the freedom to make choices throughout the entire publishing process. They are completely in control of the destiny of their book.

As you celebrate the 4th of July and reflect on all the freedoms you enjoy, I hope you take advantage of the opportunity to independently publish your book. Don’t let your publishing dreams go unrealized.

ABOUT KELLY SCHUKNECHT: Kelly Schuknecht is the Vice President of Outskirts Press. In addition to her contributions to the Outskirts Press blog at blog.outskirtspress.com, Kelly and a group of talented marketing experts offer book marketing services, support, and products to not only published Outskirts Press authors, but to all authors and professionals who are interested in marketing their books and/or careers. Learn more about Kelly on her blog at http://kellyschuknecht.com.