The Difference Between Writing and Self-Publishing a Book
- Phil Carlucci
- Jan 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 29
This post is part of our Self-Publishing Series, designed to provide important information for writers considering the editorial responsibilities, benefits and costs associated with publishing their own work. For details on available editing services or to learn more about getting your writing into print, contact PJC Editing for a free editorial consultation.
ALSO IN THE SELF-PUBLISHING SERIES
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THE END.
For writers, those two words often represent the completion of a long, arduous, mentally exhausting yet rewarding creative process. (Swap -30- in place of THE END for news writers and journalists still sticking to old conventions.)
If you've written a book and made it to THE END, congratulations! This is a wonderful accomplishment, something to be proud of. Take some time and breathe it in.
Now, when you're ready, reflect on your original goals when you started the book and consider where you want to go next. If the answer is self-publishing and making your work available to the reading public, there's plenty of work still to do.
But that can't be right, can it? I'm a writer. I've written. Now I want readers.
Well, that's the thing. In the publishing world, writing is only part of the ride. It's a very important part, of course, but simply one of many.
Today, amid the rapid rise of easily accessible self-publishing platforms and services, some confusion about how writing and publishing differ has emerged as well. It is vital that you understand the basics of the two early in the writing process:
Writing a book is your very own creative exercise. It is a difficult and rewarding experience and an achievement to cherish.
Self-publishing a book is your very own writing business. It is an equally difficult and rewarding creative achievement combined with the requirements, responsibilities and investments of a small-business venture.
What makes writing writing — and self-publishing a writing business?
Just because someone writes a novel, short story, poem or article doesn't mean they intend to release it for public consumption. Plenty of people write because they have something to say, even if it's to themselves. They might have a stream of ideas in their head that they want to get down in print. Where do these pages of ideas end up? Maybe they remain forever tucked away in a digital folder or a desk drawer, or maybe they're printed, paper-clipped and handed out to a small group of family and friends. The writer controls the purpose of their writing, the audience and how it's shared (if at all).
Publishing takes that written work and introduces it to the public marketplace. The writer is making their work available to the reading public for purchase, and in return for their money, the reader expects a product that meets a professional standard. It is a business transaction.
Imagine for a second that your manuscript is picked up by a traditional publishing company. Your writing will be passed off to editors to fill in holes, add structure, fix grammar and tone, and address other creative elements. Professionals will take care of cover design, interior design and formatting. Marketing specialists will focus on promotions, social media and advertising, and a proofreader will come in at the end to make sure the content is clean before printing. And you, the author, sit back while your publisher's sales team makes sure your book reaches all corners of the public marketplace.
The publisher wants your book to be a success and carries out those tasks on your behalf in order to get a return on their investment in your work.
On the other hand, as the author and self-publisher, you are solely responsible for all of those tasks — whether you handle them yourself or pay for professional help. You determine if all or only some (or even none) of them are executed. You make the editorial and business decisions. It is your book and business, and you are the one with the incentive to make it a success.
Here's something to remember as you determine if exploring the business of self-publishing is a fit for your writing:
Self-publishing does not mean no-cost publishing
As outlined above, the "self" in self-publishing means you are responsible for all the services involved in publishing a book. There is a misconception, however, that self-publishing means low-cost or free publishing. That is not the case.
Maybe the misconception stems from the fact that putting a book on a self-publishing platform (ex. Amazon KDP) is free and easily accessible, lowering the barrier of entry. But the editing, design, formatting and marketing that come before that final upload are professional services, and each of them require investments that typically start at several hundred dollars.
Or perhaps the assumption is that since writing is technically free, then selling the writing shouldn't cost much, if anything. But think about brownies. Let's say you are known for baking amazing brownies, and you could whip up hundreds of them for only a few dollars worth of basic household ingredients. You could give them out by the disposable aluminum tray to family members, friends, coworkers and anyone else in your circle with a sweet tooth. They'd be grateful, full and desperate for a glass of milk.
Could you sell them at a local farmers market for the same low cost? No — you would need to invest in packaging, pay for market space and ramp up ingredient purchases. You might have to pay for a license to sell food items and hire someone to set up point-of-sale technology. You are now in the baking business.
Back to books. Of course, as the self-publisher/business owner, you have the option to find service providers like copy editors, illustrators and marketing pros who offer low rates. You also have the option not to invest in certain services at all.
Remember though that buyers of your book will expect it to reach a certain standard of professionalism. A reader who pays for a book with words lost inside the binding, blurry images, misnumbered pages and a barrage of grammatical errors will be a one-time customer quick to dole out a one-star review.
In summary, writing is whatever you want it to be — creative, cathartic, commercial; it all depends on your reasons for writing and what you set out to achieve.
Self-publishing is one of many paths to follow, but ultimately it is a business decision that requires careful planning and responsible investment based on your personal writing goals and vision.
Need assistance with your writing? PJC Editing & Proofreading specializes in working with self-published authors and business owners. Reach out today to inquire about our valuable editorial services.
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