Self publishing has become a common entrance into publication for many authors. It has become more difficult then ever to be published by a traditional publisher. Plus, traditional publishers tend to take several months to respond to query letters and book proposals. Often times your manuscript is stuck in slush pile with other unsolicited manuscripts. These unfortunate realities make self publishing an attractive option.

Self publishing is a wide industry that allows you to self publish your own family history at a copy shop or produce your book through a self publishing company. The three most common self publishing options include vanity presses, subsidy presses, and print-on-demand publishers. If you are new to self publishing you may be confused about the differences between each type of self publisher.

Let’s examine each type of self publishing option. First of all the terms vanity press and subsidy press are virtually interchangeable. The term vanity press was used in the past until many authors deemed vanity presses as sub par work. The term subsidy press has come into use in recent years to help redeem the reputation of this form of self publishing.

Subsidy publishing is a form of self publishing in which the publishing company gives the author an ISBN number. The author must then pay the subsidy publisher to produce the book. Subsidy publishers offer various packages to produce your book. These packages range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. This form of self publishing is appropriate for authors that have money to spend and wish to print a small number of books.

Print-on-demand is another form of self publishing. Print-on-demand means that each book is not printed until there is a demand for it. Therefore, your book remains in digital format until a customer orders it. This type of self publishing helps to save on print runs and may be a more financially viable option for self publishers. The cost of printing your book on demand is usually an initial fee that is a few hundred dollars.

Self publishing can be conducted through your own printing process or through a self publishing company. Either way, you will see your book in print and amaze your friends.