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Authors fear hefty cost of self-publishing

The majority of published writers feel there is a role for self-publishing but believe it will remain separate to the ‘mainstream,’ new research reveals.

The online study, carried out by Writers Services.com, found cost to be the no. 1 obstacle that deters writers from going it alone.

Aside from the free printing deals available, issues such as editorial, design and marketing appear too costly for writers to contemplate.

The most dismissive respondents said self-publishing “lacked credibility,” yet typically this response came from those who had already found a publisher.

“Given the publicity that some firms have managed to attract by offering ‘free’ publication, it is perhaps surprising that cost was picked more than any other factor as an obstacle,” the pollsters said.

“Perhaps writers have realised that there is no free lunch out there and all the editorial, design and marketing work has to be paid for. Simply offering to print your book is not much of a deal.”

The survey showed most established writers believe lack of sales and distribution is a key barrier to self-publishing

Others were more critical of self-publishing groups for not offering editorial support.

Surprisingly, professional authors, bookshops and the public also perceive a self-published books “as not on a par” with one that has been taken on by a professional publisher.

While half of writers admitted they doubt they could identify a self-published book, one out of three said it would be of a lesser quality.

Not so, said the pollsters, “In fact the quality produced by the best print-on-demand production lines is indistinguishable from other books.

“Print-on-demand is popular with self-publishers as they do not have to pay for expensive stock. They can order in small batches.”

The survey, which was conducted among 100 writers on the eve of 2006, found women authors to be more sharing of their attitudes about self-publishing than their male counterparts.

The news for the literary community comes as this year’s shortlist for the Oddest Book Title of the Year has been announced.

Obtained by The Daily Telegraph, the six finalists that have contributed the most humourous yet ridiculous titles are:

• People Who Don't Know They're Dead: How They Attach Themselves to Unsuspecting Bystanders and What to Do About It, by Gary Leon Hill

• Bullying and Sexual Harassment: A Practical Handbook, by Tina Stephens and Jane Hallas

• Rhino Horn Stockpile Management: Minimum Standards and Best Practices from East and Southern Africa, by Simon Milledge

• Ancient Starch Research, by Robin Torrence and Huw J Barton

• Soil Nailing: Best Practice Guidance, by A Phear

• Nessus, Snort and Ethereal Powertools

Organisers of The Bookseller and Diagram Prize said the standard of entries for 2005 had been strong.

In part, they said it was evidenced by those that narrowly missed the shortlist, including Dining Posture in Ancient Rome, and Circumcisions by Appointment: A View of Life In and Around Manchester in the Eighteenth Century.

Feb 15, 2006
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