Do you dream of writing the next great novel? Writers all around the world share this common aspiration. There’s nothing quite like the idea of seeing your words in print. However, one thing that may hold back even the most talented of wordsmiths is the fear that getting published is difficult. While it’s true that the road to finding an agent and publishers was once a long one, times are changing.
As they put it, now is the ‘best time in history to be an author’. There are a few important reasons for that rather grand statement. Whether you’re new to the world of writing or an old hat, it’s worth understanding how the publishing sector has changed. Fortunately, the team at Author Solutions has made this crystal clear for you. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the reasons that it’s the best time to publish your book.
Advancements in Technology
First of all, the advancements in technology and changing consumer habits mean that it’s easier than ever to write and publish a book. Since digital printing is now a viable option for all, publishers can take advantage of ‘print on demand’ services. Rather than paying for an entire batch of novels to be printed, which can be a huge financial commitment, this option allows publishers to print the books as they are needed. For both publishers and writers, that means committing to a new book is less of a risk, opening up a whole host of options.
It doesn’t end there. The advent of ebooks and big online sellers, such as Amazon, have been major game-changers. Distributing newly-published books was once a slow and laborious situation. However, these days, you can start selling books online in no time at all. According to the experts at Author Solutions, the first company to offer an easy-to-use online bookstore was Trafford Publishing. The self-publishing imprint started out in Victoria, British Columbia, and is now a part of the larger Author Solutions family of publishers.
The Self-Publishing Boom
While technology has facilitated how quickly authors can publish their work, there’s been another colossal shift in the publishing world. Self-publishing has boomed in recent years, with writers all around the globe taking advantage of this new, straightforward option. What’s more, the prevailing perception of self-publishing has changed. Once tarnished with the idea of being ‘vanity publishing’, this growing sector has come a long way.
The term ‘vanity publishing’ came about when writers would complete their works and send them straight to printers. This approach meant that the writers didn’t have access to all of the services offered at traditional publishing houses. However, the modern-day version of self-publishing looks quite different. When writers choose to publish their books with a self-publishing services provider they get all of the advantages you might expect. These include top-notch editing services, advice, support, and marketing services to boot.
With all of the above in mind, it’s no wonder that self-publishing is growing year on year. Recent research from Bowker suggests that this sector grew 40 percent in 2018 and shows no signs of slowing down. The trend highlights a general shift in the way that authors publish their work. Having the ability to pick and choose how your manuscript is handled has proven to be a huge advantage. The figures suggest that many writers are choosing to self-publish, thanks to the wide variety of options that are currently out there for them.
“The self-publishing landscape continues to improve, creating more and more opportunities for authors to manage their own path through the process. As more authors take advantage of the abundant tools now available to publish, distribute and market their own books, we expect that self-publishing will continue to grow at a steady pace,” said Beat Barblan, Vice President of Publishing and Data Services at Bowker and chairman of the board of the International ISBN Agency, at the time of the report.
The Future is Bright for Authors
While now might be the best moment in history for authors, the experts at Author Solutions say the future is also looking bright. None of us have a crystal ball, but we can make some predictions. As self-publishing becomes more established as a mainstream option, the perception of these titles is likely to change. That could mean that more brick and mortar stores welcome self-published authors to carry out book signings. Additionally, as technology continues to advance, more ways of authors connecting directly with readers may open up soon.
If you’ve got a secret manuscript you’ve been keeping from the world, there’s never been a better time to change that. With the advancements in self-publishing, you now have more options and a direct route to market. As the experts at Author Solutions put it, there is no need to keep that manuscript in your drawer any longer. Taking the leap and publishing your book may be the best move you make this year. Should you have been toying with this option for quite some time, there’s never been a better time to go ahead and do it.
About Author Solutions
Boasting more than 22 years of collective experience and 300,000 published books, Author Solutions is a leading self-publishing company. Serving six continents around the globe, the parent company helps writers realize their dreams of becoming authors, while the team of experts offer world-class care from start to finish.
The brand’s numerous imprints provide opportunities for new authors to be discovered by both traditional publishing companies and representatives within the entertainment industry. With a wealth of industry relations and endless support, Author Solutions has helped writers jump from self-publishing to film optioning or traditional publishing.
