When most people imagine self-publishing costs, they are focused on things such as paper, ink, and binding. While those things are part of the self-publishing book printing process, they are not all that is needed for a successful book. Here are five non-printing costs related to self-publishing.
Custom Book Covers
Compelling custom book covers can be the difference between success and failure. You need a book cover that makes a promise to the reader. A cover should hint at the contents inside and compel the potential reader to hungrily pick up the book.
A professional and appealing cover isn’t something you can do for yourself unless you already have training as a graphic designer.
Illustrations
Your book may require illustrations within the pages depending on what type of book you are printing.
Children’s picture books need images to keep a child’s attention. Middle-grade books benefit from occasional illustrations as the readers make the transition from picture books to chapter books.
Nonfiction books can benefit from visual aids or illustrations that help clarify the concepts discussed.
Illustrations must look professional as well as fit properly on the pages of your book.
Editing
Even the most careful and meticulous author sometimes makes mistakes. There are subtle nuances in punctuation and grammar that most laymen miss. That is why it is important to have your manuscript looked over by a professional before you offer up the book to the self-publishing company for printing. Failure to do so could create a book riddled with errors. This may lead to the need for a reprint.
Save yourself time and money by being sure your book has had a solid polish by an editor before printing your own book.
ISBN
Most published books need an International Standard Book Number (ISBN). These indicate the edition of the book and are used as a unique identifier.
Bookstores and libraries won’t carry books that lack an ISBN. This means that, if you are looking to sell your books anywhere other than your personal website or shop, an ISBN is a necessity.
InstantPublisher can help you get an ISBN number for your book and create a matching barcode.
Book Manuscript Formatting
Assuring that a book is pleasing to look at ensures customer satisfaction. This is largely handled through the book manuscript formatting part of the self-publishing process. A book with margins too large or small, seemingly random blank pages, and other inconsistent formatting can interfere with reader enjoyment as well as make your book look unprofessional.
As you can clearly see from this article, paper, ink, and binding isn’t all that is involved in printing a book.
InstantPublisher is available to help you with all the production steps necessary to bring your dream of a published book to fruition. Connect with our knowledgeable and experienced staff by calling 1-800-259-2592 or complete our simple online contact form today.