In traditional publishing, you team up with a publisher. You provide the manuscript, and the publisher does everything else. The publisher pays for the production of the book and sets up the sales and distribution, and in return takes the lion's share of the profits in order to recoup expenses.

In self publishing, YOU are the publisher. That means you, or people you hire, must do all the work to produce the book and make it available to readers. These tasks include:

--Writing a great story (and determining when it's ready for prime time)

--Editing the manuscript until it's smooth and mistake-free

--Crafting a catchy title

--Creating a genre-appropriate cover that will entice potential readers to look closer

--Crafting a blurb that will entice your target audience to check out the book

--Preparing the digital file(s) used to produce the ebook and print book and uploading it to the site that will create the final product

--Selecting distributors that will get your book into the hands of readers

--Identifying your target audience, and reaching out to them with appropriate, effective marketing

That's a big list, and no doubt it feels overwhelming.  And it should. If a traditionally published book doesn't sell, the writer can complain (sometimes rightfully) about the poor editing, lousy cover, or non-existent marketing push. In self publishing, YOU -- and no one but you -- are ultimately responsible if your book fails.

But guess what. If your book succeeds, no one else can take the credit. This is your baby!

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Did this chapter answer a question you had? It would be great if you would press that little star graphic in the top right corner. If not, just carry on reading and vote for one you find more helpful. Oh, I'd be happy to answer your questions in the comments below, as well. --XG