Self-publishing Crash Course

Your Budget

Not all books are overnight successes so a self-publishing author must create a budget that will allow for long-term success. Most publishers use a Profit and Loss (P&L) statement to help them realize how many books they need to sell. A P&L is made for each book, so a self-publishing author can do the exact same thing for their books. Basically, the P&L will calculate estimated expenses (editing, design, printing, distribution, freight, marketing, commission sales) and profits (both trade sales from bookstores and direct sales, each resulting in a different amount of profits). A basic P&L calculator is available below (currently under construction).

For self-publishing authors Giant Beaver Publications provides an array of online services, including a detailed P&L tool. Of course, any questions or special needs for your book can be addressed anytime by contacting us toll-free or through e-mail.

Since you must conduct your P&L before production, you must have quotations and estimates. Book printers, editors, and designers will all be able to provide this. Then you will know how many books you will need to sell before you make a profit.

In regards to printing your book there are two major pieces of advice: use a book printer and print only what you need. Firstly, printing a book is different from photocopying a flyer. By using a book printer you ensure a higher quality and an expertise that will make books endure. They also tend to print books much cheaper than printers who infrequently print books. Secondly, many printers will try to sell authors high print runs by demonstrating a diminishing price per book. This makes sense that printers do this, especially since they make money off printing. However, an author should only print what they can sell, otherwise you will end up with a basement full of unsellable books.

Giant Beaver Publications affordably prints books. We use different printing methods for different sized print runs. With us, start off with a small print run, and print it again when demand for it increases. This minimizes your risk while maximizing your long-term profitability. Print only what you need.

Next Step: Conclusion