When publishing a book, you have two options. You can go the traditional route and have your book published in a physical format, or you can choose digital publishing. Digital publishing has some advantages, and it can work well for self-publishers, but it’s not the right choice for every author. If you’re considering digital publishing, it’s important that you understand the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision about how best to publish your work.
Pros of publishing a digital book
- Cost-effective – If you’re self-publishing, digital publishing doesn’t cost as much as traditional publishing. Because you’re not making physical book copies, the process is simpler and doesn’t require as much labor or materials.
- Time involved – Publishing a digital book doesn’t take nearly the amount of time as publishing a physical book. Because the process is digital, the time from book completion to finished product ready for distribution to readers is significantly less.
- Accessibility – The digital publishing process is accessible to anyone, even those who wish to self-publish instead of working with a publisher. Plus, digital books are easily accessible to readers who may not always be able to access books in print.
Cons of publishing a digital book
- Reader preference – Some readers prefer traditional printed books and don’t enjoy or access digital materials. The feeling of holding a copy of a favorite book in your hand simply can’t be replicated through digital materials.
- Reputation – While it may be unfair, there is a certain reputation that comes with digital books. Those unfamiliar with the process may think that digital books are inferior or that the author only chose to publish digitally because they couldn’t get a publisher to work with them on creating physical copies.
- Marketing – When publishing any book, but especially digital work, marketing to the right audience is key in selling as many copies as possible. If you’re self-publishing a digital book, you won’t have the expertise from an established publisher to help you find your audience.
Printing your book digitally has pros and cons. It’s important to consider these when deciding the best route, especially if you’re self-publishing. Consider your target readers and how best to reach them, as accessibility, marketing, and reputation can greatly influence readers when they’re considering which books to read.
