Can You Self Publish for Free?

The costs of independently publishing a book can build up quickly - from paying editors and designers to forking out money for advertising - and many aspiring authors wonder: is it possible to do it without the spend?

Can You Self Publish for Free?

Many writers do self publish without spending a cent, if you don't count the value of all the time they've put into the book. A DIY approach, often paired with calling in lots of favours from author friends, is an option many writers take to skip hiring professionals. They may also rely solely on organic (unpaid) social media and word-of-mouth marketing to advertise their book.

Let's discuss saving money in self publishing and what the potential drawbacks are.

Is it worth it to independently publish as cheaply as possible?

Why do authors choose free self publishing?

It makes sense that many aspiring authors consider the DIY or free approach. Many people don't realise, when they begin their publishing journey, that self publishing entails starting a business. It's very entrepreneurial - you're making and selling a product, after all.

This means that investing in the product, in the business, in your future, and in yourself are all part of the process. Putting money behind your book to make it as professional as possible, and to get it in front of as many readers as possible, undoubtedly gives you a leg up in the oversaturated book market.

But when this starts looking like thousands of dollars, that's a frightening reality to face. Especially when you may never make that money back - again, it's an investment. It becomes a catch-22: a higher quality product is more likely to make sales and be received well, but it also means a higher financial risk, while a lower quality product may not be so well received, but at least you won't be 'losing' money.

Sometimes it's less about the business mindset and more about the fact that many people simply don't have the money. They'd love to invest in their book, but they know they just can't save up for it. They really want their book out in the world, so they accept that their DIY version may be imperfect, but at least it'll be published.

Can self editing replace professional editing?

Many writers argue that, yes, you can self edit your book to a publishable standard and entirely skip having a professional editor. This can save writers thousands, making DIY an attractive option.

The concept behind self editing is that the author will go over their book themselves many, many times until it's as perfect as they can make it. Although all writers should be doing this anyway - it's important to make your book the best it can be on your own - this level of self editing goes a lot further.

More than simply drafting and improving the book each time, the author has to pull back enough to have an objective eye. When the author takes on the role of developmental editor, line and copy editor, and proofreader, they have to become an expert at each of these things to do the best job possible.

When we write a book, we're so close to it that it's incredibly diffficult see the mistakes and weaknesses. Have you ever lost your keys and looked everywhere just for someone else to immediately find them on the hook?

This is the main drawback of not engaging a professional editor; while it's possible to self edit, it's a massive and often impossible task to undertake for many authors, especially those early in their career who are still learning the crafts of writing and editing.

Can you make your own book cover?

Programs like Canva are making design much more accessible and simple, especially if you have the paid version. It's affordable and easy to use, with lots of elements to use, professional fonts, and more. Paying an artist and/or a cover designer can become very costly, so many authors see self-made covers as a great option.

Drawbacks:

• It's usually very obvious when a design has been made on Canva, and this DIY look may turn off potential readers (it makes them lose trust as it feels unprofessional).

• If you don't have any design experience, it's incredibly difficult to make an effective cover. Even if you think it looks good, it may not 'work' as the face of a book.

• Canva still owns all the elements of the cover, even if you own the overall design. This can cause problems with copyright down the line.

Can you swap books with other authors for feedback?

If you're taking the DIY route, this is an absolute must in my opinion. You don't HAVE to do it all alone just because you're doing it for free. Utilise beta readers and critique partners for feedback. Although they can't be expected to do a full edit, they will help guide you on what you're doing well and what needs work.

If you have a knack for editing, or another publishing skill (maybe you can design covers, or you're great at TikTok marketing), swapping skills is a great way to help other authors while getting help in return. You both get what you need without spending money. Just make sure it's an equal exchange and no one is taking advantage.

Remember, too, that it isn't all or nothing. There isn't only paying lots of money or none at all. If you can save a little bit of money, you can look at cheaper options. Outsourcing editing and design overseas can often come at a lower price point, or you might engage students who are willing to work for less money as they want the experience. You do have to accept that the outcome may not be as high quality, but it's still usually better than a complete DIY.

Want to know more about professional editing services?

I'd love to help with your self publishing journey. Whether it's learning the art of self editing through my book HOW TO EDIT YOUR OWN NOVEL, or one-on-one coaching or editing, we can work together to make sure you publish a high quality book you can be proud of. Contact me now.

Poppy Rose Solomon’s creative pursuits are a manifestation of her passions for the whimsical and magical. Evoking inspiration and escapism is the goal of her storytelling. From her home in Lutruwita/Tasmania, she freelances as a YA editor and coach through her business Poppy’s Pages. Woken Kingdom is her first series, with plenty more novels to come, and she has also released a book to help other authors titled How to Edit Your Own Novel.