When you’re ready to self-publish your book, you need to choose a self-publishing company to work with. While there are many companies ready and willing to help you self-publish your book, choosing the right one for you can be tricky. There are scams and vanity publishers out there ready to take your hard-earned cash. And even some legitimate self-publishing companies use hard-sell tactics, promising the royalties will come rolling in if you sign with them (and purchase their must-have extras!). At Self-Publishing Relief, we never use hard sells—we assist you in the self-publishing process and make no commissions. Here are our tips for making the right choice for your book while avoiding self-publishing hard sells.

How To Spot (And Avoid) Common Self-Publishing Hard Sells

Pie-In-The-Sky Promises Of Amazing Sales And Royalties

If a self-publishing company promises instant success and hefty profits, you should see this for what it is: a sales pitch. While some authors do achieve some success with self-publishing (and a few even enjoy great sales and royalties)—this is not something anyone can guarantee, no matter how many add-ons you purchase from the company. The truth is that selling books is hard work, and many authors will not achieve the sales numbers or profits they hoped for.

Don’t be reeled in by aggressive marketing techniques that prey on your hopes and promise record-breaking book sales. A company that is trustworthy will be honest and prepare you for the reality of self-publishing.

“Free” Reading Periods

Some self-publishing companies will charge reading fees to review your manuscript before deeming it worthy of publication. There are also companies that claim to charge reading fees but then continuously promote “free” reading periods to get authors to act quickly.

You should never pay a self-publishing company for a consultation or to read your manuscript—and you shouldn’t think you’ve snapped up a great deal by having the fee “waived.” The self-publishing company you hire should be focused on guiding you through the process and handling tasks such as cover design, formatting, editing, and more. Reading and approving your manuscript should not be a factor in whether or not a self-publishing company will work with you.

Marketing Support Claims And Guaranteed Placement In Major Bookstores

In today’s publishing industry, traditional publishing houses no longer offer the same degree of marketing support that they did years ago. Now the majority of marketing work is the responsibility of the author, whether traditionally published or self-published. Authors can’t expect to publish a book and then sit back as the royalties come rolling in. It would be great if your book went flying off the shelves of major retail chains with minimal to no marketing work on your part—but that’s not realistic.

Since many writers are unsure about effective marketing strategies, some self-publishing companies hope to take advantage of an author’s lack of self-promotion prowess. They may claim they’ll get your book into major retailers—but in reality, they can only get your book on a list that makes it available to booksellers. There’s no guarantee those retailers will choose your book from the hundreds listed.

Avoiding A Self-Publishing Hard Sell: The Bottom Line

Remember that big self-publishing companies want to turn a profit—and that profit is made by getting you to sign on the dotted line for as many services as possible. Flashy promises that cater to your wildest dreams should be carefully examined with a skeptical eye. Ask questions and know what you’re getting into before you sign up. And if you feel you’re being pressured—that’s the time to walk away.

A good, reputable self-publishing company will focus on helping you get your book published, not on the bells and whistles. They charge only for legitimate services, and all decisions and the rights to your book remain with you. After all, one of the many perks of self-publishing is that you have the freedom to do what you want! A reputable company will guide you through the process. Here are 7 signs of a trustworthy publisher.

If you’re interested in self-publishing but are unsure where to start, schedule a free consultation with Self-Publishing Relief today! We are more than happy to talk to you about your project—with no hard sells, ever!

Question: What types of hard sells have you heard from self-publishing companies?