4 reasons why self-publishing will continue to grow

Independent publishing is not just popular with authors – it is increasingly popular with readers too. I believe that this is a development that is here to stay, and that it will continue to grow in popularity. With this in mind, here are four reasons why independent publishing will continue to grow in both popularity and strength, particularly among readers.

Pricing strategies

One big advantage that independent publishing has over traditional models is its pricing. Simply put, self-published books are typically cheaper than books that are traditionally published. We can’t forget that success is dependent on readers being willing to buy books. And, generally speaking, cheaper books (as long as they are good, that is) are more attractive.

Choice for readers

Another reason self-published books should continue to grow in popularity with readers is that they offer more choice. This is something that I’ve touched on before in this blog – self-published books aren’t dependent on a publisher thinking they are worth being read. People can make their minds up for themselves.

Business savvy

Independent publishers are also increasingly savvy about the business side of things; not just the pricing of books but aspects such as marketing, networking and longer-term planning. And, in many ways, the self-publishing industry is ahead of traditional publishing in terms of engaging with new technology and ideas. This gives it a good base from which to grow in the future.

Improving quality

Finally, to put it simply, self-published books are getting better. The industry used to take a lot of abuse for below-par, but the quality of the books out there is vastly improved and is now generally very high. Independent publishers are knowledgeable about the need for editors and proof-readers and cover designers, and it seems that the high quality of the books is not going unnoticed by readers.