Writers who choose to self-publish maintain control of copy sales.
The concept of self-publishing is used to refer to the act and result of self-publishing . This verb ( self-publish ), in turn, refers to the process that a person develops to be in charge of the design and printing of a publication using a computer , obtaining a result similar to that offered by publishers.
Known in English as self-publishing , self-publishing is based on the use of software that enables layout and a printer that allows digital content to be captured on paper. Another possibility is for the individual to do the design and then send the material to a printer.
How to self-publish
Having a computer is essential for the development of desktop publishing. The team, in turn, must have a computer program to layout the pages. This way you can organize the different elements that you want to include in the publication ( texts and images).
Microsoft Publisher, Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress y CorelDRAW Graphics Suite on algunas de las herramientas más populares de maquetación. De todas maneras, se puede usar cualquier programa que sirva para combinar texto, photographs, ilustraciones, etc.
Although self-publishing can remain entirely virtual (generating a PDF document, for example), it usually results in the printing of the work . The last step may involve the use of some binding mechanism.
One of the advantages of self-publishing is that it allows you to print few copies.
Its origins
Desktop publishing was born in the mid- 1980s . Its origins are linked to the launch of WYSIWYG type software, which shows during editing the same result that is achieved when completing the task .
To these applications we must add the rise of home printers, which simplified the transition from screen to paper. Printing, thus, ceased to be an exclusive activity of printers and publishers.
Print vs. Desktop Publishing digital desktop publishing
As we already indicated, self-publishing can have two possible endings: a work printed on paper or a work in digital format . On a general level, the first alternative is more expensive.
Self-publishing on paper is usually chosen by those who aim for limited distribution of their creation. The procedure can be carried out completely at home, although it is common to go to a company for certain steps. A writer can design (layout) his or her book and then send it to a commissioned publisher for printing and binding.
Digital desktop publishing , on the other hand, is simpler. There are free programs that can be used to complete all the activities and produce the document in question. The main challenge for the author is usually, in these cases, finding the most appropriate way of distributing the material.
We cannot fail to mention a third option that combines both possibilities: self-publishing on paper on demand , which consists of printing the work only from an order.
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits and points against self-publishing can be recognized. Among the positive aspects, it is usually mentioned that the direction of the entire editing process remains in the hands of the author, who also maintains control of sales .
As negative issues, it should be considered that certain knowledge is required for the result to be optimal and that reaching the reader is more complicated than through the conventional publishing market.