Which is Better: Print or Electronic Self-Publishing?

There has been a slow but steady shift in publishing trends over the last few years. Both new and established writers have embraced technological advances which allow more freedom than traditional avenues. This removes the need for mainstream publishing ‘gatekeepers’ (essentially, those who get to say ‘yay’ or ‘nay’ to your book being published) and reduces the need for significant investment. As a bonus, you have complete creative control. This is great news for the diversity of genre (‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ was initially a self-published piece of fan fiction considered too controversial for large publishers, and ended up a worldwide best seller), and it is also great for the diversity of authorship (2020’s Rethinking 'Diversity' in Publishing report highlights the lack of diverse representation in mainstream publishing). 

So, you’ve decided to give it a go--and we’re delighted you’re here! Rowanvale Books will help you every step of the way. First off, should you dive into electronic or print? The answer really depends on what you’re looking for. We’ve outlined the key points for you to consider when making an informed decision about what suits you best: 

Pretty in Print or Easy in Electronic?  
Let’s Get Physical:
Print fulfils that very primal desire of an author to hold (and, let’s be honest, hug) their book. This isn’t a deal breaker for everyone of course but is a definite joy for many. That, and the fact that promoting books at events or sharing them with local communities becomes more challenging without actual books to hand. 

Audience:
Age, genre and even socio/economic background can all come into play here, and will weigh in on both sides of the argument: 

• eBooks are cheaper initially, and easily accessible (especially for the social media generation), which can appeal to some readers. However, eBooks can’t be easily re-loved, and this can put the printed book back in the playing field. 
• Younger audiences are still turning up for print, but overall they’re enjoying the freedom the eBook provides; as space becomes a premium, digital downloads provide a perfect solution for the avid reader. 
• If you are a non-fiction writer, having physical copies of your book is popular, especially for marketing purposes. However, in education and academic publishing, there has been an increase in digital downloads since the pandemic, with teachers and students wanting the flexibility and immediacy that electronic print offers. 
• Within literature & fiction, there are many genres that lend themselves particularly well to eBook only, especially the more ‘niche’ markets such as romance, mystery and thriller, fantasy, science fiction and young adult. However, children’s fiction is still dominated by print and the preferred format for many. 

Time of Year:
Writing chick-lit or crime are perfect for a laid-back beach read. Holiday reads are almost always more popular in paperback form. Then consider Christmas, and all usual rules don’t apply! If you want to give your book the best chance during the season of giving, you’ll need the gift of print. It’s just so difficult to wrap a web link… 

Immediate Need: 
In a rush? eBooks can be ready for market much more quickly than traditional print. However, many self-publishers will now print ‘on demand’ so that you don’t need to commit to up-front costs and can have your book design ready to suit your timetable. 

Cost:
Although historically the main consideration for many first-time self-publishers, the cost difference between eBooks and print is no longer so significant, and the offers available in the current market may surprise you.  

So, to summarise--decide on your audience, and then do your research!  

Final Thought…Best of Both 
A recent report confirmed the increasing popularity of physical books over e-readers and, in our opinion, there is an ideal world where you can self-publish in both formats--a win-win if you ask us. Check out our perfect self-publishing packages here.