What is Self Publishing

Date Created: September 19, 2023

What is Self-Publishing? It is a fairly recent trend, enabled by the advent of digital publishing, where an author publishes their book without being contracted to a publishing house. In the landscape of 2026, it has become a powerful path for independence, but it is not without its challenges. Self-published authors are responsible for every single aspect of the process; from the initial comma to the final marketing campaign. To succeed, you must move beyond the mindset of a writer and embrace the role of a business owner.

The Conflict: The Burden of 100%

The Villain in the self publishing world is the Illusion of Total Profit. Retaining 100% of your rights and royalties is touted as the main advantage of doing it yourself. However, as I often remind my authors, it is vastly better to receive 50% of the income from a high-volume, professionally marketed book than 100% of very few sales. Many authors are blinded by the percentage and fail to see the sheer weight of the technical and marketing work required to actually generate that income.

Key Benefits of Self Publishing

For those who have the time and the technical aptitude, self publishing offers unparalleled autonomy:

Total Creative Control: You have the final say on your book cover design, social media imagery, and even the wording of your press releases. This is a skill that comes with experience and significant research.
Control of the Process: You choose your own timeline. Unlike traditional publishing, which can take years, you can move from finished manuscript to published book in weeks.
Choice of Services: You select your own independent editors and designers. While you can edit the book yourself, I strongly advise against it; a fresh perspective is essential to catch what your own eyes will inevitably miss.
Rights Retention: You keep all rights to your work, allowing you to experiment with different genres, formats, and international markets at will.

Should You Just Publish on Amazon?

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is the most popular route for self publishing (there are others!), offering a "free" path to publication. However, be under no illusion that there is no cost. Amazon takes a significant cut: usually 30% if you sell exclusively in their store. The "kicker" is that all printing costs are deducted from your remaining 70%. In 2026, with the high price of print-on-demand services, these costs add up quickly. Amazon makes a large amount of money from every self-published author, often leaving the writer with less profit than they anticipated.

Steps to Self Publishing Success

If you are ready to take on the DIY challenge, follow this rigorous process:

Writing and Editing: Take the time to develop unique characters and a compelling plot. Hiring a professional editor is the only way to ensure your book is truly polished.
Captivating Cover Design: Your cover is the first impression. It must reflect your genre and tone. Moving the idea from your head to a technical print-ready file with the correct spine width and bleed is a difficult task that usually requires a professional.
Formatting: Different platforms have specific requirements for page size, margins, and fonts. A well-formatted book ensures a professional reading experience.
Building an Author Platform: This is your digital foundation. It includes your website, blog, social media presence, and—most importantly—your email list.

Building Your Author Platform

An author platform is a valuable asset that connects you directly with your audience. Start by creating a professional website to showcase your bio and purchase links. Establish a presence on social media platforms that align with your genre, but remember the 80/20 rule: share 80% valuable or entertaining content and only 20% promotional material. Engaging with your readers directly builds the "superfans" who will support your launches.

The Head of Publishing Perspective: The Artistic Trap

I believe every author must understand the industry. This is why we offer the Author Edition in our online training academy. Many authors fall into the "Artistic Trap"—choosing titles and covers based on personal love rather than market impact. At DreamEngine, we use complex algorithms to test and rewrite titles, ensuring they hit the top of search strings and Amazon categories. Getting these technical aspects wrong can kill your book's chances before you even start.

In reality, to make sales, you must either spend months learning to be a professional typesetter, designer, and marketer, or you must pay experts to do it for you. This is why I urge you to consider a co-publishing or hybrid deal. You retain the control you want, but you gain the commercial edge that only a professional house can provide. Don't just get a book made; go into business as a partner in your own success.

Contact DreamEngine

Self Publishing your own book is a complex, technical task. At DreamEngine, we know what is required to give your book the competitive edge when you self publish your book.

Learn how we can help by visiting our contact page for self-publishing support and guidance.

Author Mythology

Your book is ready. Your author identity may not be.

Before a literary agent reads your manuscript, they search your name. Before a reader buys your book, they look you up. Author Mythology is DreamEngine's process for building the complete author identity that makes both take you seriously.

Build Your Author Identity

Submit Your Manuscript

Ready to find out if DreamEngine is the right publisher for your book?

We review every manuscript submitted to us and respond within seven working days. No automated systems. If your manuscript is a fit, you speak directly with Edward J Marsh.

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Publishing with DreamEngine

DreamEngine Publishing offers two routes to professional publication: hybrid publishing for authors who want to retain their rights and receive higher royalties than a traditional deal allows, and traditional publishing for authors whose manuscript and platform meet our selection criteria. For a complete overview of all routes, read our guide to book publishing. Both routes begin with the Author Mythology process, which builds your complete author identity before your book reaches the market.

For authors building that platform, DreamEngine offers social media management for authors and author website design, both developed from a complete author identity brief. Manuscript development is available through our story consultancy with Dr. David Baboulene PhD. For authors already published, our book marketing service supports promotional campaigns and reader engagement.

Navigating the Publishing Landscape

Before you submit or publish, it helps to understand the options clearly. Our guides to what is hybrid publishing, what is traditional publishing, and what is self-publishing explain the real differences in investment, rights, and royalties. If you are approaching agents or publishers, read why literary agents search your name before they read your manuscript.

For authors at the production and marketing stage, our posts on professional book editing, book cover design, professional book design, and how to optimise your Amazon KDP book listing provide practical guidance. To build your author platform, read our posts on social media for authors, websites for authors, and book publicity.