1)What is self-publishing?

Self-publishing means that the Author is the publisher. You keep control of your rights, your editorial decisions, your printing options, your price, and your route to market. It gives full independence — but also places the full responsibility for quality, compliance and professionalism with the Author (rather than with a traditional publishing house).

2)What do self-publishing support companies do?

A professional self-publishing support company provides the same professional services that commercial publishers use.

Typically this includes:

• editorial
• cover design
• layout and typesetting
• ISBN registration
• pre-press technical work
• print management
• distribution setup
• royalty management

The aim is to lift the heavy technical work so that the Author can concentrate on writing, publicity and marketing — while still remaining fully in control.

3)What is vanity publishing?

Traditionally, “vanity publishing” describes companies that charge Authors large fees while presenting themselves like traditional publishers, often bundling unnecessary services and taking rights they don’t need. A genuine self-publishing service sells clearly-priced services while you retain your rights.

Further reading: /information/what-is-vanity-publishing/

4)What to be aware of when self-publishing?

Watch for unclear rights language, pressure to buy bundles you don’t need, distribution claims without detail, and advice tied to a single print method. If the business model can’t be explained in one paragraph you understand, don’t buy.

Further reading: /information/what-to-beware-of-when-self-publishing/

5)What is meant by an independent publisher?

An independent publisher is a publishing company that is not owned by one of the large conglomerates. Many independents use the same professional workflows as the trade but make more flexible decisions about list, print methods and distribution.

6)If I use a self-publishing company to publish my book, do I retain copyright?

Yes — you should retain copyright. Service providers may need limited licences (e.g., to manufacture and distribute your book), but your copyright should remain with you unless you explicitly assign it, which is unusual in self-publishing.

7)If I use a self-publishing company, do I have to choose one of their packages?

No. A transparent service will itemise tasks (editing, typesetting, cover, pre-press, distribution setup) so you can buy only what you need. Packages can be convenient, but they should never be compulsory.