What Should I Beware of when Self-Publishing

What to be aware of when self-publishing — More Information

This page highlights common financial and service risks so Authors can commission help confidently and avoid poor practice.

False or inflated marketing claims

Be wary of “fixed-price marketing packages” that sell outputs (posts, blasts, generic lists) instead of outcomes (reader fit, measurable results). Look for clear targeting, examples of comparable books, and evidence of results. If a proposal cannot explain who will be reached and why they are a fit for your book, it is unlikely to create demand.

Unnecessary production spend (and upselling)

Some providers promote long print runs or high-cost bundles as a default, particularly when they are also the printer. Choose a print method and quantity that match realistic demand (short-run, POD or litho) and insist on proofs and staged approvals before committing to volume. Services should be itemised so you can buy only what you need.

Poor transparency: money flow and reporting

Professional services explain fees, schedules and on-costs (e.g. print and shipping) in plain English and provide statements that reconcile orders, discounts and royalties. Avoid arrangements that offer no breakdown of sales figures, no approval checkpoints, or restrict your ability to pause or withdraw if quality or personal circumstances require it.

Publishing is a complicated process

If you decide to manage everything yourself, make sure you get good advice. At YouCaxton we explain the process at the outset so Authors can make informed decisions about which tasks they want to undertake themselves and which they want us to handle. Every project we agree to undertake includes Project-Management and Support to guide you through the process.

Platform clarification (KDP & Amazon)

Unlike most self-publishing support companies, KDP is a publishing tool for getting finished files into Amazon’s retail catalogue. Be aware that Amazon is essentially a retailer and retains the cost of printing and the retail discount which is typically 40% of the cover price in the UK and US for direct sales, more for extended distribution. These discounts are not unreasonable for a retailer and Amazon is normally the biggest retail outlet for self-published books.

Warning — common practice traps

  • “Marketing packages” that cannot show reader fit or past results for comparable titles.
  • Pressure to order long print runs without evidence of demand or a clear distribution route.
  • Expensive bundles with no option to buy services individually (editing, design, pre-press, distribution).
  • No paid stages with approval checkpoints; work proceeds without your sign-off.
  • No option to pause or withdraw if the work is late or below standard.
  • Unclear royalties or “percentage” offers with no itemised sales reporting.
  • Companies that demand large upfront payments, deliver poor service, or become uncontactable.

For related questions, see our Category 1 FAQs:
Publishing choices, author rights and contracts