- Is my book worth publishing?
- Why publish when I could just print photocopies?
These go straight to the heart of what it means to be an author.
Some authors make significant income from their books, and it’s wonderful when that happens.
But even when sales don’t cover the costs, publishing can still be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.
Think of it this way: people happily spend money on holidays, hobbies, gardening, or even daily coffees.
Not because they expect a financial return, but because these things enrich their lives.
Publishing a book can be the same: a way of celebrating years of effort, sharing your craft or expertise, and creating a legacy.
It’s also worth noting that even in the traditional publishing world, most books don’t turn a profit for the publisher.
The industry has always relied on a few best-sellers to balance the costs of the many.
Yet those “unprofitable” books are still published, still valued, and still meaningful to readers and writers alike.
- Years of work deserve a finished form – Many authors spend years crafting their manuscript. Publishing gives that work the permanence and respect it deserves.
- A lasting legacy – A published book can be catalogued in libraries, discovered online, and passed down to future generations in a way photocopies cannot.
- Reaching readers – Beyond family and friends, publishing makes your words discoverable by people who might enjoy or benefit from them.
- Gifts and sharing – Many authors enjoy giving copies away at events, to causes, or within their communities. Publishing allows this in a polished, lasting form.
- Opportunities – A book can open doors to speaking engagements, workshops, and events where authors not only share their knowledge but also distribute copies.
- Fulfillment – Holding your own professionally published book is the natural completion of the writing journey — an expression of creativity or scholarship that will endure.
Publishing involves costs, and for some writers this can feel daunting after years of effort.
But a book is not just an expense: it’s an investment in yourself, your ideas, and your story’s place in the world.
Whether your aim is to earn income, share knowledge, or simply complete a deeply personal project, publishing ensures your work is given the permanence and reach it deserves.