5 reasons to self-publish your picture book (or not)

1. You have $15,000-$20,000 just sitting around and you can’t think of anything better to do with it.
2. You are positive that you can do a better job picking an illustrator, a designer, a distributor, and marketing the book than the big publishing companies that have been creating award-winning books for years and years.
3. You have the best story in the world (that’s been rejected by every publishing house out there, but still, it’s really good!) and you know everyone will love it!
4. Your son’s pre-k class really liked it when you read it to them.
5. If you publish it, they will come.

Yes, yes, I know. I was being facetious. But truthful, no?

Okay, now for real.

1. Your book fills an untapped niche.
2. You’ve done your research and you know that there’s a market for your book, and…
3. You know how to reach your market.
4. You have the time, energy, and passion to get the word out about your book to the people who will buy it.
5. You have created a solid business and marketing plan and have read every book out there on self-publishing, lurked on the self-publishing listservs for months, and have a detailed schedule for production and marketing. Despite all this, you know you have a lot to learn, but you’re ready to take the leap nevertheless.