What is Self-Publishing?
If you’ve ever dreamed of holding your book in your hands—or seeing it for sale online—you’ve likely come across the term self-publishing. But what exactly does it mean?
Self-publishing is the process of bringing your book to market without going through a traditional publishing house. Instead of relying on a publisher to handle the editing, design, printing, and distribution of your work, you take control of the process yourself.
This route has grown dramatically in popularity thanks to advances in print-on-demand technology, the rise of eBooks and the availability of global online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Today, self-publishing offers authors unprecedented control over their creative vision, publishing timeline and potential earnings.
How Self-Publishing Works
In traditional publishing, the publisher assumes most of the financial risk and creative control—often determining the cover design, pricing and even aspects of the manuscript itself. In return, authors typically receive a small royalty percentage.
Self-publishing flips that model. You, the author, make the key decisions about your book’s content, appearance and distribution—and you keep a much larger share of the royalties.
The process typically involves:
- Manuscript Preparation – Editing, proofreading and formatting for print and eBook editions.
- Book Design – Professional cover design and interior layout to meet industry standards.
- ISBN & Copyright – Registering your book for sale and protecting your intellectual property.
- Printing & Distribution – Printing physical copies and making your book available to global retailers.
- Marketing & Promotion – Building awareness through online and offline channels to reach your audience.
The Benefits of Self-Publishing
Self-publishing empowers authors to:
- Maintain Creative Control – Your book stays true to your vision.
- Earn Higher Royalties – Keep a larger share of sales revenue.
- Reach Global Audiences – Distribute to major online and brick-and-mortar retailers worldwide.
- Publish on Your Timeline – No waiting years for a publishing contract or release date.
How Outskirts Press Can Help
While self-publishing offers freedom, it also comes with a learning curve—especially if you want your book to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with traditionally published titles. That’s where Outskirts Press comes in.
As a full-service self-publishing company, we combine the creative control and earning potential of self-publishing with the professional expertise of a traditional publisher. Our services include:.
- Professional Editing & Proofreading – Ensure your book is polished and error-free.
- Custom Cover & Interior Design – Capture readers’ attention with a market-ready look.
- Worldwide Distribution – Make your book available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Ingram, and more.
- Marketing Support – With a custom marketing plan and fully supported marketing services from press releases to book trailers, we help you reach your ideal readers.
- Personalized Guidance – Our publishing team walks with you through every step of the process.
Whether you’re publishing fiction, nonfiction, memoir, poetry, or children’s books, Outskirts Press provides the tools, resources and expertise to bring your vision to life—without sacrificing your creative freedom.
In short, self-publishing puts you in the driver’s seat of your author journey, and Outskirts Press makes sure you have a professional, high-quality book to share with the world. If you’re ready to publish, we’re ready to help you make it happen.
Are you ready to get started?
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See what Outskirts Press authors are saying about their self-publishing experience
My representative Jamie was always extremely professional and helpful during the entire process of my book publication. She always responded very quickly to requests and was always helpful throughout the entire process. She is a great role model and a great asset to the Outskirts Press family. I will highly recommend Outskirts Press to my friends and associates and also look forward to doing more business in the future. I am extremely pleased with my book publication and consider this a major milestone in my life . Thank you all very much...
Lawrence N. Weston
author of Avoiding Self Imposed Adversities
From the beginning, and throughout the process of publishing my first book, I felt that I was in the hands of a pro. Dana always took the time to answer my questions in detail and swiftly, and if she didn't have 100% confidence, she researched the question and got back to me. I was very pleased with her and I am also thankful that I was paired with her as an Author Rep.
David Matityahu Ben Avraham
author of There's No Such Thing as Magic Blood
Bridget, as well as the entire Outskirts Press team working with me, are exceptional. They held my hand through the entire process in addition to providing me with welcomed support and encouragement. I am looking forward to our next project together. I have recommended Outskirts Press to several freelance authors in my area. Thank you for making a potentially hectic journey so enjoyable and so satisfying.
Paneque y Diaz
author of More Than What They Seemed
I was very happy with my author rep's responses to me. She did a superb job of answering my questions and helping me through the editing process. She was always available when I needed her. I'm delighted with the outcome--my book looks good and it's selling! Thank you.
Kathleen O'Brien
author of Reclaim Your Right To Grow Old
A great experience with Outskirts Press. I learned a lot in this process. I will do it all over again. Thank you so much.
Esther A. Ota
author of Children: My Heritage - A Testimony
The one-on-one with Lisa was great. Especially the phone call picking out styles, font, cover template etc. She even got a vote on the color. I so wanted to have my daughter's painting as the art work on the cover and she gave me a way to do that. Her guidance helped turn my dream into a reality and sometimes it is still hard to believe until I look at my book. Thank you.
Nancy L. Regas
author of The Art of Being a School Counselor
Outskirts Press has perfected the art of self-publishing. Their process is simple and seamless with everything happening in a timely manner, giving authors complete control over how their book will appear inside and out. And the people there are fantastic. They’re friendly, knowledgeable, courteous, patient and quick to reply to emails. What more can an author ask?
Needless to say, I’ve found a home here at Outskirts Press.
Jim Black
author of Life with Bingo, Miracle on the Gridiron, Football Hero, and Ezra
Outskirts Press changed my life for the better. They turned my adoption memoir into a book that is not only beautiful to look at, it is pleasurable to read, easy to purchase online, and in less than a month already has had a profound impact on many people. A truly amazing company with a heart. Deepest gratitude!
Paul Kimball
author of We Are All Human Beings
The Outskirts Press team was helpful, attentive, prompt and detail oriented during the publishing process. It really felt like a team effort, and everyone worked hard to create an awesome final product that was my fully published book!
Eric B.
author of Realm of the Invader
Having just published my eighth book with Outskirts Press, I can attest to it being a great experience, and I look forward to publishing number nine. Thanks for a great job.
James A. Hunter
author of Soft And Gentle 8
I would like to thank everyone at Outskirts Press for helping me getting my book (Storms of Jaycard) into print. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would write a book and have it published. Once again, I would like to thank everyone at Outskirts Press for making my book dream come true.
Joseph J. Myer
author of Storms of Jaycard