Now that you have written a book, you will want to get it published. You can go the route of submitting your manuscript to a publisher and waiting, or you can self-publish your book with a more hands-on approach. There are different forms of self publishing as well as different companies to help you get your book out there. Some companies will help market your self-published book as well.

Companies that may help you publish your book range from the large, such as Amazon, to the small, three-person shop. You may receive help with ghostwriting, editing, designing the book cover, and more. Or with an e-book, you can publish with online help.

With self publishing, you might wonder if you still own the rights to your book if a company assists you. Be assured that you will still own your illustrations and content. You may also keep a larger share of your royalties, which could amount to 50% to 70% of the sales. However, you should be prepared to spend money up front to cover production costs.

Self publishing is the answer when you want to get your book out quickly. With traditional publishing, you may wait six months or more to hear back from the publisher to whom you submitted your manuscript. Although the publisher may decide to accept your book and pay the up front costs, you will receive fewer royalties.

Online and e-book options are available in the world of self-publishing. Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and other bookstores have online sites. For example, the royalty rate for Amazon is 60% of the retail price.

An advantage of self publishing your book is that you are responsible for your own success; it is not determined by others who may have a variety of input. They may sit on the manuscript or just not accept it. By self publishing, you get your book out quicker and get a larger share of the earnings.

If you are just beginning the process, you will need to make some choices. You must first decide what the book is about, choosing a topic that you enjoy, being sure you have not picked too broad a topic. Then, organize your ideas and write the book. You may be able to find people to format your book inexpensively, or you can choose a company that will do it for you. Kindle Previewer is a free desktop application for your e-book.

Whether your self publishing involves an e-book or a printed book with a beautiful cover, you can find help online with some searches. Then decide on your book idea, write it and sit back and enjoy the royalties that will flow when others buy your creation.