If you’re serious about self-publishing, you’re likely to come across an endless array of products and services to spend your money on.
It’s important to strike a balance between being frugal, but also unafraid of investing in quality offerings which will make a difference to your self-publishing journey.
Unless you have the terrible problem of an unlimited amount of money to spend, it’s wise to seek out genuine bargains. Quality choices that are a good fit for your circumstance, have a real opportunity to help with your goals, and won’t break the bank in the process.
Three of the best possible areas for your investment are in software, information, and services.
Let’s take a look at the smartest bargains within these three areas of self-publishing.
Bargain Self-Publishing Software
The array of software used by self-publishers is as varied as the writers themselves.
Some people have a specialist, high-end tool for every aspect of their creative process. It can be tempting to fall into the trap of assuming higher-priced software will instantly equal higher quality output. Of course, this isn’t the case. Otherwise, becoming the world’s greatest photographer would simply be a matter of buying the best camera.
Instead, it’s smarter to think about the problems you have with the way you are currently doing things. Is there a cumbersome or frustrating aspect of your process? Could you become more efficient by using fewer tools?
There is no one size fits all solution when it comes to self-publishing software, as everyone’s process and method are slightly different. Some people take a hands-on approach and therefore need to be able to design covers, format their books, and film promotional videos. Others focus on core aspects of their own business and invest only in these.
One of the best software bargains which will be useful to the vast majority of self-published writers is Scrivener. It’s a superb writing tool which makes the process of creating complex written projects much easier to deal with. Scrivener is fairly inexpensive, but you can get an even better bargain with a Scrivener discount.
Some of the most useful tools actually cost nothing, and are therefore the potential biggest bargains. Canva and Google Drive are great tools with no upfront cost for creating and collaborating quickly online.
If you are using any expensive software, it’s worth considering whether a free or cheaper alternative would be capable of offering the same level of benefit at a lower cost.
Bargain Self-Publishing Information
A lot of the best information out there is free. There are endless high-quality blogs and YouTube channels dedicated to providing actionable and game-changing information.
However, free information isn’t always the right choice. Sometimes it’s worth investing in a quality book or course which will go in-depth on a particular topic and provide you with the knowledge you need, presented in the way you want.
Just because you’ve decided to spend money on information, it doesn’t mean you should forget about finding a good deal.
If there’s a particular course or book you’re interested in, follow these steps to take a smart approach to find an information bargain –
- Make sure there isn’t a better option for the information you want to learn
- Read reviews and consider the feedback from real people rather than marketing hype
- When you’re sure a course or book is right for you, research to make sure it isn’t on offer at a better price elsewhereSearch online for coupons and discounts – you might be surprised at what you find
- Some information providers offer deals, such as regular sales (for example, Udemy offer seasonal sales, and Amazon have prime day). If there’s a course or book you want, consider waiting until the promotional time to grab it.
Bargain Self-Publishing Services
Self-publishers may well require a wide range of services depending on their own publishing plan. While some have the skills and time to take a DIY approach for the majority of tasks, there are some that should be outsourced.
When looking to buy services, some of the most important things to consider are –
Is the price fair? Shop around to get a feel for the different prices service providers charge. Expect to pay more for experience and quality, and less for someone just starting out. The price point you’re looking for is your choice – just make sure it’s justified.
Are there hidden costs? Sometimes, you’ll have to factor in fees for online payments, taxes or other hidden costs. Do your research to make sure you don’t get hit with an unexpected cost.
Are there other platforms that offer similar services at a better price? Don’t follow the trend. Just because a particular platform is a high profile, don’t assume it’s the best deal for you
Is there any discount available for batch work? Often, you will be able to secure a discount on self-publishing services if you confirm you will purchase a larger quantity than a one-off order
Self-Publishing Bargain Summary
Overall, self-publishing is worth investing in, but it pays to be smart.
Don’t buy software for the sake of it, but look for genuine opportunities to make an improvement to your working life
If you want to purchase paid information, make sure the investment is the best option for your needs, and there isn’t a better price available
Take the time to find the right freelancers for your projects, and watch out for any hidden fees that may arise
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to handle your self-publishing spending. Different businesses have different needs.
It’s always good to find a bargain, but only if the bargain is right for you.