INNOVATIVE WAYS TO FUND YOUR PUBLICATION
“Right now, I can’t afford to publish my book.” This is something we hear a lot. And we understand that publishing is a big investment for many individuals, and sometimes it seems like it can wait. We simply grin and say, “Not so fast!” when we hear authors hesitant to take on a publishing project due to a lack of financing. There are various inventive ways to fund your publishing project, so if you want to publish but don’t have the funds, look at these seven unique ways to fund your book.
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Find a sponsor.
Consider inviting a firm or group to back your book as a brand extension for the organization if you do a lot of work with them. It can be beneficial for them to have their name or logo on the back cover or a particular page inside your material if it is a message they wish to publicly associate with. You could even create a limited-edition version for their staff or VIP customers.
Some organizations may have a budget for similar projects in their marketing department, depending on the nature of your book. This choice is appropriate for business or research-based books that can add significant value to a company.
Make use of a crowdsourcing site.
Many authors have an audience waiting to read their book… they just don’t have one yet.
Crowdsourcing shines in this situation. Platforms like Kickstarter and IndieGogo–or even publishing-specific ones like FundMyBook and Unbound–can connect you with your fans and help you collect the funding you need to make your book, one pledge at a time, with a solid concept and a little marketing.
Publishizer.com connects authors with self-publishing companies, hybrid publishers, and small traditional presses by combining crowdfunding and pitching options.
Fundraise with clients (and, if applicable, friends and family)
If you’re well connected, one wealthy backer could be all you need to get your book up and running. Even if you don’t hang out with the wealthy, you can still rely on your network for help.
If you have many satisfied clients, try asking them to a fundraising event. If your book can benefit your friends and family, make it a party and invite them!
Just make sure to have an extra-special book release party for everyone who helped you along the way.
Start with an ebook or find other methods to save money.
You can always start with an ebook if you need to get your book out but don’t have the funds for a whole package. This can help you save money on everything from printing to shipping to design. If you can’t wait to touch a print book in your hands (and we don’t blame you), you can decrease the weight by reducing the word count or deleting some or all of the graphic features.
Use your company to publish.
You may be able to fund your book through your company and deduct the cost as a marketing expense. It will depend on the nature of your book and your business. In the long term, fundraising through your company may be a more tax-advantageous means of processing revenues, easing the strain on your wallet. Of course, you should contact your accountant to see if this strategy is appropriate for you and your company.
Seek out grants.
This isn’t for everyone, but there are numerous grants available that can help you get a head start before you even begin. While many writing grants favor fiction, there is still room for nonfiction writers, especially those with a literary bent or material that is socially conscious.
Literary writers can apply for Artist Research and Development grants, while women and trans artists can apply for the Art and Change grant. There are also grants from the North Carolina Arts Council and The Awesome Foundation. Every grant has its own set of conditions, so do your homework!
Rethink what value means to you.
It’s not always that we don’t have the financing for a project; we’re often not sure if the project will pay off for you. However, aside from in-store sales, financial rewards might come from various unexpected sources when it comes to publishing your book. New clients, more speaking engagements, greater speaking fees, foreign rights sales, and more can all benefit from your book.
