The future of self-publishing looks bright, despite some potential changes in 2023. Of all of the industries in the world, publishing is probably one of the most resistant to change. Yet, in recent years, we’ve seen significant shifts that major printing companies and self-publishing authors alike have had to navigate. With so many changes on the horizon, what should one expect to see in 2023? Ian Leaf shares his thoughts on what self-publishers can expect in the coming year.
Changes In Traditional Publishing
Every day, another long-standing publishing company is announcing layoffs or shutting down altogether. In the past few years, we’ve seen significant changes in the traditional publishing industry, and it doesn’t seem to slow down.
One of the most significant changes has been the rise of ebooks and the decline of print books. While this shift has been happening for a while, it’s expected to continue in 2023. This means that self-publishing authors relying on print book sales may need to consider other options, such as ebooks or audiobooks.
Another change to traditional publishing has been the increasing popularity of self-publishing. As more and more authors turn to self-publishing, the traditional publishing industry has begun to notice. Some major publishing companies have even started offering services to help authors self-publish their books. While this trend is expected to continue in 2023, it’s uncertain how it will impact the traditional publishing industry in the long run.
The Continued Rise of Ebooks
Ebooks have been on the rise for several years now, and there’s no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. It’s quite the opposite. With the continued advancement of technology, ebooks will only become more popular. And as they become more popular, their price will continue to drop. It’s not uncommon to find ebooks selling for less than $2. These less expensive ebooks are usually shorter, making them more appealing for busy readers. Specific topics of ebooks are also generally cheaper than others, such as romance or mystery.
What does this mean for self-publishers? First and foremost, if you’re not already marketing your books as ebooks, now is the time to start. Secondly, the price of print books will continue to increase. This is already happening, but it’s likely to accelerate in the coming year. If you’re selling your books primarily through print, you may want to consider switching to ebooks or finding a way to offset the rising cost of printing.
An Era of Audiobooks
Audiobooks are also on the rise, and there’s no sign of them slowing down anytime soon. They’re becoming so popular that some experts predict they’ll eventually overtake ebooks in sales. This anticipated takeover is due to the increasing number of people commuting or working out and the fact that audiobooks are much easier to listen to than ebooks.
Self-publishing authors like Ian Leaf need to start thinking about how to market their books as audiobooks. Will they record them themselves? Hire someone to do it for them? There are many options; the right one will depend on the author’s budget and audience.
The Impact of Self-Publishing
Self-publishing has significantly impacted the industry, which will only increase in 2023. As traditional publishing companies struggle, self-publishing authors are stepping in to fill the void. This is especially true for niche markets that conventional publishers underserve.
Self-publishing authors also significantly impact how books are marketed and sold. In the past, most books were sold through bookstores or libraries. However, self-publishers increasingly sell their books online through platforms like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. This shift will likely continue as more people buy books online in the coming year.
The Future of Bookstores and Libraries
The future of bookstores and libraries is uncertain. With the rise of ebooks and audiobooks, many people buy books online instead of from physical stores. This trend is expected to continue in 2023, which means that bookstores and libraries will need to find a way to adapt.
Some bookstores have already shifted to sell ebooks and audiobooks, and more will likely follow suit in the coming year. To keep brick-and-mortar stores afloat, brands will probably focus on selling items with a striking visual appeal or things that can’t be purchased as quickly online, such as collectibles, signed copies, or rare editions.
On the other hand, libraries may focus more on providing access to ebooks and audiobooks instead of physical books. Many library systems have waiting lists for popular titles, and some libraries have bought ebooks from Amazon instead of traditional publishers. This trend will likely continue in 2023 as libraries keep up with the demand for ebooks and audiobooks.
There are many other ways for communities to support their local libraries and keep their doors open. One way is through book donations and volunteer programs. Libraries can also partner with other local organizations to host events or fundraisers.
Final Thoughts
The changes in the publishing industry will majorly impact self-published and traditionally published authors. Self-published authors must consider how to market their books as ebooks and audiobooks. Traditional publishers will need to find a way to adapt to the changing landscape. And all authors must be aware of the shifting trends in how books are sold.
