In the evolving landscape of book publishing, authors are increasingly exploring self-publishing as a viable alternative to traditional publishing houses. This article examines why self-publishing with Ex Why Zed, a renowned print company specialising in a variety of book formats, offers a superior solution for authors. Key considerations include cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, creative freedom, higher profit margins, responsiveness, personalised support, extensive experience, and flexibility in publishing options.
So impressive! Everything worked brilliantly with Ex Why Zed. From now on they will always be my chosen printer. I can’t see how anyone could improve on them!
Waldemar Januszczak, British Art Critic and Television Producer.
Now let’s get into the content!….
The publishing industry has undergone significant transformations over the past few decades. Traditional publishing houses have long been the gatekeepers of the literary world, controlling which books reach the market. However, the advent of digital technology and the internet has democratised the publishing process, giving rise to self-publishing as a formidable alternative.
Self-publishing empowers authors to take control of their work from creation to distribution. It eliminates the need for literary agents and lengthy approval processes associated with traditional publishing. Authors can now publish children’s books, photography books, zines, creative writing projects, and hardback books with greater ease and autonomy.
| Aspect | Traditional Publishing | Self-Publishing with Ex Why Zed |
|---|---|---|
| Time to Publish | 12 – 24 months | As quick as 5 days |
| Author’s Profit Margin | 5% – 15% after royalties | 100% of profits after costs |
| Creative Control | Limited (publisher has final say) | Full control retained by the author |
| Upfront Costs | Possible costs for agents, marketing (£5k-10k) | Transparent printing costs only |
| Customer Satisfaction | Varies | 4.9/5 on Reviews.io |
| Types of Books Published | Determined by publisher’s interest | Any genre or format |
| Ownership of Rights | Often shared or held by publisher | Full ownership by the author |
| Support and Guidance | Limited due to large client base | Personalised, responsive support |
| Print Run Flexibility | Publisher decides quantity | Author chooses quantity (small or large runs) |
Ex Why Zed is a UK-based print company specialising in high-quality book printing services. With a focus on assisting self-publishing authors, the company offers a range of services tailored to meet diverse publishing needs.
We are proud of our 4.9 out of 5 rating on Reviews.io and Trustpilot, reflecting exceptional customer satisfaction.
Traditional publishing often involves significant upfront costs, including editing fees, marketing expenses, and sometimes contributions to printing costs. We offer competitive pricing with transparent cost structures, allowing authors to budget effectively.
Authors who have chosen Ex Why Zed report substantial savings compared to traditional publishing costs, enabling them to allocate funds to marketing and promotion.
| Expense | Traditional Publishing | Ex Why Zed Self-Publishing |
|---|---|---|
| Editing Fees | Covered by publisher | Author’s responsibility |
| Design and Formatting | Limited input | Full control (services available) |
| Printing Costs | Covered but deducted from royalties | Paid upfront, lower costs per unit |
| Marketing Expenses | Limited support | Author-controlled (optional services) |
| Average Upfront Costs | Minimal | Variable (depends on services chosen) |
Ex Why Zed has optimised its processes, printing and publishing offering to minimise production times without compromising quality.
Authors retain full rights to their work, allowing them to make decisions regarding content, design, and distribution.
Ex Why Zed: Offers print runs as low as 1 copy to tens of thousands.
Traditional Publishers: Often require large initial print runs, limiting flexibility.
| Aspect | Traditional Publishing | Ex Why Zed Self-Publishing |
|---|---|---|
| Content Ownership | Shared or publisher-owned | Fully owned by the author |
| Creative Decisions | Publisher-driven | Author-driven |
| Contract Length | Long-term binding | No restrictive contracts |
| Revisions and Updates | Difficult to implement | Easy and at the author’s discretion |
| Rights to Adaptations | Often held by publisher | Retained by the author |
Traditional publishers often offer royalties ranging from 5% to 40%. Self-publishing with Ex Why Zed allows authors to retain 100% of their profits after covering printing costs.
Authors have the liberty to set their own pricing, enabling strategic positioning in the market to maximise sales and profits.
Ex Why Zed is highly regarded for its responsive and helpful customer service team, providing support throughout the publishing process. Catch them on hello@exwhyzed.com, call on 01206 766647 or in the Live Chat during office hours.
Ex Why Zed provides assistance with design, layout, and formatting without extra fees, whereas traditional publishers may charge for additional services or limit them to select authors.
With years of experience in the printing industry, Ex Why Zed brings valuable insights to the table, helping authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing.
Ex Why Zed accommodates a wide range of book types, catering to various genres and styles.
Authors who have collaborated with Ex Why Zed consistently praise the company’s professionalism, quality of work, and supportive staff. These positive reviews reflect a high level of customer satisfaction and trust in their services.
Self-publishing with Ex Why Zed presents a compelling alternative to traditional publishing. The advantages of cost-effectiveness, time efficiency, creative freedom, higher profit margins, exceptional support, extensive experience, and flexible options make it an ideal choice for authors seeking control over their publishing journey. By partnering with Ex Why Zed, authors can bring their visions to life on their own terms while ensuring a high-quality end product.
