Subsidy publishing, also known as vanity publishing, is a type of publishing in which the author pays all or part of the costs of publication. The author may also be required to purchase a minimum number of copies of the finished book. Subsidy publishing is generally considered to be of lower quality than traditional publishing, as the author is paying for the privilege of having their work published, rather than the publisher taking on the financial risk.
There are a number of reasons why an author may choose to go down the subsidy publishing route. They may have been unsuccessful in finding a traditional publisher for their work, or they may want to retain complete control over the editorial process and marketing of their book. Whatever the reason, subsidy publishing can be a viable option for authors who are willing to invest the time and money required.
One of the main advantages of subsidy publishing is that it can be a quicker way to get your book into print than traditional publishing. The downside is that you will likely have to spend more money upfront, and you may have less control over the quality of the final product. It is important to do your research before entering into any subsidy publishing agreement, and to make sure that you are working with a reputable company.
Subsidy publishing is an important aspect of the book publishing industry as it allows for a more diverse range of books to be published. This type of publishing is often used by small presses and independent publishers who may not have the funds to cover the costs of traditional publishing. In addition, subsidy publishing can be used to support the publication of niche or experimental books that may not be commercially viable. Ultimately, subsidy publishing provides an important avenue for a wide range of books to be published, which enriches the literary landscape.