Questions and answers (FAQ)
I have bought an e-book - how do I read it?
It's quite simple. We have Here is a technical guide compiled.
I am an author: What happens after I have uploaded my e-book?
We briefly check whether it meets the technical requirements and whether the content meets our Guidelines corresponds. If everything is ok, we activate it - this usually happens very quickly.
In which format do I have to upload it?
You have several formats to choose from: ePub and mobi are the most common formats for e-books and are required to make it available to readers on their e-book reader. However, you can also upload a PDF or even a text document such as Word - which is less protected and can be read on any computer, but not on every e-book reader.
All too much? Let's do the technical stuff for little money. Here you can get the help you need. We will also test the readability on various devices.
Will I be notified if something is not quite right?
Sure, and a little tip on how you can quickly fix it yourself.
Do I need technical knowledge to be able to publish my e-book?
A little bit. If you want to make it easy for yourself or want to make sure that everything is clean and readable on all e-book readers, you can ask others to deal with the technical details, for example self-publishing.de
What if I have problems and get stuck? Or if I simply don't feel like dealing with technology?
There are third parties who are happy to help with editing, cover design or the technical creation of an e-book. For a small fee, for example self-publishing.de.
Do you also design covers?
You can get help from Self-Publishing.de. The professionals will design a sales-promoting cover based on your idea or suggest something themselves. It's not expensive at all ... but it makes a big difference!
Can someone look over my text again?
Only an error-free text has a chance of being perceived as a good book. You should not skimp on quality. Proofreading services are available, for example, from Self-Publishing.de.
Are there cheaper providers than Self-Publishing.com?
Self-Publishing.com is completely free for you and you get 100% of the profit. That is certainly unique.
Do I really get 100% of the income?
The state collects VAT, which you receive from the buyer through the sale. These taxes (in Germany 19%, in Switzerland 7.7%, in Austria 20%) never belonged to you and must therefore be paid to the state.
For you, this means that you are obliged to declare this income on your tax return and then, of course, to pay VAT.
What is copy protection?
This is called DRM, Digital Rights Management. Copy protection can make it more difficult for pirates. DRM is therefore a system that places a certain level of protection over the e-book so that only the buyer can read it. However, there is currently no DRM system that really works well. On the contrary, these systems only make it difficult for users to read their purchased e-book on different devices.
It has become established in the industry to do without copy protection that does not work. We therefore do not offer copy protection.
Am I bound to Self-Publishing.com?
Nope. You can start immediately and end it at any time. Your book, your rights.
Can I post several e-books?
Of course - bring it on!
Do I have to pay an exit fee as with other providers?
No, we think that's very dubious. We have no hidden costs. Self-Publishing.com is free, did we say that already?
What is an ISBN and what do I need it for?
You do not need an ISBN to publish on Self-Publishing.com. The "International Book Number" is common for printed books, but is not necessary for e-books. Costs saved again!
What is the retail price of my e-book?
You set it yourself. But once set, it cannot be changed, as this is prohibited by fixed book prices, which also apply to e-books, at least in Germany. You shouldn't set your e-book price too high.
Is there a fixed retail price?
In Switzerland, Great Britain and the USA no, in Germany and Austria: yes. Therefore, subsequent price changes are unfortunately not possible. You would have to reissue the book. So it's best to think about the right price right away! It helps to look at comparable prices in bookshops. Many publishers consider a price of 20% below the retail price of a book to be appropriate, while others tend to focus on low prices in order to reach more readers.
May I publish excerpts from my e-book on the Internet, present them on the radio or make them available to the press?
Sure, you have all the rights! And you should do a bit of advertising ...
When will I receive my earnings?
Whenever you want. You can see the current sales live in your account and pay out your earnings directly via Stripe at the touch of a button. The default setting is that you receive it every 7 days (so you don't need to adjust anything), but you can change this. Easy. It's your money after all!
Do I retain all rights to my book?
Yes.
How long does the distribution run?
You can end it at any time.
Do I have monthly costs or obligations?
Self-Publishing.com is free of charge.
Is Self-Publishing.com a publishing house?
We see ourselves as a platform for authors who publish their books themselves and for whom we provide the technical framework.
Can I see how many books I have sold?
Yes, you can see the number of books sold and the revenue in your account. Live and in color. You can pay yourself your profits at the touch of a button.