self-publishing

Self-publishing is an author-driven publication of any media without the involvement of a third-party publisher. Since the advent of the internet, self-publishing usually depends on digital platforms and print-on-demand technology, ranging from physical books to eBooks. Examples include magazines, print-on-demand books, music albums, pamphlets, brochures, video games, video content, artwork, zines, and web fiction. Self-publishing, therefore, emerges as an alternative to traditional publishing, with implications for production, cost and revenue, distribution, and public perception.

== Types == In self-publishing authors publish their own work. While it is possible for an author to single-handedly carry out the whole process independently, many authors engage with professionals for specific services as needed (such as editors or cover designers). A growing number of companies offer a one-stop shop where an author can source a whole range of services required to self-publish a book (sometimes called "Assisted Self-publishing Providers" or "Self-publishing Service Providers").