Why Authors Should Publish Books Online

Let’s talk about Isabella.

Isabella spent three years writing her first novel, a gripping mystery set in the Scottish Highlands. She queried 50 literary agents, waited eight months for responses, and finally landed a deal with a mid-sized publisher. Excited, she assumed her book would be in stores within a year.

Two years later, her book was finally printed. But by then, the market had shifted. Readers were more interested in psychological thrillers than classic whodunits. Her publisher, constrained by printing schedules, couldn’t pivot. Isabella’s book sold a disappointing 500 copies, and her advance barely covered her editing costs.

Isabella’s story isn’t unique. Thousands of authors face the same frustrations: long wait times, lack of control, and minimal profits. But here’s the good news: publish your book online changes everything.

Today, authors don’t need to wait for permission to share their work. They don’t need to compromise on creative vision or settle for pennies in royalties. Instead, they can publish their book online, reach millions of readers instantly, and keep most of the profits, all while maintaining full creative control.

In this post, we’ll explore why publishing your book online is the best choice for modern authors, backed by real success stories, practical insights, and actionable steps to help you get started.

1. Speed: From Manuscript to Market in Days, Not Years

Traditional publishing moves at a glacial pace.

1. Agent queries? 3–6 months for responses.
2. Publisher acquisition? Another 6–12 months.
3. Editing, design, and printing? At least 12–18 months before your book hits shelves.

By the time your book is available, reader interests may have shifted, or worse, your book might feel outdated.

When you publish your book online, the timeline shrinks dramatically:

1. Upload your manuscript to platforms like Amazon KDP, Apple Books, or Draft2Digital.
2. Approve your proof in 24–72 hours.
3. Hit “Publish” and your book is live worldwide in less than a week.

Example: Andrew, a finance coach, wrote a book on cryptocurrency investing in early 2022. Traditional publishers told him it would take 18 months to print. Instead, he published his book online in five days. When the crypto market surged three months later, his book was already a bestseller, and he updated it twice to keep it current.

Key Takeaway: Online publishing lets you capitalize on trends, respond to reader feedback, and stay relevant without waiting for a publisher’s approval.

2. Creative Freedom: Your Book, Your Rules

Traditional publishers often dictate how your book should look.

1. Cover design? They decide.
2. Title changes? They might insist.
3. Content edits? They can demand cuts or rewrites.

For authors with a clear vision, this lack of control is frustrating.

When you publish your book online, you call the shots:

1. Design a cover that truly represents your story (or hire a designer who understands your vision).
2. Choose your font, layout, and formatting—no publisher forcing a generic template.
3. Keep your voice intact—no editor watering down your message.

Example: Anushka, a children’s book author, wanted her book to include interactive elements like QR codes linking to animations. Traditional publishers called it “too experimental.” She published her book online, and the multimedia experience made it a hit with parents and kids. It now has over 10,000 downloads and a 4.8-star rating on Amazon.

Key Takeaway: Online publishing preserves your creative integrity and your book stays 100% yours.

3. Higher Royalties: Keep More of What You Earn

Traditional publishing contracts are notoriously unfair to authors.

1. Hardcover royalties? 10–15% per book.
2. Paperback? 5–10%.
3. eBook? If you’re lucky, 25%.

After agent fees, marketing costs, and publisher cuts, most authors barely break even.

When you publish your book online, the financial game changes:

1. Amazon KDP: 70% royalties for books priced between $2.99–$9.99.
2. Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble: 60–70% royalties.
3. Direct Sales (via your website): 90–100% profit (minus payment processing fees).

Example: Mark, a self-help author, switched from traditional to online publishing. His $9.99 eBook now earns him $7 per sale (instead of $1). In six months, he made $50,000 more than his entire advance from his previous publisher.

Key Takeaway: Publishing online puts more money in your pocket, where it belongs.

Tired of low royalties and lack of control? Fleck Publisher helps hundreds of authors publish their books online with maximum profits and minimal hassle. Talk to our team today and take back control of your publishing journey.

4. Global Reach: Your Book in Every Reader’s Hands

Traditional publishing limits your book’s geographic availability.

1. Printed in the US? Readers in India, Europe, or Australia may struggle to find it.
2. Distributed in bookstores? Only readers who physically visit those stores can buy it.

When you publish your book online, borders disappear:

1. Instant global distribution—readers anywhere can download your book in seconds.
2. No shipping delays—digital books arrive instantly.
3. Multiple language options—easily translate and publish in Spanish, Hindi, German, or any other language.

Example: Carlos, a Latin American historian, published his book in Spanish and English. Within three months, he had readers in 12 countries, including Mexico, Spain, and the Philippines. His book became a #1 bestseller in Latin American history on Amazon.

Key Takeaway: Online publishing removes geographic barriers. Your book can reach anyone, anywhere.

5. Lower Costs: No More Wasting Money on Unsold Books

Traditional publishing forces authors to gamble on print runs.

1. Print 1,000 copies? That’s $3,000–$5,000 upfront.
2. Only sell 200? You’re stuck with 800 books gathering dust.

Online publishing eliminates this risk:

1. eBooks cost $0 to produce: no printing, no storage.
2. Print-on-Demand (POD): Books are printed only when ordered, no wasted stock.
3. No warehouse fees; your books are stored digitally.

Example: Molly, a cookbook author, spent $4,000 printing 1,000 copies of her first book. Only 300 sold, leaving her with $3,000 in losses. For her second book, she published online and used print-on-demand. She never overprinted again and now earns $2,000/month in passive income.

Key Takeaway: Online publishing saves you money and eliminates financial risk.

6. Direct Reader Connection: Build a Loyal Fanbase

Traditional publishing keeps authors and readers apart.

1. No reader emails—publishers control communication.
2. No direct feedback—reviews are filtered through retailers.
3. No community building—authors are disconnected from their audience.

When you publish your book online, you own the relationship:

1. Collect emails (offer a free chapter in exchange for sign-ups).
2. Engage on social media. Share behind-the-scenes content, polls, and updates.
3. Get instant feedback. Readers can message you directly with thoughts and questions.

Example: Julia, a romance novelist, built a 10,000-person email list by offering a free prequel to her book. She now sells directly to her fans, earning $8,000/month—without relying on Amazon or bookstores.

Key Takeaway: Online publishing lets you build a fanbase that supports you for years.

7. Multiple Formats: eBooks, Audiobooks, and Beyond

Traditional publishers usually offer one format: paperback or hardcover.

But modern readers want options:

1. eBooks (for Kindle, iPad, or phone readers).
2. Audiobooks (for commuters and multitaskers).
3. Interactive books (with videos, quizzes, or links).

When you publish your book online, you can offer all these formats often without extra cost.

Example: Jeffrey, a business author, published his book as an eBook, paperback, and audiobook. The audiobook alone brought in $3,000/month from listeners who preferred audio over text.

Key Takeaway: More formats = more readers = more income.

Common Myths About Publishing Your Book Online (Debunked)

Despite the benefits, some authors still hesitate. Let’s clear up the misconceptions:

Myth 1: “Online Publishing Means Lower Quality”

Truth: Many online-published books look and read better than traditional ones. Tools like Kindle Create, Vellum, and Canva help authors design professional-grade books. Plus, you can hire editors and proofreaders to ensure top-notch quality.

Myth 2: “Only Traditional Publishing Gives Credibility”

Truth: Readers don’t care how a book is published—they care if it’s good. Many bestselling authors (like Andy Weir, author of The Martian) started by publishing their books online.

Myth 3: “I Won’t Make Money with Online Publishing”

Truth: Authors who publish their books online often earn more per sale than traditionally published authors. With 70% royalties on Amazon, the earning potential is much higher.

Pro Tip: If formatting feels overwhelming, services like Fleck Publisher can handle everything—from design to distribution so that you can focus on writing.

Final Thoughts!

The Future of Publishing Is in Your Hands

The publishing industry has changed forever. Authors no longer need to beg for permission to share their work. They don’t have to accept low royalties, creative restrictions, or endless delays.

By publish your book online, you gain:

1. Speed (your book in readers’ hands in days).
2. Control (your vision, your rules).
3. Higher profits (keep 70% or more of every sale).
4. Global reach (sell to millions worldwide).
5. Lower costs (no wasted prints or storage fees).
6. Direct reader connection (build a loyal fanbase).
7. Multiple formats (eBook, audiobook, and more).

Whether you’re a first-time author, a business owner, or a seasoned writer, online publishing gives you the freedom and flexibility to succeed on your own terms.