Self-publishing or publishing company?

Author Ingeborg B. Hofbauer has experienced both sides. She granted us an interview and shared her experiences with Novum Publishing. 

Mrs. Hofbauer, you have 18 years of experience as the managing associate of a construction company and now operate as a business consultant offering personal coaching, as well as accompanying and guiding people on hikes and pilgrimages. In addition to that, in 2012, you published your first book “Rucksackgeschichten. Aufbruch in ein gelungenes Leben mit leichtem Gepäck – inklusive Anleitung zum Selbstcoaching” ('Backpack Stories: The Gateway to a Successful Life with a Light Load – Including Instructions for Self-Coaching'). Despite all of your numerous activities, what motivated you to write a book?

My dream! I have wanted to write a book since the age of six and I have always written articles in professional journals. With my business partner, I published a cartoon in our community chronicle. I then fell in love with the idea of going on a pilgrimage and began to compare life to being a pilgrim. The backpack is a metaphor for a “life backpack” which was subsequently the idea behind my first book. 

The book you released in 2012 was self-published. What made you to decide to try it on your own? 

On the one hand, I tried it because of the experience I had with the self-published cartoons, and on the other I really wanted to fulfil my dream while avoiding help from traditional publishers. I'm realistic enough to know what chances an unknown author has – even if the book is really good. It is very difficult because you have to be famous and then anything and everything will be published. 

What should those considering self-publishing expect? What can aspiring authors assume at this stage?

Writing a book is not so hard. The real work begins once the book has been written. Many believe that if a good teacher has edited the book then it is all done and dusted. However, the characteristics of a good book consist of much more such as efficient editing, a good layout, printing, shipping, the ISBN number and much more. I want to appear reasonably professional by taking these considerations into account, otherwise no bookstore will take me seriously. 

When you look back on the creative process during publishing and the final publication, what were your biggest obstacles and challenges?

The editing! Even when I really liked a text, my editor would always find a way to improve it by making valuable suggestions.. I read my lines over and over again and still I always found some room for improvement. It's so hard to let go when holding everything in your own hands. The whole process is really hard work. 

What is your own assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing?

The cost was certainly one of the biggest disadvantages. At first I didn’t consider costs such as editing, the logo design and the high cost of printing a small edition with 1000 copies. Also, the pile of books which I stored at home was not so pleasant as it made me feel guilty every day! (laughs)

The biggest advantage of self-publishing is an obvious one: I get to keep 100 percent of the sale proceeds. However, first off, I had to undertake a lot of advertising in order to sell a sufficient amount of books. This procedure was very stressful due to concerns about the total cost.

"Writing a book is not so hard. The real work begins once the book has been written."

    --Ingeborg B. Hofbauer--

To publish your second book, "Rucksackgeschichten. Sowohl als auch. Anleitung zur Mutkompetenz“ ('Backpack Stories with Instructions for Courage Competence') you chose to use Novum Publishing. Why did you decide to go through a publishing company this time?

Firstly, to be taken seriously by booksellers as well as the press - those supported by a publishing company are seen very differently. Secondly, I wanted to get professional feedback, to see where I stood and if my book was worth anything at all. Thirdly, I wanted to spare myself all of the backbreaking work once the book was finished. 

To what extent was the work on your new book any different? What were the biggest differences in comparison to the self-publishing process?

Definitely knowing the total cost in advance. I received a contract which was broken down into sections clearly stating exactly what I would get for the price, and since I had previous experience, I was able to compare both options. In addition to that, the support that I received was ten times better than when I self-published. The price and performance ratio was spot on and the total budget was easy to plan. In fact, the investment for my second book was half of what I invested for my first book, despite the big difference in circulation. Finally, the press releases and the major presence at relevant book fairs is something that self-publishers can only dream of. 

The road to the publication of the book may be a rocky one, so it is all the better to have the right partner at your side.
Ingeborg Berta Hofbauer shares her experience of working with Novum Publishing. 

How was your personal experience regarding the work and co-operation with Novum Publishing?

From the first contact, you were highly professional. You always treated me with a great understanding and any misunderstandings were quickly resolved despite me being a little bit grumpy sometimes due to being angry at myself! (laughs) Overall, there are certainly enough reasons for me to not self-publish any more books in the future.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors? For which kind of authors is self-publishing a better option, and who should choose working with a publishing company?

Many authors are put off by paying for the publication of their book. However, to achieve your dreams and goals and to succeed, it is essential to invest in that success. The dream of being discovered and published is very much a romantic self-deception and it is all about leaving your comfort zone. Essentially, it is a question of ambition: Will I travel to the Maldives for three weeks or will I invest in my dream of publishing my own book? For those who just wish to publish in a narrow environment for family and friends, self-publishing will certainly suffice. However, for those who want to do it professionally and join a bigger league, it is well advised to seek the help of a publishing company.

Many thanks for the interview!

About the author

Ingeborg Berta Hofbauer was born in 1960. In 2002, she became a consultant after working for 18 years in the family-owned construction company as a managing associate. Since 2015, the mother of two has established her brand ‘Rucksackgeschichten’ (Backpack Stories), offering coaching sessions for newly self-employed individuals, sole proprietors and individuals involved in reorientation and self-marketing. In addition, she accompanies guided hikes and pilgrimages.