How to Re-Publish Your Traditionally Published Book as a Self-Published Work

Have you ever felt like your book deserved a new life? Wondering how to re-publish your book? Many traditionally published authors find themselves in this exact position, yearning for more control over their work, and republishing could be the answer. When you initially signed with a traditional publisher, it might have seemed like the best way to bring your story to the world. But now, maybe your contract has expired, your sales have slowed, or you’ve discovered how limited your revenue share is.

Republishing your book as a self-published work can help you regain control, from deciding the book’s cover design to setting its price. It also opens up the opportunity for many authors to update the content, correct any old errors, or add fresh insights. Plus, with the rise of eBooks and print-on-demand services, self-publishing allows you to keep your book available to readers without worrying about costly reprints. For self-published authors, this approach is a chance to breathe new life into an old title and potentially boost sales—giving your book the attention it deserves.

Understanding Publishing Rights and How to Reclaim Them

Before you can republish your book, it’s crucial to understand the concept of publishing rights. When you signed with a traditional publisher, you likely granted them certain rights to publish, distribute, and sell your book. These rights determine who controls the book’s format, sales channels, and even its adaptations. Essentially, your original publisher had the exclusive right to publish, market, and sell your book under agreed terms.

However, many traditional publishing contracts include clauses that allow these rights to revert to the author’s estate under specific conditions, often after a set period or when the book is no longer actively promoted by the traditional publisher itself. For instance, if your book goes out of print or if sales drop below a certain threshold, you may be eligible to reclaim your publication rights. This process is known as “rights reversion” or “reverting rights.”

To begin reclaiming your rights, review your original contract to understand the reversion terms. If the conditions are met, you can formally request the rights to be returned to you. If there’s no clear path for reversion, it may require negotiating with the original publisher. Some traditional publishers may be willing to release rights, especially if the book is no longer a significant revenue stream for them. Once you’ve regained these rights, you’re free to republish your book as a self-published work, giving it new life on your terms.

Preparing Your Manuscript: Necessary Files and Revisions

When republishing your book, the first step is to gather all the necessary files from your previous publisher. This includes the original manuscript files, cover images, and any digital assets like ebook versions. Additionally, ensure you have access to the copyright information, as you may need to update the copyright page or revise it for your self-published edition. Having these original files will make the process of creating a new edition or e-book much smoother and more efficient.

Once you have the files, consider whether your book needs updates, corrections, or even major revisions. Republishing is an excellent opportunity to refresh your content, fix any typos, and address reader feedback. Perhaps your story needs an updated introduction, an added chapter, or revised cover art to appeal to new audiences. Making these adjustments not only helps create a polished new edition but also gives your book a fresh appeal, differentiating it from the original version. By investing in these revisions, you can breathe new life into your work and make the most of your self-publishing journey.

Creating a New Cover and Layout: Give Your Book a Fresh Look

One of the most effective ways to make your republished book stand out is by creating a new cover and layout. A striking, updated cover can attract new readers and give your book a fresh identity. When redesigning, consider the latest trends in your genre, use bold colors, and choose fonts that are both eye-catching and easy to read. If your previous cover was more traditional, experimenting with a modern or minimalist design might appeal to a broader audience.

Beyond the cover, think about the interior layout. Adjusting fonts, margins, and chapter headings can enhance readability and give your book a polished, professional look. For self-published authors, tools like Spines’ cover design tool make this process much easier. It offers customizable templates and design features, helping you create a captivating new book cover without needing a background in graphic design.

Updating your cover and layout is an opportunity to reintroduce your book to the market with more material and a refreshed, engaging appearance that draws in more readers.

Formatting for Ebooks and Print-on-Demand

Proper formatting is crucial when preparing your manuscript for different formats like eBooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers. Each format has its own technical requirements, so ensuring your book is correctly formatted can make a significant difference in its presentation and readability. For eBooks, it’s important to convert your manuscript into compatible ebook files, such as EPUB or MOBI. These formats are adaptable, allowing readers to change font sizes and styles for easier reading. Be sure to check that all images, hyperlinks, and tables of contents function properly.

For print books, including paperbacks and hardcovers, formatting involves more than just the text. You’ll need to set appropriate margins, line spacing, and page numbers, and make sure the book’s layout looks polished and consistent across all pages.

Print-on-demand services are incredibly beneficial for self-published authors. Instead of printing large quantities upfront, POD allows you to produce books only when they are ordered. This reduces costs, eliminates the need for storage, and minimizes waste. Whether it’s a single paperback order or a bulk request for hardcovers, POD gives you the flexibility to meet demand without the risk of excess inventory. With proper formatting, you can ensure your book looks professional in every format and reaches readers seamlessly.

Setting Up Distribution: How to Reach Your Readers

Choosing the right distribution system is key to maximizing your book’s reach and sales. As a self-published author, you have the flexibility to decide where and how your book is sold. If your goal is global reach, consider platforms that offer extensive distribution networks, as these services can list your book on major online retailers worldwide, giving your print and ebook versions exposure to millions of readers.

For authors targeting specific local markets, smaller distribution options may provide more control over where your book is available, such as selling directly through your website or partnering with local bookstores. You might also consider online exclusives with publishers which can help boost visibility through special promotions and royalties.

Self-publishing platforms simplify the entire distribution process for eBooks by handling the logistics for you. Once you upload your formatted files, these platforms ensure your book is available for purchase across multiple channels, from print-on-demand copies to ebooks. This way, you can focus on marketing and connecting with readers while the distribution system takes care of getting your book into the hands of customers.

Marketing Your Self-Published Book: Making the Most of Your New Release

Promoting your self-published book or republished book is essential to ensuring its success as a self-published work. Start by building anticipation on social media; share updates, cover reveals, and behind-the-scenes content to engage your audience. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are great for connecting with readers and creating buzz around your new release. You can also consider running targeted ads to reach new potential readers who may be interested in your genre.

Email marketing is another effective strategy. If you have a mailing list, send out a series of emails leading up to the release, offering sneak peeks, discounts, or exclusive content to subscribers. For authors without a list, consider building one by offering a link to a free chapter or other bonuses on a page of your website.

Don’t forget to leverage existing reviews from your previous edition. Positive reviews can build credibility and encourage new readers to give your book a chance. Highlight testimonials and reader feedback in your promotional materials to boost trust and sales. Republishing your book allows you to present it in a new light, so make sure to market it effectively and give it the attention it deserves.

Final Tips: Avoiding Common Pitfalls When Republishing

When republishing your book, it’s important to avoid a few common mistakes. First, don’t forget to update the copyright page to reflect the new edition. This simple step ensures legal clarity and prevents potential issues down the line. If your original book had foreign rights deals, make sure you have the necessary permissions before republishing—overlooking this could lead to legal complications. Additionally, review your original contract with traditional publishers to confirm you’ve regained all the rights needed to republish your book, whether for print or digital formats.

Republishing gives you the freedom to refresh your book and reach new readers, so embrace the flexibility that self-publishing offers. By paying attention to these details, you can confidently republish your work, bringing it back to life and expanding its success.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Publishing Future

Republishing your book as a self-published work lets you regain control, update your content, and reach new audiences without the constraints of traditional publishing. It’s an opportunity to give your book a fresh start, boost sales, and fully own the publishing process. Ready to take the leap? Explore Spines’ publishing tools to make your self-publishing journey smoother and more successful, or seek professional guidance to ensure your new book gets the attention it deserves. Embrace the freedom of self-publishing and make your book truly yours.