Self-published

Abstract

Continuing to consider the trends of the world book publishing, it is impossible not to dwell on the self-publishing, which has been gaining momentum in the world since the beginning of the century. Back in 2008, samizdat was equal to the number of titles published with books published by traditional publishers. In 2018, 1 million book titles were self-published in the US. China has crossed the million mark long ago. Statistics from China and Japan coming to the International Publishers Association also include self-published books, so the number of titles published in China is a staggering 65 007 519 and Japan's 2 017 808, including those published by traditional publishers in China — 203 000, and in Japan — 76 581 [1]. In our study, we sought to identify causes and identify trends in the emergence, growth, and spread of self-publishing in European countries and the United States. How self-publishing allows authors of publications to bypass publishers and bookstores and sell books directly to a potential reader. The impact of self-publishing on the publishing industry as a whole has been established: reducing the cost of printing, storing and distributing books. It has been proven that the impetus for self-publishing publications has been the development of technology, the improvement of e-book and tablet readers that have improved readability; provided free access to view and purchase the book. The article explores the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing a book; the role of publishing platforms that allow the author to publish the book independently; the author's image risks are analyzed when publishing a book with self-view; attention is paid to the concept of graphic arts; the difference between graphomaniac and true self-expression is determined. Literary genres preferred by authors who decide to publish a book by themselves are considered. Self-published books are generally not eligible for prizes for literary or artistic achievement. The article gives examples of the first literary awards for self-published authors.