Self-publishing to soar after ‘50 Shades’ success

Self-publishing is set to soar this year with more people than ever planning on releasing their own book, according to research.

One in 10 of the 2,000 adults questioned by One Poll have already self-published a photo book, cookery book or an illustrated children’s book, with 28% of budding authors planning on joining the growing trend to publish a book of their own this year, research from self-publishing platform Blurb.co.uk said.

Last year, self-published E L James, who wrote Fifty Shades of Grey, was the highest earning author worldwide and 2013 was the year that the number of self-published works exceeded those traditionally published, a spokesman for Blurb said.

Inspired by culinary TV hits including the Great British Bake Off and chefs like Jamie Oliver and Delia Smith, the book people most want to publish is a cook book.

Other genres include history and children’s literature, with 20% of those surveyed thinking their family’s stories can rival those of the best history books, while 13% of people questioned aspired to emulate the success of Gruffalo creator Julia Donaldson.

Data from Blurb revealed an increase in self-published personal history, children’s, parenting and family books.

The reasons people gave for self-publishing included having a great story to tell and making money, while 20% said they would be worried about critiques from family and friends.

Charles Davies, managing director of Blurb Europe, who commissioned the research, said: “It’s no surprise that many of us believe we could create a best-selling book.”

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