Publish a Book With Other People's Money

Publish a Book With Other People's Money

After months or years of squeezing in time to write, you've finally finished your manuscript. You had already decided self-publishing was your best option. However, you are now wondering where to find money to publish a book. The good news is money is available to finance the production and promotion of your book. The bad news is you have to find it--because money is not looking for you. Let's explore a couple of options.

Grants, Awards and Contests

Grants, awards, and contests are another way writers finance book projects. Although grants may not be the fastest way to fund your book project, numerous organizations are available to help you. If you meet their guidelines, many foundations are willing to give grants to writers.

Often, writing awards have cash components that can be used to publish a book. The grand prize for some writing contest is the actual publishing of the book. If you can link a book to the mission of a foundation, they may be willing to pay the costs to print the book. All of these options require much effort on your part; however, the potential payoff is you get your book published for free.

Other sources may be found through Internet search engines using keywords such as grants for writing books, writing grants, writing contests or writing awards. The Literary Market Place is another resource available in the reference section of your local library or online at Your local librarian is also an excellent source for assistance. Also, check with the National Endowment for the Arts at

Alter Tax Withholdings

Starting a publishing business entitles you to several business deductions. These deductions may reduce your tax liability. This is done through your employer by altering your W-4 form. This extra money can be used to publish a book. Before you pursue this option, you should check with a tax specialist or tax accountant to verify your business project warrants this approach. Additionally, an accountant can advise you on how to alter your withholdings. A word of caution is in order. If you use this option unwisely, you could find yourself with a tax bill you cannot pay.

Special Market and Premium Sales

Special market sales involve finding niches or nontraditional ways to sell books. A premium sale involves giving away books as part of a marketing promotion. Suppose your book subject is parenting. You have a manuscript and a sample book cover design. You know the director of a local hospital. All you have to do now is negotiate a deal where the hospital gives the book to new mothers. The hospital later agrees to purchase 1,000 books for $7,000. Your deal requires 50 percent down and 50 percent upon delivery of the books. With the $3,500 you receive from the hospital, you have enough money to print 2,000 books.

What is the net result of your deal? You have just financed 1,000 books for you and 1,000 for the hospital. Although this example is probably easier said than done, it does illustrate how you can use nontraditional ways to print your books. Think of how you may apply this concept with book clubs, catalogs, associations, etc. You just may be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.