Getting your book published is a thrill. However, if your original publisher did a subpar job – with an unprofessional cover, sloppy editing, or poor print quality – republishing presents an opportunity to have your book done right. You don’t have to settle for a shoddy product that misses your vision. Navigating the world of self-publishing can be challenging, and not every indie author’s experience is a positive one. From poorly designed covers to lackluster editing, the pitfalls can be many. But what if your book didn’t turn out the way you envisioned? Should you give up, or is there a chance to make things right? In this guide, we’ll discuss republishing your book, its benefits, and how to decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Should You Even Republish Your Book? When It Makes Sense

Many indie authors face challenges in their initial publishing journey. A terrible cover design, inadequate editing, or even a complete lack of professionalism can result in a book that the author isn’t proud of. This dissatisfaction can lead to the consideration to republish. Republishing provides a second chance—a chance to correct past mistakes, work with better professionals, and release a book that genuinely represents the author’s vision.

Before investing time and money into republishing, first determine if it’s the right move by asking yourself:

Are there clear ways to improve the book? Revise weak writing, add more value, sharpen the focus.
Does your book still align with the market? Make sure the topic, genre, or hooks are still relevant.
Can you significantly expand marketing and promotion? Commit to trying new advertising, outreach and sales tactics.
Are you willing to start over fresh? Republishing requires resetting expectations and seeing your book as new.

If you answer yes to the above, your book likely deserves a second chance. The key is identifying opportunities for improvement and being ready to implement them fully.

Republish Your Book vs. Traditional Publisher: What’s the Difference?

Republishing primarily involves taking a previously published book and releasing it anew – be it with updates, a new cover design, or both. Traditional publishing, on the other hand, means getting your book published through a publishing house. While traditional publishers might help authors with book marketing and distribution, many authors find the flexibility and royalty potential in self-publishing appealing . While traditional publishers typically offer authors a royalty percentage of around 10-15%, self-published authors can earn up to 70% of the book’s sales. This only becomes important if you can sell your self published book. 70% od $0.00 is $0.00. The benefits of a traditional publisher is the production and marketing of the company.

On the other hand, traditional publishers often prioritize their most successful authors and may not allocate significant marketing resources to newer or less established writers. While self-published authors can tailor their marketing strategies to their specific target audience and have the freedom to experiment with different promotional tactics, the author is responsible for the marketing budget.

The decision between traditional publishing and self-publishing depends on the author’s goals, preferences, and resources. While traditional publishing offers the support and resources of an established publishing house, self-publishing provides authors with the flexibility, control, and potentially higher royalties.

How Does KDP Factor into Republishing?

Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform is a self-publishing tool that allows authors and publishers to publish and sell their books directly to Kindle users. It provides a platform for authors to publish eBooks and paperbacks and make them available to millions of readers on Amazon’s Kindle Store.
Authors have control over their content and can make updates or revisions to their books at any time. They can also choose to enroll their books in programs like Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Owners’ Lending Library for additional exposure and monetization opportunities.
KDP offers a range of royalty options, including a 70% royalty option for books priced within certain ranges. Authors can also choose to distribute their books in multiple marketplaces and countries, expanding their reach to readers around the world.

KDP provides authors with an accessible and user-friendly platform to self-publish their work and reach a wide audience of Kindle users. If you choose to republish your book, KDP can be an efficient tool. The platform allows authors to upload and sell ebooks and paperbacks. When considering KDP for republishing, remember that updating your book or releasing a new edition on the platform might affect your search results and rankings.

Does Book Sales Matter in the Decision to Republish?

Book sales play a crucial role in the republishing decision. If a self-published book isn’t selling well, it might benefit from a relaunch. Republishing with a new cover, updated content, or enhanced book marketing strategies can give it the boost it needs.

What Kind of Book Succeeds in Republishing?

Not every book will find success in republishing. Before deciding to republish, ask yourself: Is the book still relevant? Is there an audience that would be interested? If the answer is yes, then with the right strategy, your book could thrive if you self-publish it again.

ebooks vs. Paperbacks: Which Should You Republish?

Both ebooks and paperbacks have their advantages. Ebooks are generally more cost-effective and quicker to publish. However, many readers still prefer the experience of a paperback. Considering the market and your target audience can guide this choice. Some individuals might enjoy the convenience and portability of e-books or audiobooks, while others might value the appeal and collectability of hardcover books. Offering multiple formats (paperback, hardcover, e-book, audiobook) could be an effective strategy to satisfy the preferences of readers in your target audience.

Should I Republish My Book On Amazon?

Amazon remains one of the most dominant platforms for indie authors. With its vast audience and robust tools for authors, republishing your book on Amazon can provide it with the visibility it needs.

Royalty and Earnings: What to Expect?

When you republish, especially in with self-publishing, you often get higher royalties than with traditional publishing. However, remember that book sales and earnings can fluctuate, and republishing doesn’t guarantee increased profits.

The Future of Republishing in the Self-Publishing World

Republishing is becoming increasingly popular, especially as indie publishing continues to grow. As long as authors continue to evolve, learn, and adapt to the publishing industry’s shifts, republishing will remain a valuable tool in an author’s arsenal.

Pick the Right Strategy: Options for Updating Your Book

Once you decide to republish, there are a few options and levels of changes to consider:

1. Minor Updates

This smaller revamp addresses things like:

New cover
Refined book description
Updated author bio
Title tweak

Requires minimal rewriting but spices up book for re-release.

2. New Edition

This involves more significant changes:

Revised content
New chapters added
Text rewrites and edits
Expanded page count or trim size

Showcases your book as new and improved while retaining original material.

3. Major Overhaul

Most extensive revamp:

Complete content rewrite or restructuring
New title and cover concept
Re-branded to fit trends
Repositioned to reach wider audience

Essentially a new book altogether. Highest investment of time and funds.

4. Unpublishing and Relaunch

Most drastic:

Remove book from sale altogether for a period
Heavily revise during this downtime
Re-launch later as a fresh title

Lets you completely rework the book behind the scenes before bringing it back. Time consuming but most flexibility.

Weigh the level of changes needed to breathe new life into your book versus the required effort and expenses. Customize your republishing approach accordingly.

Optimizing Key Book Elements for Re-Release

To successfully reposition your book self publish again, pay special attention to:

The New Title and Subtitle

Your existing title may underwhelm or no longer fit the book. You can create something better:

Research bestselling titles in your niche
Use headline formulas that convert
Test variations with target readers
Watch for overused tropes

A strategic title upgrade can instantly improve perception and click appeal. Don’t be afraid to completely rebrand.

A Striking New Book Cover Design

A new book cover design is crucial for updating your book:

Look at top-selling covers in your genre
Does your new book cover align with reader expectations? Meaning, does your book cover share the same feeling and quality of bestselling books in your genre?
Does your cover look good in a thumbnail size?
Consider creating a similar cover style if publishing a series

An eye-catching new cover helps a republished book stand out. Invest in professional design here.

The Polished Book Description

Does your blurb (description) need punching up? Your book description needs to:

Hook readers within the first 2 sentences.
Focus on the protagonist and stakes of the story.
Summarize conflict, tension, and resolution.
Close with call-to-action (find out what happens…or, will they, won’t they)
Highlight key benefits and takeaways (this book will keep you up reading until the last page…)

An irresistible book description converts browsing readers into buyers.

Enhancing Your Book’s Content for Republishing

Next, turn your attention to content upgrades:

Streamline Structure and Flow

Does the book structure need reworking?

Group content into logical sections or parts
Sequence chapters for optimal flow
Strengthen narrative arc and pacing
Clarify themes and character arcs
Evaluate chapter lengths and organization

Smooth out any structural issues that hurt the reading experience.

Punch Up Existing Material

Can you improve the existing writing?

Add vivid examples and anecdotes
Insert expert quotes and statistics
Update references and figures
Define key terms clearly
Tighten verbose passages
Boost readability for clarity

Spruce up mediocre writing to be more engaging.

Add New Chapters

Consider adding new chapters:

Plug knowledge gaps
Expand on popular topics
Tie in current events or trends
Insert fresh perspectives
Share new case studies and findings
Add preface or epilogue

New chapters demonstrate the book is bigger and better.

Remove Unnecessary Content

Be ruthless in cutting content that doesn’t serve the book:

Delete off-topic ramblings
Drop redundant sections
Remove dated references
Trim fluff or filler passages
Rework chapters that drag or detract

Condense and refine to amplify the core content.

Be thoughtful in enhancements. Resist the urge to cram in new material just for the sake of it. Each addition should serve the reader or strengthen the book.

Handling Book Publishing Logistics and Formats

You’ll also need to sort out publishing logistics:

Update Keywords and Categories

Are your book’s keywords and categories optimized?

Research which genres and niches now fit best
Refine keywords to target more buyer searches
Select accurate BISAC codes for bookstores
Use keyword tools to find related terms

Dialed-in metadata helps readers find your book more easily.

Convert Formats

Should you publish in new formats?

Produce both print and ebook editions
Consider producing an audiobook
Explore box set or anthology potential
Release in different languages

New formats open up more reader markets.

Set the Right Price

Is your book’s price hurting sales?

Benchmark against top sellers in your niche
Factor in new production costs
Experiment with limited-time discounts
Offer pre-order deals

Adjust pricing to spur more purchases and readership.

Creating a Buzz for Your Book Relaunch

Driving exposure is critical when republishing. Some launch ideas:

Update Old Promotions

Notify your current email list and social media followers
Run limited-time sales promotions with retailers
Brief bloggers and media outlets who previously covered the book

Tap New Promotion Channels

Email new book reviewers and influencers
Distribute ARCs pre-launch to build buzz
Schedule new podcast, blog, and media interviews
Hire a book marketing firm to arrange promotion

Time Initiatives to Momentum

Plan promotions to coincide with awareness events
Build pre-launch anticipation on social media
Schedule re-launch during less competitive seasons

Leverage Reader Nostalgia

Reward loyal fans who supported the original
Share fun throwbacks to the first book
Offer free or discounted upgrade to new edition

Go all in on promotion. Without awareness and visibility, even the most polished book relaunch will flounder.

Gauging the Success of Your Book Republishing Efforts

Once you re-launch, monitor your success to assess impact:

Book sales growth trajectory over weeks and months
Average reader ratings and reviews
Website traffic and email list growth from the new edition
Social media engagement when discussing the updated book
Media coverage, interviews, and press opportunities
Lucrative speaking, training, or consulting offers related to the book

Compare hard numbers to your past performance. The more metrics showing improvement, the more successful your republish was. Be patient, as momentum can build slowly. But sustained upside in key areas proves your efforts paid off.

Don’t Give Up on Your Book After Initial Disappointment

The journey to publishing success rarely follows a straight, smooth path. It’s common for authors to release a book that underperforms for reasons outside their control. But republishing empowers you to alter course and unlock the book’s potential.

With a smart new strategy combined with persistence and creativity, you can take a struggling book from failure to thriving. Use this guide to help give your book the second chance it deserves.

Ready to Reimagine Your Self-Published Book’s Potential?

We’ve transformed countless authors’ dreams into realities, turning initial disappointments into proud success stories. At Firebrand Publishing, we prioritize your vision, ensuring your book shines as you originally intended. Our publishing process is straight forward and we have various publishing services to relaunch your book. You will be able to see your book in a new light and with a marketing plan, you will be able to sell more books than the orignal edition of your book.

Don’t let your valuable work be overshadowed by a less-than-perfect first release. Partner with us to elevate your book to new heights with expert editing, captivating cover design, and impeccable production quality.

📚 Embrace your book’s second chance. Connect with our publishing experts today!

We have worked with many authors who knew their book was valuable but felt embarrassed and disappointed by the poor quality of work their previous self-publishing company produced.

Fortunately, they found Firebrand Publishing, and by working together, we gave their book the professional treatment it deserved. Our teams handled republishing their book properly – with high caliber editing, cover design, and production quality.

These authors ended up with a book they were truly proud of and excited to share with the world, finally realizing their vision after initial frustration.

If your previously published book could similarly use an uplifting makeover and glow up, contact us. We’re publishing experts ready to transform your book and your experience. Let’s discuss a republish plan that makes your book shine.