Are you a prospective graduate student considering self-publishing a book? If so, you might be wondering if it could give your application a boost. The answer is, maybe. It depends on the program you’re applying to and what your book is about.
For example, if you’re applying to a writing program and your book is a collection of creative writing, it could show that you’re a dedicated writer with a strong body of work. On the other hand, if you’re applying to a science program and your book is about creative ways to make slime, it probably won’t have the same effect.
Let’s take a closer look at how self-publishing a book could affect your graduate school applications.
Different Programs, Different Views on Self-Publishing
For some programs, such as those in literature or publishing, having a book that’s been self-published could be seen as a positive thing. It shows that you’re serious about your craft and that you’re willing to put in the extra time to get your work out there. For other programs, such as science and technology, self-publishing might not be seen in such a positive light. In these cases, instead of indicating seriousness and dedication, self-publishing might be interpreted as a lack of ability to get your work published in more traditional ways.
What Your Book Is About
In addition to the program, you’re applying to, what your book is about matters as well. For example, if you’re applying to business school and your book is about starting and running a successful small business, that’s likely to be viewed favorably. But if you’re applying to medical school and your book is about binge drinking in college, that might not reflect so well on your application. In short, when deciding whether or not to self-publish a book for the purposes of your graduate school applications, make sure to consider both the program you’re applying to and the content of your book.
Use a Credible Self-Publisher
A credible self-publishing company, like Izzard Ink Publishing, has experience, a good reputation, and a proven track record. They are responsive to authors and easy to work with. Also, they’re transparent about their publishing process and fees and provide authors with clear expectations. When looking for a self-publishing company, be sure to research the company thoroughly to make sure they are dependable. This will ensure that you have a positive experience and end up with a high-quality book that stands out from the crowd.
Advantages of Self-Publishing for Grad School Consideration
There are some definite advantages to self-publishing a book if you’re hoping to get into graduate school. For one thing, it shows that you’re passionate about your chosen field and that you’re willing to go the extra mile to learn more about it. It also demonstrates that you have good research and writing skills, as well as the ability to think critically about your subject matter. Additionally, self-publishing a book can make you stand out from the rest of the applicants, which is always a good thing in the eyes of admissions committees.
Disadvantages of Self-Publishing for Grad School Applications
However, there are also some disadvantages to self-publishing a book that you should be aware of before you decide to go down this route. For starters, self-publishing requires an investment of your time and resources, especially if you want to do it professionally. Additionally, there’s no guarantee that your book will be well-received by graduate schools or that they’ll even bother to read it. Finally, if you’re not careful, self-publishing a book can come across as desperate or arrogant, which is definitely not the impression you want to give off to admissions committees.
So, should you self-publish a book to improve your chances of getting into graduate school? As with anything else in life, there are pros and cons to consider. Ultimately, you’ll need to decide if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages in your particular situation. For information on self-publishing and self-publishing book packages contact Izzard Ink Publishing today.
