The writing world today, like any creative venue, is log-jammed with hundreds of talented ind-viduals, all trying to grab that brass ring that will allow them to tack "Published Author" beside their name. Not only a thrilling prospect, as any writer will tell you, but also a worthwhile achieve-ment. Publication is one of those personal accomplishments that can, truly, lift one's self-esteem.

Unfortunately, the dream of publication eludes so many deserving writers, not because their work is inferior, but because getting their work into the hands of an editor can be nearly impossible. All of the major publishing houses are flooded with submissions everyday, so without a personal invitation to submit, few writers can expect their work to be read. Even those who manage to obtain that coveted invitation find that it is not a guarantee of publication success. Often their manuscript is returned with a one-line form letter stating that their story was not right for the particular publisher they targeted... and that after a lengthy one- or two-year wait.

With the advent of the internet, however, that all began to change.

In the late 1990's, pioneering individuals envisioned a new market that would help promising authors realize their dreams. Epublishing was born, with a handful of dedicated e-presses opening their doors to submissions.

Since that time, the epublishing industry has grown and evolved, finding it's place in the publishing industry. Proof of the viability of ebooks can be found in the marketplace, where major print publishing houses have now established epublishing divisions. And while ebooks still incorporate a small share of the overall publication sales pie, their sales are steadily growing.

This year alone, sales of ebooks are up nearly 20% over paperback sales.

While increased opportunity and being on the cutting edge of a growing industry alone are two good reasons to consider epublication, there are other benefits.

Epublication allows you to write your story, as you see fit. Beyond the basic formulaic guidelines of any genre, you are not restricted to the current content trend, dictated by many of the major print publishers. Many authors do not realize how important this issue can be, but those that do enjoy the freedom of writing fresh, original stories that stretch beyond stale, stagnant boundaries.

Another benefit of epublishing is the standard practice of licensing only a portion of your rights, while retaining the remainder. For example, an epublisher may contract for your electronic and print rights, along with worldwide distribution rights of the same, but you still retain your film, audio and foreign rights.

And then there are the royalties... Epublishers do not traditionally pay advances, however, their royalty return on a per book basis is higher than that of print publishing houses. Averaging around 30% of the download price, epublished authors typically earn anywhere from $1.50 on up per sale of their book. Paperbacks usually generate between 6 to 8% of their cover price, paid against the initial advance.

While this would appear to provide a better return for an author, there is another side to consider -- ebooks conceivably never go out of print. That means an author's book could be available indefinitely, and as their popularity grows, their backlist will still be obtainable. Paperbacks, on the other hand, are guaranteed only a short shelf life - 4 to 6 weeks - before the covers are stripped and sent back to the publisher. Add to that, many paperbacks are limited to one print run, especially for new authors, and if sales are disappointing an author's contract is often not renewed.

There are still other considerations that make epublishing an attractive alternative: 24/7 download availability, ease of storage and portability. You can load 10 books at a time on most paperback-sized e-readers. Truly a convenience for travelers and vacationers.

One last benefit of epublishing, although not quite so tangible as royalties and rights -- the camaraderie, support and fellowship you will enjoy with fellow authors of a small press. As you travel the journey of publication with others within your company, you will make solid friendships that can last a lifetime.