One of the best reasons to look into self-publishing printed photo books is simple: when you self-publish, you get to keep control of all of the copyright details.

When you work with a publisher, you'll find that you're in a position where you are negotiating the proceeds of the books sale that you'll receive. You'll also find that you're in a position in which copyright control of the book goes to the publishing house - and that could get in the way of your ability to use and sell the images that were included for other purposes.

On the other hand, when you self-publish, you'll find that you are in charge. No one else will be telling you which photos to include. No one else will tell you that the work you're doing can only go to that book. And, most importantly, nobody else will be taking a share of the profits that come from your work.

Why struggle to negotiate all of the details? Why focus on finding a publisher who will want to be able to take control of at least part of the process?

When you self-publish, you're the one who is in charge, you're the one who takes control of choosing the photos and even writing the text that accompanies them. It's your work, shouldn't you be in control of it?