Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Which is Right for You?

Deciding between self-publishing and traditional publishing is one of the most important choices an aspiring author can make. Both paths have their own benefits, challenges, and potential rewards. But how do you know which option is the best fit for your book, goals, and timeline?

In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of self-publishing and traditional publishing to help you (and me) identify the best path for your situation.

What is Self-Publishing?

Self-publishing gives authors full control over the publishing process. You write, edit, design, and market your book—or hire professionals to help as you need (or can afford) them. Platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital have opened up the self-publishing world, allowing authors to publish their work and make it available to a global audience.

Pros of Self-Publishing

1. Creative Control: You make all the decisions about your book—from cover design to pricing.
2. Faster Time to Market: You can publish your book as soon as it’s ready, avoiding long wait times.
3. Higher Royalties: Self-published authors can earn up to 70% royalties, compared to 10-15% from traditional publishing.
4. Flexibility: You can experiment with pricing, promotions, and different formats.

Cons of Self-Publishing

1. Upfront Costs: You may need to invest in professional editing, cover design, and marketing.
2. Marketing Responsibility: You’ll be responsible for promoting your book and building your audience.

Lack of Prestige: Some readers and reviewers may perceive self-published books as lower quality, although this is quickly changing!

What is Traditional Publishing?

Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to a literary agent or directly to a publishing house. If accepted, the publisher handles editing, design, distribution, and marketing. Authors typically receive an advance and royalties from book sales.

Pros of Traditional Publishing

1. Professional Support: You’ll have access to professional editors, designers, and marketing teams to enhance your work.
2. Wider Distribution: Traditional publishers have established relationships with bookstores and libraries, so your book will be shown to a wider audience.
3. No Upfront Costs: The publisher covers the costs of production and marketing.

Cons of Traditional Publishing

1. Lengthy Process: It can take months or years to secure a publishing deal and get your book to market.
2. Lower Royalties: Traditional publishers typically offer 10-15% royalties, significantly lower than self-publishing.
3. Loss of Control: Publishers have the final say on cover design, pricing, and marketing strategies.
4. High Rejection Rates: It’s challenging to secure a traditional publishing deal, with many authors facing multiple rejections.

My Personal Experience

I’m currently writing my first novel, and as I explore publishing options, there are some key factors I’m considering—and that I think other aspiring authors should consider too. I personally don’t place too much importance on how much control I want over the process and the design of the book, but I do want to publish sooner rather than having to wait years for traditional publishers.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about marketing. Self-publishing means I’d need to build an audience and promote my book on my own. I enjoy connecting with people and sharing my journey, but marketing is a whole other skill set that takes time to develop. Traditional publishing, while not a guarantee of success, offers more established channels and connections that can give my book a wider reach.

Hybrid Publishing: A Middle Ground

This is just a very quick honorable mention, and a topic that I would love to hear more about in the comments, and that is hybrid publishing. Here you can blend elements of both approaches. Authors pay for some services but retain higher royalties and maintain greater creative control. This model can be a good option for those who want design or marketing support (like myself) without giving up too much independence.

No matter which path you choose, preparation is key. If you’re going the self-publishing route, consider investing in professional editing and cover design to ensure your book looks polished and professional. Start building your audience well before your book is released—an engaged following can make a huge difference when it comes time to market your work. And don’t limit yourself to one platform. While Amazon KDP is a great starting point, platforms like IngramSpark and Draft2Digital can help you reach a wider audience.

For those pursuing traditional publishing, make sure your manuscript is as strong as possible before submitting it. Agents and publishers receive hundreds of submissions, so standing out is essential. Craft a compelling query letter that highlights the unique aspects of your story and your writing credentials. And above all, be persistent. Rejection is part of the journey, and every rejection is one step closer to finding the right fit.