Traditional publishing vs. self-publishing. Which is right for you?
- lornahinde8
- May 2, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 14
Today, aspiring authors are faced with a multitude of options when it comes to getting their work out into the world. With the rise of self-publishing platforms like Amazon, it has never been easier for writers to bypass the traditional publishing route. However, many still choose to go down the traditional path in pursuit of a literary agent and a publishing deal. Understanding self-publishing vs. traditional publishing is a big first step in determining which route is best for you. So, let’s look at the steps involved and the pros and cons of each.
TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING WITH AN AGENT
Let's start with traditional publishing with an agent. This involves publishing with a traditional publishing house while being represented by an agent. Essentially, the main steps involved are as follows:
Write your book. This may sound silly, but you should have your manuscript completed before approaching an agent.
Find an agent. Be warned, this can be a long process and isn't easy.
Submit your book. After signing with a literary agent and making sure your manuscript is ready, your agent will submit your manuscript to various publishing houses. Once it's made it through several levels at the publishing house, and you agree to the terms, you've got yourself a book deal!
One of the main advantages of this route is having an agent supporting you. The agent will help you get a foot in the door of larger publishing houses, as well as help you negotiate the best deal for your book. Indeed, large houses do not typically accept submissions directly from authors. Additionally, this gets you the credibility that comes with being published by a reputable publishing house. Having an agent can also open doors to bigger opportunities, such as book tours and media coverage. The publisher will have a team of editorial and marketing support, and will also take care of things such as formatting and cover design, relieving you of that responsibility and cost. Another benefit is that you will receive a cash advance on your book, although amounts do vary. However, the process of finding an agent and securing a publishing deal can be long and arduous, with no guarantee of success. Furthermore, since traditional publishers handle many aspects of the publication process, this takes some control away from the author. Finally, a last thing to consider is that traditional publishers typically offer lower royalty rates compared to self-publishing.
TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING WITHOUT AN AGENT
On the other hand, traditional publishing without an agent can be a viable option for those who prefer to submit work directly to some smaller publishers, such as independent presses, often called indie presses, which have increased significantly in number over recent years.
The process is very similar to traditional publishing with an agent and the steps are:
Complete the manuscript.
Submit the manuscript to publishing houses.
Traditional publishing without an agent is faster than agented publication because you do not have to spend a significant amount of time searching for an agent. It still has the benefit of publisher support for editing, marketing, and distribution but only allows you limited control over your work. By submitting directly to publishers, you can potentially cut out the middleman and retain a higher percentage of royalties. However, this route also comes with its own set of challenges, including navigating the submission process on your own, and books published through small houses typically reach fewer readers. Finally, there is no guarantee of being accepted by a small press.
SELF-PUBLISHING
Finally, there is self-publishing, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. Here, you are the publisher, publishing your book through a print-on-demand (POD) service such as Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or IngramSpark, and you assume all responsibility, financial and otherwise, for editing, book design, formatting, marketing, etc.
The main steps are:
Write and revise your manuscript.
Edit and proofread. For this, you should consider hiring a professional editor and proofreader to ensure your book is polished and reads well.
Design the book cover.
Format the interior for print and digital formats.
Obtain an ISBN. This is required for distribution and sales tracking.
Choose a self-publishing platform. Popular platforms inlcude Amzon Kindle Direct (KDP), IngramSpark, Smashword, and Draft2Digital. Each has its pros and cons in terms of distribution, royalties, and cost.
Set up book metadata. This helps readers discover your book.
Price your book.
Upload and publish. Follow your chosen platform's guidlelines for submission. Once approved, your book will be available for sale.
Market and promote.
The main advantage of self-publishing is the autonomy it affords authors. You are in complete control of every aspect of the publishing process, from editing to cover design to pricing. Additionally, self-publishing allows for a quicker time to market and higher royalty rates. However, self-publishing also requires a significant investment of time and up-front costs, as authors are responsible for all aspects of editing, marketing, and distribution. With complete control, comes complete responsibility: the author, as the publisher, is responsible for everything and will need to hire various editing professionals to take care of various aspects of the publishing process, including editing, formatting, cover design, and proofreading.
SUMMARY
In the end, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which publishing route is best. Your choice will depend on your goals, finances, and aspirations as an author. Traditional publishing may be the right choice for those seeking the prestige and support of a big publishing house, while self-publishing offers complete creative control and higher profits. Whatever path you choose, remember that the most important thing is to get your work into the hands of readers. Happy writing!
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