Traditional or Self-Publishing: What’s Right for You?

What is self-publishing, and why do I need to know about it? Written by Rachael Lammie, April 17, 2023. Last updated August 2, 2023.

Self-publishing has been around for a long time, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years because of technological advancements and the rise of digital publishing platforms.  Indie publishing, or independent publishing, is any publication process that doesn’t rely on a Big Five publisher. While this term is used to describe publishing a book through small presses, it now also means self-publishing by a single author. And there are a lot of authors choosing to publish this way. In this case, indie publishing means that the author is in control of all aspects of publishing their book. They can publish the book immediately after completing it and will retain all rights to the work (as opposed to sharing them with a publisher and literary agent).

For Authors

Indie publishing is a growing path for writers to become published authors without needing money for an agent. It gives authors more control over their work and to publish it without the help of an established press. They can edit, produce, distribute, and market their own books. Some pros of self-publishing include faster publication, higher earning potential, and more control over the outcome. Self-publishing also allows authors to retain full ownership of their work and make all editorial and production decisions. This can be considered a pro as well as a con because it is a time-consuming process.

There are some other cons to consider. Self-publishing can involve financial risk as all costs are upfront and at the author's expense. There may also be less exposure and distribution compared to traditional publishing. And like I said, it is time-consuming to be the sole production person…and perhaps harder to develop synergy that comes from working with others. Additionally, self-published books may not meet the same quality standards as traditionally published books. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Many self-published authors have established their own business process and contract out the editing, proofreading, formatting, and cover design of their books. So, if an author can do all this themselves, what’s stopping them?

What about Traditional Publishing?

Traditional publishing is when a publisher offers an author a contract and, in turn, prints, publishes, and sells their book through booksellers and other retailers. The publisher essentially buys the rights to publish the author's book and pays them royalties from the sales. The publisher handles the marketing, distribution, and warehousing of the book. However, authors are often expected to contribute to this process. This is the type of publishing that comes to mind when readers think about what books they want to buy the next time they are at their favorite bookstore. However, with advancing technology and increasing online shopping, this may not be the mainstream publishing model for much longer.

Some pros of traditional publishing include access to resources and networks, increased credibility and exposure, and no upfront costs from the author. Traditional publishers also have more industry connections that can help to sell more books. But there are some cons. Traditional publishing can involve long wait times and limited control over the outcome of the book. Authors may also have less creative freedom and lower royalties compared to self-publishing. And it’s a competitive market, and just plain hard to break in. Why not start to self-publish your own work, just to get started? Who knows where it might lead.

What about Hybrid? Author Beware the Vanity Publisher.

Hybrid publishing is a publishing model that combines elements of traditional and self-publishing. In this model, authors pay a publishing company to publish their books to ensure professional quality and services. The company has editorial, design, and marketing teams. The author and the publisher both assume responsibility for some or all aspects of book production, distribution, and sales. The financial arrangements and the percentage of royalties vary from company to company.

But is it too good to be true? Hybrid publishing is supposed to be an alternative to self-publishing, where authors don't have to hire all the services they need separately. It is also an option for authors who are uninterested or unable to publish with a traditional publisher. At least, that’s what internet blogs tell me. But every time I try to locate and read about an actual hybrid publisher, the term “vanity” publisher seems to emerge instead. These types of publishers, and arguably some “self-publishers” and “hybrid” companies, can fall into this group and often sell authors on the idea that their team will edit, design, and promote their books. For a sizeable fee, of course. And while the package may look enticing and professional, companies like these make their money from the authors who pay them to publish their books, not from the book sales themselves.

So authors may have luck in finding a legitimate hybrid publisher to work with while not having to seek out contracts for the whole process (from editing to marketing and everything in between). However, they will need to be cautious when considering hybrid publishing. As with any industry, some companies may not have the author’s best interests in mind. It’s essential to thoroughly research any company before entering into a publishing agreement with them. Authors should also be aware of the financial risks involved and consider whether hybrid publishing is the right choice. And some author friends of mine even suggest that a legitimate publisher should never ever ask authors to cover upfront costs, which leaves me wondering where this places hybrid publishers.

You need to do what's right for you, and there may be some good options for hybrid publishing. Many authors seek to procure a professional imprint plus control over one's production process; it may be the best of both worlds. And if you have the budget for it and want to have your book professionally published, a vanity publisher could be just the thing. Just make sure to read the fine print. Some companies may hold the rights to the first 5000 copies of your book, so you won't see a dime until you sell over that amount.

What Do Readers Think?

Some readers may prefer books from big publishing companies because they trust the quality and credibility of the books they produce. Others may choose books from indie authors because they enjoy discovering new voices and supporting independent creators. According to a survey by Written Word Media, 14% of readers said they prefer a series, 26% said they prefer standalone books, and 60% said they have no preference. This suggests that readers are more concerned with the content of the book rather than who published it. And this is definitely good news for indie authors.

Within an ever-increasing digital age, readers and authors have a plethora of books and sources at their fingertips. Amazon and Kindle Direct Publishing make it easy for indie authors to self-publish and bring great quality books direct to readers. It is also reassuring that these services offer print-on-demand: Environmentally friendly reading while ensuring the art of reading hardcopy does not fall by the wayside.

Are you an author? Which publishing model is right for you? Happy writing. And thanks for reading.

References:

Alliance of Independent Authors: Association For Self-Publishing Authors. https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/

What Readers Want from Writers in 2022 — Alliance of Independent Authors (selfpublishingadvice.org)

Pros and Cons of Self Publishing. A detailed look at one side of the .... https://writingcooperative.com/pros-and-cons-of-self-publishing-66fa938ba3f9

Self Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Pros & Cons. https://gatekeeperpress.com/self-publishing-vs-traditional-publishing/

What is Hybrid Publishing? Here Are 4 Things All Writers Should Know. https://www.writersdigest.com/self-publishing-by-writing-goal/what-is-hybrid-publishing-here-are-4-things-you-should-know

Why Should You Self-Publish? Pros and Cons - Inscript Publishing. https://www.inscriptpublishing.com/self-publishing-pros-and-cons/

17 Great Indie Author Websites: The Self-Publishing - EditionGuard. https://www.editionguard.com/learn/17-great-indie-author-websites/

17 Pros and Cons of Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing. https://www.writersdigest.com/getting-published/17-pros-and-cons-of-traditional-publishing-vs-self-publishing