How do I choose between self-publishing and traditional publishing?
Choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing comes down to your goals, timeline, control preferences, and willingness to handle business and marketing tasks yourself. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
📝 Self-publishing is best if you want:
- Full creative control
- Faster time to market
- Higher royalty rates
- To treat your book like a business
| Pros | Cons |
| Speed – You can publish in weeks or months, not years. | Upfront costs (editing, cover design, marketing). |
| Control – You decide everything: title, cover, pricing, and edits. | No built-in bookstore distribution unless you work for it. |
| Royalties – You earn ~35%–70% per sale (vs. 5%–15% traditionally). | Marketing and visibility are entirely your job. |
| Ownership – Rights stay with you; republish or update anytime. | |
| Niche Topics – Great for specialized or smaller audiences. |
📚 Traditional Publishing is best if you want:
- Prestige, credibility, or literary awards
- Support from professionals
- Wide bookstore distribution
- To avoid upfront costs
| Pros | Cons |
| Professional support – Editors, designers, marketers. | Slow process – Can take 1–3 years. |
| Advance payment – You may receive an advance before any royalties. | Low royalties – Typically 5%–15%. |
| Distribution – Easier access to physical bookstores and libraries. | Less control – Over title, cover, edits, and release date. |
| Credibility – Traditional publishing still holds weight in some circles. | Competitive – Agents and publishers reject most submissions. |
Ask yourself (quick self-check)
| Question | Lean Toward… |
| Do you want to publish in the next 6 months? | Self-publishing |
| Are you okay with rejection and waiting years? | Traditional |
| Do you want full control over your book? | Self-publishing |
| Would you prefer a team handling editing, design, etc.? | Traditional |
| Do you enjoy marketing and learning new tools? | Self-publishing |
| Are you looking for prestige and awards? | Traditional |
If you’re still unsure, consider hybrid publishing or publish one book each way to compare experiences.
Hybrid publishing is a middle ground between self-publishing and traditional publishing. It combines aspects of both models, offering professional support like editing, design, and distribution—but you pay for those services upfront (or share costs) and typically retain more control and rights than in traditional publishing.
🔄 How Hybrid Publishing Works
You:
- Pay a fee or share production costs (like a business partner).
- Work with a team (editors, designers, marketers).
- Retain some or all rights to your book.
- Earn higher royalties than traditional publishing (often 30%–50%).
The publisher:
- Vets manuscripts (reputable hybrids don’t accept everything).
- Handles the production—editing, layout, cover design, and sometimes marketing.
- Distributes the book to online retailers and bookstores.
| Pros | Cons |
| Professional quality – Like traditional publishing. | You pay upfront (anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000+). |
| More control than traditional routes. | Not all hybrids are legitimate—some are vanity presses in disguise. |
| Faster time to market (usually 4–12 months). | Still responsible for some marketing. |
| Higher royalties than traditional publishing. | No guarantee of success, just like with other paths. |
| You keep your rights in most cases. |
🚩 Caution: Hybrid vs. Vanity Publishing
A vanity press will publish anyone who pays, regardless of quality, and often makes most of its money from selling services to authors (not books to readers).
A true hybrid publisher:
- Accepts only select manuscripts.
- Is transparent about costs and royalties.
- Has a proven track record.
- Follows industry best practices (like being a member of IBPA).
🔍 Who Is Hybrid Publishing For?
- Authors who want a professional product but don’t want to DIY.
- Those with a budget to invest.
- People who want speed and control, but also support.
