Traditional versus self-publishing

Which is right for you?

When you research this question, you’ll find many, many opinions. Carefully consider what the writer’s biases might be as you weigh their advice. Many authors who have chosen a path might no longer be able to see the benefits of the alternate path.

In general, self-publishing is a good fit for authors who want to have full creative control over their book, have the financial and/or time resources to invest in professionally producing their work, and are willing to learn the steps to launch and market the finished product. Traditional publishing is a good fit for authors who are willing to trade creative control (and lower royalties) in order to get access to the production and marketing muscle of a traditional publisher.

Let’s walk through the basic steps of each process. At the bottom of the page you’ll find some of our favorite resources to keep learning and exploring.

Self-publishing steps

  • Story feedback from critique partners, beta readers, or an editor.

  • A professional editor scrutinizes and polishes each line of the book to make sure it is clear, correct, and consistent.

  • Hire a cover designer to create a cover that reflects the themes of your book and works well for your genre.

  • Write your book description, which will appear on the back cover and in online listings.

  • Decide how you will launch and promote your book. This may include creating an author website, an email newsletter, or social media accounts.

  • If your budget allows, hire a professional editor to do a last check for typos and inconsistencies.

  • Hire a book designer or use a program (like Vellum or Atticus) to design the book and create ebook and print files to upload to stores.

  • Give the book one more check in its final form before hitting publish.

  • Publish your book and tell the world about it.

 

Traditional publishing steps

  • Story feedback from critique partners, beta readers, or an editor.

  • Write, edit, and polish your query letter and synopsis. Prepare and polish samples of various lengths: 5 pages, 10 pages, 50 pages.

  • Send your queries out into the universe and wait for answers. You may also wish to submit directly to independent presses.

  • Once you have an agent and complete any recommended revisions, your agent will submit your book to publishers.

  • If you get a book deal, your publisher will provide copyediting and proofreading. You will be asked to review and revise/approve edits.

  • Your publisher will provide some marketing support, but you will also be expected to participate in the process. This may include creating a website and creating or building your social media accounts.

  • Communicate with your followers and participate in book groups, readings, and other activities to support launch of your book.

 

Further reading

 

“Should you self-publish or traditionally publish?”

Longtime publishing professional Jane Friedman walks through the pros and cons of each path. Read article

“Should you self-publish? 15 questions.”

Self-published author (and director of the Alliance of Independent Authors) Orna Ross offers questions that will help you decide if self-publishing is right for you. Read article

Green-Light Your Book

Brooke Warner, who runs the hybrid publisher She Writes Press, discusses various publishing options, including traditional publishing, self-publishing, and hybrid publishing. Buy book