March 6, 2024

Hey, folks!

I think there’s still this misconception that one type of publishing is better than the other between traditional and self-publishing.

But here’s the thing.

One isn’t better than the other in terms of the book itself.

One is likely better over the other for you as an individual.

Being traditionally published isn’t inherently better because you receive industry validation.

Self-publishing (aka indie publishing) isn’t inherently better just because everything is in your control.

There are pros and cons to each, and you have to weigh all factors when deciding what route you want to take.

*Note this post doesn’t go into hybrid spaces. I’m not informed enough on those areas to give my input, but plenty of other editors/writers/book people out there are! Give them a search if that’s something you’re considering pursuing. (I know Jericho Writers has talked about hybrid publishing in the past.)

Traditional Publishing

There are a lot of draws to being traditionally published, but, as I also talk about under the Self-Publishing section, a lot of people believe one such draw is the guarantee of your book being better (in part because of that outside validation).

Now, if you don’t think you’re able to get your book out there without a traditional team, that’s a totally valid consideration! But it may not actually be the right consideration, or at least a primary one, when it comes to you specifically. As I said, it isn’t inherently better going trad, just as it isn’t inherently better to go indie. And going trad doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of your book being better when compared to what you could do on your own. It may, but again, it depends on you.

So then what are the things I suggest considering when looking at traditional publishing?

Pros:

• You’re set up with a team of professionals, some of whom will do the heavy lifting (covers, blurbs…) for you.
• You primarily get to focus on writing and editing.
• You’re given deadlines you’ll be held accountable for.
• You start getting paid before the book is even published.
• The only “cost” involved is that your agent (which you’ll more than likely need) will get part of your pay – generally 15%. Everything else is paid for by the publisher (unless you want something extra, like personal marketing materials, a website, that sort of thing).
• The publisher will work to get your book in stores.
• You’ll have an agent in your corner.

Cons:

• A publisher may put conditions on your book before agreeing to publish it. For example, they may want character ages changed, a plot point revised or scrapped… It’s not a guarantee that would happen, but just something to keep in mind.
• You’re given deadlines you’ll be held accountable for (that’s good for some people, less so for others).
• You’ll have to submit to agents, then your agent will have to submit to publishers. Neither is a guarantee.
• You may not get a say in things like covers or blurbs.
• You may never see a royalty check, and the purchase of your manuscript may not be all that large. If you do see royalties, they’re small percentages.
  • Some people get paid $100,000 for their book, but that’s not common. There’s a chance you’ll get paid, say, $30,000 – a good chunk of money, but it gets paid out over about 2-3 years. And if your book doesn’t sell $30,000 worth of copies, you won’t get royalties for it. It’s only what’s above that payment mark that counts towards it.

Self-Publishing

I won’t lie – I was under the impression for years that independently publishing my book meant there would be a higher chance of it being plain bad. I know I’m not the only one who’s ever thought that. Plots not working, characters being unlikeable…

But when done right, you can’t tell the difference in quality between indie and trad. That goes for novels, poetry, picture books, you name it.

When you know the steps involved, hire the right people, and work well with those people, your book can be remarkable. You just have to put in that work.

(To be clear, I’m currently working on self-publishing my novel, and I’m very excited about the whole thing!)

So what do I suggest to keep in mind when considering self-publishing?

Pros:

• You get to hire your own team. You can vet each one, find someone new if things aren’t working, get samples and pick your favourites.
• You get the final say on everything, without threat of your book being pulled.
• Your don’t have to wait for someone else to tell you your book can be published.
• Your royalties are larger, and they start as soon as sales begin.
• You get to set your own schedule (keeping in mind the deadlines your team puts in place – but again, you have more room with that than with a house).

Cons:

• You pay for everything – editing, covers, blurb help, printing, etc. It can take a while to make that money back, if you ever do.
• You’ll likely have to reach out to places (i.e. physical brick-and-mortar locations) to stock your book.
• You get to set your own schedule. (While also a pro, some people may struggle with not having many outside markers.)
• Everything is in your hands. That does mean you have final say, but it also means you have to do and remember everything that’s needed.
  • This also means you’re your own small business – the writer, the HR department, the finance department, the communications department… unless you hire outside help for any of them. Again, out of pocket.

Some Extra Thoughts

Thought #1

In both cases, you can form the most supportive community of writers who have your back. The may all be in the same lane as you, or they may be a mixed bag. Neither path has to be taken alone!

Thought #2

Note how in both the indie and trad lists, I didn’t mention marketing. That’s because you’ll likely have to pull the same amount of weight in both contexts – i.e. all or most of it. A publisher may give you a large budget, but only if they think (or know, from previous sales) that you’ll be a best-seller. Otherwise, that money is going to someone who’s already proven to be a money-maker for them.

Even then, the money-makers will want to put effort in to marketing to some degree.

Thought #3

I want to point out something people seem to believe is a “bad idea.”

If you try trad, you can’t pursue indie with the same book.

And to that I say bullshit.

There’s this misconception that if the industry doesn’t want it, then it’s a cop-out and a vanity play to just do it yourself. But it ISN’T. Authors have every right to try to get their stories/poems out in the world however they can. Maybe you wanted trad because you didn’t want to do everything yourself, or you don’t have the money to self-publish. But then you can’t land an agent, and the thought of not getting your words out into the world hurts too much to not act on.

Start reading up on how to self-publish. Start saving money. Do what you have to, but NEVER let someone tell you it’s not a valid option after trying traditional. It’s not vanity. It’s a need to tell a story.

At the end of the day, do what’s right for you and your book.

Not sure which route is best for you? Leave any questions you may have in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them!

And if you’d like to work with an editor who’s gone the indie path herself, contact me for a quote and sample edit!

Also see: Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: A Personal Choice, Self-Publishing a Book? Be Prepared to Hire Multiple People, So You’ve Written a Book… Now What?