For many writers, one of the biggest decisions isn’t what to write—it’s how to publish. Should you pursue traditional publishing, with the backing of an established publishing house? Or should you take control and self-publish your work? Each path has its pros and cons, and what’s right for one author may not be the best choice for another. Let’s break it down so you can make the best decision for your writing career!
1️⃣ The Key Differences Between Self-Publishing & Traditional Publishing
The main difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing comes down to control, cost, and profits.
| Feature | Self-Publishing | Traditional Publishing |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Control | Full control over content, cover, pricing, and marketing. | Publisher controls major decisions. |
| Time to Publish | Fast—your book can be live in days or weeks. | Slow—can take 1-2 years to release a book. |
| Upfront Costs | You cover editing, cover design, and marketing. | Publisher covers costs. |
| Earnings & Royalties | Higher—typically 35-70% per book. | Lower—typically 5-15% per book. |
| Marketing | You handle all promotion and visibility. | Publisher may assist but expects author involvement. |
| Gatekeeping | No barriers—anyone can publish. | Competitive—requires literary agent and approval. |
2️⃣ The Case for Self-Publishing (When It’s the Right Choice)
Self-publishing empowers authors to take full ownership of their work, which can be a huge advantage. Here’s when self-publishing might be the better option:
✅ You want full creative control. If you want complete authority over your book’s content, cover, and pricing, self-publishing is the way to go.
✅ You want faster publication. If you don’t want to wait years to see your book in readers’ hands, self-publishing lets you publish on your own timeline.
✅ You’re willing to invest in your success. Self-publishing means you fund editing, cover design, and marketing—but you keep more profits.
✅ You’re writing in a niche market. Publishers focus on mainstream genres, but if you’re writing something niche (like a very specific fantasy subgenre or memoir), self-publishing may be the best way to reach your audience.
✅ You want higher royalties. Amazon KDP pays 35-70% per sale, while traditional publishing offers only 5-15%. If you want to make a living writing, higher royalties mean more potential income.
3️⃣ The Case for Traditional Publishing (When It’s the Right Choice)
While self-publishing offers independence, traditional publishing still has its advantages. Here’s when it might be the best fit:
✅ You don’t want to handle the business side. If you prefer to focus only on writing, a publisher handles editing, formatting, printing, and some marketing.
✅ You want wider distribution. Traditional publishers get books into bookstores, libraries, and international markets, which can be harder for indie authors.
✅ You want validation & prestige. A publishing contract from a major house can boost credibility, industry recognition, and literary awards.
✅ You’re okay with a longer process. If you’re willing to wait months (or years) for agent responses, book deals, and release dates, traditional publishing could be worth it.
✅ You want an advance. Traditional publishers often pay advances ($5k-$100k+ depending on the deal). While you earn less per book, a big advance can provide financial security.
4️⃣ Hybrid Publishing: The Best of Both Worlds?
Many authors today choose a hybrid approach—self-publishing some books while traditionally publishing others. This allows for maximum flexibility and multiple revenue streams.
For example:
- You self-publish a book in a niche genre where you have an established audience.
- You traditionally publish a book in a genre that benefits from a publisher’s marketing power.
- You sell a backlist book to a publisher after proving its success through self-publishing.
The key is to assess each book individually and choose the best path for your career goals.
Final Thoughts: What’s Right for You?
There’s no single “best” choice—only the best choice for you. If you crave control, speed, and higher royalties, self-publishing might be your best bet. If you want industry support, validation, and traditional distribution, traditional publishing could be the way to go.
🔹 Your Turn: Are you team self-publishing, traditional, or hybrid? Drop a comment and let’s discuss!