“Self-Publishing versus Traditional Publishing Methods” is an article designed to enlighten you on the advantages and disadvantages of each book publishing approach in today’s world, aiding you in determining the best fit for you as an author.
You might be an aspiring author, which is perfectly fine. Writing a great book is one thing; publishing it is another entirely. However, before considering publication, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of self-publishing and traditional publishing methods. This is the reason I’ve outlined the pros and cons of each.
Note: In many cases, the modern individualistic mindset tends to sway people towards self-publishing without thorough consideration.
Traditional Publishing Method: What It Is and How It Works
Traditional publishing involves a conventional method where an author writes a manuscript and seeks an agent to pitch the book idea to a renowned publisher. The publisher then decides, based on certain criteria, whether to publish and market the book for the author.
Learning to avoid passive voice in your writing is crucial. For guidance, please refer to the infographic provided below.
The book publishing process has always been daunting, and it likely will continue to be so. Authors must navigate through various obstacles and gatekeepers, as noted by Mark Dawson, to reach their final goal. This rigorous process ensures that only the best, as determined by professional designers, editors, and others, gets published.
After a manuscript is written, it must undergo professional editing, design, polishing, and formatting before it can be published. Editing, interior design/formatting, and cover design all incur significant costs in the traditional publishing method, and these costs persist even in the self-publishing realm.
Historically, numerous barriers and gatekeepers have existed to protect both resources and readers from substandard work. They ensure that only publishable material sees the light of day, reserving the right to reject any work, regardless of its merits.
Their goal is to provide readers with the highest quality product, the book. They aim to allocate money and other resources only for the best. They seek books that will sell well, as they are in the business of making a profit. They need to recoup their upfront investment. Indeed, reputable publishers often pay writers before publication, which serves as an attractive incentive.
They are indifferent to the author’s identity; the quality of the work is their priority. They tend to concentrate on established writers and authors, on those with big names and bigger potential. This is the essence of traditional book publishing.
Traditional Book Publishing Pros
Below are a few pros for publishing your book with a well-known book publishing firm. These are just a few examples, not all the pros. You may also add more in the comment section below if you know some pros.
- Professional editing
- Professional covers
- Professional interior designs
- Professional marketing
- Passive income
- Upfront payments
Traditional Publishing Cons
Below are a few cons for using a traditional book publishing firm. There may be many more disadvantages as well, but you are free to add more cons at the end of this article, just below.
- Too many barriers and gatekeepers
- Low author royalties payments
- Frauds and infringement of intellectual properties
- Reliance on traditional publishers and professionals
- Lack of freedom for traditionally published authors
- Lack of connection between authors and readers
- Selling your book rights to the traditional publisher(s)
Self-Publishing Method: What It Is and How It Works
Self-publishing is a contemporary method of book publishing where an author independently publishes their own work. The author acts as the sole entrepreneur, taking on the roles of writer, editor, proofreader, designer (both interior and cover), publisher, marketer, and seller of their books. This approach represents a fresh and growing trend in the publishing industry.
As of 2020, self-publishing may not be widely recognized by many. It’s sometimes referred to as independent or indie publishing. However, self-publishing doesn’t mean the author has to manage every aspect of the publishing process alone. They are at liberty to enlist the services of other professional entrepreneurs for assistance.
For instance, authors can hire professional editors, designers, and marketers or promoters. Encouragingly, many seasoned professionals from the traditional publishing realm are swiftly transitioning to the self-publishing sector. This shift allows authors to access top-notch services, paying only for the specific services they need, which is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a do-it-yourself approach.
Related: Self-Publishing Ultimate Guide
In the realm of self-publishing, the only barriers are personal or creative ones. As Mark Dawson highlighted, there are no gatekeepers; what counts is your ability to write, edit, design, format, publish, and market your book. Ultimately, you are the only one who can limit yourself or become your own adversary.
Self-Publishing Pros
Here are some advantages of self-publishing. While there may be many more, the following examples suffice for this article. Feel free to add your own in the comments section below.
- Freedom and control for indie authors
- Higher author royalties
- No gatekeepers or barriers (literary agents)
- Learning and personal improvements
- New discoveries and personal growth
- A direct connection between indie authors and their readers
Self-Publishing Cons
There are several cons or disadvantages to self-publishing. While there may be numerous drawbacks, perception varies among individuals. What some writers consider self-publishing misconceptions could, with effective execution, become advantages rather than disadvantages.
- Poor writing quality
- Poor editing and formatting quality
- Poor cover and interior design quality
- Poor publishing choices
- Poor marketing practices
- No upfront payments
You Have To Make a Personally Well-Informed Choice
Now, it’s certainly your turn to make an informed decision about publishing a book, perhaps your debut. Honestly, self-publishing demands a specific personality; otherwise, one might soon regret embarking on this journey. It requires comfort with dedicating many hours daily to complete various tasks.
Additionally, you’ll need to invest in other creative professionals to assist with tasks that are not your forte, such as interior design/formatting, cover design, and blurb writing. While you might manage most aspects on your own, it’s not feasible to do everything, so seeking help is necessary.
Self-publishing can be the optimal route, particularly in our digital era. It offers the autonomy to publish or withdraw a book at one’s discretion. Moreover, it provides the highest author royalties, which traditional publishing houses cannot match, regardless of your book’s value. Beware of upfront payments; they could mean relinquishing your rights indefinitely.
It’s crucial to make an informed decision when publishing a book you’ll take pride in. Remember, each publishing method aligns with a different personality type. For instance, if you’re a perfectionist, self-publishing may not be advisable. Mistakes are inevitable, and the ability to bounce back swiftly is essential.
My Final Words
I’ve already begun to share my final tips and advice, but here are a few more. Have you decided on a publishing method as previously explained? Or perhaps you’ve selected both? If you’re still uncertain about which path to take, that’s perfectly normal.
Remember, writing and publishing a book requires time and bravery. My last piece of advice is this: if the idea of writing and publishing a book seems too daunting or implausible, don’t pressure yourself. Not everyone is cut out to be a writer or author. There are many other ways to excel and make your mark.
There are exceptional writers who never aspire to be recognized as authors, yet they are indeed writers. Their works are often used by others under different names. This includes ghostwriters and freelance writers, all of whom are distinct types of excellent writers. They possess the ability to write well and create outstanding content. They are, at their core, content creators, but not necessarily authors, nor do they need to be.
Choosing self-publishing as your avenue for book publication in today’s world means accepting that it will take time, experimentation, and mistakes to achieve your objectives. As you ascend the ladder, there is much to learn. Even books about self-publishing cannot guarantee success; hands-on experience and learning through action are essential.
Should you opt for traditional publishing, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with its benefits and drawbacks. Every book publishing approach demands your dedication and effort to bring your aspirations to fruition. Marketing your book(s) remains a necessity, even with traditional publishing.
For further insight, feel free to explore additional information online regarding the various book publishing methods currently available. Consulting friends and family who might have more expertise can also be beneficial before finalizing any significant decisions.
READ MORE: WWW.SELFPUBLISHINGFORMULA.COM
Good luck in your book publishing journey. Goodbye.
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About the Author
John Monyjok Maluth (a.k.a John Shalom) is an independent nonfiction author of 50+ books and booklets. His works can be found on Amazon and Smashwords, and also on the major book retail websites across the web. He has written and published his own autobiography how-tos and motivational books. He also writes blog posts under Digital Marketing, Life Coaching, Self-Publishing, and Technology.
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