How to Choose Between Self-Publishing or Traditional Publishing: Part One

Are you an author trying to decide whether to take the traditional book publishing route or self-publishing route?

This two-part blog series is designed to help you navigate the intricate decision-making process between self-publishing and traditional publishing. As an author and author coach, I'm here to illuminate the path for writers like you. 

This first installment focuses on the initial five critical factors that every author needs to take into consideration:

• personal goals and views on publishing,

• the importance of creative control,

• the level of support you're seeking,

• understanding your platform and audience,

• and your willingness to dive into the business of publishing.

These foundational aspects are crucial in setting the stage for a successful publishing journey, aligning your vision with the most suitable publishing route.

Let’s dive in.

One: What are your goals for your book? What are your personal views on self-publishing and traditional publishing?

Firstly, identify your specific personal goals for your book. This will guide you in making informed decisions about whether you would like to opt for self-publishing or traditional publishing.

Next, reflect on your own views regarding these options. While the stigma around independent (Indie) publishing has largely faded — with authors now able to produce high-quality books on par with traditional publishing, and readers being less concerned about the publisher's identity — it's important to understand your own perceptions and priorities. 

If your dream has always been to secure a traditional publisher and you believe you won't be satisfied without achieving this, it's important to honor that aspiration. There's no need to persuade yourself to choose Indie publishing if your heart is set on a traditional publisher. Should you desire the support, guidance, and validation that comes with a traditional publisher, consider exploring this route thoroughly as your initial option.

Two: How important is creative control to you? Self-publishing means more creative control than traditional publishing.

Considering creative control is crucial when evaluating your book publishing options. If you opt for self-publishing, you'll have complete authority over your content, its structure, and the way your ideas are presented. This includes choosing your book's title, cover design, formatting, and managing every aspect of the production. Additionally, you'll determine the publication timeline and strategize the promotion and marketing of your book.

In contrast, choosing traditional publishing means that the publisher will make these decisions. While your input may be sought, the final choices rest with them. It's important to be aware that, throughout the process, decisions might be made that don't align with your preferences.

Three: How important is support to you on your publishing journey?

Next, consider the level of support you desire throughout your publishing journey. Are you looking for a guided experience where experts manage everything, allowing you to avoid the steep learning curve of the publishing industry? If this appeals to you, traditional publishing might be the right path.

However, in self-publishing, while you can access all the support you need, it requires you to actively seek and hire professionals to assist you. This path means you'll be more involved in the process, taking on the responsibility of finding the right support and ensuring your book's success.

Please note that we offer publishing project management services, which greatly reduces your learning curve and energy + time investment yet allows you to retain creative control over your work.

Four: What are the benefits of self-publishing or traditional publishing in terms of your current platform or connection with your book’s intended audience?

Reflect on what a publisher can realistically offer you, especially considering your existing network and influence. For instance, if you're a fitness coach with thousands of devoted followers, a traditional publisher might not significantly exceed your own capacity to promote and sell your book.

This aspect is complex as book publishers generally don't conduct extensive marketing campaigns for their books. Instead, they expect authors to bring their own platforms. Publishers don't build your platform or readership for you.

Additionally, consider your marketing objectives and how you wish to position yourself in your market with your book. 

Related to your readership, you’ll also want to determine whether they are more inclined to purchase digital media or prefer physical bookstores. For instance, genres like romance and erotica primarily thrive in digital formats.

In contrast, if your work is literary, traditional publishing might be more appropriate to reach your target readership in bookstores. Children's books, too, often benefit from a publisher's support, given the challenges and costs of self-publishing in this genre, both in design and print-on-demand.

Five: Are you willing to learn the business of self-publishing if you do not opt for traditional book publishing?

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, self-publishing often aligns well with their experience, resembling the launch of a course, product, or program. Entrepreneurs typically feel at ease hiring freelancers or support professionals, are adept at online and social media engagement, and have a basic understanding of marketing. Moreover, entrepreneurs usually value creative control over their projects, something that can be challenging to let go of in traditional publishing.

If you're already comfortable in the entrepreneurial world, many of your existing skills will seamlessly transfer to the domain of book production and promotion. You'll still need to acquaint yourself with the specifics of book marketing, but this should be relatively familiar territory.

Conversely, if you prefer working with an established team or want someone else to manage your book project, traditional publishing might be more suitable for you, regardless of whether you're an entrepreneur or not. Additionally, there are self-publishing services available, including those offered by our company.

As we conclude Part One of our exploration into choosing the right book publishing path, it's clear that understanding your personal goals, desire for creative control, need for support, connection with your audience, and readiness to learn the business are pivotal steps in this journey. These factors lay the groundwork for a decision that can profoundly impact the success and satisfaction of your publishing experience.

Ready to keep reading? Head over to Part Two where I delve into the remaining five factors, further guiding you towards making an informed choice that resonates with your aspirations as an author.

Seeking more Support?

Are you looking for a more hands-on approach or more information on how to determine which publishing path is right for you? If so, be sure to check out my self-paced course, Choose Your Publishing Path. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of both traditional and self-publishing options and includes bonuses on finding agents as well as recommendations for transformational non-fiction authors. 

If you are ready to proceed with book publishing, we can help.

For self-publishing, we offer project management support to help make this process a breeze (and fun!) for you.

For traditional publishing, we offer book proposal coaching, editing and other support.

Please complete this interest form if you would like to learn more.