Traditional vs self publishing: which one is right for you?
There are many paths to publication in 2023 and they’re all variations of two distinct methods of publishing. Traditional publishing has been the most common, and most sought after method since this colonial version of storytelling first began although there have always been writers who seek their own path.
Almost every writer who dreams of being published asks ‘how do I get published?’, when perhaps the more important question is, ‘is publishing right for me?’
From the outside looking in, traditional publishing might look validating and exciting, however I have seen too many writers set themselves up for disappointment and frustration by seeking creative self-worth in traditional publishing.
Publishing a book will not make you a ‘real writer’. Publishing a book will only impact your identity by transforming you from a writer to an author - the person behind a published work.
If you’re seeking validation through traditional publishing, it won’t last long. What happens when your book doesn’t sell well, you receive a brutal review, or you don’t make enough money to quit your day job?
The greatest advantage of traditional publishing is the perceived prestige… I’m going to say that again… PERCEIVED.
If you seek external validation, you will always be left wanting more. No achievement will ever be enough.
Debut Books and The Write Room are striving to make the industry more accessible by sharing knowledge that allows writers to choose their path with their eyes wide open to the realities of their decisions.
We want you to be able to know exactly what you’re in for and to be able to make informed and realistic choices about which path is right for you.
Let’s break down the key differences between traditional and self-publishing.
At its most simplified level, if the author owns the rights and royalties, then the book is self-published. If a publishing company owns the rights and royalties, then the book is traditionally published.
TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING
Traditional publishing refers to the process of submitting a manuscript to a publishing company, obtaining a book deal, getting paid an advance on royalties and working with a team of people to edit, produce and distribute your book. The publishing house manages and controls the whole publishing and distribution process and it means they have the final say over every aspect of the book.
Traditional publishing is perceived to be the most prestigious of the publishing models, theoretically offering validation of so-called talent. For writers chasing the ‘publishing dream’, the primary reason is often for the social signalling and the feeling of acceptance that comes from being ‘picked’ by a traditional publishing house.
Further to this, there is a common belief that traditional publishing will guarantee a marketing plan, publicity opportunities, and bookstore sales. Traditionally publishing your book will not save you on time (and perhaps even money) in the long run.
The publishing house will oversee the editorial process, production and distribution, some sales opportunities, and offer little to no marketing.
Traditional book publishers do not get most of their books into bookstores, let alone in large quantities. Your book is not likely to be on display until it has proven sales, and it is likely to get returned to the publisher after a set window if it doesn’t sell.
Sadly, traditional publishing is not always as it seems. The realities are very different from how it is perceived.
Advantages:
Upfront financial payment
Higher opportunities for bookstore placement
Social signalling
Considerations:
Limiting contracts
Huge time investment
Loss of ownership
Loss of creative control
Limited financial gains
Lack of representation and diversity
SELF-PUBLISHING
When a writer chooses to self-publish, they retain the ownership of their book and they manage the whole publishing process from end to end.
The author is responsible for the writing and editing, coordinating publishing services, sales, distribution, marketing and publicity. There are opportunities for professional help in all of these areas, if you are prepared to pay for them.
To professionally self-publish a book, it requires you to put in both time and money. The self-publishing process is an easy one, it just takes time to learn and execute it. The way around this is to hire awesome people offering publishing services to help manage the process for you.
If you’re willing to put in the work to make sure your self-published book is super professional, then you’re setting yourself up for long-term success.
Advantages:
Full ownership of the rights and profits
Endless possibilities
Complete creative control
Self-validation
No gatekeeping
Significantly higher profit potential
Being active and proactive in your values and beliefs
Considerations:
Full financial responsibility
Success is dependent on the quality of what you produce
Huge time investment
The publishing path that is most right for you, depends on what you value most.
If your answer is validation, go traditional.
If your answer is prestige, go traditional.
If your answer is a long-term writing career, self-publish.
If your answer is freedom, self-publish.
If your answer is creativity, self-publish.
If your answer is making an impact, self-publish.
The truth is, desire alone should not be the reason to pursue any kind of publishing. Taking the time to consider whether pursuing a career in writing is truly right for you is crucial (so you’re not setting yourself up for disappointment). Building a writing career is 100% possible however understanding the commitments to life as a full-time writer is a must.
Writing may be your passion but a career is a career and that comes with its fair share of trials. If you’re not willing to take those on, then perhaps a full-time writing career is not for you.
A long-term career as an author is a marathon endeavour that is less about the writing, and more about the cultivation and nurturing of connecting with readers and marketing your work. Full-time authors spend less time writing than you might think.
Author incomes are rarely sustainable on book sales alone, usually supplemented with related income streams (or a day job of some kind.)
Writing for profit demands that you write at a professional level, with continual investment and development in your craft, and far more pressure than writing for personal fulfilment and joy will ever bring you.
Are you willing to take that on?
The publishing process can be a rewarding and joyful experience when you know what you’re getting into.
The reality of the publishing business is that all too often, writers are not able to form realistic expectations of being published because information is withheld, or made difficult to obtain, about the reality of what is going into a book on the publisher’s end.
The industry cannot continue to keep a tight grasp on information as it enables a ‘power over’ situation. We do a ginormous disservice to writing communities when we obscure or hide the knowledge that allows people to write, publish and succeed.
All too often, authors can feel as though they’re being expected to play a serious game without knowing the rules of the game being played.
Debut Books is making space to break down the wall that exists between the publishing industry and the writers looking for a place within it.
The current system is an unsustainable model and by providing a tangible framework for sharing knowledge and managing expectations, we’re contributing to the integrity of publishing and helping to bring about positive change in the industry.
This kind of transparency empowers writers by helping them understand which publishing decisions are right for them.
Regardless of what publishing path you choose, there will come a point where you will need to decide how much of your own time and money you are prepared to invest into your book/s.
It is impossible to set or adjust expectations without the facts and by creating spaces where writers and publishers can have open and honest conversations, we’re setting up both writers and publishers up for greater success.
This epic publishing journey is easier with knowledge on our side. You will likely get to where you want to go a whole lot faster if you do invest in publishing support. I am here for you. As a mentor, as a guide, as a teacher, publisher or a writing companion. We can take on this publishing gig together.
And the truth is, you are capable of bringing your book to life. You are so more capable than you believe.
In saying that, once you know the power of investing in you and your writing, I don’t think you’ll ever go back.
I have created coaching calls that can be purchased as a one off session or ongoing, to meet you where you’re at. To move you towards a future in traditional publishing, or to self-publish.
Maybe you haven’t started writing yet and would like some guidance in getting whats in your head down on the page.
Just one session with me will take you from the unknown to the known and will allow you to start building your path to publication, your way.
Let’s get you on your way! Book a phone or video call with me to get started!
P.S. If there isn’t a time available that suits you (or your time zone), send me an email at thewriteroom@debutbooks.com.au and let me know!
