Self-Publishing vs. Traditional

There are many stigmas of self-publishing, but I do have to say that when I started out ten years or so ago, it was even worse and not as common. I was often told that anyone who was self-published wasn’t really an author.

Yeah, I was told that, constantly.

Which, I will say, made me go the more traditional route and thankfully, I obtained a contract for my paranormal series and contemporary romance series.

But today it’s different. Self-publishing is more common and even well-known authors are becoming self-published, going that route, detouring from the more traditional path, the familiar path.

Now you might ask, why??

It’s simple.

Control.

Most of the explanation, honestly, in my opinion, boils down to control.

Traditional publishers are great because they do shoulder a lot of the expenses and burdens of the publishing process. The editing, the cover art, the formatting, the launch itself, all of it. Even some of the marketing.

However, you will read that I said “some” of the marketing.

In the book community today, with advanced technology, most publishers will flat out tell you that it’s your responsibility to market your books, to get your name and brand out there.

• Websites
• Social media
• Book signings
• Contests
• Paid Ads (Facebook and Twitter)

It’s all very possible but it is time consuming and sometimes, it feels like you’re barely getting ahead. You take one step forward (creating an account to market such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc.), then you fall two steps back on trying to create awareness of your new book or series. It’s hard. I won’t lie to you.

But also rewarding and honestly, it’s a great feeling.

But now I’ll get into the meat of this article. What’s the difference, the true pros and cons, of self-publishing vs. traditional publishers?

Pros of Self-Publishing

• Control – You own the rights
• All royalty and sale profits
• Marketing
• Easy and fast to do.

Cons of Self-Publishing

• All expenses
  • Editing
  • Cover design
  • Formatting
  • Marketing
• Mass competition

Pros of Traditional Publishing

• A name behind your brand
• All expenses paid

Cons of Traditional Publishing

• No control – You don’t own the rights for several years designated within the contract.
• Split royalties, usually a 40/60 but it all varies with each publishing house.

It’s all a matter of perspective, of what you as the author, want. What’s best for you in the long run.

Now I’ve had a few people ask me, “how can I self-publish only?” To some experienced authors out there, you might be looking at the question in bewilderment, astonishment, and think it’s silly. But it really isn’t. Remember, you were in the shoes of those just starting out. You didn’t know much in the beginning either so cut those people some slacks. Honestly, self-publishing is so easy today.

Amazon.

The mega company of the world.

That’s right. You heard me.

Amazon.

You can upload your manuscript and cover to Amazon, and it’s published within 72 hours but please remember, if you are going that route, don’t slack on editing, formatting, and cover design. Believe it or not, the appearance of the book, internal and external, carries a lot of weight with readers. If a book is riddled with errors, mistakes, grammar issues, it’s going to get a lot of low reviews but that’s a blog for another day!! 😊

Thank you all so much for reading and love to read the comments!

Stay sane and stay safe my friends!