For writers exploring how to publish a book, the publishing landscape has never been more open—or more overwhelming. Between the empowering, DIY route of indie publishing and the prestige and structure of traditional publishing, deciding which path to pursue can feel like standing at a fork in the road in the middle of a moonless night. The good news? There’s no single “right” way to become an author anymore. Whether you’re chasing creative independence or a classic publishing deal, both routes can lead to success, but they demand different skills, mindsets, and expectations, so it’s paramount to understand how they work.
 
Let’s explore the pros and cons of self-publishing and traditional publishing—and how to thrive no matter which one you choose.

​Traditional Publishing Process: The Classic Path
​
Traditional publishing is the long-established route: you sign with a literary agent, secure a book deal, and partner with a publishing house that manages editing, design, distribution, and marketing. It’s competitive, slow-moving, and deeply rewarding for those who break through.

Pros:

• Professional validation: A publishing contract serves as a stamp of industry approval, often opening doors to media coverage, awards, and literary prestige.
• Team support: You’ll work with professional editors, designers, and marketers who guide the book from manuscript to finished product.
• Upfront payment: Many authors receive an advance against future royalties, which can provide a financial cushion during the launch process.
• Wider distribution: Traditional publishers have established relationships with bookstores, libraries, and professional reviewers, helping your book reach broad audiences.

 
Cons:

• Gatekeeping: Getting your foot in the door is tough. The process often requires an agent, long wait times, and plenty (sometimes hundreds) of rejections before a “yes.”
• Creative control: Publishers make many decisions about cover design, pricing, and even content changes—often with limited author input.
• Lower royalties: While you might get an advance, royalty rates are typically 10–15% of print sales and 25% for e-books.
• Upfront payment: Yes, this is also a “con.” If anticipated sales numbers aren’t reached within the first year, the publisher will often pull back on marketing, and the advance may end up being the only income the author ever receives.
• Slow timelines: From signing to publication, the process can take one to two years (or more).

 
Tips for Success in Traditional Publishing:

1. Polish your manuscript relentlessly. A clean, compelling submission increases your chances of finding an agent.
2. Research agents carefully. Look for those who represent your genre and have a track record of recent sales. It’s also worth noting in the age of endless internet scams that a reputable agent will never charge upfront fees. (They earn a commission when they sell your book.)
3. Build your platform early. Publishers love authors who are proactive about marketing and who come with a built-in audience. Start a newsletter, blog, and engage authentically on social media.
4. Stay patient and persistent. Rejection is part of the process; professionalism and resilience often win out in the long run.  

​

​Self-Publishing (Indie Publishing): The Creative Entrepreneur’s Route
​
Print-on-demand lets writers bypass the traditional gatekeepers of publishing and go straight to their audience. Much like those legendary garage bands who recorded their own demos and built fan followings from the ground up, today’s authors can produce and share their own work directly with readers. Self-publishing offers complete creative control—from editing and design to pricing and marketing—and platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital make it easier than ever to put your book into readers’ hands.
 
Pros:

• Full creative control: You decide the cover, title, release schedule, and marketing strategy.
• Higher royalties: You can earn up to 70% on eBook sales and more on print, depending on pricing—and program participation (i.e., Kindle Select).
• Speed to market: You can publish within weeks or months instead of years.
• Niche flexibility: Indie publishing thrives in specific genres—romance, fantasy, mystery, memoir—where readers are passionate and loyal.

 
Cons:

• Upfront costs: You’ll pay for editing, design, and marketing out of pocket. Just like any other business launch, quality self-publishing is an investment.
• No built-in distribution: It’s up to you to market your book, secure reviews, and generate sales momentum.
• Perception challenges: Although indie publishing has gained respect, some traditional gatekeepers still view it as less legitimate, especially in academic settings.
• Steep learning curve: From formatting to ads, there’s a lot to master if you go it alone.

​

​
​Tips for Success in Indie Publishing:

1. Hire professionals. Editing and cover design are non-negotiable investments if you want to compete with traditionally published titles.
2. Understand your audience. Research comparable books, ideal readers, and marketing strategies that work in your genre.
3. Think like a small business. Track expenses, pricing, and ROI just as you would with any entrepreneurial venture.
4. Leverage community. Indie authors often succeed by collaborating—join author groups, cross-promote, and share knowledge.

 
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Which Is Right for You?

If you value creative control, flexibility, and direct engagement with your readers, self-publishing may be the ideal route. If you prefer structure, collaboration, and the prestige of being backed by a publisher, traditional publishing might fit you best.

​Many writers are now becoming hybrid authors, combining the two approaches—publishing certain books independently while pursuing traditional contracts for others. This strategy blends the higher royalties and efficiency of indie publishing with the wider reach of traditional channels.
 
When it comes to how to publish a book, there’s no surefire way to succeed. What matters most is aligning your publishing choice with your goals, strengths, and audience. Whether you choose self-publishing or traditional publishing, focus on writing the best book possible, learning the business side, and connecting authentically with your readers.

​Publishing is a long-game endeavor—but it’s one you can absolutely win when you play with purpose and persistence.
 
​