You’ve written a book. Congratulations! Now, whats the next step? Let me break it down.
There are two methods of publishing a book: the path of traditional publishing and the path of self-publishing. Both options lead to the same result: your book is in print! However, each path has differences. Let’s look at both paths so you can decide which direction is best for you and your project.
I’ll be honest- I checked out AI on this project to see the thoughts of Grok on traditional vs self-publishing to get an objective look at the choices. I’ve added a few personal touches- but for the most part, this is a non-biased look at the publishing world. (SIDENOTE: There is a danger of AI taking over the market of writing….I want to know about this as much as possible. As I investigate I’ll write a blog post about the process and fears…I will never lift anything off of AI without telling my readers. However, I thought this would be fun and informative on the power of AI by using this subject as an experiment).
Traditional Publishing
All of my books (children’s, academic, & devotionals) are traditionally published. In traditional publishing, you submit your manuscript to a publishing house (e.g., Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Tyndale House, etc..), which, if accepted, the publishing house offers to pay you for your manuscript. They also (without a fee) handle the editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing of the book. Most books you see in stores are traditionally published. As a note, most traditional publishing houses will not take your submission unless it comes through a literary agent. So, for most writers, if you decide to go the traditional publishing path you would first need to pitch your work and sign with a literary agent.
- Process:
- Submission: Authors typically need to query literary agents or publishers directly (if the publisher accepts unsolicited manuscripts). I met my literary agent at a writer’s conference. A writer’s conference is a great place to go to learn the craft and learn how to take your project to the next level. You must submit your book with a proposal. That’s a post for another day. But you can “google” that word and see some samples for non-fiction and fiction books.
- Timeline: The process can take 1–2 years from acceptance to publication, sometimes longer.
- Costs: The publisher covers all production costs (editing, cover design, printing, etc.), so the author incurs no upfront expenses.
- Royalties: Authors earn an advance and royalties of the book’s retail price for print books, (higher for eBooks). The literary agent also receives a small percentage as well.
- Control: Publishers can make most decisions about editing, cover design, and marketing, with limited author input. I’ve been very fortunate and all the publishers who I have worked with have welcomed and solicited my input. It’s been a great experience working with EndGame Press, Broadstreet Publishing, Harvest House, and Tyndale House.
- Distribution: Traditional publishers have distribution networks, getting books into bookstores, libraries, and online retailers.
- Challenges:
- Highly competitive; rejection is common. Yes, rejection is COMMON. If you get a “revise and resubmit” make sure to follow that advice. It means they did like your project but want it in a different form.
- Authors may need an agent, which involves additional time and effort.
- Less creative control over the final product.
- Author is still in main control over the marketing. Your personal brand helps sell books.
- Royalties are lower compared to self-publishing, and advances vary widely (or may not be offered).
- Best for: Authors who want professional support, wider distribution, and the prestige of a publishing house, and are willing to navigate a competitive process with less control.
- Why do I like traditional publishing? I like the team aspect to traditional publishing. Every editor and person working on the book has the singular goal of “making it better”. I tend to like others looking at my work with a critical eye. Traditional publishing is not for the faint of heart. But it will make your book shine!
Self-Publishing
- Definition: In self-publishing, the author takes on the role of the publisher, managing all aspects of the book’s production, marketing, and distribution, often through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, or Smashwords.
- Process:
- Full Control: This is the reason why many love self-publishing. The author oversees editing, cover design, formatting, pricing, and marketing, either doing it themselves or hiring professionals.
- Timeline: Authors can publish as quickly as they complete the process, often within weeks or months.
- Costs: Authors bear all upfront costs (e.g., editing, cover design, marketing), which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on quality and services hired.
- Royalties: Self-published authors earn higher royalties (typically 35–70% on eBooks via platforms like Amazon KDP, minus fees), with no advance.
- Distribution: Authors use platforms like Amazon, IngramSpark, or others to distribute eBooks, print-on-demand paperbacks, or hardcovers. Physical bookstore placement is harder but possible with effort.
- Marketing: Authors are responsible for their own marketing, which can include social media, book blogs, ads, or book tours.
- Challenges:
- Requires significant time, effort, and money to produce a high-quality book. For example, I recommend you hire an editor for your book. This will cost money. Plus you will have to pay someone to format your book for self-publishing distribution. You might also need to pay an illustrator, cover artist, and buy copies of your book up front.
- Marketing and discoverability can be difficult in a crowded market.
- Best for: Authors who want full creative and financial control, are comfortable with self-promotion, and are willing to invest time or money upfront. There are many authors who have made a small-fortune self-publishing and there are many who have lost a small fortune self-publishing.
Key Differences at a Glance (chart made by Grok!)
| Aspect | Traditional Publishing | Self-Publishing |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | No upfront costs for author | Author pays for production/marketing |
| Control | Limited (publisher decides most aspects) | Full (author makes all decisions) |
| Payment | Advance and royalties | Royalties |
| Timeline | 1–2 years | Weeks to months |
| Distribution | Wide (bookstores, libraries, online) | Mostly online, limited bookstore access |
| Gatekeepers | Agents/editors select manuscripts | None; anyone can publish |
| Marketing | Publisher-led (varies by book/author) | Author-led |
Warning:
There are predator publishers in the industry. They will promise to publish your book but you must pay them a large fee. Be careful! I wouldn’t go with this model. You should either go traditional or work on self-publishing. Otherwise you can be out THOUSANDS of dollars with a predatory publishing house.
How to Decide
Pray. I think it’s obvious Grok didn’t write this answer. Prayer is probably not in the AI model of living. But that’s the method I used when I started to decide how to develop my first book. After prayer I knew that I would attempt traditional publishing. I can’t say the path has been easy. It’s been filled with rejection after rejection. But also beautiful books that I’m extremely proud to offer to readers. Self-publishing is not a path I would ever rule out- in fact, I think it’s a fantastic path and I might pursue it in the future. I’ve seen very high-quality books published with self-publishing. However I prefer a team approach and that’s why right now traditional publishing is the path on which I’m walking.
What path are you considering? What are your next questions?
Much love,
Sarah
Email
Follow Me