Should you traditionally publish or self-publish a novel?
Traditional publishing and self-publishing work better for different goals. Traditional publishing can give you professional assistance in editing, production, distribution, and rights, but you must submit to agents or publishers and will have less control over when and how your book is packaged. Self-publishing gives you more control and gets your book to market more quickly, but you must handle or pay for editing, design, distribution, marketing, and administration.
Traditional publishing or self-publishing?
Which is the best option depends on your priorities, budget, genre, and what role you want to play in running the business side of your publishing career. There are no guarantees for either route, as no one can promise that your novel will sell, and both require a quality manuscript that has received the benefit of skilled editing.
Traditional publishing
In traditional publishing, a publisher selects a manuscript, acquires the rights to publish by contract, and typically arranges for editing, cover design, printing or digital manufacturing, and distribution. For many categories of books, authors will seek out a literary agent, though some publishers accept direct submissions.
You get the backing of experts and the ability to distribute your book through legitimate book-selling outlets, but you may face long delays and a difficult submission process. The publisher typically makes decisions about the book's title, cover design, publication date and promotional strategy. You should know exactly what rights you are assigning and how and when you will be compensated before you agree to any terms in a publishing contract.
Self-publishing
With self-publishing, you determine when the book is published, in what format(s), at what price, what the cover looks like, and frequently retain all rights. This can be very appealing if you know your audience, have a business plan, or simply prefer to keep your work your own.
In exchange, you do all the work. That includes editing, cover design, formatting, distribution, metadata, promotion, and ongoing book management.
Publishing the book yourself doesn't mean you shouldn't consider developmental editing, copyediting, proofreading, and a professional cover, all of which can have a big impact on the reader. Make sure you're choosing the right distribution channel for where your target audience buys their books.
Making your choice
- Go with traditional publishing if you want professional representation, outside resources, and well-established publishing processes.
- Self-publish if you value control, flexibility, and taking ownership of your business.
- Look up both options and be wary of those who guarantee a success for an upfront large fee.