Every author at some point in their career has stood at a critical fork in their path. They have looked down two completely different paths:
- The journey of traditional publishing, which is protected by gatekeepers.
- The quick and entrepreneurial path of self-publishing.
This is more than a simple choice of how a book gets printed. It is a fundamental decision regarding the control, cash flow, speed, and ownership of the entire literary career. The single most common cause of author anxiety is the fear of choosing the wrong path and regretting that decision for a long time.
They should know the self-publishing cost if they are going down the path of self-publishing a book.
The brief difference between self and traditional publishing
In the past, traditional publishing meant legitimacy. Self-publishing meant obscurity because there were no means available for it. That dichotomy is no longer true today. Both routes lead authors to success. There is a catch: They demand vastly different skill sets and levels of investment from authors. Traditional publishing costs are higher, though.
This blog post will serve as a guide that cuts through the marketing rhetoric and other biased opinions to provide authors with clear and balanced analyses. Both models and their advantages and disadvantages will be studied, from royalties and creative control to time to market and marketing expectations.
Importance of understanding the difference between self-publishing and traditional publishing
Choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing this year is based on who has control over their manuscripts, how much either method costs, and how much authors can make in their royalties.
Self-publishing allows authors to release books quicker and make more money from each book. Traditional publishing helps build industry credibility and quick bookstore access. But the former is recommended for those desiring quick success on a lower budget and a small timeline. The self-publishing cost can be a factor worth reconsidering.
Publishing a book is indeed a satisfying experience. It, however, can also be very overwhelming at the same time. Authors this year often get confused between the two pathways in publishing. They often wonder which one will be best for their publishing objectives.
The answer? Each method has its pros and cons. They need to determine what exactly will work for them and what their goals are. Then their goals and requirements will determine the best publishing method for them.
Briefly understanding traditional publishing
This process is the classic process and was also the only game in town before Amazon was created. An author with a complete manuscript or a book proposal with sample pages finds a literary agent. Alternatively, they can approach the publishing house directly. If the interest develops, the publisher makes an offer. Deals & contracts are negotiated.
Editors at the publishing company help authors improve their book/manuscript. Then the publishing company puts them all together (cover design, interior design, etc.). The publisher’s PR, marketing, and sales work to create interest in the book.
They do it with the hope that stores will place large orders. The pre-publication process can take up to one year or maybe more.
When publication day comes, the publisher’s distribution will indicate that the book is present in bookstores and is also restocked. The book’s success determines whether or not the author becomes famous.
Here are the pros and cons of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing:
| Pros | Cons |
| Professional support is available. Publishing houses provide a dedicated team of professionals to work on the book (designers, editors, and marketers). | Traditional publishing gives authors less control. The publishers have the final say on everything (ranging from cover design to final layout). |
| Wider distribution networks are guaranteed because of access to bookstores and larger markets. | The process is slow. It can take around one to two years or maybe more to move from acceptance to publication. |
| Credibility and prestige are also guaranteed because traditional publication houses lend more prestige and validation to an author’s work. | Authors earn lower royalties, meaning they earn between 8 and 15 percent per book. |
| No upfront costs, as publishers cover both distribution and production expenses. | Getting a contract from a traditional publishing house can be quite difficult. |
| There is potential for advance, as authors can get an upfront payment against future royalties. |
Self-Publishing Work Explained Briefly
Self-publishing works like traditional publishing, but with some subtle differences:
- The author puts the book together by themselves and markets it by themselves (they can subcontract these responsibilities alternatively).
- Self-publishing does not have traditional distribution or sales teams. They will be available online.
Self-publishing comprises six important tasks. Either the author handles them by themself or works together with freelance professionals to accomplish them:
- Editing (copy editing and developmental editing).
- Writing both the cover copy and marketing materials.
- Interior design.
- Cover design.
- Determining the price point and marketplaces.
- Marketing and promotion.
Once all the appropriate files are ready and authors have determined how and where they want the book to be published, then their book can be uploaded and available for sale in an instant. Let us now understand the pros and cons of this model:
| Pros | Cons |
| Authors have full creative control and the final say on all aspects of the book (ranging from cover design to content). | Authors, however, have to pay for editing, design, and marketing upfront. It can turn into a hefty amount. |
| They do receive a large percentage of royalties on each sale, potentially leading to higher earnings. | The full responsibility lies with the authors for each step, especially editing, marketing, and sales. |
| Books can be released quickly once authors have them ready. They do not have to wait for the publisher’s timeline. | There is less prestige. Some self-published works are perceived as less credible by some, despite the change in modern perception. |
| Authors retain full ownership rights for the work | It can be hard for self-published books to enter physical bookstores. Distribution can be limited and difficult to secure. |
What is the best option for authors between these two methods?
The answer to this question is not a definitive one. Why? The reason is that both paths can work with ease. There is also a question: how much do you make self-publishing vs. traditional publishing? The answers are as under.
Those who want speed, control, and more earnings per book sale can opt for self-publishing. The self-publishing cost can be a deterring factor. But if they want higher bookstore reach without facing issues with lower royalties, then the traditional publishing approach can make more sense for them.
Alternatively, some authors and writers these days are practicing hybrid publishing. It is a mix of both approaches. Besides, keeping an eye on publishing trends for authors helps. Both ebooks and audiobooks are growing. Readers expect authors to have an online presence nowadays.
Are there hidden costs that authors should consider?
New authors often miss out on the extra costs. Self-publishing not only makes them pay for cover design and editing expenses but also requires them to pay for ISBNs, too. When it comes to advance reader copies, formatting for both print and ebook versions is required. Small things add up and make a considerable self-publishing cost.
Authors do not have to pay up front in traditional publishing, but they pay in another way. That way means lower royalties and less creative control. The publishers can set a high retail price that could adversely affect sales. But in self-publishing, authors can adjust pricing as per their preferences.
It is hence wise to know these trade-offs so authors can avoid unpleasant surprises later on.
Over to You
Choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing is more than a matter of self-publishing cost. One offers lower royalties but more prestige and exposure in physical retail stores and events, while the other provides more royalties and exposure in the online world in less time.
Both methods require hiring external resources, with traditional publishing companies providing services in editing, designing, and marketing. Self-publishing requires authors to do this work by themselves. Hence, they should choose wisely between the two options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who maintains creative and business control?
A: Self-publishing offers 100% control over cover design, title, and pricing. Traditional publishing transfers most creative and business decisions to the publisher’s editorial and marketing teams. These are major factors when it comes to considering the cost for traditional publishing vs self-publishing.
Q: Which route offers better financial returns?
A: Self-publishing offers significantly higher per-unit royalties (typically 35%-70% of revenue) but requires upfront investment. Traditional publishing offers low royalties (5%-15% of net price) but provides a non-refundable advance payment.
Q: How do the timelines compare from final manuscript to market?
A: Self-publishing is much faster, often taking 3–9 months. Traditional publishing is a much slower process, usually requiring 18–24 months after the contract is signed due to its complex production schedule.
Q: Who pays for the necessary professional services (editing, design)?
A: In traditional publishing, the publisher pays for all services. In self-publishing, the author is the sole owner of their work and must invest their own funds for quality editing, formatting, and design.