Self-Publishing Vs Traditional Publishing
The upfront costs of self publishing a book are more of an investment than going down a traditional publishing route. However, the Authors profits with self-publishing are often much higher!
The way I like to view self-publishing is, you're paying to create a product to sell and market in a similar way you would if you decided to sell your own range of clothing or beauty products. With self-publishing you are the one who's investing in creating the product (your book). If you haven't got a business yet, this is the start of your business owner journey. With Traditional Publishing, the publisher is investing in creating your book and there are no out of pocket expenses from you for the creation of your product (book).
Owner of Sprout Joy, Madi Waugh sits on chair and looks at a notebook.
With Traditional you wait for someone to choose you, to choose your book. With self-publishing you choose yourself!
There are benefits and disadvantages to both options. I’ve made a quick and handy list for you, to help you decide which path is right for you.
Self-Publishing Benefits
You have full creative control over how your book is created. You decide how long or short you want it to be. There are no limits on “industry standard” for different genres. You can create whatever type of book YOU want. The book you think will be best for sharing your message. You can decide to add additional resources and information that points the reader to your business or community.
You can choose the Illustrator, photographer or editor that aligns with your creative vision. You get to decide which creative professionals you want on your team.
At the end of the day you get the final say on all artwork and assets related to your book. (Including the cover and print materials/paper stock etc.)
All sale profits go directly to you, you get 100% profits! You might make $10-$20 profit on a $30 book opposed to $1-$3 per book.
You retain the rights to your work. If you decide to bring out a corresponding podcast, a digital course, or a spin-off title, supporting stationary or workbooks you can do so however you wish without needing to ask your publisher. Because you are the publisher and you have the rights!
You get to choose your own deadlines and timeline for when your book is published. You can choose to work it around a leisurely lifestyle, or alongside other commitments. Or you can choose to send to print and publish as quickly as you like.
The feeling of knowing you choose yourself first is an incredibly powerful feeling. You didn’t wait for someone to pick you. You made your book happen and brought it into this world because you know your own worth and don’t wait for permission to make your dreams a reality.
Self-Publishing Drawbacks
Upfront investment before your book is published. Depending on the type of book you are publishing. These can include:
Book/ Layout Designer
Professional Editor
Photographer/Illustrator (this could be for your entire book or simply the cover.
Printing Your Book (either in bulk Or Print On Demand).
Marketing and promotional campaign / assets.
And other ad hoc things like purchasing the ISBN.
Because you don’t have a legal contract defined by a deadline, it can be tempting to keep moving your published date or goal post. Self-published authors can often redirect from the original creative vision and make ongoing changes. Making deadlines hard to stick to and possibly adding additional costs when parts of the production process have to be re-done.
Traditional Publishing Benefits
The publisher may pay you to write the book. This is usually paid kinda like a “loan” and you start paying them back with your royalties when your book starts selling.
The publisher takes care of all the expenses involved in the creation of your book, such as paying and hiring the book designer and other professionals.
The publisher handles the production and manages all the moving parts involved in creating your book.
You don’t need to be involved in pricing, shipping or distribution of your book, as the publisher will organise this for you.
Traditional Publishing Drawbacks
Depending on your contract and how well your book sells, it could take years before you start making an income after you have paid back your loan/advance.
While your input is invaluable - the publisher gets the final say on all creative direction for your book.
The length of production and timeline is fully controlled by the publisher. Some books take years to produce before they are published.
The royalty rates and income you may receive per-book are much lower than what you could make per book if you self-publish. Even if you sell less books overall as a self-published author, you can still make more money than if you sold double that amount as a trad-published author.
While big publishers can get your book into bookstores (if the bookseller agrees to stock it), there is no guarantee that it will stay in the store for a long period of time and may only be on the shelf for a few weeks.
The level of support the publisher gives for marketing and promotion varies widely depending on the author. You will very likely need to self-fund and do a lot of marketing and promo work yourself anyway.
Self-Published Book - Where Are The Butterflies. Designed by Madi Waugh at Sprout Joy.
I hope this article has given you some insight and guidance on whether Traditional Publishing or Self-Publishing is the path for your book.
If you have a story or message that’s here to support women (and in particular mothers), and you want to ensure your book is professionally presented with a beautiful and engaging design - I’d love to help you.
Book a free 20min call here. I can’t wait to hear about your impact and mission in sharing your story.
