If you are a newbie writer, you would understandably be apprehensive in choosing a publishing option. The book publishing process is a long term project and if you choose the wrong option you will not only waste your time and effort but money as well. Traditional publishing and Self-publishing are two of the most viable options. So before you set out on your book publishing journey you should know the pros and cons of each option. Here are the pros and cons of self-publishing and traditional publishing. Take a good look and choose well, it may mean the difference between failure and success.
1. Self-publishing
What is self-publishing?
Self-publishing is a later form of book publishing. It is a form of book publishing that entails the author to publish a book without the help of an established publishing house. Decades ago this was considered a somewhat risky move, because self-publishing was deemed too expensive and work intensive. But with the new print on demand services and social media advertising, authors can now publish their work without having to spend a fortune.
Pros:
- You will have overall control of the book publishing process. One of the biggest hang ups that most authors have with traditional publishing is that they lose a majority of control once they sign up. They no longer have the freedom to choose how they want to publish, market and distribute their books. With self-publishing you will have overall creative control of the publishing process. You will no longer have to work with a pushy editor or adhere to a strict deadline. Your time is your own and you get to decide how you want to publish your book.
- You will own all the rights to your book. With self-publishing you will no longer have to share the rights to your book with a publishing house. This means any royalties you earn, will solely be yours.
- You no longer need to face rejection from book publishers. By self-publishing your book you can get started on your book right away.
- Print on demand services have eliminated the need to print out copies of your book. This will eliminate the threat of the copies being destroyed and the need to keep them in storage.
Cons:
- One of the setbacks of self-publishing is the fact that you are expected to do most of the work yourself. From the book publishing to the book marketing process, you will do a majority of the work yourself. You can hire help, but there is no guarantee of the quality of their work. So if you do opt to self-publish your work, be ready for anything.
- It can get somewhat expensive. Seeing as you won’t have the backing of an established publishing house, you should expect to pay for the whole publishing process.
- Traditional bookstores are not very welcoming towards self-published books. They consider self-published books to be too risky a venture. If you do self-publish your book, it would be more advisable to sell your books through online bookstores. They are just as effective and efficient and not as picky as their more traditional counterparts.
2. Traditional Publishing
What is traditional publishing?
Traditional publishing is considered the most widely used and mainstream form of publishing. It is also considered the most effective publishing option because most publishing houses are quite established and to get a deal with a traditional publishing house is quite a big deal. But traditional publishing houses are extremely difficult to get a deal with. This is due to the fact that they are very picky when it comes to choosing new talent. And only those they deem the best are offered book deals.
Pros:
- If you get a deal with a traditional publishing house, your book is good as published. This is because everything will be taken care of. From the book publishing to the book marketing process, the publishing house will usually take care of it.
- You won’t need to spend any money once you get a publishing deal. Publishing houses are well established and have the funds to give your book all the support it needs.
- Traditional publishing houses usually have connections with many bookstores. These connections will make getting your books into bookstores a lot easier.
Cons:
- Traditional publishing houses are notoriously difficult to get a deal with. This is because traditional publishing houses only choose those they deem the best and would not risk too much on untested authors. So if you are thinking of getting your book published by a traditional publishing house, expect to get a lot of rejection before you finally do get your book published.
- Should you try out for a traditional publishing house, you should know that you will be expected to give up a majority of your book rights to the publishing house. It is understandable of course, because the traditional publishing house will take the brunt of the work and of the expenses. And in return, you will have to give up a majority of your rights and royalties to the company.
- You will not have overall control of the book publishing process. Because you are giving up a majority of your book rights, you will also have to adhere to the wishes of the traditional publishing houses. This will include following their publishing schedule and the decisions of the company editors.
All in all, these two options have pros and cons. It is up to you to weigh them out and choose which one will help you succeed in your journey as a writer.