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Should I self-publish or keep trying to find a traditional publisher?

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This is one of the most common questions we get asked at Publishing Push.

For 99% of authors it is a really simple answer.

Self-publishing is the best choice.

There is a small 1% minority that will need to make a different choice. A more complicated choice about self-publishing.

For this 1% traditional publishing might be a better option.

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What Is the Main Difference Between Self-Publishing and Traditional Publishing?

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\These days there is only ONE key difference.

If the author owns their work entirely and keeps 100% of their royalties then the book is self-published.

Given the distribution available to self-published authors now their books are truly indistinguishable from traditionally published books.

If the author has given up ownership of their work and the majority of their royalties then it means they are traditionally published.

Of course there are more nuances but that is the MAIN distinction that separates the two options.

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Who Should Traditionally Publish?

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Do you already have a big social media following? Maybe you are very well known like a TV personality. In which case, yes, you should self-publish.

If you are able to get a big upfront payment from the publisher and skip the 2 year wait to have your book published then yes, you should take that deal.

Here are some of the main types of people who choose traditional publishing.

• Big Celebrities
• Famous Athletes
• A-List Actors
• Politicians
• Household name CEOs like Richard Branson
• Professional Writers (novelists, etc.) with a long history of high sales

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Who Should Self-Publish?

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My answer here is simple:
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• First time authors
• Authors looks to become traditionally published
• Childrens Book Authors
• Thriller Authors
• Memoir authors
• Poets
• Romance writers
• Consultants
• Entrepreneurs
• Business people
• C-level executives
• Lawyers
• Doctors
• Coaches
• Anyone else who just wants to write their book
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Why should everyone self-publish except for those very famous people?

Because the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. 

Let me tell you a story about a new author who thought they had achieved their dream of becoming traditionally published.

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Mr C - The First Time Traditionally Publishing Author

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Mr C was thrilled. After over 2-years of begging agents and publishers to read his book and publish it he was finally offered a deal. No payment upfront and the published was helping themselves to 75% of his royalties. As part of the deal they had confirmed they would do a second book if Mr C's first book hit a certain number of sales. Thats okay Mr C thought because they are invested in his success.

The day of the book launch comes around and Mr C hasn't had much communication from his publisher. He tries to contact them but no response. He keeps trying and hears nothing. His book launch comes and goes and Mr C wonders what is going on? Why are they not taking his book seriously.

A few months before his release a 1% author was secured by the publisher. They rolled our the red carpet for them and assigned all their resources to that author. Mr C was forgotten about and now he is spending more of his own money to promote his book. The publisher then collects 75% of the royalties from all the marketing work Mr C is doing. Mr C didn't get his second book deal because although his first book did well (thousands in sales) it wasn't enough for the big publisher. It put other publishers off because they couldn't understand why the big publisher hadn't taken on the second book.

This is a cautionary tale for those like Mr C who think being traditionally published is a better option.

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The Dark Side of Traditional Publishing - 5 Reasons to Say No

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A video I made a few years ago that explains the dark side of traditional publishing and why it should be avoided.

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Self-Publishing Advantages
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• Self-published authors have full ownership and control of their rights and royalties
• Create the book you want - your vision is brought to life
• Fast to market (just 3 months)
• Complete control of marketing
• Complete creative control over your book
• No gatekeepers telling you what you can and cannot do
• Self published books make a lot more money for the author
• You can even make money on very niche books

Self-Publishing Disadvantages
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• It's a paid for service
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Traditional Publishing Advantages
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• Potential to get an advance (cash upfront)
• Publisher invests the money to publish the book
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Traditional Publishing Disadvantages
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• Very long process (can take 2+ years)
• Nearly impossible to get a deal (less than 1 percent of proposals are accepted)
• Huge time investment to get the deal and to cover all the requirements during the process
• Terms of the deal may force you to do certain marketing or speaking engagements
• Lose ownership of your manuscript
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Self-Publishing vs Traditional - Making the Final Decision
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Question 1: Can you get a traditional publishing deal?
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If you answered yes to this question then proceed to question two.
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If not, then self-publish.
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Question 2: If you can get a traditional publishing deal, should you take it?
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What do you value the most?
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Status? Go traditional.
Validation? Go traditional.
Quick money? Go traditional.
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Long term wealth? Self-publish.
Freedom? Self-publish.
Creativity? Self-publish.
Making an impact? Self-publish.
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Conclusion: Self-Publishing is the right answer (99+% of the time)

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99% of authors should self-publish.
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1% of authors should consider traditional publication.
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I hope this helps. If not, email me and I’ll see what I can do to help: team[at]publishingpush.com.

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