When you’re ready to share your story with the world, one major question arises: Should I self-publish or pursue traditional publishing?
Choosing the right publishing path can impact your creative freedom, earnings, timeline, and overall experience as an author. So, how do you decide between self-publishing vs traditional publishing?
What Is Traditional Publishing?
Traditional publishing is the classic route to getting your book into readers’ hands. It involves submitting your manuscript to a publishing house, often through a literary agent. If accepted, the publisher handles the editing, cover design, printing, distribution, and marketing (to some extent).
Pros of Traditional Publishing
- Credibility and Prestige
Getting a book deal with a well-known publisher adds credibility. Your book might be stocked in major bookstores, reviewed by the media, and submitted for awards.
- No Upfront Costs
The publisher covers all production expenses. Authors usually receive an advance payment and earn royalties after the advance is recouped.
- Professional Support
You’ll work with experienced editors, cover designers, and publicists to make your book market-ready.
- Wider Distribution
Traditional publishers have existing relationships with bookstores, libraries, and international distributors.
Cons of Traditional Publishing
- Difficult to Break In
It’s highly competitive. Many authors receive multiple rejections before landing a deal—if they get one at all.
- Slow Process
From securing an agent to publication, the process can take 1–2 years or more.
- Limited Creative Control
Editors and marketers have the final say over your book’s content, title, and design.
- Lower Royalties
Authors typically earn 5–15% of the book’s retail price, much less than in self-publishing.
What Is Self-Publishing?
Self-publishing puts you in the driver’s seat. You take full responsibility for editing, design, publishing, and marketing—either by doing it yourself or hiring professionals.
This route has exploded in popularity thanks to platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and Kobo.
Pros of Self-Publishing
- Full Creative Control
You decide how your book looks, reads, and is marketed. Want to write an experimental genre? Go for it.
- Faster to Market
Once your manuscript is ready, you can publish in a matter of days or weeks.
- Higher Royalties
Self-published authors can earn 35%–70% of the sales price, depending on the platform and price point.
- Global Reach
Online retailers make it easy to reach readers worldwide, even without bookstore placement.
Cons of Self-Publishing
- You Bear the Costs
You’ll need to invest in professional editing, cover design, ISBNs, and marketing—costs that can add up.
- Steep Learning Curve
Publishing involves formatting, metadata, ads, and algorithms. You’ll either need to learn or hire experts.
- Harder to Gain Credibility
Without the backing of a publishing house, gaining media attention or bookstore placement can be tough.
- You Do All the Marketing
Unless you hire a PR team, promotion is up to you, and it never stops.
Comparing Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing
| Factor | Traditional Publishing | Self-Publishing |
| Time to Market | 12–24 months | Days to weeks |
| Creative Control | Limited | Full |
| Upfront Costs | None | You pay all costs |
| Royalties | 5%–15% | 35%–70% |
| Bookstore Presence | High | Low to moderate |
| Marketing Responsibility | Shared | Mostly yours |
| Publishing Rights | The publisher owns the rights | You retain all rights |
| Editing/Design Support | Provided by the publisher | You must find or hire |
| Prestige & Validation | High | Varies |
Plot Structure Techniques Matter—Regardless of the Publishing Path
No matter which route you choose, one thing remains constant: the strength of your story matters most.
Well-structured stories resonate with readers, increase your chances of success, and can help sway agents or readers alike. Here are three foundational plot structure techniques to master before publishing:
1. The Three-Act Structure
This classic technique divides your book into:
- Act I – Setup: Introduce characters, world, and conflict.
- Act II – Confrontation: Your protagonist faces obstacles, and stakes rise.
- Act III – Resolution: The climax and conclusion tie everything together.
2. The Hero’s Journey
Popular in fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure genres, this structure includes:
- The Call to Adventure
- Trials and Tribulations
- Transformation and Return
It’s emotionally satisfying and universally familiar to readers.
3. Save the Cat! Beat Sheet
Favored by screenwriters and novelists alike, this technique breaks your story into 15 “beats” that keep momentum flowing.
Whichever structure you choose, a well-plotted story improves your chances of grabbing attention, whether from an agent or a browsing reader.
How to Decide Which Publishing Path Is Right for You
Here are some key questions to ask yourself before choosing:
1. What Are Your Goals?
- Want to build a career as a professional author? Either path works.
- Want full creative freedom or fast release? Lean toward self-publishing.
- Dream of seeing your book in bookstores or winning literary awards? Traditional may be the better bet.
2. What’s Your Timeline?
If you’re writing a time-sensitive book, such as one tied to a current event or trend, self-publishing’s speed may be a major advantage.
3. How Much Control Do You Want?
If you’re particular about how your book is edited, titled, or marketed, self-publishing gives you the reins. If you prefer a collaborative process, traditional publishing offers a team-based approach.
4. Are You Willing to Learn or Outsource?
Self-publishing success often requires mastering:
- Book formatting
- Cover design
- Metadata optimization
- Advertising (Amazon, BookBub, Facebook)
If you’re not tech-savvy or prefer not to DIY, you may need to hire professionals or consider traditional publishing, where support is built in.
Hybrid Publishing: The Best of Both Worlds?
Hybrid publishing is a third path. In this model, you share costs with a publisher who provides editorial, design, and distribution services, but you retain more royalties and rights than in traditional publishing.
Make sure to research hybrid publishers carefully, as some are vanity presses in disguise. A reputable hybrid publisher will:
- Vet manuscripts
- Offer professional services
- Be transparent about costs and royalties
Real-World Success Stories
- Self-Publishing Success: The Martian by Andy Weir started as a self-published novel on his website. It gained a cult following, landed a traditional deal, and became a blockbuster movie.
- Traditional Triumph: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens debuted with Penguin Random House and became a global bestseller, thanks to bookstore distribution and word-of-mouth buzz.
Both paths can lead to success—it depends on your goals, skills, and preferences.
Final Thoughts: It’s Your Story—Own the Journey
When it comes to self-publishing vs traditional publishing, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each path has its advantages and trade-offs. What matters most is your commitment to your story and your readers.
No matter which route you choose:
- Write the best book you can
- Use smart plot structure techniques
- Understand your publishing responsibilities
The publishing landscape is more accessible than ever. With the right mindset, tools, and support, you can get your book out into the world on your terms.
Ready to Publish? Let My Book Writers Help!
At My Book Writers, we specialize in helping aspiring authors like you bring their books to life, whether you’re self-publishing, pursuing a traditional deal, or exploring hybrid options.
Need help with ghostwriting, editing, cover design, or book formatting?
Want strategic guidance for self-publishing on Amazon KDP?
Looking for expert input on plot structure techniques?
We’re here to support your author’s journey from concept to publication.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the next step toward becoming a published author!