Dear authors, writers, and aspiring writers. If you are looking for a direction on where and how to publish your book then this blog is for you!
So basically, there are two major types of publishing, and you’ll probably have to pick one amongst those. The options are self publishing vs traditional publishing, while both of these options offer more or less the same advantages, the process is what makes them differ.
More than 30% of e-book sales are made through self publishing, and the statistics are likely to grow as people become more aware of the process. The primary reasons for this surge are the ease of control over publishing, lower costs, growing e-book markets, and, of course, the digital shift.
So, read this blog as a comparison between self publishing vs traditional publishing of books and e-books, let’s start!
What Is Self Publishing?
Self publishing is when authors publish their books without any external help from traditional publishers. In self publishing, authors are fully accountable for editing, formatting, marketing, book covers, etc, gaining full access and control.
Self-publishing is becoming wildly popular among authors, especially among indie authors who want to move fast, stay flexible, and experiment with pricing or book formats without waiting on traditional gatekeepers.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Self Publishing
You have to trust the process when it comes to self publishing. The drawbacks may scare you for a while, but the results are worth it.
Being a responsible writer, let me share with you both the advantages and disadvantages of self publishing.
Benefits:
- Total creative control over content, cover, and release dates.
- Higher royalty rates (up to 70% on platforms like KDP).
- Faster time to market, you can publish in days, not months or years.
- Direct connection with your audience.
Drawbacks:
- You have to pay for everything, including editing, design, and marketing.
- It’s easy to get lost in the crowd without promotion.
- No guaranteed distribution in physical bookstores.
- Perceived credibility gap vs. traditional publishing.
The good news? With the right tools and a solid strategy, most of these drawbacks can be managed.
What Is Traditional Publishing?
On the other hand, traditional publishing remains the classic way of making your books reach the right audience.
Traditional publishing means submitting your manuscript to a publishing house (or going through an agent), signing a contract, and letting the professionals handle production, distribution, and marketing.
Major publishers like Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster still dominate this space. If accepted, you might get an advance, editorial support, and shelf space in bookstores.
However, traditional publishing is not as easy as it sounds. Rejections in this field are quite common. It can take months (sometimes years) just to get your manuscript reviewed, let alone accepted and published.
Comparing Royalties and Profits
Further ahead, let’s compare the cost and profit of self publishing vs traditional publishing.
Self Publishing Royalties:
Depending on pricing and region, Amazon KDP offers 35% to 70% royalties in self publishing. That means if you price your eBook at $9.99, you could make nearly $4 to $7 per sale.
Traditional Publishing Royalties:
Typically, for traditional publishing, you’ll earn around 8% to 15% on print books and 25% on eBooks. On a $99.99 book, you’ll get $1.50–$2.00 per sale, after your advance is “earned out.”
So yes, traditional publishing gives you a team, but they take a much bigger cut. Meanwhile, self publishing lets you keep most of the profit.
How to Choose the Right Path for Your Book
So, the big question for you? What should you choose for your book between self publishing vs traditional publishing?
To make a sound decision, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you want full creative control?
- Are you comfortable marketing and managing the process?
- Is speed to market important to you?
- Are you willing to handle the upfront costs?
If you answered yes to most of those, self publishing may be your best bet, especially for indie authors who want control over their creativity.
Now flip it:
- Are you looking for validation from a big-name publisher?
- Do you prefer focusing only on writing?
- Would you rather not deal with marketing or design?
- Are you okay with slower timelines and lower royalties?
Then, traditional publishing might be a better fit.
While there is no single answer for it, you can make a decision based on your needs.
Success Stories in Both Models
Publishing is only a part of your success; what makes you exceptional is your skill. Here are some of the success stories of authors with differing publishing choices.
Self Publishing Wins:
- Colleen Hoover started as a self published romance author. Today, she’s a household name and a NYT bestseller.
- Andy Weir published The Martian independently before Hollywood and a traditional publisher picked it up.
- Mark Dawson built an entire career as one of the best indie authors, earning top seven figures annually.
Traditional Publishing Icons:
- J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter) went the traditional route and built a global empire.
- Stephen King and Margaret Atwood are textbook examples of traditional publishing success, with long careers and big contracts.
Both sides have success stories. Both paths are valid. It’s all about what works for your goals, timeline, and vision.
Tools and Services for Each Publishing Route
If you are choosing self publishing for your book or e-book, use these tools for a smoother process:
- Amazon KDP: For Kindle and print-on-demand.
- Draft2Digital: For wide eBook distribution
- Reedsy: Hire editors, designers, and marketers.
- Canva Pro: Easy cover design.
- Audacity or Descript: Audio editing if you’re creating audiobooks.
And if you choose to go the classic traditional publishing path, use these tools:
- A polished manuscript.
- A solid query letter and synopsis.
- Writer’s Market (directory of agents and publishers).
- A literary agent to pitch your book.
- Patience and persistence (lots of it).
Pro tip: No matter which path you take, invest in editing. Whether you’re pitching to a publisher or uploading to Amazon, a professionally edited book is non-negotiable.
Final Thoughts
So if you are juggling around publishing choices, know that both methods are beneficial; what you pick depends on your publishing needs. Many major authors often go for both self publishing vs. traditional publishing; they either switch or keep straddling, depending on the project.
So if you need help in self publishing your book, California Book Publishers is here to help! And if you need publishers for traditional publishing, we are available for help in that, too! So stop the procrastination, get help from California Book Publishers and begin writing and publishing your books today!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which publishing model offers higher profits?
Self publishing usually offers higher royalties (up to 70%) but requires upfront investment in editing, design, and marketing. Traditional publishing offers lower royalties, around 10–15%, but covers most production costs and has wider initial distribution.
- Can self published authors become bestsellers?
Absolutely! Many indie authors have hit bestseller lists through smart marketing, strong storytelling, and reader engagement. Success depends more on strategy and quality than the publishing route you choose.
- What do publishers look for in traditional submissions?
Traditional publishers seek well-written manuscripts with commercial appeal, a clear target audience, and a compelling author platform. Strong query letters, market fit, and originality are essential for grabbing attention in a competitive market.
