Choosing Your Publishing Path: Self-Publishing, Indie Publishing, & Traditional Publishing Explained

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Publishing your book is an exciting journey, but with the various options available, how do you decide which path to take? In this blog post, we'll explore the three main avenues for publishing: self-publishing, independent publishing (indie publishing), and traditional publishing. Each route has its own set of advantages and considerations, allowing you to make an informed decision based on your goals, resources, and preferences.

Being a self-published author means that you control the entire publishing process and publish your book yourself. If you are willing to learn and navigate all aspects of the publishing process, then this can be the route for you. There is a lot that goes into a book, and you need to make sure you have a great support network to help you. Just because you are self-publishing, doesn't mean you have to do everything by yourself. If your book is intended to be widely available, you either need to educate yourself on publishing standards or you should consider using an Independent Publisher or a Traditional Publisher who already has expertise on those standards.

Self-publishing is a great option for newer authors, authors who want to create a book for their inner circle, want full control of their book, or are just starting out. This is a great way to start marketing yourself as a new author.

The Independent Publisher is an entrepreneur who coordinates the publishing process along with the author who retains ownership and proceeds of their book. The Indie Publisher profits by either charging a fee for services or claiming a portion of the royalty from books sold. This would be established between the Indie Publisher and author ahead of time through an agreed upon contract. Note—this is not the same as a 'vanity press' that charges authors for services they cannot provide or they are not upfront about how their business operates. Beware of vanity presses to ensure that you are getting the services you are paying for.

The other role that the Indie Publisher plays is to assist the author in obtaining other author-related services such as editing, graphic design work and/or marketing. These services can also be established between the Indie Publisher and author but are necessary in order to meet the standards of publishing.

Here are some benefits of using an Independent Publisher:

Here are some cons of using an Independent Publisher:

One of the major benefits of using a traditional publisher is the prestige that can be provided and validated through industry, social proof and success rates. You will receive top quality production and distribution to physical bookstores due to their level of specialty and help from a professional staff team. However, there are some significant drawbacks to the use of a traditional publisher. You could lose control over everything associated with your book except the words you wrote. You may have input but not necessarily any decision-making ability around the cover design, book description timing, price, marketing or distribution activities. Even though many traditional publishers will do limited marketing, many traditional publishers are hesitant to take on new authors without a significant social media following as proof they will be able to market themselves. You will not receive royalties until the publisher has made back the advance they have paid you. The advance is their best guess on how much you will make their company. You may be asked to travel all over the globe to book signings, but you may have to pay for the travel expenses yourself. Generally, if you use a traditional publisher, you also have hired an agent (who has assisted you in getting to the traditional publisher). You will also be required to pay a percent of any money you make from your writing to your agent. You may also be held to a multi-book contract with little time to write the new books.

As you can see, there are myriad factors to consider when choosing your publishing path. Whether you decide to self-publish, collaborate with an indie publisher, or pursue the traditional route, doing your research is paramount. Consider your level of commitment, knowledge, and financial resources to make the best decision for your book.

Remember, the publishing landscape is diverse and ever-changing. Your journey as an author is unique, and the right choice will align with your individual aspirations. The power is in your hands—weigh your options and embark on the path that best suits your creative vision and ambitions.