One million books are published every year. Some become overnight sensations, top the bestseller lists and get movie deals. Others sell a handful of copies and disappear. So, what’s the difference?
Great writing, yes. But just as important? How the book is published.
Traditional and self-publishing are the two main routes, but they lead to very different journeys. Both paths have led to amazing success stories, but both have challenges. So how do you choose which publishing route is for you?
That’s what we’re going to find out. Today, we’ll break down the book publication process and help you understand the stages of publishing a book so you can make the right decision for your writing career.
What Is Book Publishing?
Book publishing is the whole process of taking your story or idea and turning it into a finished book that people can pick up. It’s the bridge between your imagination and someone curling up with your work on their couch.
The process starts when you finish writing and ends when your book lands in people’s hands (whether that’s on a bookstore shelf or their e-reader). Along the way there’s editing, designing, printing and sharing it with the world.
At its most basic, publishing means making your work public. But the steps to get there can vary widely. Let’s break down some key terms you’ll need to know:
- Author: That’s you, the person who wrote the book!
- Publisher: The company that turns your manuscript into a book and helps sell it
- Literary agent: A person who helps authors find publishers and negotiate deals
- ISBN: A unique number that identifies your book in bookstores and libraries
- Royalties: Money you earn from each book sale
Why You Need to Know the Process
You’re probably wondering why you need to know all this stuff. Well, the way you choose to publish can change everything. It affects how many people read your book, how polished it feels, and even how much you earn from it. Get it right and your story could reach tons of readers with a professional vibe. Get it wrong and it might just sit on your laptop forever.
There are two main paths to choose from: traditional publishing and self-publishing. One puts a company in control, and the other puts you in charge.
Each has its pros and cons and we’ll get into those soon. Knowing how it all works helps you make an informed decision that fits your goals.
The Traditional Book Publishing Process
Traditional publishing is the classic path, the one you might picture with big-name authors and bookstores. Here’s how it goes, step by step.
Step 1: Write and Polish Your Manuscript
It all starts with writing your book. You’ve got to write it, of course. Dream up the idea, sketch out the plot or main points, and get those words down. But the first draft is just the beginning. Most authors spend months or even years on it. You will need to refine it again and again.
Once you’re done, read it yourself and then maybe share it with friends or beta readers (those are kind folks who read early versions and give you the honest feedback).
If you’ve got the money, a professional editor can polish it up even more. One person can fix the big picture (like story structure and character growth), another can handle grammar, and a final pair of eyes can catch tiny mistakes.
Note: Agents and publishers reject many books because they need more work, not because the idea isn’t good.
Step 2: Get a Literary Agent
Literary agents are middlemen between authors and publishers. They know which editors like what kinds of books and how to pitch your work to make it stand out.
To get an agent, you’ll need to write a query letter, a one-page pitch that hooks them. A good query explains your book’s plot or main ideas, why readers will care and a bit about you as a writer.
Finding the right agent takes research. Look for agents who represent books like yours. Send your query to many agents, but always follow their submission guidelines. Keep track of who you’ve contacted and their responses.
Rejection is normal, even bestselling authors faced it. Keep trying and keep improving your work.
Step 3: Pitch to Publishers
Your agent takes your manuscript and shops it around to publishers. They send it to editors who decide if it’s a fit. If a publisher loves it, they’ll offer you a deal.
The contract lays out how much money you get upfront (that’s the advance) and what percentage of sales you’ll earn later (royalties).
They might also ask for rights to make your book into an audiobook or movie. It is a big moment, but read that contract carefully. You might even want to have a lawyer check it.
Step 4: The Editorial Process
Once you sign a contract, you’ll work with an editor. You might have to rewrite chapters or sections based on their feedback.
After that, copy editing begins. This is sentence level stuff like grammar, word choice and style. Finally, proofreading catches any last typos or formatting issues.
This back and forth can take months. At the same time, it might feel like a lot of feedback.
Remember that editors want your book to succeed as much as you do. Their job is to help make your book the best it can be.
Step 5: Design and Production
A good cover grabs attention and tells the reader what kind of book it is. Publishers know what sells, although authors sometimes get a say too.
Inside the book, designers choose fonts and layouts. They make sure the text is readable in print and ebook.
Before printing, your book gets the legal bits. An ISBN (a unique number that helps shops track books) and a copyright registration to protect your work.
Step 6: Marketing and Pre-Launch
Marketing starts months before your book is out. Publishers send out advance reader copies (ARCs) to reviewers, bookstores, and influencers to get the buzz going.
The marketing team works on cover copy, author bios, press releases, and advertising plans. They might schedule interviews, guest posts, or book tour events.
Your role in marketing varies by publisher. Big publishers do most of the promotion for big authors, while smaller presses expect authors to do more.
Either way, having your own online presence helps. Start building your reader connections through social media, a website, or newsletter.
Step 7: Distribution and Sales
Publishers have teams that get books into stores. Sales reps show your book to Barnes & Noble, indie bookshops, and online retailers.
Distributors handle shipping books to stores and tracking sales. Publishers use this data to see how well your book is doing and decide whether to print more copies.
Success might mean hitting bestseller lists, but most books don’t. Publishers look at whether your book earned back its costs and built an audience for your next book.
Step 8: Post-Publication Efforts
You’re not done when your book is published. Engage with your readers through social media and events to build a following. Respond to reviews (nice and to the negative ones too) to show you value reader feedback.
Many authors have websites and email lists to stay in touch with fans. These are even more useful when you publish more books.
The Self-Publishing Process
Let’s switch to self-publishing. This is where you’re in charge. Here’s what that looks like.
Step 1: Preparing Your Manuscript
Self-publishing starts like traditional publishing, writing a great book. There’s no shortcut around that. But here’s where things change! You’re in charge of everything after the first draft. That means editing, formatting, cover design, marketing, it’s all on you.
Can you edit your own book? Sure. Should you? Not entirely. After months (or years) of writing, it’s easy to miss errors or overlook weak spots in your story. That’s why hiring a professional editor is worth considering. A fresh set of expert eyes can catch issues you’ve become blind to.
Yes, professional editing costs money. Proofreading alone can run around $500, while developmental editing (deep structural work) can cost several thousand. But think of it as an investment, because a poorly edited book gets bad reviews. And bad reviews kill sales.
Skipping thorough editing is the #1 mistake new self publishers make. Readers notice sloppy writing, and nothing tanks a book’s chances faster than bad reviews calling out typos, inconsistencies or awkward prose.
Step 2: Designing Your Book
Readers judge books by their covers, especially online where they scroll through dozens of options in seconds. A cheap-looking cover screams “amateur,” while a professionally designed one tells readers that this book is worth my time.
You’ve got three main options:
- Use cover design tools like Canva (budget friendly but limited)
- Hire designers through sites like Fiverr or 99Designs (mid range prices)
- Work with professional book cover designers (most expensive but highest quality)
Interior formatting matters too. If your book looks like a wall of text with awkward spacing, readers will struggle to get through it.
Programs like Vellum and Atticus can help format your book properly. Or you can hire a formatter to do it for you.
A book that’s polished inside and out makes all the difference to how readers (and reviewers) see your work.
Step 3: Legal and Administrative Tasks
You’ll need:
- An ISBN for each format (print, e-book, audiobook)
- Copyright registration (optional but nice)
- A business plan for taxes and expenses
You’ll choose which platforms to go through. Popular options are:
- Amazon KDP (reaches the most readers)
- IngramSpark (better for getting into bookstores)
- Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble (additional e-book markets)
Each platform has different rules, royalty rates and file requirements.
Step 4: Publishing and Distribution
Print on demand has changed self-publishing by eliminating the need to print and store thousands of books. Services like KDP Print and IngramSpark print books as they’re ordered.
Amazon dominates ebook sales but going “wide” (publishing on multiple platforms) can reach more readers. Tools like Draft2Digital can distribute your ebook to many stores at once.
Step 5: Promote Your Book
Here’s the hard part: telling people your book exists. You’ll need a website, maybe some social media posts, or an email list for fans.
Paid ads on Amazon or Facebook can help, but they cost money. Reviews matter a lot! Ask readers to leave them on Amazon or Goodreads.
Step 6: Managing Growth
Once it’s out, keep an eye on sales. Check your royalties (you get more per book this way). And think about extras, maybe an audiobook or a sequel. It’s your little business now, and you’re the CEO.
Key Players in the Publishing Industry
No matter which path you pick, there are folks who make the book world spin. Here’s who you might bump into.
Literary Agents
Agents are gatekeepers and advocates. They filter submissions and look for books with commercial potential. Once they take you on as a client, they use their industry connections to find the right publisher.
They only make money when you do. Good agents will also help with career planning, contract review and dealing with problems with publishers.
Publishing Houses
The “Big Five” publishers handle most bestsellers and have the most resources. They’re made up of many smaller imprints that focus on specific genres or audiences.
Freelancers
If you’re self-publishing, then you’ll lean on freelancers (editors, designers, and marketers).
Distributors and Retailers
Behind the scenes, companies like Ingram move books from publishers to bookstores. They handle warehousing, shipping, and returns.
Publishing Paths
You have choices and each has its pros and cons. Let’s break them down so you can choose what’s right for you.
1. Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing is the old school route where a publisher takes on your book, handles all the heavy lifting and brings it to market. It’s a long process and competitive, but for many writers it’s the dream.
| Pros | Cons |
| No out-of-pocket costs – The publisher pays for editing, design, printing, and marketing. You don’t pay a thing. | It’s a slow process – From signing a deal to seeing your book in print, it’s 1–2 years or more. |
| A team behind you – Editors, designers, and marketers work to polish and promote your book. | Lower royalties – 10–15% on print books and 25% on e-books. |
| Bookstore placement – Traditional publishers have the connections to get your book into big chain stores. | Less creative control – The publisher has the final say on cover design, edits, and sometimes even the title. |
| Industry recognition – Having a publisher’s name on your book still carries weight. | Rights are locked in – Many contracts tie up your book rights for decades. |
| Advances possible – Some authors get paid upfront before the book even hits the shelves. | Marketing support varies – Some publishers go all in, others do the bare minimum – you might still have to promote your book yourself. |
2. Self-publishing
Self-publishing gives you the author control. You decide everything: when to publish, how to market, and where to sell. It’s fast, flexible and rewarding but comes with responsibilities.
| Benefits | Trade-offs |
| Full creative and marketing control | Upfront investment for editing, design, marketing |
| Keep higher royalties (up to 70% vs 10-15%) | Limited availability in physical bookstores |
| Publish quickly without waiting for approvals | No external marketing support unless you pay |
| Maintain full ownership of rights | Stigma about lower quality, though declining |
| Access to real-time sales data | Responsibility for entire publishing business tasks |
| No rejections from publishers or literary agents |
Who succeeds in self-publishing?
- Writers who want control over everything
- Authors with an entrepreneurial spirit
- Those willing to invest upfront for long-term returns
- Writers who have a built-in audience or marketing plan
- Authors who want to publish on their own schedule
3. Hybrid Publishing
Hybrid publishing is the middle ground between traditional and self-publishing.
How it Works:
- Authors pay for some or all production costs.
- Publishers offer professional services like editing, design, and distribution.
- Royalty rates are higher than traditional publishing but lower than self-publishing.
The Catch is that not all hybrid publishers are legitimate. Some offer real value, others are just vanity presses. They charge authors high fees without delivering any real publishing support.
Before signing with a hybrid publisher, research their record, past authors, and what services they actually provide.
4. Social Publishing
Some authors grow their audience by releasing their book one chapter at a time on digital platforms. Readers can follow along, give feedback and even support the author financially.
Popular Social Publishing Platforms that writers use to validate their work:
- Wattpad
- Substack
- Patreon
- Royal Road
Many self-published and traditionally published books started on these platforms. So engaging with readers early can build a large following before you even publish.
Costs and Timelines
Traditional publishing has no upfront costs, but royalties are low (5-15% print, 20-25% ebook). The process takes 2-3 years. Self-publishing costs vary: editing ($500-$3,000), cover design ($200-$1,000), formatting ($100-$500), ISBN ($125-$295), and marketing. But you keep more royalties (35-70%) and control when your book gets published.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many authors rush to publish without proper editing, hurting their book’s quality. Some choose a publishing path that doesn’t fit their goals. Marketing is often overlooked, but even great books need promotion. Contracts can be tricky, so get legal advice. Success takes time, and patience is key to building an audience.
How to Choose the Right Path
It depends on your situation and goals. Ask yourself:
1. What matters most to me: creative control or professional support?
2. Do I have the skills and time to handle marketing and business tasks?
3. How soon do I want to publish?
4. Do I have funds to invest upfront in editing and design?
5. Am I writing for a broad audience or a specific niche?
6. What are my long-term goals as an author?
There’s no one “better” path, just different routes for different authors and books.
The Bottom Line
Publishing a book is an art and a business. Knowing your options helps you make decisions that align with your goals, resources and vision for your work.
Remember persistence is more important than your publishing path. Great books find readers through many ways. Focus first on writing the best book you can, then choose the publishing method that suits you.
The publishing world is changing all the time with new platforms and opportunities emerging. Stay open to learning and adapting your approach as the landscape evolves. Whatever path you choose, take that first step. Start writing, keep learning and trust that with persistence and knowledge your book will find its way to readers who need it.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the publishing process, consider reaching out to professionals who can guide you. At Mayfair Publishers we help authors navigate every step of their publishing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a publishing company do?
Publishers find, develop, produce, and sell books. They handle editing, design, printing, marketing, and distribution. They invest upfront and share profits with authors through royalties.
2. Do I need an ISBN?
Yes, if you want to be in bookstores or library catalogs. Each format (hardcover, paperback, ebook) needs its own ISBN. Platforms like Amazon will give you a free ISBN but buying your own gives you more control.
3. Can I switch from self-publishing to traditional?
Yes, but it’s not easy. Self-published books with strong sales may interest traditional publishers. But many publishers view a book as “used” once it’s been published in any form. Your best chance is to approach publishers with a new, unpublished manuscript after building a successful self-publishing track record.
