Did you know self-publishing is growing at 17% a year while traditional publishing crawls at just 1%? Behind those numbers is a revolution that’s turning the whole book-making process on its head.
What’s driving this indie author avalanche? Why are so many ditching the old gatekeepers? If you have a story inside you, this shift might be the spark that changes everything or it might leave you second guessing every step.
Choosing how to publish will determine your legacy, your paycheck and how long you’ll have to wait for that “author” title to feel real. So what’s the play? Go traditional or jump in the wild, fast moving waters of self-publishing?
Keep reading because I’m about to pull back the curtain on what these numbers mean for you, weigh the trade-offs and point you in the direction of what’s right for your dream. Let’s start.
What Do These Terms Actually Mean?
Before we get going, let’s get clear on what we’re talking about.
Traditional Publishing vs self publishing might sound fancy, but they’re pretty straightforward once you break them down.
Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing is the classic route. You write your book, then go hunting for a literary agent who believes in your work.
If you find one, they pitch your manuscript to publishing houses. When a publisher says yes, they take over. They pay for editing, design, printing, and getting it into stores.
In return, you get royalties, a cut of each sale, usually a small percentage.
It all sounds good, right? Well, it’s not a quick trip.
Finding an agent can take months. Getting a publisher on board might add a year. Then, producing the book could stretch things out to two years or more.
Plus, there are gatekeepers (agents and editors) who have to greenlight your work. They’re picky, and rejection is part of the game.
Self-Publishing
Now flip the script. Self-publishing is you saying, “I’ve got this.” You write the book, then hire people for editing, cover design and formatting.
Once it’s ready, you upload it to platforms like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. You’re in charge so you decide when it goes live.
The payoff is that you get to keep more of the money, sometimes up to 70% of every sale.
It’s faster, too. You could have your book out in three to six months if you move quickly. And if you don’t promote your book, it might just sit there gathering dust.
The Biggest Difference
Traditional publishing puts your book’s rights in the hands of the publisher, leaving them in charge of the marketing and major decisions.
Self-publishing flips the script. You hold the rights, set the price, and call the shots. That kind of freedom is thrilling, but it also means the responsibility. And the risk falls entirely on you.
Pros and Cons
Both paths have their perks and their rough patches. Let’s lay them out so you can see what you’re signing up for.
Traditional Publishing The Good and Bad
First up, the perks. You don’t put up a dime. The publisher pays for production, and they’ve got connections to get your book into physical bookstores. That’s a big deal if you’ve always pictured your book on a shelf.
On the other hand, it’s slow. From signing a deal to seeing your book in stores, it’s two years or more. Royalties are small. You get 10% to 15% of each sale, so you’re not making money unless it’s a best seller. And you don’t have much control. The publisher might change your title or put a cover on it you don’t like, and you have to live with it.
Self-Publishing: The Upsides and Downsides
Self-publishing flips the script. You’re in charge of everything: how it looks, when it’s released, what it’s called. That’s amazing if you have a clear vision. It’s fast, too. You can go from finished draft to published in 3-6 months. And you keep way more money. Sometimes, 35% to 70% of each sale, depending on how you sell it.
But it’s not free. You’ll need to pay for editing, a good cover, and maybe some ads ($2,000 to $5,000 if you want it done right). Marketing is all on you, too. If you’re shy about shouting your book from the rooftops, that’s a hurdle. And there’s no guarantee it’ll sell. You might put your heart into it and still get nothing in return.
Costs and Earnings
Money is a big part of this equation. How much do you spend, and how much do you make? Here’s the breakdown.
What Self-Publishing Really Costs
So here are the costs for a professional book that can compete in today’s market:
- Professional editing: $2,000-$4,720 (depending on book length and type of edit)
- Cover design: $880-$1,000 (for a digital cover; print covers may be more)
- Formatting: $50-$500 (or free if you learn to do it yourself)
- ISBN numbers: $125 for one or $295 for ten (optional but professional)
- Marketing: $500+ ( highly variable based on your strategy)
Many independent authors invest $2,940 to $5,660 to launch their book. But remember, these are upfront costs that traditional publishers would cover.
Royalty Math: How Much Do Authors Keep?
Now, the payoff. Say your book sells for $20. In traditional publishing, you’re looking at $2 to $4 per copy in royalties. Not bad, but not life-changing. Self-publishing an ebook at the same price could net you $6 to $14 per sale, especially if you’re on a platform like Amazon that gives you 70%. That’s one reason why self publishing is better for many authors who prioritize profits.
Sales Reality Check
The cold truth is that most books don’t fly off the shelves. A traditionally published debut might sell 2,000 to 5,000 copies over its lifetime. Self-published books often do worse, 100 to 300 copies is common. Some barely crack double digits.
| Traditional Publishing | Self-Publishing | |
| Average Sales (Lifetime) | 2,000 – 5,000 copies | 50 – 500 copies |
| Advance | $5,000 – $15,000 (not guaranteed to earn out) | None |
| Earnings per Sale | Lower, but benefits from bookstore exposure | Higher, but relies on marketing |
Who Should Go Traditional?
Traditional publishing sounds glamorous, but it’s not for everyone. In fact, it’s a tiny club.
Ideal Candidates for Traditional Publishing
If you’ve got a famous name, like a celebrity or a big-shot CEO, then publishers will roll out the red carpet. Children’s book authors get access to school and library connections through traditional publishing, which makes it easier to reach children and their parents.
Writers who need validation may prefer traditional publishing’s stamp of approval. If hearing “real publisher” matters to you, then this is the path that gives you that.
Marketing-averse authors who truly dislike or struggle with self-promotion may appreciate at least some marketing support from a publisher.
“Only 1% of Submissions Get Published”
The harsh truth is that big publishing houses accept less than 1% of submissions. Even with a literary agent (who themselves accept only about 1-3% of queries), your chances are still slim. Traditional publishers are taking fewer risks on debut authors and offering smaller advances than ever before.
This isn’t meant to discourage you, but to prepare you for the reality of the traditional publishing landscape. If you’re determined to go this route, you’ll need persistence, patience and thick skin to handle the rejections.
Who Should Self-Publish? (Hint: Most Authors)
Self-publishing has moved from last resort to first choice for many authors. The stigma has worn off as more and more successful writers are choosing this path.
Perfect Fit for Self-Publishing
For many authors wondering is it better to self publish, the answer is yes, especially if:
- You want to publish more than one book per year
- You write in genres with passionate digital readerships (romance, thrillers, science fiction, fantasy)
- You’re a business owner using a book to establish authority or generate leads
- You plan to write a series (series do exceptionally well in self-publishing)
- You like creative control and business ownership
- You’re comfortable with or willing to learn marketing
- You have a specific niche audience, you know how to reach
- You don’t want to wait years to see your book in print
5 Questions to Pick Your Path
Still not sure which way to go? Ask yourself these questions:
1. Can You Handle Rejection?
Traditional publishing means hundreds of rejection letters from agents and editors. Self-publishing spares you that pain but gives you market uncertainty. Which one would bother you less?
2. Do You Have $3,000+ to Invest?
Self-publishing requires upfront investment. If you can’t afford editing and cover design, traditional publishing might be your way to go. Remember investing in your book doesn’t guarantee sales, it just gives your book a chance in a crowded market.
3. Are You Writing a Series?
Series books do great in self-publishing where you control the release schedule and can use first-in-series promotions to drive readers through your backlist. Traditional publishers want to see how book one does before committing to the rest of the series.
4. Can You Market Like a Pro?
Both ways require author marketing but self-publishing makes it mandatory. Are you willing to learn about building an email list, running promos, and maintaining an author platform? If marketing sounds like torture, traditional publishing provides some support.
5. Do You Need Speed?
If getting your book to market fast is important to you, self-publishing wins hands down. Traditional publishing takes two years or more, self-publishing can be three months (though six months is more realistic for quality production).
Myths That Need to Die
Let’s bust some nonsense floating around out there.
“Self-Publishing isn’t ‘Real’ Publishing”
This might have been true 15 years ago, but not anymore. Self-published books are hitting bestseller lists and getting optioned by Hollywood. Nearly 7 of the top 100 selling ebooks on Amazon were self-published.
Readers don’t care who published a book. They care about the story, information or entertainment value.
“Traditional Publishers Do Everything”
Many new authors are surprised to find out how much marketing falls on their shoulders even with a traditional publisher.
Unless you’re a celebrity or getting a major push as the publisher’s lead title, expect to:
- Build your own social media presence
- Arrange your own local events
- Create and manage your own website
- Engage directly with readers
The days of publishers handling everything while authors simply write are largely gone.
Your Action Plan (Next Steps)
Alright, you’ve got the lay of the land. Here’s how to move forward.
Step 1: Take the “Author Personality Quiz”
Quick gut check: Love control? Self-publishing’s calling. Hate marketing? Traditional might ease the sting. Jot down what fires you up and what drags you down.
Step 2: Budget Your Time and Money
For traditional publishing, budget:
- 3-6 months to find an agent (if you’re lucky)
- 6-12 months for the agent to sell your book (if you’re lucky)
- 18-24 months from contract to publication
For self-publishing, budget:
- $500-$2,500 for editing
- $300-$1,000 for cover design
- $100-$500 for formatting
- $500+ for initial marketing
- 3-6 months (final draft to publication)
Step 3: Find Your Community
Find your people. Facebook groups for writers are treasure troves. Ask questions, share stories, soak up advice. You’re not alone in this.
Final Words
There’s no “best” publishing path. Only the path that’s best for YOU and YOUR goals. Think about your priorities, personality, and resources. Then make your decision with confidence knowing both paths have led to successful writing careers. The most important thing is to start. Your book needs to find its readers whether through a traditional publisher or your own publishing company. If you need help on your publishing journey, Mayfair Publishers can help authors navigate their options and make informed decisions. Our team of industry insiders will help you figure out which path is best for you and your situation.
