It is often the inner voice telling a writer what his true passion is. However, it never tells him how to chase that dream. The person himself has to carve his path, seek inspiration, and gather knowledge for even the most basic things. Should I be a self-publishing author or a traditional one?
We have always found it pretty annoying, but it is what it is. So, here we are, for the aspiring authors, leaving a gift that time gave us, experience and knowledge. In this blog, we will discuss the pros and cons of both publishing styles and how to pick one of the two.
Opting for a Publishing Option Between Self & Traditional
For a brief moment, settle yourself in the shoes of a new writer. Someone whose eyes are full of dreams and whose head is overflowing with creative juices, impatient to be spilled on the paper.
Now, imagine in the middle of all the excitement, he finds himself standing in front of two confusing doors – Traditional and independent publishing. There are also two shiny keys in his hands, each opening a different door, leading to a different set of events. We know how difficult it can be to pick an option blindly. So, here is an in-depth analysis that will save all the aspiring writers from the trouble.
First, Become Aware of the Two Doors of Book Publication
- When you choose the customary way of getting your script printed, you must know that it involves the interference of the book printing services. If we break it down, this practice means you will be working closely with editors to polish your manuscript, book cover designers to create the book cover, and marketing teams to promote your book.
As a result of this collaborative process, the script has been revised multiple times and is sure to meet industry standards perfectly. However, while it can take some time, it brings several benefits to an author.
- Now, in the modern route of turning your script into a full-fledged book, things get slightly twisted. You have to step into the role of both writer and publisher. This means you will be overseeing and responsible for all the aspects of your book. From ideating and drafting to designing and marketing – everything will be done by you or by someone that you hire.
This seems a little challenging at first glance because of the hands-on approach, which requires you to be a jack of all trades, but it gives you the valuable freedom you won’t get otherwise.
The Good Side versus The Bad Side of Publishing Routes
| Characteristics | Self-Publishing | Traditional Publishing |
| 1. Control | You get to decide everything. | You have limited control, and the publisher can decide for you. |
| 2. Launch Time | The process can be as quick as you want it to be, e.g., in a few days. | The process is lengthy. It might take months or years. |
| 3. Upfront Cost | All the costs, like editing and designing, will be borne by you. | The publisher covers the costs, but he takes a share of the profits in this. |
| 4. Royalties | If you are an independent publisher, a higher percentage of royalties comes to you. | When working with book publishing companies in the UAE, you only receive 10-15% of net sales. |
| 5. Distribution | With primarily online and print-on-demand, the distribution is limited. | The sky is the limit. Your script will be everywhere – online, in bookstores, and even in libraries. |
| 6. Marketing | Doing it yourself requires more effort and investment. | The experts do the marketing and publicity tricks for you. |
| 7. Credibility | It is harder to gain credibility and recognition alone. | You take advantage of the established trust of the audience in the agency. |
| 8. Ownership | You own the rights to your script. | The rights are shared between you and the publisher. |
| 9. Flexibility | The deadline and updates go as you choose them to be. | You will be under strict deadlines and have no flexibility. |
| 10. Support | You have minimal support, so you handle everything on your own. | You provided ample backups, such as the editorial board, marketing, and legal teams. |
The Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the initial costs involved in independent publishing?
The primary expenses include editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing. Besides this, some other costs can be the purchase of ISBNs and the printing of physical copies. So, the total expense can be a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- What role do author platforms play in both publishing routes?
An author’s platform is comprised of their social media presence, an official website, and connections with potential readers. If all these platforms are strong, the author will get genuine help in his marketing efforts and sales growth.
- Can indie publishers enter major book awards and contests?
Yes, they can enter the major awards and contests, though eligibility requirements might vary. Thanks to the prestigious awards that started accepting self-published scripts and recognized the growing quality in this sector.
- What is the average timeline for getting a script published traditionally?
The timeline for getting a script in print can vary, but typically ranges from 12 to 24 months. This includes finding an agent, securing a publishing deal, going through the editing process, and finalizing production and marketing. Thus, the process can be lengthy, but it will be worth all the effort.
The Final Words on What Publishing Route to Pick
The bottom line is that when choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing, you need to consider your priorities. This is the easiest trick to know what will be the best choice for you. For example, if you want full control over the script in every sense and are looking forward to a quicker launch, then going independent is the solution.
However, customary printing can comfort you if you prefer professional support or want to delegate all the responsibilities for whatever reason. Apart from that, the author will experience a wider reach because of the strong agency network.
