What are the key factors to consider when choosing between traditional publishing and self-publishing?

Day 22 of 30 Bestselling Book Tips for Writing Your Life Story

When I started my publishing journey about 10 years ago, I was focused on the reputation and status of the traditional publishers.  I wanted a big name to represent me because I thought the more prestigious the name, the more popular my book would be.  Kinda like buying a Ferrari car or a Gucci bag.  I quickly learned 2 things: One, publishing companies are made of people and it’s the relationships with those people that matter. Two, the brand doesn’t make you popular, especially when hundreds of other authors are wearing the same label.  You still have to do the hard work to build your following. In fact, the only thing between me and a big contract at that time, according to the reps I spoke to, was that I did not have enough people on my mailing list (target was 100K).

The other thing that I learned in the process of acquiring a literary agent and talking to several publishing companies is that: the more people who are involved in the production of your book, the more you share both creative control and profit with them.  You also give away your rights – like giving someone the keys to your house to rent as they please.  One of the best conversations I’ve heard about this is the recent podcast with Tim Ferriss and New York Times bestselling author Hugh Howey.  His Silo trilogy was recently adapted by Apple TV, becoming their #1 drama of all time. He chose self-publishing and found interesting hacks for getting sales and book reviews. It’s worth a listen.

Ultimately, I chose self-publishing because I had a really strong vision of what I wanted to produce, I found an amazing developmental editor that I wanted on my team, I got to maintain control, royalties and rights to my work.  And I found creative ways to connect with my readers – like doing a crowdsourcing campaign, a social media push, speaking on a bunch of podcasts and stages. Self-publishing also allowed me to move from draft to print in 6 months – a timeline that is unheard of in traditional publishing.  I am happy with my choice and I’ll be self-publishing my second book this year.

So, if you’re on a publishing journey, think about your goals, timeline, budget, and willingness to take on different levels of responsibility.  Both options have their own set of challenges and rewards, but with dedication and the right strategy, your book can find its place in the hands of your readers. Making the right choice involves honest self-assessment of your needs and resources, ensuring that the path you take aligns with your personal vision and long-term aspirations for your writing career.

You can download my book here.

Learn more about writing coaching & writing retreats here.