What inspires you to become a writer? A hope that you will get published and your readers would love to know your thoughts! Well, the modern day big question for the Writers and Authors is to choose between the options of Self-Publishing and Traditional Publishing!
So, let’s look upon the Pros & Cons of both the kinds of Publishing so that you get to analyze the Merits and Demerits of Self as well as Traditional Publishing and choose the right publishing option that benefits you more to get your book published.
1. Self-Publishing
What it takes to Self Publishing
Self-Publishing occurs when an Author handles the entire Book Publication process, including printing, distribution, and marketing on its own. Author execution of all phases during the self-publishing process is commonly called Independent Publishing.
The Author either has the skill set to carry out the Book Publishing steps such as Book Formatting/Indexing, Cover Designing and other such stages of the Book or Employs Professionals to complete the process for them.
Pros of Self-Publishing
a) Pros of Self-Publishing
- Authors enjoy the complete control over the Manuscript.
- Authors have the full Creative Liberty.
- Easy acceptance of the Manuscript.
- Authors have their say in setting Book’s Price.
- Royalty Rate is Immensely High, i.e. 30% to 70% at times.
Cons of Self-Publishing
b) Cons of Self-Publishing
- Authors pay for every step involved in the Publishing Process.
- Authors have to carry out the Sales, Marketing & Advertising activities of their Books.
- Authors are responsible to get their books placed in the Book Stores.
- Market Saturation affects the Self-Published Authors the most.
- Achieving high sales is much strenuous.
2. Traditional Publishing
What it takes for Traditional Publishing
Traditional Publishing occurs when the Authors completes the Manuscript, Writes a Query Letter or a Proposal and Submits these documents to a Publishing House individually or has a Literary Agent to forward these documents on their behalf.
If the Publishing House decides to publish the Book, they buy the rights from the Writer and Pays him or her upfront on Future Royalties. The house puts up the money to Design and Package the book, Prints as many copies of the Book as they think will sell, market the book and finally distributes the finished book to the readers.
Pros of Traditional Publishing
a) Pros of Traditional Publishing
- Distribution System is immensely large.
- Books get perfect Exposure and Advertisement.
- Marketing of the Book becomes easily and extensive.
- Authors receive advanced payment.
- Achieving high sales is much guaranteed.
Cons of Traditional Publishing
b) Cons of Traditional Publishing
- Too costly, as Authors have to pay the Literary Agents.
- The manuscript may get rejected or altered as well.
- Authors do not have much Creative Control.
- Publishing Procedure is too long and complex.
- Royalty Rate is unduly low, i.e. 7% to 15%.
“Completing the Manuscript is just half the process to shape up a Book; it’s all about choosing the Right Publishing, which ensures the dream of a Book to come true!” – Neel Preet
