Traditional Book Publishing Vs Self Publishing

If you are someone who is tempted to write a book, then it’s worth noting that both routes offer its advantages and disadvantages.

Evident from the history of success, a book, if traditionally published, is more likely to get accelerated if it’s a favourite among the readers. But there have been some wild successes on self publishing front too. But now, you have almost no choice.

Let me explain…

Previous Traditional Publishing

Earlier, book publishers used to bet on every book. They would receive thousands of manuscripts. They would read through all of them – their first two chapters- gauge them, and have a betting scheme. At the end of this journey, they would end up with 100 books to be published. Sincethis would be based on the manuscripts ‘ strengths, the mix would have many first-time authors.

Then the publisher would sign an agreement, pay an advance and then proceed to market the book. And out of 100, 90 would fail to even recover the advance. But the 10 would surpass in sales, covering all the other books and more.

It was a win-win for everyone. All authors were assured of the advance money even if their book failed. The publisher would eventually earn more money than lost. Readers would trust the publisher more to bring in varied voices.

Rinse and repeat this to become the best publisher ever.

Self Publishing

If you don’t want to go through the traditional route for any reason – you opt for self-publishing. You write your book and then go and self-publish. There is no waiting period; anyone can buy the book immediately.

But since it isn’t traditionally published, it isn’t available in physical stores. You need to do your own marketing. And therefore, choosing this route means anyone who can publish the book, and most of them would sell only 1 copy.

Since there is no curation, many people with half-baked ideas or no thorough writing get their books published. And those which are any good fails because of no marketing.

The Failure of Traditional Publishing

Now, the traditional publishers have given up totally. Now, they don’t bet on new writers. They want sure-shot success. You get those by making sure you publish only books from those who have the means to market or have a big enough name, or have an audience ready to buy.

There is no curation now. And first time authors are not given any chance. Traditional publishers have become a gimmick to only maximise profit.

Now, if you are a writer, then don’t bother going to a traditional publisher. They don’t even read your emails. Of course, they don’t say all of this explicitly because they want to save the face.

So, get yourself an audience or money to market or become famous to publish traditionally. But then, if you have all of these, you can very well self-publish the books and sell them.

The only hand traditional publishers can provide is distribution in physical stores.

What To Do Now?

Most people who are famous and can sell books opt for traditional publishers because they accelerate your initial sales. So, if you have that money, go for a traditional publisher.

But for the rest of us, we have no choice but to self-publish.

Keep on writing and make that book happen. Even if it doesn’t sell. Write it for yourself.

Click here to buy my book on the Internet. It’s the best of me in a book.