Pros and Cons of Publishing Options

Which way should I go?Are you struggling to decide how you should publish your book? Should you use the traditional route? Or maybe self-publish? Or should you try a hybrid publisher?
I’ve had to make this decision myself. My first three books were published through a hybrid publisher, and I’ll share my thoughts on that experience. But now that I’ve started a new series of cozy mysteries, I had to go through the decision process again.
Today, I’ll break down the pros and cons of each to help YOU choose the right path!


What are the three main publishing paths?

1. Traditional Publishing: Generally, a traditional publisher will handle editing, cover design, distribution and marketing.
   
2. Self-Publishing: In this option, you, the author, take control of the entire publishing process.
   
3. Hybrid Publishing: This option combines elements of traditional and self-publishing. The author pays for services but gets professional industry support.
   

Pros and Cons of Each PathTraditional Publishing: Pros:

• No upfront costs: The publisher will cover editing, design, printing, and distribution
  
• Industry credibility: Having a publisher’s name on your books can open doors
  
• Wider distribution: Access to bookstores, libraries, and major retailers
  

Cons:

• Very competitive: Requires querying and waiting for acceptance
  
• Lower Royalties: Typically, 10-15%
  
• Less creative control: Publisher decides cover, pricing, and edits
  
• Long timeline: It can take years from submission to publication
  

Caveats: Lower royalties may be offset by volume of sales, which should be higher with a traditional publisher. You may have less creative control; however, the publisher knows the markets and knows how to promote and position your book for optimum sales potential.
Who is this best for? If you want professional backing, are patient with a longer timeline to publication, and are looking for wider distribution, this option may be best for you!


Self-publishingPros:

• Full creative control: You, the author, decide on cover, pricing and edits
  
• Higher royalties: 35-70% on platforms like Amazon KDP
  
• Faster publishing: You control the timing so a book can be released in months rather than years
  

Cons:

• Upfront costs: Editing, cover design and marketing are your responsibility
  
• No guaranteed bookstore placement: Retailers prefer traditionally published books
  
• Heavy marketing responsibility: Author must handle all promotions and marketing
  

Caveats: Higher royalties are alluring, but to truly benefit from them, sales volume must be high; therefore, your own marketing and promotion efforts are key to success. Some bookstores will carry self-published books, so you must know how to make your pitch attractive to them. Always check your local bookstores that carry new and used books; they may be more willing to carry self-published, especially for local authors. And, yes, you must handle all promotions and marketing, but for many publishers, much of that responsibility falls on the author anyway.
Who is it best for? This option is best for authors who want full control, are willing to invest in their book (editing, cover design, etc.), and are ready to market themselves.


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Hybrid Publishing:Pros:

• Professional quality: Hybrid publishers provide editing, design, and distribution.
  
• Faster than traditional: Books can typically be published quicker than through big publishers
  
• Retain some control: Authors have more say than in traditional publishing
  
• Often easier to get accepted: Fewer gatekeepers than in traditional publishing
  
• May give higher royalties than traditional publishers
  

Cons:

• Costs money: Authors pay upfront for services
  
• Varies by company: Some hybrid publishers are reputable, others are vanity presses
  
• Marketing is still largely on the author: Support varies by publisher.
  
• Higher royalties are attractive, but you will need to compare against your initial outlay
  

Caveats: It is important to carefully research the hybrid companies you are considering. Check their websites for membership with IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Assocation). The IBPA promotes Hybrid Publisher Criteria, which includes strict expectations that all hybrid publishers are expected to meet.
IBPA Hybrid Publisher Criteria - Independent Book Publishers Association
Hybrid publishers do charge a fee for their services; however, if you compare it to the cost of contracting an editor, cover designer, and also your time and effort in marketing and distribution in the self-publishing option, it is well-worth it for some authors. And, while marketing still rests with the author, this is true for many small traditional publishing houses as well.
Who is it best for? Writers who want professional guidance but don’t want to wait years for traditional publishing.
How to choose?What are your publishing goals? Ask yourself these three questions:

1. Do you want the full control found in self-publishing?
   
2. Would you prefer the professional backing of a traditional publisher?
   
3. Would a mix of both work for you in a hybrid option?
   

When I was ready to publish my first book, hybrid publishing was the best option for me. I received excellent support, I had the BEST editor I could have imagined, talented cover designers, and I’ve received ongoing help and support with marketing. But for my new cozy mystery series, I have submitted my manuscript to a traditional publisher. Why? I felt that with cozy mysteries, the market is very competitive and that finding a place in that market as a self-publisher might be an uphill climb. Not impossible, of course, but after researching, I found a publisher that knew my genre and I felt would be a good fit. They do respond to submissions rather quickly, so I felt confident in my decision. So, I asked myself the questions above and decided I wanted professional backing, I could be patient with a longer timeline to publication while I wrote more books in the series, and I wanted wider distribution.
I encourage you to do your research before deciding—I hope these pros and cons have been helpful!


Which publishing path sounds best for you? Comment below!Leave a comment!



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