Traditional vs. Hybrid vs. Self-Publishing

If you want to publish a book, there are lots of things you need to do, but the FIRST thing you should do is figure out which publishing method you’re going to use.

Why?

Because each method offers different pros and cons.

You probably already have an idea of which publishing method you prefer, but until you compare the requirements of each, you won’t know which is actually best for your book.

Know that to sell books – regardless of which publishing method you choose – you need a well-written manuscript and a targeted marketing plan. Yes, you’re responsible for marketing your own book no matter how it’s published.

So let’s discuss the major differences between the three types of publishing.

Publishing Method #1 – Traditional Publishing

Competition is fierce; according to Wordsrated.com “A publishing house of a medium/large size will often receive more than 5,000 unrequested manuscript submissions annually.”

• This publishing method typically requires a literary agent.
• Traditional publishing requires a book proposal.
• Traditional publishers require that you have an existing large and engaged audience (aka “platform”).
• They own the copyright to your material.
• They pay for the upfront publishing costs BUT …
• You only get a percentage of sales (royalties) after the publisher has recouped those initial publishing expenses (editing, design, etc.).
• You sometimes get an advance (however, this is becoming rare for first-time, unknown authors).
  
  Be sure to read your contract carefully before signing on the dotted line. If you have questions, make certain the publisher’s agent explains them fully to your understanding. It’s also a good idea to hire an intellectual property attorney to review your contract to make sure the contract is mutually beneficial to both the publisher AND you, not just the publisher.
  

Publishing Method #2 – Hybrid Publishing

• This publishing method is competitive in the sense that since they’re small, they can only publish a limited number of books per year.
• You pay them to do the work on your behalf.
• They often receive a percentage of sales.
• They sometimes own the copyright.
• They don’t always get a good reputation.
  
  See the above note about reviewing your contract!

Publishing Method #3 – Self-Publishing

• Becoming an indie author requires that you do all the work. which also means there’s a large learning curve.
• Self-publishing requires you to pay upfront publishing costs – but those can be offset by crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter.
• You own the copyright.
• You receive most of the profits – no middleman like the literary agent, but the print-on-demand (POD) company you use does get a percentage of sales.
• You have access to all the sales data so you can successfully tweak your marketing efforts.

There’s a lot more I could share about the three publishing methods, but know it all comes down to three primary things:

Time vs. Money vs. Ownership

Which is most important to you?

To help you make that decision, I’ve put together a free guide called Your Path to Publishing.

It includes

• worksheets to help you analyze your goals and
• a detailed comparison chart of the three methods to help you
• determine which one is best for your book, brand, and bottom line.

Download your free copy today and remember: Don’t just write a book. Make an impact!

👇 Did you find this post helpful? Let me know in the comments! 👇

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Discover which publishing method is best for YOUR book, brand, and bottom line.

A 9-page guide to help you:

• analyze your publishing goals with valuable worksheets
• learn your publishing options with a comprehensive comparison chart
• publish with confidence