Self-Publishing vs. Traditional: Which Path Is Right for You? (And What Most Authors Don’t Realize)
So you’ve written a book—or maybe you're still working on it—and you’re wondering: Should I self-publish or try to get a traditional book deal?
This question comes up with almost every client I work with, and for good reason. Choosing your publishing path is a big decision. It affects your timeline, budget, creative control, and how much support you’ll have during and after publication.
But here's the thing most writers don’t realize right away:
No matter which path you choose, you will still need to market your book yourself.
This isn’t a job you can do in secret. Sharing your story with readers means showing up somewhere—whether online, in bookstores, or in community spaces.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the differences between self-publishing, traditional publishing, and the increasingly popular hybrid publishing model. I’ll also help you reflect on what kind of author you are—and which path will support you best.
The W2 vs. 1099 of Publishing
The way I explain it to clients is this:
Traditional publishing is like being a W2 employee.
Self-publishing is like being a 1099 contractor.
A W2 employee has more structure, oversight, and built-in systems—but also less control and flexibility.
A 1099 contractor has more freedom and creative ownership—but also more responsibility for running the whole show.
Neither is better than the other—they’re just different work styles. The same applies to publishing. Let’s explore what that looks like.
Traditional Publishing
Pros:
Professional editing, design, and distribution included
No upfront costs to the author
Potential for bookstore placement and literary recognition
External validation (agent, publisher, industry gatekeepers)
Cons:
Long timelines (1–2 years after acceptance)
High competition (querying can take months or years)
Less creative control over cover, title, edits, and pricing
Lower royalties (often 10–15% for print, slightly higher for ebooks)
You’re still expected to market your book
Best for you if:
You prefer a structured system with professional oversight
You don’t want to manage vendors or handle publishing logistics
You're okay with waiting 1–2 years (or longer) for your book to hit shelves
You're willing to query agents and pitch publishers persistently
Self-Publishing
Pros:
Full creative control (cover, title, timeline, content)
Faster release (you can publish in months, not years)
Higher royalties (typically 60–70% on Amazon KDP)
More flexibility with marketing and pricing
Ability to create multiple income streams and products
Cons:
All production costs are on you (editing, design, formatting, etc.)
You’ll need to research, vet, and manage service providers
No guarantee of distribution beyond online retailers
You are fully responsible for marketing and audience building
Best for you if:
You have a strong entrepreneurial spirit or want to run an author business
You want full control over your work and timeline
You’re willing to invest financially in your book’s production
You’re comfortable learning (or hiring for) marketing and publishing tasks
The Secret Third Option: Hybrid Publishing
Hybrid publishing blends elements of both traditional and self-publishing. You typically pay a vetted publisher to handle the production and distribution of your book—but with more creative input and higher royalties than traditional deals.
Pros:
Professional support without waiting years
More creative say than traditional publishing
Legitimate distribution and design services
Usually includes some level of marketing assistance
Cons:
Upfront costs (sometimes $2,000–$10,000+)
Can be hard to tell legitimate hybrids from vanity presses
You still need to actively participate in marketing
Best for you if:
You want professional polish but don’t want to DIY
You have the budget to invest but still want a partner
You value both creative input and experienced guidance
No matter which path you choose—traditional, self, or hybrid—you are responsible for showing up and sharing your book with the world.
What Authors Often Ask (and What They Really Need to Know)
“Will a publisher do all the marketing for me?”
Nope. Even traditionally published authors are expected to build a platform, connect with readers, pitch themselves for events and podcasts, and actively promote their book.
“Can I just write the book and let someone else handle the rest?”
If that’s your dream, traditional publishing might seem appealing—but even then, you’ll still need to pitch the book, attend events, and show up online. Writing is only part of the job.
“How do I know which path is right for me?”
Ask yourself:
Do I want full control or professional oversight?
Am I willing to invest money or time—or both?
Do I want to move quickly or am I okay with waiting?
Do I want to build a long-term author business or publish one book?
Your answers will lead you toward the path that aligns with your goals, personality, and capacity.
Final Thoughts: Your Publishing Path Should Support You
Choosing your publishing path isn’t about following trends or doing what others are doing. It’s about knowing yourself—your strengths, your schedule, your budget, and your goals—and picking the option that will support you, not drain you.
And no matter what, here’s the one truth I want you to remember:
All publishing paths require you to show up, market your work, and be the bridge between your book and your readers.
Whether you’re self-publishing your first novella, pitching agents, or hiring a hybrid publisher, you are the heartbeat behind your book’s success. That’s not something to fear—it’s something to embrace.
You’ve already done the hard part: writing your story. Now let’s make sure it actually reaches the people who need it.
To decide on your pathway, use my free guide to assist you in making the right choice.
P.S. Letters From Story Flow is your bi-weekly resource for authors who are ready to grow their careers with clarity and ease—without relying on hustle-heavy strategies that don’t feel like you.
If you're ready to build a sustainable author business, connect with readers, and get expert guidance that actually meets you where you are, click here to join me!