Traditional publisher or self-publishing? How do I know which path to choose?

 

Today's Christian writers are blessed with multiple publishing options. It's important to know what path to take, but it isn't always easy to know which one to choose. 

Traditional Publishing

Companies that take all the responsibility and expense of producing a book. They do the editing, book cover, printing a book, and some of the marketing. 

    Some major traditional publishers

• Thomas Nelson
• Zondervan
• Baker Books
• Revell
• Bethany House
• Kregel
• Moody Publishers

    Pros of using a traditional publisher

    Credible and professional result. Readers recognize the traditional publisher and the finished book should be of high quality.     

    Access to major book awards. 

    No upfront costs to the author.

    More marketing/speaking opportunities.

    Cons

    Traditional publishers often require

        Authors to have a platform (followers) of 50,000 or more.

        Manuscript or idea to be submitted through an agent. 

        A year or more from the manuscript to publication.

          (Publishers can delay publication or never publish the book.)

        A contract giving them complete control and ownership of the book and the royalty amount to be paid to the author.

         Publisher can decide to take the book out of print.

        Author is expected to actively participate in the marketing.

Royalties - Author receives 5% to 15%. Libraries and bookstores purchase books at wholesale price. The publisher and agent also keep a portion.

Self-publishing

The author takes full responsibility for (and has control over) the production of the manuscript, cover, and marketing. They can do it all themselves or hire editors, cover designers, and marketing experts. They typically publish through Amazon and Ingram at little or no cost.

    Pros of self-publishing

    Complete control over the look, style, and marketing of the book.

    The publication timeline can be as quick as a few days.

    No agent required.

    Print on demand availability means you can keep the book active as long as you want.

Note - there are many indie book contests available.

        

    Cons

    Inexperienced authors can produce low-quality books that give an unprofessional impression.

    The author pays for the editing, cover design, formatting and marketing expenses.  

Royalties - Author receives 70% to 30%. No fees go to an agent or publishing company. If you sell through wholesale distributors such as Ingram, your royalty will be lower.

Hybrid publishing  A blend of indie and traditional publishing. The author has a team they pay to work with them.  

    Pros of hybrid publishing

        Authors have a team to guide them through the process.

        Authors often retain some creative control in the process.

        Usually faster than traditional.

    Cons

        They can require ownership of the book.

        Costs can escalate quickly. 

        It's sometimes difficult to know if a company is reputable or not until the author has invested heavily.

        Remember you are hiring them for services. Some offer pricey "complete packages." Others have you pay as you go along and see how much help you need. You might not realize the number of professional services your manuscript and cover needs and underestimate the cost.         

Royalties - range from 20% to 50%.

Beware - There are many reputable hybrid publishers who produce quality books as well as those who do poor work and customer service. 

Note - There are many small presses that act as indie publishers and pay a modest royalty. They typically require some control, require the author to pay for having the book professionally edited and formatted.

***

How do I choose?

Before you make a decision, 

    consider attending writers conferences. There, you will make contacts and have opportunities to ask people who have already been published about potential agents and publishers.

    

    Also consider joining a good critique group, such as Word Weavers, to hone the craft. Just because you have a great story doesn't mean you have a manuscript that meets industry standards. 

    

    Study writing and editing techniques from professionals. Numerous books and blogs are available. 

   

    Be ready to edit, rewrite, and take constructive criticism from those who are already in the industry.

    

 

~Making the choice~

Click here to read an article published by Publishers Weekly about the Christian indie publishing trends. 

What is most important to you?

 

Traditional

    If the prestige, credibility, and highly professional book are important to you. 

    If you already have a major following.

    If you want access to major book awards. 

    No upfront costs to the author.

    More marketing/speaking opportunities.

Make sure you are willing to wait for publication, receive small royalties and turn over your creative control.

Self-publish

    If you have experience in writing and publishing and have a critique group who can help with editing.

    If you want to retain complete control over the look, style, and marketing of the book.

    If publishing on a fast timeline is important to you. 

    No agent required.

    Higher royalty rate.

    Make sure you are willing to navigate the creative, publishing, and marketing aspects or hire someone to do those.

Hybrid

    If you are willing to hire a team to guide you through the process.

    Retain some creative control in the process.

Make sure you understand the costs, potential costs, and restrictions, as well as talk with other writers (benefit of writers conference) before you sign a contract with them. 

Dear writer,

Many options are available for you to publish the books God has laid on your heart. The world needs to have them, so 

• take your time. 
• Pray first and often. 
• Seek godly counsel. 
• Ask other writers who have information about each option and then 
• pray again.

Blessings,

Lisa

   

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