Authors: Traditional vs Self-Publishing

Which Path Is Best?

As an editor/proofreader, I am often asked which method of publishing is best - traditional or self-published. That's tough to answer as everyone is different in goals for their project, time, skills, and profit preference.

I listen to many podcasts and resources including authors. Authors are seemingly 50:50 in their preference and recommendation. 

I'll share author resources I pay attention to and review responses I received to the question "traditional vs self-publishing" in Google's Gemini, an AI service. 

Defining Traditional vs Self-Publishing
Let's begin at the beginning. According to Gemini:
"Traditional publishing involves a publisher buying the rights to your manuscript, covering production costs, and handling distribution and marketing.

Self-publishing is an author-driven process where you manage and finance every step of bringing your book to market, but keep a higher percentage of the royalties. The best path depends on your goals for control, speed, and financial return." Below is a very quick review of the differences according to Google Gemini. 

Choose Traditional If...
Control
You are comfortable with relinquishing creative and business control to a team of experts.

Financials
You want a risk-free path with a potential upfront advance, and are fine with a smaller share of royalties.

Validation
You desire the prestige, industry recognition, and wide physical distribution that comes with a traditional book deal.

Timeline
You are patient and can wait 18+ months for your book to be published.

Business mindset
You prefer to focus solely on writing and let professionals handle the business side.

Choose Self-Publishing If...
Control
You want complete autonomy over every aspect of your book.

Financials
You are willing to invest your own money for higher royalties and long-term profit potential.

Validation
Your main goal is to get your work to readers sooner than later.

Timeline
You want to publish quickly and on your own schedule.

Business Mindset
You have an entrepreneurial spirit and are willing to learn about editing, marketing, and distribution.

And Now for a More Expansive Comparison
Jane Friedman is a fabulous resource in the publishing world. She has created charts to make it easier to digest this rather significant question as there are actually multiple types of publishing within both traditional and self-publishing. She offers them freely to all. I will attach a copy of the charts she posted January 2025 and a link for you to review her chart post and subscribe to her news.

Fabulous Self-Publishing Resource
Let me introduce you to my friend Gillian Whitney! She is a 5x author herself and is happy to assist you with getting published. She has a number of resources available on her podcasts, YouTube, and on LinkedIn. You'll see a number of other services available to help you make your publishing decisions. 

But What About Marketing?
I regularly hear from authors that you really need to plan on your own marketing. Going the traditional publisher path does not guarantee the best or full scale marketing effort on your behalf. You are one of many of their clients. It's a given the marketing is all on you when self-publishing, but you really should plan on it no matter how you publish. 

This is a large topic on its own. Many marketing options have been shared in prior blog posts and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis - stick around for more fun!

How About You?
Have you done traditional publishing, self-publishing, or both? I'd love to hear how it went for you to be able to share your insight with others!

Let's Chat or connect with me on LinkedIn!

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Jane Friedman - 2025-2026 Publishing Paths