There’s no single right way to publish a book. And you don’t have to choose one method forever. The best authors don’t just choose a path. Some self-publish first and land traditional deals later. Others go traditional, then shift when they want control. But before you pick a lane, you need to know how each one actually works. This guide breaks all you need to decide between self-publishing vs. traditional publishing.
A Brief Overview of Traditional, Self, and Hybrid Publishing
Traditional publishing is like getting accepted into a club. You usually need a literary agent to pitch your manuscript to publishing houses. If accepted, you get a team of editors, designers, marketers. You don’t pay anything upfront. They cover costs and take over decisions. In return, you give up some control and a good chunk of your royalties.
Self-publishing is the opposite. You’re the boss. You write the book, choose the cover, set the price, and market it. You pay for services like editing or design out of pocket, but you also keep more money when books sell.
Then there’s hybrid Amazon book publishing. It’s a mix. You pay upfront for professional help, but you retain creative input and a bigger cut of the profits. It’s great for authors who want support but still want a say.
Cost and Benefits of Each Publishing Route
Traditional publishing can sound like a dream with no upfront costs, the chance of an advance, and your book in stores. But here’s the trade-off. You might wait months or years for acceptance. And when you finally do get published, your royalty rates are often between 5–15%. They own the process. They call the shots.
Self-publishing changes that. You front the costs, but you keep the control. And your royalties go from 35% to 70%, depending on the platform. Hybrid sits in the middle. You pay for professional services but maintain your rights and a higher royalty share than traditional publishing. More investment upfront means more control and a better return.
Switching Paths: From Indie to Traditional and Back Again
The path you start on doesn’t have to be the path you stay on. Plenty of indie authors have caught the attention of major publishers after their books went viral. Hugh Howey. Colleen Hoover. They built massive audiences on their own then leveraged that into big deals.
On the flip side, traditionally published authors often move into self-publishing to reclaim control, speed up releases, or write what they want without gatekeepers. You’re not locked in. Your career can evolve as your goals evolve.
Get in Tune With What You Really Want
Before you chase a deal or click “publish,” ask yourself: what do I actually want from this book? Is it validation? Seeing your book on shelves and being backed by a publisher? Or is it freedom? Writing on your own terms, owning your schedule, setting your price?
Maybe it’s about income. Maybe it’s reach. Or maybe you just want to get it out there without waiting on anyone’s yes. Every path comes with trade-offs. The key is knowing what matters most to you.
Questions to Help You Choose
Ask yourself:
Do I have the budget to invest upfront in editing, design, and marketing?
Do I want full control over the book, or am I okay handing off creative decisions? How fast do I want this book out in the world?
Do I need validation from a traditional publisher, or am I confident in building my own audience?
Am I willing to handle sales, promotion, pricing?
Your answers will point you in the right direction and bring clarity.
Charting a Course That Works for You
This isn’t about choosing the “best” path. It’s about choosing your path. The one that fits where you are, what you want, and what you’re ready for right now. And remember: nothing is final.
You can start one way and switch later. The most successful authors adapt as they grow. You don’t need permission to publish. You just need a plan. So whether you go indie, pitch agents, or try both, the best next step is the one that moves you forward.
