Fiction Writing - Traditional publishing vs Self publishing

Dear potential author,

Before you decide to write, you must choose which publishing path you are going to take.  You might wonder why I would write this article before I any other.  The reason is simple.  The writing process is easy, but what comes after that is another matter all together.

There are differences between traditional and self publishing.  I chose self publishing for various reasons, but this may not be the best route for you.  After reading below you will be able to decide what is best for you and your book.

Traditional publishing has its place and so does self publishing.  Below I list the differences and similarities.

What is the difference between traditional publishing and self publishing?

For me, I didn't see much of a difference.  Both have to foot the bill to get the book on the market.  The only advantages if your book is accepted is that you get an advance.  You lose all creative input.

Query letters
         
If you take the traditional publishing route you will have to have an almost finished manuscript or a very good synopsis to accompany your query letter to the publisher of your choice.  When you self publish you won't have to deal with writing query letters or the rejection letters that comes with them.

Editing

Traditional publisher is responsible for it.  When you self publish its your responsibility. In an article to come on editing, I will show you how to edit.  My tips and tricks for how to get the editing done
without sweating too much.

Book cover

It is outsourced by traditional publishers.  Here is where you have the choice to outsource or do it yourself as I did.  Again, I will cover this in an article on book covers.

Print and ebook formats

These days is is easy.  It is outsourced by both or done yourself.  When we get to the publishing part I will do an in depth article on it as it is import to get your book available in all formats.

Translations

Will only be done if you are an author that is well known.  :-) That's why I love self publishing.  I can have my book translated if I want to.

Book rights

This is a very complicated subject.  All I am saying is I am self publishing I don't have to stress about book rights.  I can publish anywhere I want because all my book rights belong to me.

Marketing

Guess what?  Marketing is all on you unless you are JK Rowling.  This is another in depth article I am going to do when we get to it.

I can go on and on about why self publishing is worth it, but I am not here to think for you.   I am simply listing facts and letting you decide what is best for you.


Until we meet again,


Just Write