Indie Publishing vs Traditional Publishing

What's right for you?
It's so fabulous in this day and age. Anyone who has a dream of creating a children's book has the opportunity to do so. Whether your intention is to have an International Bestseller or make your family and friends proud, there is an opportunity for you.

I'm asked a lot what the difference is between Traditional Publishing and Self-publishing...and there are big differences.

Let's take a look at a few:


 



Traditional Publishing Pros

1. The publisher takes all of the risk. If your book is successful, you both win. If your book bombs, the publisher bears all of the costs for printing and marketing.
2. You'll receive an advance for your writing. It can be anywhere from $500 to $10,000. You won't see a royalty (which is typically about 5%) until that advance is paid by the sales of your book.
3. Most of the marketing is done by the publisher, sometimes with your help for book signings and talks.
4. You don't have to know anything about technology. You send in your manuscript or illustrations, and your part in the process is done.

Self-Publishing Pros

1. You control the how, when, and where to publish, plus all of the deadlines.
2. The look and feel of the manuscript, editing, illustration style, and design is all within your control.
3. With "print on-demand" publishing, royalties range from 20% to 35%. If you print with a traditional printer, you pay the printing costs up front, but all profits after that are yours.
4. You get to market where and how you want.

Traditional Publishing Cons

1. Typically the publisher decides the look and feel of the book based on their marketing department and what they know sells. Other than your writing or illustrating, you have very little, if any, say in how the book looks and feels.
2. It is difficult to get your manuscript or illustrations into the right hands. It takes a lot of upfront research to choose the right publisher. And then, it may be months before you hear anything about being accepted or not.
3. A lot of publishers only accept manuscripts and illustrations from literary agents and art reps.
4. You are at the mercy of their marketing reps. A marketing rep could have hundreds of titles to present to buyers. If yours is not expected to be a bestseller, you get pushed down on the list of important sales.

Self-publishing Cons

1. You may not make much money, and there is no advance for doing the work.
2. If you don't know how to use technology like Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign, you will have to higher people (which will cost money) to help you design a professional book to compete in the marketplace.
3. You do all of the marketing. This includes social media, contacting local bookstores for signings, contacting schools for talks, pre-launching and launching your book, and everything associated with public relations and your book.
4. You have to do all of the research on printing and costs associated with your book. The burden of costs is completely on you.

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when deciding to submit your work to a traditional publisher or self-publish. Here's a little graphic quiz to see what you're ready. Click below the image to view it larger.

Click here to view larger.

Personally, I've done both types of publishing with success. Self-publishing adds a lot to your workload, but you have a lot of control over the how, what, and where. There is a lot to know and/or learn. You are not just the writer or illustrator, but you're the designer, production person, and marketing and sales department, too. You lose that with traditional publishing, but you also don't bear the burden of costs either.

There is no guarantee either way that your book will be successful. That's why it is VERY important to present your very best work no matter which way you go.

Tell us in the comments below. Which way do you prefer and why?