Self Publishing or Traditional Publishing? Battle That Every Writer Faces!

Self Publishing or Traditional Publishing has become a relatively newer and intense battle for writers of the digital era.

“Waqt Badalta Hai, Par Log Nahi Badalte”

Yes, yes, definitely, you have to change yourself a bit each moment when things are not working out traditionally. This is the time when you have found your persona. Many well-established authors like Amish Tripathi (The Immortals of Meluha), E.L. James (50 Shades of Grey), Adithya Iyer (The Great Indian Obsession) and more, were initially rejected many times by the publishers.

The writers are the first source of information, who have all sorts of information about the book bit by bit. Then, why not move ahead with selling the copies, KHUD-SE?? Why do passionate writers rely on publishing houses? Moreover, what are the pros/cons of the two?

1. Some KEY-NOTES about which approach is better (Self Publishing or Traditional Publishing). L-E-A-R-N.

●      In self-publishing, a writer is everything beyond just a writer: from editing her write-up to distributing copies to the public through a distribution channel (like Amazon). There are no agents and publishers.

●      In the traditional publishing approach, a publishing house gathers people (forming a team) to help publish books by writers, turning them into a commercial product.

2. Where is your money going?

●      Self-Publishing- What you earn by selling your book and efforts is yours to keep. A writer can work according to their best efforts. In simpler words, you are basically an entrepreneur or freelancer. Resources like Google, Upwork, Fiverr, etc., can help you learn about packages and prices.

●      Traditional Publishing– The writers give an amount to the publishing house. Each publishing house has its pros/cons. The writer has to decide on suitable publishers, submit a manuscript (await for answer), or choose a package.

●      Today, there are hundreds of small-business (publishing houses). These would sell almost any manuscript, helping the authors to “self-publish,” taking an amount from them based on packages.

3. Who is more responsible for publishing?

●      Post publishing, the writer will get 100% royalties for self-publishing apart from the distribution channel.

●      In traditional publishing, the writer has to wait for approval after submitting the manuscript.

●      The 100% royalties are made too by some, but only after cutting the cost of work/effort of the publishing house (in printing, covers, editing, and profits etc.).

4. What do writers do in the case of publishing?

●      The writer should know exactly which approach should she opt for. Each step in the publishing process is precious.

●      The writer should begin with proper planning from the grassroots level by setting and talking to people about her book.

●      Feedback really works. Self publishing or Traditional Publishing, both approaches need hard work. Decide everything cautiously.

5. Some Favors in Return

●      It may be possible that the traditional publishing house gives you less of what you deserve more. It depends upon the bond a writer shares with the housing people.

●      In self-publishing, investment and success is a win-win game where all the royalties go directly in the pocket of writers with no middle man.

6. UFFFFFF… Yeh Writers

“kyunki asli mazaa toh khud ki banai hui chai mai hi aata hai na!”

●      Self-Publishers Cum Writers- Inderjit Kaur, Rupi Kaur, etc.

●      Writers who followed the traditional publishing approach are Chetan Bhagat, JK Rowling, Agatha Christie, etc.

●      Nonetheless, we know that both Rupi and JK were rejected dozens of times before finally getting recognised. Thus, the key is: Never Give Up and Believe In Yourself! KEEP WRITING!

7. Sources of Publishing

●      Self-publishing Sources: CreateSpace and 24by7publishing are mediums to distribute a book.

●      Traditional Way Of Publishing: Some houses offer many pricing packages. For example- BlueRose, Westland Publications, NotionPress etc.

●      The concept of publishing depends upon the thought process of writers, budget, time and expected sales.

●      Learning about some authors who had struggled in self-publishing books has tasted all the flavours of the publishing process!

In reality, choosing between self publishing or traditional publishing, in the world where thousands of books are launched every other day, can turn you both crazy or lazy as an author. The cherry on the top is the cut-throat competition!

If you ask us, consider your circumstances, talk to fellow writers, and then choose accordingly. Not to forget, today, digital platforms like KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) and ebooks-era has really changed the whole scenario in favour of artists and writers.