Are you a writer and/or aspiring author? The world of publishing is a wild ride, and it’s up to you to decide which path is best for you: Traditional Publishing or Self-Publishing.
Let’s start with Traditional Publishing. This is when you submit your manuscript to a publishing house, and if they like it, they will offer you a contract to publish your book. The biggest benefit of traditional publishing is the validation that comes with it. When a reputable publishing company decides to publish your book, it means they believe in your work and think it has potential. This can lead to more exposure and credibility in the industry. Plus, traditional publishers have a team of professionals who will help with editing, cover design, marketing, and distribution.
But, here’s the catch: it’s not easy to get a traditional publishing deal. Depending on the route that you take, these steps may differ for you. The first step is usually to get someone who can submit your work on your behalf. This could be an Agent (usually needed for larger more reputable publishing houses), a family member, or even a trusted friend. They will find publishing companies that you want to submit to, or that they feel will best be able to represent your work and pitch your work to them. From that point, it’s a waiting game. It can take days, weeks, months, even years, to hear back from a publisher, and there’s no guarantee they’ll even accept your manuscript. Plus, even if you do get accepted, you’ll likely have to give up some creative control and a chunk of your royalties.
Now, let’s talk about Self-Publishing. This is when you take matters into your own hands and publish your book yourself. The biggest benefit of self-publishing is the control you have over your work. You get to decide everything from the cover design to the price point. And you get to keep all the royalties!
But, here’s the thing: self-publishing takes a lot of work. You’ll need to handle everything yourself, including editing, formatting, cover design, marketing, and distribution. It can be overwhelming, but with the right resources and a strong work ethic, it can be done. Plus, there are plenty of self-publishing success stories out there of authors who have made millions off their self-published books.
So, which path should you take? It really depends on your goals and what you’re willing to put in. If you’re looking for validation and the support of a publishing house, traditional publishing might be the way to go. But, if you want complete control over your work and the potential for higher royalties, self-publishing could be the way to go.
But, here’s a tip: you don’t have to choose just one path. Many authors have found success by doing a hybrid approach, where they self-publish some books and go the traditional route with others. It’s all about finding what works for you and your goals.
If you are an Urban Fiction writer and are looking for a good home for your books with a traditional publishing contract, visit the URBAN AINT DEAD Submissions page, here.