Going Electronic - Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing and Publishers

We know steps towards getting published through both of these methods. Now, it's time to look at what benefits could grace us or what unhappy surprises could creep in during the process. 

• Self-Publishing Positives
  • You have full control over everything. From pricing and where your book is sold to designs and advertising, you have complete control of your book.  
  • You get published faster. Sometimes, it can take years for the possibility of getting a publisher to nibble at your book idea. It’s much quicker to be published through a printer company than a publisher.
  • Anyone Can Do It. It helps knowing that it’s not as hard as getting publisher’s approval. All it takes is dedication, resources, social skills and a positive attitude.
• Self-Publishing Negatives
  • It’s not immediate success. If this book is more of a hobby, then self-publishing may be a fun way to pursue your dreams of being published. However, if you are trying to put food on the table, investing in a publisher who knows how the ball game is played may benefit you in the end.
  • It’s harder to find readers. Other than word-of-mouth and advertising in magazines, online and other venues, it’s hard to get your book title out there to the readers. Unless you’ve got the right connections, a known publisher may get readers stuffing their noses in your book quicker than you can.
  • Anyone Can Do It. Although this is a positive, it can be a negative as well. Because anyone can do it, your book is harder to be singled out as a good read. It’s harder for book stores to sell your book because they get so many people with self-published books entering their doors.
• Publisher’s Touch Positives
  • Publishers and Literary Agents Help You: You don’t have to feel so alone when getting published because there are professionals helping you along the way.
  • They Provide a Self-Esteem Boost: Who isn’t excited when a publisher or agent is interested in his or her novel? It’s a great feeling! We all like help when we need it – that’s what the publishing industry is there for.
  • It’s More Likely the Book Will Succeed: In the hands of a publisher, who may have connections where you don’t, your novel will be more likely to get into readers’ hands. They have connections with book stores, libraries, online avenues, advertising tricks and much more that help them be successful in their field. Otherwise, they wouldn’t make it for long.
  • They Help You With Artwork: Some writers say, “It took me X amount of years to write this book! I don’t want to deal with the artsy side, too!” Or, if you’re like me, you’re not exactly the most artistic straw in the hay. The publishers can help you with that. You can submit your manuscript, then they’ll get artists to do the rest.  
• Publisher’s Touch Negatives
  • More hands in the pot causes more confusion. Make sure you read all contracts, terms and rights carefully before signing anything.
  • Your book no longer “belongs” to you after being sold. Well, your book does belong to you, but for every dollar you make off it, someone else is inevitably making money too. Don’t get the wrong idea! They do deserve something because they helped you succeed, but just make sure you know how much they are taking from your overall profit.
  • There are Standards to Keep. Creativity still exists when you publish with a printing press, but you don’t get to do whatever you want and expect it to be published. The printers have guidelines specific to what they know will sell and be successful – or just plainly their policy. After all, they will be putting their name on it too.

Both self-publishing and traditional publishing have their highs and lows. Depending on what your personal preferences and limitations are helps determine the boundaries that you set for publishing.

Works Cited:

Klems, Brian. “Self Publishing Tips: The Pros and Cons of Self Publishing.”WritersDigest.com, 11 June 2012.

Penn, Joanna. “Pros And Cons Of Traditional Publishing vs Self-Publishing.” The Creative Penn, 13 June 2017.

Palmer, Alex. “How to Get Self-Published Books into Stores and Libraries.”PublishersWeekly.com, 23 Oct. 2015.

Sambuchino, Chuck. “5 Things I Wish I Would Have Known Before Self-Publishing.” WritersDigest.com, 28 Aug. 2015.

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