What Are the Two Main Types of Publishing?

If you're looking to publish a book, you might be wondering about the best route to take. The two primary options available to authors are self-publishing and traditional publishing. Each comes with its own advantages and challenges, so it's important to understand which one aligns with your goals.

Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to a publishing house, where it goes through an approval process. If accepted, the publisher handles editing, cover design, printing, and distribution. Authors usually receive an advance and royalties but have less creative control and a longer publishing timeline. It can be competitive, as publishers select only a limited number of books each year.

On the other hand, self-publishing and traditional publishing differ significantly in terms of control and accessibility. With self-publishing, the author takes full responsibility for the book’s production, including editing, formatting, and marketing. Platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Apple Books allow authors to publish independently and earn higher royalties per sale. However, self-published authors must invest time and money into promoting their books to reach a wider audience.

Choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing depends on your priorities. If you want full creative control and faster publishing, self-publishing may be the right choice. However, if you prefer the backing of an established publisher and don’t mind the long submission process, traditional publishing could be ideal.

Which publishing route are you considering? Share your thoughts below!