Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing: Which path is right for you?
Every writer reaches the point where they have to ask the big question: how will I get my book into the world?
It’s not enough to finish a manuscript - at some stage, you need to decide whether you’ll pursue a traditional publishing deal or take the self-publishing route. Both paths are valid, both can lead to success, and both come with frustrations nobody talks about when you first put “how to get published” into Google.
So which path is right for you? Let’s take an honest, clear-eyed look.
What traditional publishing actually looks like
When most people say they want to be published, what they’re picturing is traditional publishing. It’s the long-established system: you write a book, find an agent, who then pitches your work to publishing houses. If a publisher takes you on, your book is edited, designed, printed, distributed to bookshops, and (in theory) marketed.
It sounds like the dream - and for some, it really is. Traditional publishing offers:
Validation. Being accepted by an agent or publisher feels like proof that your work is “good enough.”
Distribution. Big publishers can get your book into Waterstones, WHSmith, Barnes & Noble, and onto prize lists you’d struggle to access on your own.
Professional support. You get access to editors, cover designers, and marketing teams you don’t have to pay out of your own pocket.
But here’s the side nobody glamorises:
It takes time. Even if you land a deal tomorrow, your book might not hit shelves for 18 months to two years.
It’s fiercely competitive. Agents receive thousands of submissions every year. Rejections pile up, and some never take on a debut author.
The money isn’t what you think. Advances can be small - sometimes under £1,000. Royalties are often 7-10% of a paperback’s cover price, and your agent will take 15% of that. You’d need to sell tens of thousands of copies to earn a living wage.
Marketing is still on you. Publishers expect authors to promote themselves on social media, run events, and build audiences. Gone are the days when a publishing house did everything for you.
Traditional publishing can be wonderful if prestige, credibility, and seeing your book in major shops is your main goal. But if you expect it to make you rich or carry all the workload, you’ll likely be disappointed.
The rise of self-publishing
Self-publishing has completely transformed the industry over the past 15 years. Once seen as “vanity publishing,” it’s now a mainstream, respected option, with indie authors topping bestseller charts and earning more than many traditionally published writers.
Platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and Kobo Writing Life have made it possible for anyone to publish a professional-quality book. Self-publishing means:
Full creative control. You decide on your cover, your title, your timeline, and your pricing.
Faster turnaround. You could publish next month if your book is ready, instead of waiting years.
Higher royalties. On Amazon KDP, you can earn up to 70% of each sale. Compare that to the 7-10% you’d earn from a traditional deal.
Direct connection with readers. You can build a loyal fanbase who follow you rather than your publisher.
Of course, the trade-off is responsibility. Self-publishing puts you in the role of writer and publisher. That means:
You either need to learn editing, formatting, and cover design, or pay professionals to do it.
You’re responsible for your marketing. If you don’t put your book in front of readers, no one will.
There’s an upfront cost. Even doing it on a shoestring, you’ll likely invest in editing, design, and ads.
For entrepreneurial writers, this can be thrilling. You’re in charge, and you get to shape your career. For those who hate business, marketing, or decision-making, it can feel overwhelming.
The myths that trip writers up
When writers first explore publishing, they’re often guided more by myth than reality. Let’s clear a few of those up:
Myth 1: A traditional deal will make me famous.
No - fame comes from consistent promotion, luck, timing, and writing more books. Even big publishers can’t guarantee readers will buy.
Myth 2: Self-publishing is easy.
Anyone can upload a manuscript to Amazon, but creating a book that sells takes skill, investment, and a strategy.
Myth 3: Once I’m published, my work is done.
Not true in either path. Publishing is just the beginning - building an audience is the lifelong part.
How to decide which path is right for you
Instead of asking “which is better,” frame it as “which suits me right now?” Think about:
Your goals. Do you want validation, prestige, and bookshop presence? Or do you want control, speed, and income potential?
Your personality. Are you entrepreneurial, comfortable making decisions, and willing to market yourself? Or do you thrive with guidance and prefer a team to take the lead?
Your tolerance for rejection. If being told “no” repeatedly will crush you, traditional might be hard. If trial-and-error and self-teaching will exhaust you, self-publishing might be worse.
Your timeline. Do you want to hold your book in your hands this year, or are you patient enough to wait two?
Your resources. Can you invest in editing, design, and ads upfront, or would you rather have a publisher cover those costs?
Case studies: different authors, different choices
The patient perfectionist. Sarah spends years on her debut novel and dreams of seeing it on a Waterstones table. She’s prepared to query agents for as long as it takes. For her, traditional publishing makes sense.
The entrepreneurial series writer. James writes fast-paced thrillers and wants to publish multiple books a year. He values speed, control, and income potential. Self-publishing is his natural fit.
The hybrid author. Anita started by self-publishing her memoir, built a strong audience, and then signed a traditional deal for her second book. She now uses both routes strategically.
Why “hybrid” is the real secret
The truth is, publishing doesn’t have to be a one-time, one-choice path. Many authors mix approaches: self-publishing some books while pitching others to publishers. Some start indie, gain credibility, and then sign traditional deals. Others start traditional and later move indie for more control.
Your path can evolve with you. What matters is starting somewhere, publishing something, and learning as you go.
The bottom line
Publishing isn’t about choosing the “right” path for everyone. It’s about choosing the path that matches your goals, personality, and resources.
If you want prestige, patience, and a team to back you, traditional publishing could be perfect. If you want speed, control, and higher royalties, self-publishing might light you up. And if you want a mix, hybrid publishing is always on the table.
At Author Academy, we’ll walk you through each option with clarity - no myths, no sugar-coating - so you can decide what feels right for your book, your career, and your story. Get in touch to find out what will work for you.