Self Publishing VS Traditional Publishing (& which you should do)

[@aleja.x8594]

I'm currently working on a book that I'm very proud of, I think that self-publishing is the way to go, honestly

[@selfpublishingTV]

We think so too ;)

[@andreasspyrou7688]

what happened after 3 years ?

[@aleja.x8594]

@andreasspyrou7688 I have finished the book but I haven't been able to publish because I've been working on my Master's which takes all my time x.x I still want to publish it though

[@browniecheesecake1611]

Self is the best because no people can control my work and I can publish whenever I want! I am so lucky to have watched this video! Thank you 😊

[@ja8243]

Traditional Publishing : The publishing company owns your book. Me : NOPE

[@selfpublishingTV]

We agree :)

[@sandeepafernando9749]

😅 cheers

[@elevatepod1]

@@selfpublishingTV kindly I need more enlignment

[@TheQuietStorm630]

Damned right!

[@Sivos909]

Yup, the moment I heard that: immediate nope.

[@marlonappleton777]

Thanks for the tip. Very helpful. Sel Publishing for me. Reason: Creative control and ownership.

[@selfpublishingTV]

Agreed Marlon!

[@leannemcelroy8482]

Same! I’ve poured my heart and soul into my books, both of which I’m still working on. They have so many nuanced details and pop cultural references (this is my particular writing style) that even if slight changes are made, it could throw off the entirely of the the book.

[@geceergen7920]

I want the full creative control. Self-publishing will be the route for me!

[@selfpublishingTV]

Awesome!

[@soverse7433]

I am 13 and writing a book and I feel like self publishing is way better for me I like to choose my way of doing things and my step dad is also publishing a book so I have a lot of help I’d say

[@AudreyC379]

I finished writing a sequel and am in the midst of working on the 3rd and final. (Yes, it's a trilogy) If I ever decide to publish, I'd likely go down the 'self-publishing' route. The thought of someone taking full control over my stories that I've been working on for many years (The title, the *CHARACTERS* and possible more) doesn't sit well with me. Very unsettling. The other reasons is that self-publishing seems to be less hassel and the process doesn't take as long. Also, there's are no deadlines so you can work at your own pace. The cons aren't nearly as bad in my opinion. ♥

[@serenaisaac8585]

SP for me. I use my writing as an escape and I wouldn’t want someone else controlling and putting that pressure on me. I can get feedback off my friends (who are very honest) and some followers. After all, it is a risk worth taking I think. My main goal is to know I have achieved something for me, which has always been a compilation of my writings in a book form

[@EugeneLaBranch123]

I would like to self publish. I am an independent man that likes to control everything. I have 3 novels in the process of being finished.

[@selfpublishingTV]

The control is a HUGE plus to self-publishing! Which stages are each of these books in?

[@naturetherapyfilms]

What I am surprised no one here talks about is the fact that the books coming from traditional publishing are more affordable compared with the ones self published. I love 1000% the idea of self publishing my books my self because like others say you have more control over your book indeed. The problem here is the fact that I have to sell my books more expensive to cover the publisher and Amazon, too. When I am ready I would love the idea of having a conversation with you guys here. You guys look like the perfect help and idea to make our dreams come true. I already have one of my books by using Blurb as a publisher and they take care the Amazon selling on their end. However, I would like to hatter more information with you guys for my next book, and if we both reach onto an agreement I will definitely would like you guys to help me through this process. In the meantime, I am working on gathering all the material needed to be better prepare when the right time arrive for my project. Thank you for your very well explained and professional vídeo. mARTin

[@katgreer6113]

the praise for self publishing is well deserved. however, self publishing takes a LOT of money and time. what if you spend all your resources and it doesn't even end up selling? there's a greater chance of success with certain traditional publishing companies. and BECAUSE it takes so much money to self publish, they are often for higher prices which people are not willing to buy sometimes. im shocked people don't go into the cons of self publishing either. it really depends. i feel like people don't consider BOTH options and feel like they have to choose one. for me, there are certain books i would like to self publish, but certain books i know would sell better since they are super public friendly. these are books i don't spend a lot of time on, and just write for fun. not ones im emotionally attached to. those are the ones i would self publish.

[@melbathompson6715]

Awesome video! I want the freedom to write my story they way I want it and how I want it portrayed to the world...self publishing is the way for me 🎉!!!

[@selfpublishingTV]

Amazing! that freedom is SO important!

[@TheVortex808]

Self-publishing for me. Main reasons: full creative control, most opportunity to get more royalties, and can write on my own time.

[@selfpublishingTV]

:)

[@wonderland3613]

Ive just finished my first book already nearly finished the sequel. I think self-publishing is the way for me because i like total control of my work. But with traditional publishing will be eariser to get it into store right? So already my audience will be larger. I have big big plans for this book, thats why im torn

[@kai.to.k1d]

I can relate. Maybe for you it’s best self publishing - hopefully you will still have distribution but it will take longer. Good luck with your book

[@jkjordan4934]

Hi, craig my name is Jake jordan im from massachusets working in author solution we look for some author to get publish their books , this is self-publishing and we offer 80% of your royalties and publish your book in 510 bookstores. How is that sound to you?

[@lucastea9533]

@@jkjordan4934 you sound scammy to good to be true

[@tinaswafford1985]

Only the Snob-factor is a reason to publish traditionally. You cannot be entered in some competitions unless you have been published traditionally. But if an author successfully self-publishes a quality book, then a traditional publisher may approach that author with a better deal than usual because the author has leverage. Self-publishing seems the best way for an author to me. I hope to do it.

[@selfpublishingTV]

Completely agree Tina! And YES - if an author proves themselves through self-publishing it can actually help them land a much more inticing traditional publishing deal down the road if they so choose to pursue that as well.

[@johntenopir2088]

Working on the self-publishing route. Have non-fiction, sci-fi, and maybe a naval history book as well. I could be very busy.

[@ChandlerBoltOfficial]

That is awesome, the sky is the limit!!

[@fahdb9921]

I'll go with traditional publishing as I just a school student and don't want lot's of money as well as responsibilities

[@jbam2878]

I will be self-publishing. Thank you this was great advice.

[@selfpublishingTV]

Awesome! Let’s see how we can help: self-publishingschool.com/apply

[@HCEmery-nw3kc]

Self publishing. Thank you! This has been great! I have been trying to figure out which one is the best, and some places put both in odd lights. However the thought of changing parts of my characters to match what is selling was gut wrenching. There is sometimes good things to change, but my YA doesn't focus on cute girls and hot guys. Nor has a safe bet protagonist. This was great, and showed me where to place my focus. Thank you!

[@selfpublishingTV]

Hey Hannah! Glad we could be of help :) And your concern is totally valid, and a big reason many fiction authors choose self-publishing: for the creative control. Way to take charge and ownership over our book babies! (and let us know how we can help your journey!)

[@beginnerguru8285]

I had just written my first book which is nonfiction, and I would go for Self Publishing, I don't want the Publisher to have control over all manuscripts of an author. Moreover, It sounds creepy when it says a traditional Publisher has full ownership of your book and you cannot be republished with your freedom. This is like controlling your horse rein by some stranger and fleeing away.

[@selfpublishingTV]

Exciting! Book a publishing consultation and let’s see how we can help with your book: self-publishingschool.com/apply

[@rufusstephens2184]

Your video was very helpful. I am a professional speaker and I'm writing to augment my speaking career. Self publishing is attractive to me because of the timliness and the issue of control. Thanks for your great insight.

[@selfpublishingTV]

You're so welcome Rufus! Plenty of our students actually go on to get speaking gigs based on their books (paid ones too!), even an 11-year-old student of ours has been paid for her speeches :) Would a blog post about how to turn your speeches into a book benefit you? (I can put it on the content calendar!)

[@RensylIntegral]

hey, tell me more about your speaking engagements...I am a speaker as well, and think we can do something together for the good of the community @Rufus

[@djwarrior1421]

Thank you. Self Publishing for creative control.

[@selfpublishingTV]

Good thinking ;)

[@T00684]

I currently in the process of making a book I think self publishing is the for me cause I don't want to rely on other people and I don't want extra money taken I'm hoping half of what I earn for myself and help my dad and family and the other half for college I'm in 7th grade so that I'm financial ahead without stress helped me a lot thanks

[@lechanneldemysterieuxmante1807]

I used to think that Trad sounded so glamorous and prestigious but it sounds like you lose a lot when the pub house buys your work. The big fear I think most folks feel about self published is no one will read it since it is not Trad publishing.

[@selfpublishingTV]

This is a super common misconception. Traditional publishing is great for some people in certain circumstances, but the large majority of people won't have much success or even sell many books. Self-publishing is growing in its reputation where people don't have the same mindset around reading a self published book as they used to (that it will be bad because it's self-published). As long as you write a great book, have it edited, and publish it correctly, you can't tell the difference between traditional or self-published. It's kind of what we do ;)

[@anthonygreen2799]

I still don't know which route I want to take. I mean, the money from self publishing is a big draw, but I don't really want to be spending time marketing it when I could be working on the next book. I have a friend who has an art masters degree to do the cover design, if I do go that way. I know I will probably get more media coverage with a traditional publisher but the drop in payments is a put off. But then it is less work for me. But not owning the work that I have written is also a massive put off.

[@selfpublishingTV]

Book a call with the team and let’s talk through it: selfpublishing.com/apply

[@swordablaze9259]

Great video! Some useful bits in here. But, on the topic of advances and royalties, authors won't get royalties as soon as the book is released - they have to sell enough books to earn back their advance before they start earning royalties. There may be some exceptions to the rule but ordinarily they have to earn out their advance in order to earn royalties.

[@abeautifulmindispoetrydefi5323]

I did initially find your video helpful, and then it began to lean a little which rang alarm bells. I am pleased that it didn't actually cross the line at any given point but it did take a little dance near that line. I wanted to do both, as I'm a belts and braces man, and as much as I am comfortable with e-Commerce, it has its drawbacks. Psychologically there are those that may feel that being a published author carries more credibility and weight than an e - author. For me, I would like to enjoy meeting my readers and book signings as a way of really being approachable, and tangible than just someone on the net. So I think I will be exploring both. I am concerned that Publishing Houses seem to take far too long these days, yes I understand that they have overheads and a bigger risk, but surely it's the writer's work that speaks for itself that makes this easier for them to decide. Saying that perhaps the Publishing Houses need to get their act together, and see the writing on the wall. As for reading between the lines of what was said it's very likely that they are now the elephant in the room, waiting to be herded out to the Elephants Graveyard. If I do get to be accepted by a Publishing House, which now seems very unlikely, they had better be ready to do some serious negotiating because in my world "Time is money" and unless they can convince me, and good luck with them trying that, as that really would take a lot! I will be looking at self-publishing as the path ahead. Please for those others this is just my opinion and my choice. Each of us has to make our own.

[@intheblinkofaneye-reborn220]

Really really great information 👍 Thankyou! I chose Amazon and I'm getting my story out now, Penguin wanted the rights to my book and give my 5% , I feel Amazon was right for my story. Thanks for such valuable information SPOKEN BRILLIANTLY may I add :))

[@JasminWilliams94]

How do you self-publish hard copies of your book? And get them at bookstores for sell?

[@veehive8994]

I am applying in a Publishing Company.. Currently I am on a training for the job.

[@peterbatal10]

Great video- thanks for the information. I’m weighing the costs of publishing a book traditionally.

[@tinyhouseworship8462]

I want complete control over my book so self publishing is the only way for me.

[@Shakinaofficiall]

Self Publishing is the way I'm going. I want to own everything

[@katemotley7402]

I’m writing a fiction book series and I think self publishing sounds good

[@ChandlerBoltOfficial]

If you need help Self Publishing School has a fiction writing course!

[@kai.to.k1d]

When it hits bookstores I’ll keep an eye out for it if I can

[@sandeepafernando9749]

💙🙂 I hope you become success Im writing one too this chanel is like water in a desert for me now😅

[@jorgebahena5392]

Thank you. Right now I'm working on a novel and I can't decide because for Self-publishing full control and traditional publishing less work to do just write and write, and I have a good feeling I will be a successful writer and earn a million dollar deal

[@sebastiancintron29]

For creativity I guess I'll stick to self publishing

[@savedmanmuathime2642]

Self publishing, THANKS!

[@aprilwoody3690]

Definitely learned new things!!!

[@ToniDJohns]

Self publishing.. best place to start, I liked the delivery to the video .. good work!

[@selfpublishingTV]

love it! Why did you decide on self-publishing over traditional specifically?

[@princessnikedecency7589]

I think I will rather SELF PUBLISH, thank you

[@drewmonroe3747]

Awesome video!! Thank you for doing this one! Are there any other 'SELF PUBLISHING' companies out there besides Amazon? FYI, seen on the news (CBC) that anything you publish w/Amazon, they actually take ownership of your product. They do this by adding it into your contract you sign. I looked into their contract and it's a bit difficult to locate but it's there. Independent clothing companies have lost their entire business name and all their product to this clause.

[@selfpublishingTV]

if you don't want to use amazon, you can use IngramSpark for printing and distrubution. we've never had anyone "lose" anything to amazon, you own the copyright

[@drewmonroe3747]

@@selfpublishingTV Thank you. Will look into that😎

[@tylover975]

This was a very helpful video but I still have one question that didn't get answered in this video or other videos about this I would like to know that if I selfpublish and my book does good if it will also appear in stores like Waterstones or Foyles and not only on Amazon

[@selfpublishingTV]

Potentially! Difficult to do but not impossible. I have an interview with Pat Flynn about this on this SPS podcast. Check it out. Book a call with the team and let’s chat about this / your book: self-publishingschool.com/apply

[@guentertharun2588]

I would always opt for SPS as publishing arm for my planned short book on "Advice for Life. Especially when getting complicated "as undertitle. The main reason of which is not only to learn a lot from your practical approach to catch the interest of potential readers from the very beginning when seeing the pregnant title on a convincing cover plus your own publishing network.

[@simplytempestt4574]

Any tips for getting your book on the shelves of stores such as Barnes and Noble?

[@selfpublishingTV]

Usually, this would depend on distribution. Self-publishing has less access to distribution to get into physical stores, but you can still get your book on those websites by self-publishing. To get your book in a physical store as a self-published author, you often have to call locally and ask them to order it, you can also offer to host a book signing so they order copies for that store.

[@leonards4371]

Hi Bella. Thanks for the overview. btw Your name describes you perfectly. :)

[@thomaskeller1013]

I have finished my novel but I don't know how to continue. PUBLISHER HOUSE OR SELF PUBLISHING.

[@selfpublishingTV]

Book a call with the team and we’ll help / point you in the right direction: self-publishingschool.com/apply

[@scottufford]

Good starter info, thank you! I've written two "DISRUPTIVE SPIRITUAL SELF-HELP NOVELS" given by the great psychic healer EDGAR CAYCE. Want to self publish & learn the ropes of publicity AND be acknowledged by the A.R.E. as writings legitimately from the soul of Cayce. This might require a "dance in the middle" agreement between self and traditional publishing.. I welcome any helpful suggestions!

[@walkingcarol8351]

Can I first self publish and then when I feel like it's right I can give it to a publisher?

[@tederawilliams1469]

I think Traditional Publishing is best for me. I would like Simon & Schuster to have the rights to my story or either Penguin Random House. If my books don't get Traditional Publish I would not publish them at all, I'll just turn them into Screenplays or Television shows.

[@selfpublishingTV]

Why?

[@ronjamoss8984]

Starting to think self publishing, but I would really like to make physical copies of my book, so am unsure as to how feasible that is with self publishing

[@selfpublishingTV]

All our students make physical copies. When you publish through amazon, you have the option for physical or ebook. The physical copies get printed on-demand and shipped out directly from the fulfillment company you use (Amazon, IngramSpark, etc.)

[@veldahl8387]

I have a doubt. Would the agents take a cut from that 5 to 15 percent of what I get or their payment goes from the rest.

[@theredghostman9279]

Well hearing this I don't want to lose my rights to my creation

[@josephmartin2938]

Creative control. Rights to my own work. Paid decently for my work/creation....

[@willowoodherbals]

self publishing.. my work is poetry and short story and quotes... I dont wish to wait for a publisher to decide., nor do I wish to lose to royalties.. I prefer low key.. not controlled.. poetry is self expression.. may need a second glance for editing on spelling.. yet nothing more.. I HATE TO BE CONTROLLED.. and in no hurry.. to make millions.. it will sell if its meant to..even if it is not a popular choice for publishers.. my book will be eclectic..

[@lovesonmyside2184]

I'm not sure yet

[@angeleumba3340]

Hi! I have this idea I have been dying to translate in a book, but I am just not good at all in describing scenarios. I only focus on conversations and the complexity of the relationships. And that's what prevented me from writing a book for the longest, but now I can no longer contain my eagerness, and I am wondering: should I focus on perfecting that are or should I reach out to someone to fill that absolutely important aspect of the book?

[@philipginn6179]

Hi Angele, I say, go ahead and write that book! Get test readers to tell you what's working and what's not. Once you have gotten it into the best shape you can on your own, you can hire a developmental editor to help turn it into something others will want to read. This will be a lot of work and persistence and a major pain to revise your work based on the feedback from the editor, but the end result could be a book that you're really proud of and want to share with others.

[@josecastillo1986]

I keep hearing self publishing authors are not really successful and 99% will be lucky to see 25 copies or more

[@selfpublishingTV]

If you do it the wrong way without a plan or help, yes :)

[@selfpublishingTV]

Which are you doing to pursue, self-publishing or traditional publishing? If self-publishing is the path for you, check this out on how to do it successfully: self-publishingschool.com/FreeClass

[@נסיךטארק]

Self Publishing School Self Publishing School *As much as I'm sure that traditional publishing probably pay more, I'll just stick to Self publishing for the soul purpose of not have to worry about changing any of my story lines nor my hard earn characters in my novels.* Thanks for sharing...😉

[@AudreyC379]

@@נסיךטארק Amen! My exact thoughts.

[@kai.to.k1d]

I would love to go with self publishing but I really want physical copies and wide distribution so idk

[@hunthadsadventures6545]

@@kai.to.k1d can you not get those things with self-publishing?

[@sandeepafernando9749]

Self publishing for sure 💙 your chanel really inspired me thank you🤝

[@lee-annpreston5440]

Great vi! If anyone has any direction/contacts/links I could reach out to in terms of sourcing a reputable traditional publishing house please. I would truly appreciate it. Ta. Lee

[@selfpublishingTV]

Hi Lee-Ann! You can't typically contact a traditional publishing house directly. The steps to get traditionally published involve querying agents, and then if/when one decides to represent you (this process can take year), they will then send the manuscript to publishers. There isn't a path for author-direct-to-publisher avenues to get traditionally published.

[@leannemcelroy8482]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@josephmartin2938]

Self publishing all the way.

[@DonaldHamilton]

I would like to self publish.

[@selfpublishingTV]

Why'd you decide on self-publishing Donald?

[@himanshugr90]

Can a foreigner publish his novel in another countries ...in America if he doesn't belong to America

[@serenaisaac8585]

What does the Royalty mean with Amazon? Would I need to sell a certain number of books to earn or is it ‘earn as and when the book is purchased?’

[@శతకహేమముఆటవెలఁది]

Based on the number of pages and type of printing you choose, and extended or no marketing, your minimal price changes; Amazon KDP lets you choose a price above that minimum. That extra is your royalty. The higher the price you set, the more the royalty you get but then the more pricey your book, the fewer get sold. It is a balancing act.

[@dominiquepenn9477]

SELF PUBLISH ASAP

[@thereelaccountant9246]

Can you still get a self published book into book stores?

[@selfpublishingTV]

Yes, but it is more of a manual process at this time, and involves calling and requesting your book be carried at specific stores. (we usually tell our authors not to fret, most people buy books online, and you can get your self-published books in online retail stores like Barnes and Noble very easily, especially with our processes).

[@thereelaccountant9246]

@@selfpublishingTV great, thanks!

[@saminarose6688]

Thank you! I'll definitely self publish. 70% compared to 10% 😂 that's a joke!

[@selfpublishingTV]

Book a call with the team and let’s see how we can help: selfpublishing.com/apply

[@Serbertim]

you literally crushed traditional publishing lol

[@cynthiamartinez6583]

Self published sounds more attractive. I wouldnt care to be paid up front. What if i get emotionally invested in my characters lol

[@TinaPittmansassnfrass]

Great info

[@sohanmagar9987]

that's great to me

[@parthibanathimuthur1473]

Hello, This is parthiban from India. I'm a typesetter, still I'm working as a freelancer, If you need your support please get me.

[@remyscreepycorner5135]

The more I hear about traditional publishing the more of a scam it feels like

[@selfpublishingTV]

There is a time and place for traditional publishing absolutely. Authors like Margaret Atwood (Handmaid's Tale) and Any Wier (The Martian) actually started in self-publishing and were later picked up by traditional publishing houses. The reason we have a distaste for traditional publishing is that it's exclusive and gate-keeps, which slows down the progress and innovation of literature--we believe anyone who WANTS to write/publish a book should be able to in order to share their stories, and traditional publishing makes that take YEARS, and oftentimes never happens for some people. Thanks for commenting Remy! :)

[@remyscreepycorner5135]

@@selfpublishingTV Thank you for your thoughtful response!

[@laxide13]

traditional publishing should be illegal lol

[@shucaybbashirdirie7582]

i donta understand her language is not clear