Short answer: self-publishing may suit you if you want speed, creative control and the chance to keep a larger share of each sale. Traditional publishing may suit you if you want professional backing, wider bookstore distribution and fewer upfront production costs.
Neither route is automatically better. The right choice depends on your book, your budget, your timeline, your audience and how much responsibility you want to carry.
Self-publishing vs traditional publishing at a glance
| Factor | Self-publishing | Traditional publishing |
|---|---|---|
| How it starts | You prepare and publish the book yourself, often using online platforms or hired professionals. | You usually query literary agents or publishers, receive an offer, sign a contract and work with a publishing team. |
| Typical timeline | Around 1–6 months after the manuscript is ready, depending on editing, design and preparation. | Often 18–24 months after signing a contract; the journey from first query can take several years. |
| Upfront cost | You pay for editing, cover design, formatting and possibly marketing. | The publisher usually pays for core production, although you may still spend on your own promotion. |
| Royalties | Often a higher percentage per sale, but you carry the production and marketing costs. | Usually a lower royalty percentage, often with an advance against future royalties. |
| Creative control | You control the title, cover, price, format and publication date. | The publisher has significant influence over the title, cover, price, edits and schedule. |
| Rights | You generally retain ownership and license distribution rights to platforms. | You grant agreed publishing rights to the publisher, usually for specific formats, territories and periods. |
| Distribution | Strong online and print-on-demand distribution; physical bookstore reach can be difficult. | Publishers may offer stronger access to bookstores, libraries, schools and other institutions. |
| Marketing | You manage or pay for most marketing. | The publisher provides some support, but authors are still expected to promote their books. |
The figures and terms vary considerably, so always read a publishing contract carefully and check the current terms of any platform you use.
How self-publishing works
Self-publishing means you take responsibility for turning your manuscript into a finished product and making it available to readers.
A professional process usually involves:
- Completing and revising the manuscript.
- Hiring an editor or receiving suitable editorial support.
- Commissioning a professional cover.
- Formatting the book for ebook and print.
- Choosing your publishing platforms and distribution options.
- Writing your book description and selecting accurate metadata.
- Setting your price and publication date.
- Planning the launch and ongoing marketing.
You can publish relatively quickly once the book is ready. However, “quickly” should not mean carelessly. A rushed cover, weak editing or poorly formatted interior can damage reader trust.
Self-publishing costs vary. A lean project may cost a few hundred pounds if you do much of the work yourself. A professionally produced book can cost several thousand pounds once editing, design, formatting and marketing are included.
The benefit is control. You decide what the book looks like, when it launches, how it is priced and whether you want to make changes later.
The challenge is that you are not only the author. You are also managing a small publishing business.
How traditional publishing works
Traditional publishing usually begins with a submission. For many fiction writers, that means preparing a query letter and sample chapters for literary agents. If an agent offers representation, they may submit your manuscript to publishers.
If a publisher offers you a contract, the usual process includes:
- Contract negotiation.
- Developmental and copy editing.
- Cover and interior design.
- Production and printing.
- Distribution to retailers and libraries.
- Publicity and marketing planning.
- Publication, often many months after the contract is signed.
Traditional publishing normally removes the need for you to pay the publisher’s core production costs. You may receive an advance, which is an upfront payment against future royalties. Your book generally needs to earn back that advance before additional royalties are paid to you.
The trade-off is less control. Your publisher may have the final say on the cover, title, price, format and publication date. You will also need to accept editorial changes and the possibility that the publisher’s marketing budget will be limited.
An agent can be helpful, particularly with contract terms and positioning. But securing representation is competitive, and rejection is part of the process. You may need to query many agents before finding the right fit.
Royalties and earnings: what should you expect?
Self-publishing often offers higher royalty percentages. Depending on the platform, format and price, an author may receive a significant share of ebook revenue. Print royalties are affected by printing and distribution costs.
Traditional publishing royalties are usually lower as a percentage. However, the publisher is investing in editing, design, production and distribution, and you may receive an advance.
It is important not to confuse a higher royalty rate with higher earnings.
A self-published author earning 70% of a book that sells ten copies has earned less than a traditionally published author earning a smaller percentage on thousands of sales. Visibility, book quality, audience fit, pricing and marketing all matter.
There are no guaranteed earnings on either route. Publishing a book is not the same as building a readership.
Creative control, rights and ownership
If your book is closely connected to your personal brand, business, family history or long-term intellectual property plans, rights deserve serious attention.
With self-publishing, you generally keep ownership of your copyright and decide which platforms receive distribution rights. This can give you flexibility to:
- Create revised editions.
- Publish an audiobook later.
- License translation rights.
- Sell directly to organisations or events.
- Develop related courses, workbooks or products.
With traditional publishing, you usually grant the publisher specific rights through a contract. These might cover print, ebook, audio, territories and languages. You may still own the copyright, but the publisher controls the licensed rights during the contract period.
Do not sign away rights you do not understand. If a contract includes film, television, merchandising, translation or world rights, consider getting professional legal advice.
Who suits each publishing route best?
Debut novelists
Traditional publishing can suit novelists who want editorial guidance, industry validation and access to bookstore distribution. It also suits writers willing to spend time querying and revising.
Self-publishing can suit novelists who have a clear target readership, enjoy managing their own publishing business or want to release a series on their own schedule.
Memoir authors
Memoir is personal, but that does not mean the book should skip professional editing. Self-publishing may suit memoir writers who want control over sensitive material and a direct route to a community, family or professional network.
Traditional publishing may be worth exploring if the memoir has a strong public-interest angle, an established platform or broad commercial appeal. Our resource on storytelling for memoir writers may help you think through the shape of your story.
Business and non-fiction authors
Self-publishing often works well for business books, practical guides and specialist non-fiction. You can publish when the material is relevant, update it as your field changes and use the book to support your consulting, speaking or training work.
Traditional publishing may offer credibility and wider distribution, particularly if you have expertise, a substantial platform or a timely proposal. Either way, readers need a useful book, not simply a long advertisement for your business.
Children’s authors
Children’s books require careful attention to age suitability, illustration, reading level and design. Traditional publishers may provide valuable specialist expertise and access to schools and libraries.
Self-publishing can work well when an author or family wants to preserve creative control or produce a book for a defined community. Children’s authors should budget properly for editing, illustration, layout and printing.
Young writers can develop their storytelling skills through the Creative Writing Club and move towards publication through the Young Author Accelerator.
Common myths about publishing
Myth 1: Traditional publishing guarantees success
It does not. A traditional contract is a significant achievement, but sales still depend on the book, its positioning, timing, readership and marketing.
Myth 2: Self-publishing means publishing an inferior book
It does not. Self-publishing can produce excellent books, but quality depends on the author’s willingness to invest in editing, design and preparation.
Myth 3: Self-publishing is free
Uploading a file may be free, but professional publishing is not. Your time has value, and readers notice poor production.
Myth 4: The publisher will do all the marketing
Publishers may provide valuable support, but most authors still need to build relationships with readers, attend events, use social media thoughtfully and promote their books.
Myth 5: You must choose one route forever
You can use different routes for different books. Some authors self-publish specialist projects and pursue traditional publishing for others.
How to decide
Ask yourself:
- Do I need the book published in months or am I willing to wait years?
- Can I afford professional editing and design?
- Do I want to control the cover, price and publication date?
- Would I welcome editorial direction?
- Is bookstore, school or library distribution essential?
- Do I have an audience or a realistic plan for reaching readers?
- Do I want the book to support a business, course or wider body of work?
- Am I prepared to manage the practical side of publishing?
If you feel stuck before you can answer these questions, start with the practical steps in The Procrastination Cure. Deciding on a route is useful, but finishing and improving the manuscript comes first. A publishing plan cannot rescue a book that is still waiting to be written.
Frequently asked questions
Is self-publishing better than traditional publishing?
Neither publishing route is automatically better. The right choice depends on your goals, budget, timeline and how much control you want over your book.
Self-publishing gives you greater creative control, faster publication and potentially higher royalty percentages. However, you’ll need to manage or pay for editing, cover design, formatting and marketing.
Traditional publishing offers professional support, established distribution networks and the possibility of an advance. However, securing a publishing contract can be competitive, and you’ll generally have less control over certain publishing decisions.
My advice: Think about what success looks like for you as an author before choosing your publishing route.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing?
The biggest advantages of self-publishing are creative freedom, flexibility and control over your publishing journey.
You can choose your book cover, set your prices, decide when to publish and retain control over your intellectual property. You can also earn higher royalty percentages than many traditionally published authors.
However, self-publishing comes with additional responsibilities. You’ll need to invest in professional editing, cover design, formatting and marketing. You’ll also be responsible for managing the publishing process and finding readers.
The good news is that you don’t have to do everything yourself. You can hire publishing professionals or take a structured self-publishing course to learn how to manage the process confidently.
How much does it cost to self-publish a book in the UK?
Self-publishing costs in the UK vary depending on your book’s length, genre, complexity and the professional services you require.
You could spend a few hundred pounds on a relatively simple project if you handle most of the work yourself. However, a professionally produced book can cost £1,000 to £5,000 or more, particularly if it requires extensive editing, illustrations or specialist design.
Your main expenses may include:
- Professional editing and proofreading
- Cover design
- Interior formatting and typesetting
- ISBN registration, where required
- Marketing and promotional materials
Platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allow authors to upload books without paying an upfront publishing fee. However, printing costs are deducted from applicable print royalties.
Remember, publishing cheaply isn’t necessarily the same as publishing professionally. Investing in quality can make a significant difference to how readers receive your book.
How long does traditional publishing take?
From signing a contract to publication, 18–24 months is common, although schedules vary. From the first query to seeing the book published, the process can take several years.
Can I keep my copyright when traditionally published?
Often, yes, but you grant the publisher agreed rights under contract. The exact terms may cover formats, territories, languages and duration. Read the contract carefully and seek legal advice where necessary.
Do self-published authors have to market their books?
Yes. You can hire help, but you remain responsible for ensuring readers discover the book. Marketing may include email, events, social media, advertising, partnerships and direct sales.
Can a children’s author self-publish?
Yes. However, children’s books need professional attention to age suitability, editing, illustration, design and printing. Young authors may benefit from structured writing support before moving into publication.
Do you need a literary agent to publish a book?
No. You don’t necessarily need a literary agent to publish a book. If you choose self-publishing, you can publish independently through platforms such as Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Kobo or Apple Books without an agent.
However, if you’re pursuing traditional publishing, particularly with major publishing houses, literary representation is often necessary. A literary agent represents your interests, submits your manuscript to publishers, negotiates contracts and may help you manage subsidiary rights.
Some independent publishers accept submissions directly from authors, so it’s worth researching their submission guidelines. Before querying agents, make sure your manuscript is ready and that you’ve prepared a professional query letter, synopsis and any requested sample chapters.
Final thoughts
Self-publishing offers speed, ownership and control, but it requires investment and active involvement. Traditional publishing offers professional infrastructure and potentially wider distribution, but it is slower, competitive and less flexible.
IMO, the best route is the one that supports the purpose of your book and the kind of author you want to become. Do not choose based only on prestige or royalty percentages. Consider the complete journey: writing, editing, production, marketing, rights management and building a relationship with readers.
If you are ready to publish independently, explore my Self-Publishing Course. It provides step-by-step guidance for preparing, formatting, uploading and marketing your book.
You can also book one-on-one publishing consulting if you need advice tailored to your manuscript, budget or goals. Parents supporting young writers who want to publish their work can enquire about the Young Author Accelerator or other coaching and publishing programmes for Young Writers.
Use the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the page to send a message. We will help you work out your next practical step.