Tip Tuesday for Writers - Traditional Publishing versus Self-Publishing

Traditional Publishing: You can choose to use an agent, or not. You can aim for a small house, or big.

PROS:

• The money flows to you; 
• No upfront costs;
• Editor will edit for you for free;
• The house will distribute it to B&N, etc;
• It will be designed and laid out for free;
• They may help you sell subsidiary rights;
• They may assign a publicist to you; they will make it available in eBook;
• They keep track of sales and pay you; carries an air of important legitimacy;
• You can always self-publish later.

CONS:

• Moves slow;
• Much is out of your hands;
• Nonfiction demands a platform;
• Payment good at first but bad later;
• Not much fiction is published;
• Confines of genres and length;
• You are at the whim of others.

NEXT STEPS:
For fiction, finish the book. For nonfiction, compose a nonfiction book proposal. Query agents or editors when you're ready.

Self-Publishing:
PROS:

• Lots of options exist for print books and eBooks;
• Speed;
• How you are in control;
• You can work in different places (nonexclusive rights);
• Better royalties
• Length and genre no longer matter;
• The most necessary stuff is still handled for you;
• You can negotiate and compare offers/elements.

CONS:

• Having too much control can be bad;
• Quality can be inferior;
• Stigma;
• You pay THEM;
• No help with subsidiary rights;
• Tougher with bookstores, book fairs and reviews;
• Visibility and promotion for those who do not have a platform.

NEXT STEPS:

• Look at self-publishing services like Lulu, CreateSpace, and Smashwords.

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kristinvanrisseghem@msn.com
www.kristinvanrisseghem.com
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