Cavalletti Communications copywriter team is here to outline the pros and cons of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional – What’s Best For You and Your Book?

For business-book writers, self-publishing has never been easier. But how does it compare to the traditional route of finding a publisher to do it all for you? Never fear, we are here to outline all the pros and cons and help you choose which path to take.

Written by Daniela Cavalletti

One of the few Facebook feeds I make the time for to read is Humans of New York – HONY for short. Photographer Brandon Stanton takes to the streets of New York (and other cities, too); to ask random people if he can take their photo, plus publish quotes and short stories of their lives.

Such a simple premise, yet it’s majorly compelling reading. So it’s not surprising that HONY has over twenty million followers on social media.

Often the most ordinary people have the most amazing tales to tell.

Everyone Has a Book in Them

The old adage of ‘everyone has one good book’ in them is indeed quite true. I certainly have found that to be the case in editing the books of authors who come to us with their unique ideas, and the interesting information that they wish to share.

Many of these writers want to create a non-fiction business book that imparts advice, shares knowledge and raises their profile as thought leaders in their chosen industry. It is also very much about creating a lasting legacy.

Decisions, Decisions

So maybe you have decided you would like to start writing about a particular business idea or perhaps you have partially or fully completed a manuscript (and well done you for that!).

What happens next?

There are two pathways you can choose: the traditional way of approaching book publishers and trying to secure a deal, or publish your book yourself. Like everything in life, there are pros and cons to both. It really gets back to the reasons for the book and what type of person you are.

Never Say Never, But …

Let’s start with the traditional pathway. This may well be the gold standard, but in this hugely competitive industry I think we can safely say it is the more difficult option.

To attract the interest of a traditional publisher, especially one of the major ones, you will need a book that fits squarely into an established genre and has mass commercial appeal. It involves either writing letters to publishing companies or employing a literary agent to do the legwork for you. And be prepared to be rejected – Harry Potter was knocked back by 12 different publishers before it ended up with Bloomsbury.

While being paid in advance is a major plus, you also have to pay the literary agent a commission from your advance and royalties, as well as pay your dues to the publishing house.

You will have have limited control over everything − even the title. A publisher will take care of all the details from providing you with an editor right through to cover design, printing, marketing and distribution. This is either a brilliant concept or deeply disturbing depending on your attitude towards your book and what you’d like out of the experience.

Have a look at our Which Publishing Path? blog to help you decide whether traditional publishing is right for you.

Control Your Destiny

Once there was a bit of a stigma around self-publishing − a perception of “they are only doing this because they weren’t good enough to get a publishing deal”. In this digital world that is no longer true. Online booksellers, publishing platforms (Lightning Source, Kindle Direct Publishing, Pressbooks, etc.) and print on-demand technology (like Amazon’s Createspace where you only pay for what you need) have made life so much easier.

You are in control of your own destiny and can publish when and whatever you like. And there are some major success stories who have done just that, e.g. What Color Is Your Parachute?, a job-hunting guide self-published by Richard N. Bolles has been on the New York Times best-seller list periodically for more than a decade. Another example is Rich Dad Poor Dad − a financial advice book written by businessman, Robert Kiyosaki that has sold over 26 million copies.

For those of you who have a business book that appeals to a niche market and you already have an established network and client database then you should probably just go ahead and self-publish.

While it is called self-publishing, you definitely don’t have to be alone during the process. There are plenty of companies out there who specialise in editing (like us!), design and everything else that goes with creating, producing, distributing and marketing a book. It’s up to you to decide where your strengths lie – and how much help you need when it comes to producing, marketing, distributing, filling orders and running advertising campaigns.

It’s Not About the Money

To make a living out of writing books is pretty hard. A study from Macquarie University that surveyed more than 1,000 book authors found most Australian authors earn only $12,900 from their writing. Most traditional publishing contracts are based on authors receiving 10% royalties on sales while self-publishing royalties are substantially higher, ranging on average from 30–50%.

For business book writers, it is more about the knock-on effects of raising their profile in their industry and I can tell you – nothing kick-starts a personal brand like a published book!

What It All Comes Down to My Friends is …

At the base of it all is your intention! Why are you writing this book? If credibility, fame and a full-time writing career is what you crave, then give the traditional publishing route a go.

But if you are all about building a reputation, growing a community around your ideas, and helping to inspire others with what you’re doing – then self-publishing it is. It could lead to many opportunities such as speaking engagements, creative alliances and may even catch the eye of a publishing house for your next book.

You never know!

Whichever road you take, it is important for any business book writer to have a manuscript that is professionally ghostwritten or edited. If you would like to know more about how Cavalletti Communications can help you publish a book that will get the attention you seek, contact us now.

7 Comments
  • Jessica Stewart
    Posted at 15:32h, 16 April Reply

    Self-publishing is the future! With digital production and online distribution now, it has become a genuine option.. Becoming a good marketer is necessary if you want it to swim, rather than sink, but professional services are available to bring your book to a publishable state. The self-published authors I have worked with are profoundly grateful for editorial advice.

    • Daniela Cavalletti
      Posted at 16:59h, 19 April Reply

      Hear hear, Jessica! I utterly agree.

  • Pingback:How to Turn Your Book Baby Into a Published Grown Up - Smallville
    Posted at 13:32h, 21 April Reply

    […] process of self-publishing doesn’t usually involve a literary agent, and you will have much more control over what happens […]

  • Pravesh Kumar Tejan
    Posted at 13:53h, 09 September Reply

    Self publishing provides a democratic way to share the ideas. I like it better than traditional as author have more control over his baby.
    Nice article !!

    • Daniela Cavalletti
      Posted at 18:45h, 09 September Reply

      Exactly right, Pavesh! Self-publishing has given authors the ability to get their books into their readers’ hands faster – and with more control over each step of the process. Are you working on a book yourself?

  • Orange Publisher
    Posted at 23:12h, 29 July Reply

    We encourage self-publishing. This was a wonderful article.

  • Shubhra Mohanty
    Posted at 19:21h, 06 August Reply

    Hi, I am Shubhra Mohanty, feminist, mother and a female motivational speaker.
    I loved this value bomb you have dropped.
    I am Team Self-publishing for all the freedom this form of publishing gives to the authors.
    For all the aspirant writers, please do not deprive the world any more. This imposter syndrome is natural but trust me your work has potential. Start believing in yourself.
    Have a Good Day!

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