Learn what each option has to offer and choose the one that matches your needs.
By ALCG Books
February 13, 2023
The history of book publishing has roots in the invention of the printing press during the first millennium A.D., in China. Even in its crudest form, a process that involved applying carved, moveable wooden blocks to animal skins or paper, the printing press made it possible, for the first time in history, to produce a greater number of books, pamphlets, and/or documents at one time than had ever been possible. In the fifteenth century, Johannes Gutenberg, a German exile in France, built upon early inventions to create a new European version of moveable type famously known as the Gutenberg Press, which laid the foundation for western book publishing as we know it today.
Even with the proliferation of printed materials through the nineteenth century, it wasn't until post-war reforms in education, and rising standards of living (particularly in Europe and America), that demand for reading material spiked as it never had before. In America and Europe, new compulsory education laws, then later the GI Bill, led to the creation of newly literate masses with a taste for literature.
Enter: the modern book publishing industry.
While book publishing has evolved numerous times over the past millennium, the sole major disruptions to modern publishing over the past 100 years have been Amazon -- which has forced an aggressive reduction in profit-margins for publishers and writers, while making books more widely available -- and self-publishing, which has enabled any writer who wishes to be published to publish on their own.
One important fact to note about book publishing, especially in America today, is that it's split into three major factions: the Big Five, independent, and nonprofit publishers. For further reading on what these are and how they work, ALCG Books highly recommends Dan Sinykin's Big Fiction: How Conglomeration Changed the Publishing Industry and American Literature.
Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing involves a process that typically starts with an author submitting their manuscript to a publishing professional known as a literary agent. If the manuscript is accepted, the literary agent, in exchange for future royalties, will find a suitable publisher for the author and with the goal of securing a book deal. If all goes well, the author then receives an advance payment and royalties on book sales.
One of the biggest advantages of traditional publishing is the credibility and legitimacy that comes with having a literary agent and being represented by a publisher. The agent provides support, guidance, and expertise throughout the entire publishing process, which can lead to a higher quality end product. Additionally, traditional publishers have established relationships with distributors, which can increase the visibility of a book.
Even with these notable advantages, some might find it helpful to know in advance that the process of traditional publishing can be long and arduous, often taking several years. Writers also have limited control over the final product, as the publisher has the final say in editing, design, and marketing decisions.
Publishers also tend to take a significant percentage of book sale profits, leaving writers with smaller royalty payments.
Self-Publishing
In the self-publishing scenario, writers take on all aspects of the publishing process, from editing to marketing. The writer is responsible for hiring literary consultants for editing if they choose not to edit their book themselves. For background on the work of literary consultants, read this piece.
Writers who self-publish also responsible for hiring cover designers, marketing specialists, and for making their own decisions about pricing and distribution. Self-publishing comes with a greater measure of autonomy in general. Writers have complete control over their book and can publish as quickly or slowly as they wish to.
The most significant advantage of self-publishing, also having to do with autonomy, might be the ability to retain creative control over the final product. Writers can make decisions about the cover design, editing, and pricing. They also retain a larger percentage of the book sale profits, as they're not splitting the profits with a publisher.
Bearing all this in mind, self-publishing takes us back to the credibility, quality, and legitimacy questions. Without the support of a traditional publisher, writers must learn all the skills required to successfully write, publish and market a book -- or at least they must have the skills required to outsource the help they need. All this requires a financial purse large enough to cover costs a publisher would have covered on your behalf (at least upfront).
Which One is Right for You?
The question of whether to pursue traditional publishing or self-publishing depends on your circumstances and goals. Traditional publishing may be a better option for writers who want the support and guidance of an agent, as well as those who are open to a longer production process. For new writers or those with budding literary reputations, an agent and publisher can help give you the credibility you need to gain more traction.
On the other hand, self-publishing may be a better option for those who want complete control over the publishing process, are willing to invest time and money into editing and marketing, and want to retain a larger percentage of book sales profits.
If you're weighing your publishing options, reach out to ALCG. We'll get you scheduled for a consultation.