The Four Paths to Publishing

A complete breakdown of traditional, indie, self-publishing, and vanity publishing – with insider tips, royalties explained, and a warning to avoid costly mistakes.

Choosing how to publish your book is one of the most significant decisions an author can make. Each publishing route offers different benefits and challenges, so understanding the four main methods - traditional publishing, indie publishing, self-publishing, and vanity (or hybrid) publishing is essential. Below, we break down each approach, highlighting the pros, cons, timeframes, and potential royalties. We’ll also issue a word of caution regarding vanity publishing.

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1. Traditional Publishing

Traditional publishing is the most established method, where an author submits their manuscript to a publishing house (such as Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, or smaller presses). If accepted, the publisher handles all aspects of editing, design, marketing, and distribution. However, securing a deal almost always requires an agent.

Do You Need an Agent?

Yes, in almost all cases. Agents act as intermediaries between authors and publishers, negotiating contracts and advocating for your interests. They typically take a 15% commission on your earnings from advances and royalties. While this might seem high, their expertise often results in better deals and opportunities.

Pros:

• No Upfront Costs: The publisher bears the financial risk.

• Professional Support: Access to expert editors, cover designers, and marketing teams.

• Prestige and Validation: Being traditionally published often carries a mark of quality and credibility.

• Wide Distribution: Traditional publishers have established networks to get your book into bookstores and libraries.

Cons:

• Highly Competitive: Securing a deal often requires an agent and can involve numerous rejections.

• Loss of Creative Control: Publishers have the final say on the title, cover design, and even some content.

• Lower Royalties: Authors typically earn 5-15% royalties on the cover price of each book sold.

• Slow Process: It can take 1-2 years from signing a contract to seeing your book on shelves.

Payments from Publishers:

Payments from traditional publishers are typically split into three parts:

1. On Signing: You receive a portion of the advance when you sign the contract.

2. On Delivery: Another portion is paid when you deliver the final manuscript.

3. On Publication: The final portion is paid when the book is published.

The advance for a new author is often around £5,000, though this can vary widely depending on the publisher and project (and the agent will take their 15% from this).

Time to Publish:

From submission to publication, the process can take 18 months to 2 years or longer.

Typical Royalties:

5-15% of the retail price for print books; 25% for eBooks.

Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash

2. Indie Publishing

Indie publishing involves working with an independent (or small) publisher. These publishers operate on a smaller scale than traditional publishing houses but still manage key aspects of the publishing process.