This question comes up for almost every author at some point, and it deserves a considered answer rather than a quick opinion, because the two routes suit genuinely different priorities and circumstances.
This guide sets out the main factors worth weighing, without telling you which one to choose. For the mechanics of how each route actually differs, see [traditional publishing vs self-publishing](/resources/publishing/traditional-publishing-vs-self-publishing).
What should I weigh up first?
Before comparing routes in detail, it helps to be honest about what actually matters most to you for this particular book: is it getting the book out quickly, keeping full control, having a publisher fund production, or something else? The right route usually follows from that answer.
How does cost differ?
Traditional publishing does not typically require authors to pay for production themselves; the publisher funds it. Self-publishing and assisted self-publishing require the author to pay, either piecemeal to freelancers or as a structured service fee, in exchange for keeping ownership and control.
How does timeline differ?
Traditional publishing timelines, from finding an agent to books on shelves, are often measured in years, and acquisition itself is not guaranteed within any timeframe. Self-publishing and assisted routes are typically much faster, because the author or a paid team controls the schedule.
How does control differ?
Traditional publishers generally make the final decisions on cover, title, editing direction and publication date, within the terms of the contract. Self-publishing and assisted self-publishing generally leave those decisions with the author.
How do rights differ?
Traditional contracts typically involve licensing rights to the publisher for a defined term. Self-publishing and assisted self-publishing generally leave copyright with the author throughout. See rights and royalties, explained for more.
How do royalties differ?
Traditional royalty structures are set out in the publishing contract and vary by deal. Self-publishing and assisted self-publishing generally mean the author keeps royalty income directly from the retail platform, without a publisher taking a share.
How does editorial support differ?
Traditional publishers typically provide in-house editorial support once a book is acquired. Self-publishing requires the author to arrange this personally; assisted self-publishing typically includes structured editorial support as part of the paid service.
How does distribution differ?
Traditional publishers generally have established trade distribution relationships. Self-published and assisted authors typically distribute through platforms such as Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, which make a book orderable but do not guarantee bookshop stocking.
How does marketing responsibility differ?
Marketing support from traditional publishers varies considerably and first-time authors are often expected to contribute significant effort themselves. Self-publishing and assisted routes place that responsibility clearly with the author from the outset.
Does one route carry more prestige?
Perceptions vary across readers, industry professionals and genres, and are gradually shifting as self-publishing becomes more established. This is a matter of ongoing debate rather than settled fact, so treat any strong claim in either direction with some scepticism.
How important is speed to you?
If getting a book out quickly matters a great deal, self-publishing or an assisted route will generally suit better, because you are not waiting on a submission and acquisition process with an uncertain outcome.
How does acceptance and selection differ?
Traditional publishing involves competitive selection: agents and publishers choose which manuscripts to acquire, and most submissions are declined. Self-publishing and assisted self-publishing do not involve that kind of editorial gatekeeping; paid services select which projects to accept for other reasons, such as capacity or fit, not literary acquisition.
How does workload differ?
DIY self-publishing generally requires the most direct author workload, since you are managing every step. Assisted self-publishing reduces that workload through paid structured support while keeping ownership with the author. Traditional publishing shifts most production workload to the publisher, though marketing effort often still falls partly to the author.
Is there a simple way to decide?
A quick framework for deciding
- If publisher-funded production and industry infrastructure matter most to you, traditional publishing may be worth pursuing first.
- If speed and ownership matter most and you are willing to invest, self-publishing or assisted self-publishing may suit better.
- If you want structured support but do not want to manage every step alone, assisted self-publishing sits between the two.
- If you are unsure, researching all three routes properly before committing tends to lead to a better decision than guessing.
When might it be worth trying traditional first?
If you have time to spend on submissions, want to test market interest through agents, and are not in a hurry to publish, querying traditionally first is a reasonable approach for some authors.
When might self-publishing suit better?
If you want to retain control, publish on your own timeline, or the book suits a niche that traditional publishers may not prioritise, self-publishing or assisted self-publishing can be a considered choice rather than a fallback.
Common mistakes
- Treating self-publishing as a fallback rather than a genuine choice. It is a legitimate route with its own trade-offs, not a lesser option by default.
- Assuming traditional publishing guarantees marketing support. Support varies widely by publisher and deal.
- Choosing a route without checking cost, rights and timeline for your specific case. General comparisons only take you so far; the details of any offer or contract matter.
- Deciding based on prestige alone. Perceptions vary and are not a reliable basis for a decision that affects cost, rights and control.
Frequently asked questions
Can I query agents and self-publish at the same time?
Some authors do query one project while self-publishing another, though submitting the same manuscript both traditionally and independently at once is generally not advisable; check any submission guidelines.
Is assisted self-publishing the same as traditional publishing?
No. Assisted self-publishing is a paid service model where the author retains copyright, royalties and control; it is not a publisher acquiring or selecting the book in the traditional sense.
Which route earns more money?
It depends on the specific contract or service terms, sales volume and costs involved; there is no fixed answer that applies to every book.