Which Route is Best for your Writing Journey?
Are you passionate about storytelling and dreaming of seeing your name on the cover of a children's book? I had a dream of being an author - and had an idea in my head for no less than ten years, before I finally put the words down. After my personal experience with writing, publishing, and seeing my book come alive - I have developed a passion to help others get their ideas out into the world. I believe every person has a story in them! See my previous blog about my publishing journey - as I outline the process step by step in DETAIL, so YOU can become a successful, published children's author. I provide direct links and a 10 step process for you to follow to go from manuscript to published.
If you read through my step by step process, you will note that early on in your journey, you must make a decision about your publishing route. Once you have crafted your manuscript, the next step is deciding how to bring your book to life – through traditional publishing or self-publishing. This decision will be a pivotal moment in your author journey, so it is important to consider the pros and cons of each publishing method.
Traditional Publishing: Opening the Doors to Established Channels
Traditional publishing involves submitting your manuscript to publishing houses, where it undergoes a selection process. If your book is accepted, the publisher handles editing, design, printing, and distribution. While this path offers wider exposure and the support of experienced professionals, it can be competitive and time-consuming.
Pros:
Professional Editing and Design: Publishing houses offer top-quality editing, illustration, and design. Often if your manuscript is accepted, the company will pair you with professionals they feel will fit your story.
Wider Distribution: Traditional publishers have established distribution channels in bookstores and libraries. Depending on how big the traditional publishing company may be, this will vary quite a bit - but it can be an immediate jumpstart on sales!
Marketing and Publicity Support: Publishers often assist with marketing, book tours, and media exposure. They have done this before and worked with many authors before you, so they have experience in regard to past successes in marketing and sales.
Industry Credibility: Traditional publishing can lend credibility and authority to an author’s work. Many will offer more immediate respect and credibility because you have landed a traditional publishing deal.
Access to Awards and Reviews: Many literary awards, media, and reviewers prioritize traditionally published books. You may still be responsible for applying for the various awards yourself. But, the stamp of traditional publishing can give you an edge.
Financial Support: Publishers cover the costs of production, distribution, and, in many cases, marketing. This is a HUGE benefit for many, who do not have financial means for upfront costs of self-publishing.
Editorial Guidance: Authors receive guidance and feedback to improve the book’s marketability and quality. Again, you are working with established professionals.
Higher Initial Advance: Many publishers offer an advance, providing upfront payment for the work. This will vary greatly.
Supportive Network: Publishers bring connections to illustrators, literary agents, and other authors. The networking is already in place - it is like skipping a ton of steps and time others may have to take to gain the network of authors, writers, and creators.
Focus on Writing: Authors can focus primarily on writing, with the publisher managing logistics. Many authors are uninterested in the other aspects of publishing, creating, and decision-making involved in the process.
Cons:
Limited Creative Control: Publishers may alter content, illustrations, and overall direction to fit market trends. They are looking for what is most beneficial for their sales as well.
Lengthy Process: Traditional publishing timelines can extend over a year or more before release. If you have a deadline or timeline in mind, consider this likelihood.
Lower Royalty Rate: Authors generally receive a smaller percentage of each sale compared to self-publishing. The more sales, the more this will be apparent.
High Competition: Traditional publishers receive many submissions, making acceptance challenging. Many times publishers have a specific type of story in mind already.
Loss of Rights: Authors may give up certain rights, limiting their control over adaptations or future editions. This can be a big con if you are writing about your personal life.
Less Flexibility for Revisions: Major updates or changes post-publication are less feasible. Self-publishing allows a lot of minor changes and edits post-publication.
Limited Input on Marketing: The publisher decides marketing direction, which may not align with the author’s vision. Again, they have a vision for their company already.
Longer Feedback Process: Decision-making and feedback loops can be slower due to multiple layers of approval. Many publishing companies have committees each manuscript must pass and only during small windows of consideration.
Lower Pricing Control: Authors have little to no say in the book’s pricing, which impacts royalties. Overall, you will make less money.
Potentially Smaller Royalties on Digital Sales: Some publishers offer lower royalties on eBooks and audiobooks.
Self-Publishing: Empowering Authors to Take Control
On the other hand, self-publishing gives authors direct control over the entire publishing process. From editing to cover design and distribution, authors make all the decisions. This route offers creative freedom, quicker publication timelines, and higher royalties per book sold. However, self-published authors need to invest time and effort in marketing their books to reach their audience.
This is the method I chose for my book, Always, Always, Always - which has sold just under 700 copies as of October 2024. Why did I choose self-publishing? I wanted complete control of my timeline - I wanted to publish before my baby arrived! Further, the message was so near and dear to my heart, I wanted to be in complete control of the illustrations, design, and other components of the physical copy of the book. I truly didn't want any outside influence on decision making with most of the aspects of my book.
Pros:
Creative Control: Full control over content, illustrations, design, and publishing timeline. You can make all the decisions, big and small regarding the aesthetic and style of your book.
Faster Release: Self-publishing avoids lengthy traditional publishing timelines, allowing for quicker release. You can self-publish a quality book in a few short weeks - illustrations depending.
Higher Royalty Rates: Authors typically earn more per sale, as they keep a larger share of profits. If you can find a way to make direct sales, you will get much larger margins.
Direct Reader Connection: Authors can engage directly with readers, building an audience and brand. This can be a great route if you already have a big following on social media - and have built a "brand" of sorts already.
Flexibility: Freedom to update, reformat, or improve the book anytime after publication. You would be surprised how big of an advantage this option can be.
Control Over Marketing: Allows authors to target specific audiences and create customized marketing strategies. Marketing can be completely personalized to your humor, background, following, expertise, talents, etc.
Niche Marketability: Easier to produce niche or unconventional content that may not appeal to traditional publishers.
Multiple Platform Availability: Option to distribute across multiple platforms like Amazon, IngramSpark, and social media. Many local bookstores will not work with you or buy from you if you are exclusively available on Amazon.
Pricing Control: Authors set the book’s price, allowing flexibility in positioning for various audiences. Again, you get to make all the decisions!
Author Ownership: Complete ownership of the book’s rights, allowing for adaptations, translations, or sequels without restrictions.
Cons:
Upfront Costs: Self-publishing requires authors to cover illustration, design, and production costs. This is going to vary greatly depending on the professionals you hire. Illustrators range greatly.
Limited Distribution Channels: Self-published books may struggle to get into bookstores or libraries. This can be a lot of work, and take a lot of time to build trust.
Marketing Challenges: Authors are responsible for all marketing, which can be time-consuming and costly. Many authors do not have interest in marketing and sales, but it is a requirement for you, if you want to make any money.
Quality Control: Ensuring professional quality in illustrations, editing, and design falls entirely on the author. This is a lot of pressure and potential for mistakes and let downs by others who do not meet your expectations.
Perceived Lack of Credibility: Some readers and reviewers may view self-published books as less credible. Unfortunately, many will judge you less credible for this publishing route.
Complex Learning Curve: Authors must learn the ropes of publishing, marketing, and design. There are a lot of aspects of publishing a book that many do not realize initially.
Reduced Visibility: Without a publisher’s backing, books might not gain as much exposure. Again, a lot of this will fall on the author's efforts.
Logistical Challenges: Handling print runs, distribution, and book returns can be challenging. You may lose out on sales and money because of logistics.
Limited Awards and Reviews: Some awards, bookstores, and reviewers only consider traditionally published books. Reviews will be hard work to gain.
Time-Intensive: Balancing the demands of marketing, distribution, and sales can be overwhelming for solo authors. It is a lot more work than many understand.
Embrace the Adventure - No Matter the Path you Take
Embrace the adventure of being a published children's book author! From the thrill of creating stories to the joy of sharing them with young readers, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Spoiler Alert - there really is no destination! Even after you officially publish! Whether you choose traditional publishing or self-publishing, remember that each path offers unique opportunities for growth and success. And if you are like me, just because you chose one method for your first book, you may attempt another publishing process for your next book. There are many authors who have started as self-published authors and then traditionally published later on, and vice versa.
So, fellow storytellers, keep writing, keep dreaming, and let your imagination soar as you embark on your own author journey. Your story deserves to be told, and the world is waiting to hear it!
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