Independent publishing company
Authors today, we have more options than ever to share our stories with the world. Whether we dream of seeing our books on bookstore shelves or prefer the control of self-publishing, there’s a path for all of us. In this guide, we’ll explore the main publishing options and help you decide which is the best fit for your book.
1. Traditional Launching
What It Is
Traditional publishing involves signing a contract with a publishing house (Independent Publishing Company). The publisher handles editing, design, marketing, and distribution, while you focus on writing. This form of publishing is the most difficult to undertake, largely because you may get a couple of rejections from publishing houses for many reasons. These reasons may include: you are a new writer and are unknown; you do not have writing "credentials"; and many more reasons. It is important to know that traditional publishing is essentially a publisher backing you and trusting that your book will sell and that they will be able to reap the financial benefits of their investments.
Steps to Publish Traditionally:
1. Find a Literary Agent/Publisher: Most publishers only accept submissions through agents. Research and query agents who specialize in your genre. Then submit your manuscript.
2. Submit Your Manuscript: Once your manuscript is ready, you then send it to publishers.
3. Sign a Contract: If accepted, you’ll receive an advance and royalties once your book is published (differs from publisher to publisher).
Pros:
• Prestige and Credibility: Being published by a major house adds authority to your work.
• Wider Distribution: Your book may appear in bookstores, libraries, and global markets.
• Professional Support: You’ll work with experienced editors, designers, and marketers.
Cons:
• Competitive: Securing an agent and publisher can take months or years.
• Less Control: Publishers have the final say on cover design, title, and marketing.
• Lower Royalties: Traditional publishers typically take a larger cut of sales.
2. Self-Publishing
What It Is
Self-publishing allows you to produce and sell your book without going through a traditional publisher. You retain full creative and financial control. Unlike traditional publishing, you carry the costs of publishing and production.
Platforms to Consider:
• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): The most popular platform for eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks.
• IngramSpark: Offers wider print distribution, including bookstores and libraries.
• Draft2Digital: Helps distribute eBooks to multiple retailers like Apple Books and Barnes & Noble.
• Lulu: Ideal for custom formats like photo books or hardcovers.
• Smashwords: Focused on eBook distribution to global markets.
Pros:
• Creative Freedom: You control every aspect of your book, from cover design to pricing.
• Higher Royalties: Earn up to 70% of sales, depending on the platform.
• Faster Publishing: You can launch your book in weeks, not years.
Cons:
• Upfront Costs: You may need to invest in editing, design, and marketing.
• Marketing Responsibility: Success depends on your ability to promote your book.
• Limited Reach: Self-published books may struggle to get into traditional bookstores.
3. Hybrid Releasing
What It Is:
Hybrid publishing is a middle ground between traditional and self-publishing. These publishers offer professional services (editing, design, distribution) but require authors to share the costs. This type of publishing embodies both self-publishing and traditional publishing
Pros:
• Professional Support: Enjoy high-quality production without the need to handle every detail.
• Faster Process: Hybrid publishers typically publish books quicker than traditional houses.
• Flexible Ownership: You retain more rights than with traditional publishers.
Cons:
• Cost Sharing: You’ll need to invest upfront.
• Reputation Risk: Some hybrid publishers are vanity presses in disguise. Research carefully.
4. DIY Distributing
What It Is
Therefore, the ultimate form of self-publishing. You handle every stage, including printing, formatting, and distribution. This type of publishing requires you to do everything yourself—the writing, designing, and formatting. It is emotionally daunting, and it might not be ideal for someone who is new to the world of writing and publishing.
Tools to Help:
• Grammarly: to help with spell checks
• Quillbot: to help with paraphrasing and spell checks
• Canva/ Photoshop/InDesign: Great for designing book covers.
• Kindle create: for book layout & typesetting on Kindle.
Pros:
• Full Ownership: Every decision is yours, and you keep all profits.
• Unique Formats: Customize your book’s size, binding, and design.
Cons:
• Time-Intensive: Managing the process yourself can be overwhelming. One of the reasons most people leave their writing and publishing half done is that they want to do everything alone.
• Higher Risk: Without professional input, the quality might suffer, in fact, not might, it will definitely suffer. We all need Professional input no matter our level within the literary world.
Choosing the Right Path
When deciding where to publish your book, consider the following:
- Your Goals: Is your priority creative control, prestige, or wide distribution?
- Your Budget: Can you afford upfront costs, or do you prefer a no-cost route?
- Your Genre: Certain genres perform better on specific platforms (e.g., romance on KDP).
- Your audience: is your audience tech savvy, do they have smartphones
Final Thoughts
Your book deserves to be out there. The question is: where will you publish it?
