Independent vs. Traditional Publishing: Which Path is Right for You?
For aspiring authors, one of the biggest decisions in the publishing journey is choosing between traditional publishing and independent publishing. Each path offers unique advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends on your goals, priorities, and how much control you want over your book. At Embolden Media Group, we guide authors through both routes, helping them make informed decisions that align with their vision.
As the publishing industry shifts in response to economic and political changes, alternative paths to publishing are becoming increasingly relevant. With rising production costs, cautious acquisitions from traditional publishers, and evolving reader dynamics, authors may find that exploring independent publishing or hybrid models allows them greater flexibility and access to their audience. Below, we break down the pros and cons of independent publishing and traditional publishing to help you determine which approach best fits your needs.
Traditional Publishing
Traditional publishing involves securing a book deal with a publishing house, which then handles production, distribution, and marketing. This route often requires securing a literary agent to pitch your manuscript to publishers.
Pros
✔ Credibility & Prestige – A book published by a reputable house lends industry recognition and credibility. This can open doors to media coverage, awards, and bookstore placement.
✔ No Upfront Costs – The publisher covers the costs of editing, design, printing, and distribution.
✔ Built-in Marketing & Distribution – Traditional publishers have established relationships with bookstores, libraries, and media outlets, making it easier to reach a wide audience.
✔ Advance Payments – Many authors receive an advance against royalties, providing some upfront income before sales begin.
Cons
✘ Longer Process – The path to publication is slow, often taking 1-2 years from acquisition to release.
✘ Loss of Creative Control – The publisher makes final decisions on cover design, title, and editorial changes.
✘ Lower Royalty Rates – Authors typically receive 10-15% of book sales, with the majority of profits going to the publisher.
✘ Competitive & Exclusive – It’s difficult to secure a book deal, and many publishers favor established authors or highly marketable projects.
Independent Publishing
Independent publishing (also known as self-publishing) allows authors to retain full control over their work, from production to marketing. With the rise of platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark, indie authors can distribute their books globally with relative ease.
Pros
✔ Creative Control – You make all decisions about your book’s content, design, and release schedule.
✔ Higher Royalties – Authors can earn up to 70% of their book’s retail price, significantly more than traditional publishing.
✔ Faster Time to Market – You can publish your book in months rather than years.
✔ Ownership & Rights – You retain full ownership of your work, allowing you to repurpose content, negotiate film/TV deals, and set your own pricing.
✔ Flexibility in Marketing – Indie authors can test different promotional strategies, run price discounts, and directly engage with their audience.
Cons
✘ Upfront Costs – You’re responsible for hiring editors, designers, and marketing professionals.
✘ Marketing Challenges – Without a publisher’s network, authors must build their own marketing plan and audience.
✘ Limited Bookstore Access – Many brick-and-mortar bookstores prioritize traditionally published books, making placement more challenging.
✘ Time-Intensive – Managing production, marketing, and sales requires significant effort and business acumen.
Beyond Indie Publishing and Traditional Publishing: Alternative Paths Worth Exploring
The publishing industry is evolving, and with it, the way books reach readers. Nowadays, there are just so many ways to publish. Many authors are choosing to explore hybrid models or alternative publishing paths that offer a balance between creative control and professional support.
1. Hybrid Publishing – This model blends aspects of both traditional and independent publishing. Authors work with a publisher who provides professional editing, design, and marketing services, while retaining a higher level of creative input and royalty earnings. Publishing pro Brooke Warner describes it like this:
Often hybrid publishing (or copublishing) imprints or publishing companies are run like traditional publishing companies. In other words, many of them have a submissions process, control their own cover design and editorial process, and have publishers calling the shots and curating the lists. What's different is hybrid publishing almost always involves the author paying for some or all services (and always in return for higher royalty rates). There are also traditional publishers that are cutting hybrid deals, in which authors pay for some services in exchange for higher royalties. (WritersDigest.com)
2. Direct-to-Reader Models – Platforms like Substack, Patreon, and serialized storytelling apps allow authors to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build a direct relationship with their audience. This approach fosters community engagement and financial sustainability for many writers.
3. Crowdfunding & Pre-Sales – Many authors successfully fund their publishing projects through platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo, allowing them to secure upfront investment while gauging reader interest before publication.
Moving Between Traditional and Independent Publishing
A decision to publish traditionally does not rule out the opportunity to later publish independently, and vice versa. Many authors choose to work across both models depending on their goals for each book.
For instance, a traditionally published author may wish to publish a book on a niche topic or one that serves a very specific audience, where independent publishing offers more flexibility. Similarly, an indie author who builds a strong platform may later choose to pursue a traditional deal for wider distribution and industry recognition. Understanding that publishing is not a "one-size-fits-all" approach allows authors to make strategic decisions based on each project’s unique needs.
Which Path Is Right for You?
Consider these questions as you weigh your options:
Do you want full creative control, or are you open to industry professionals shaping your book?
Are you willing to wait for a traditional deal, or do you prefer to bring your book to market quickly?
Can you invest in professional services upfront, or do you prefer a publisher covering those costs?
How comfortable are you with marketing and selling your book?
How Embolden Media Group Can Help
Regardless of your choice, Embolden Media Group offers expert guidance to help you publish with excellence. We provide editorial, design, and marketing services tailored to both independent and traditionally published authors. Whether you’re navigating agent queries or launching your own imprint, we are here to support your journey.
If you're unsure which path is best for you, let’s connect. Book a writing or publishing consulting session today, or visit our services page to learn more. (Please note: this session is not for pitching book ideas for literary representation. If you wish to have your book considered for representation by one of our literary agents, please click here to view our submission guidelines.)
Together, we’ll help you determine the best publishing strategy for your vision and goals.
Which publishing path resonates most with you?