Publishing Resources
Publishing Resources
Writers have many paths to choose from when it comes to publishing.
Now, more than ever, it is important to understand what these routes look like, the challenges,
the expectations, and sometimes the dangers associated with each.
Publishing Options
There are three options for publishing.
Traditional — you choose an established publishing company to produce your book.
Self-Publishing — you retain control and source everything you need to publish.
Hybrid — a combination of Traditional and Self-Publishing.
The resources below should help you decide. As with everything else in life, there are pitfalls for each route you take. The information given is not to dissuade anyone from any path, only to set expectations so you make informed decisions.
Traditional vs. Self-Publishing—Which One is Best for You?
Publisher Definitions: Traditional, Vanity, Hybrid, Assisted Self-Publishing and Who to Avoid
Traditional Publishing
Many writers choose to publish with a publishing house. It’s important to know what this looks like. As an author, you’ll trade money and control for the clout of the publisher’s connections and brand. However, many writers assume going with a traditional publisher means marketing and promotion will be done for them. This is rarely the case.
5 Reasons to Go with a Traditional Publisher
5 Downsides of Traditional Publishing
How to Get Your Book Published
Nathan Bransford’s Query Letter Advice
Why Writers Shouldn’t Query Self-Published Books
Know Your Rights: Key Provisions in Contracts
Publishing Contract Red Flags
Great Resources for Traditional Publishing
Here are some great resources if you choose the traditional publishing route.
Writer Beware “Thumbs Down” Agency List
Writer Beware “Thumbs Down” Publisher List
The Hot Sheet (Industry Trends & News)
*Remember to do your research! Just because an agent, editor, or publisher is on a list doesn’t mean they are legitimate. Vet your choices before engaging, read every contract carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask others for advice when you need it.
Self-Publishing
Today, writers are choosing more and more to self-publish. Self-publishing allows you to keep full control over your writing & work on your own timeline. Even so, unless you're also a graphic artist, editor, and own your own printing press, you'll still need the help of other freelancers or business along the path to become a self-published author.
This is a viable path for people who are willing to put in the work needed, open to learning to manage all aspects of publishing, marketing, business management, and who can pay the upfront costs associated with this route.
How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish in 2023?
Creating a Publication Timeline for Your Next Release
How to Tell If You’re Self-Publishing Your Book for the Right Reasons
Distribution: Should You Go Wide or Narrow?
Great Resources for Self-Publishing
The following is a list of resources we recommend you read before pursuing self-publishing.
Writer Beware (stay up to date on common scams, and tracks bad actors in the industry)
Allliance of Independent Authors (get advice and resources + watchdog ratings for self-publishing service)
Reedsy Free Publishing Courses (SP & Traditional)
Pre-Publishing Checklist for SP Authors
Assisted/Hybrid/Subsidy Self-Publishing
Take the utmost care if you are considering Hybrid- or Self-Publishing.
Most services that go by the terms above are actually predatory vanity publishers in disguise, willing to take on any project, charging huge fees, and unable to deliver on what they promise.
You don’t want to end up with a poorly edited book, thousands of dollars down the drain, and boxes of product you were forced to buy and now can’t sell because the quality isn’t there. Unless you are ready to research deeply to find a vetted self-publishing partner, don’t go this route.
Related Articles:
Is Subsidy Publishing Actually Vanity Publishing?
Hybrid Publishing: Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know
Why Writers Fall for Vanity Presses
If you believe you’ve been taken in by a vanity press or bad actor in the SP service arena, don’t beat yourself up. It’s unfortunate, but it can happen.
If you haven’t yet signed anything, don’t, and walk away. But if you have, look at it as a learning experience, one you don’t want to repeat. It’s also an opportunity to be a good writer friend by sharing your experience to prevent others from being snared in a similar scheme.