First of all, there is no wrong way to publish your book, but you should research the process before taking the first step to publishing your book. There are publishers to avoid, like those who charge you (Vanity Publishers). Those are the ones who require money upfront for all copies, they sell you a "package". Some act like traditional publishers but are not. So research them before signing any contracts.
Being an author who has published through traditional and Indie (independently), I have learned the benefits of both. I'll share them here, and you can decide which one will work better for you.
Benefits of Traditional:
Everything is done in-house. That means they have editors, cover designs, etc who work through the publisher. You CAN offer your own cover if you have one, but it is up to the publisher which final cover will be used. There are different editors who work for the company as well. They will offer suggestions to you and you make the choice. You do the work, they check it.
The employees are professional. They know the market. Cover designers will ask for your ideas first, but will decide if that idea is marketable for "today's market". They will work up 3 designs and you choose the one you like best. Again, this is up to the publisher if that final choice is used, but it will be professionally done.
While the cover is being designed, you will work directly with the editors for each round. They will read the story and offer up suggestions to improve the writing--all of the writing. They will send it back to you, you make the changes and send it back. The process starts over for each round; read, suggest changes, you make changes, and again until finished. There is no extra cost for this--it is part of the process.
You will have a signed contract for the time specified by the publisher. After the time is over, you can ask for an extension or ask if you may republish else where. Get this in writing.
They will send your book to all the places where it will be sold. Amazon, included. They may also sell on their website. You can ask if they can add a link to your website if you have one. Some do, some don't.
Benefits of Indie:
You gain control of the process. You choose the cover. You choose who edits the book. If you want to design your cover, you have that choice. No one decides for you.
If there is something in your book you want kept, no one can argue that choice. You gain power over the process.
You can set your price (of course, you don't want to make it too expensive lol)
You decide where you want it sold. Amazon is one of the top sellers but you don't have to go with them. It's your choice.
Downside of Traditional:
The wait time can be murder. Between rounds of edits, cover design; you will be waiting a lot. You CAN write another book while you wait but there is no guarantee that the publisher will accept it. This depends on your sales from the first book. If you have a series, mention it before signing the contract. Allow them to read them before deciding. It is possible, they only want the first book.
As mentioned, the publisher makes the final choice for the cover being used. If they like Cover A and you like Cover C, they will go with Cover A. Even if one of those covers is your design.
You have to cut some things from your story. Sometimes, the editor will allow you to keep something if it is important to the story but you need a good reason for it. You want to be known as the author who was hard to work with so sacrifices are made for the good of the story. Choose your battles wisely.
The publisher will not promote you unless you are a big name. This will cost money. It is one of the few things they don't do for you. They will have your book on their website though.
If you write horror and romance, the publisher may suggest you write under different pen names or go with a different publisher. Not all publishers accept the same genres, some only publish fantasy. That's why research is so important. They say you can write in one or two genres, tops. Being independent, you can write as many genres as you want under one name.
Downside of Indie:
There can be limits when publishing so research the house before deciding to print with them.
You have to buy your ISBN number if you want the same number across different places. Those can be expensive. You also need to have your book copyrighted (not required, but it helps). No one is there to protect you if you get sued, you must protect yourself. I didn't know this, but you should also send your book to the Library of Congress. This is not required, but it helps having a legal record that you wrote and published your book. They ask for three copies. This comes out of your pocket. Traditional publishers do this at no charge to you. But you still pay for your copyright, either way.
Out-of-pocket costs for Indie publishing can be high. Do your research before agreeing to work with any designer or editor. There are ways to keep the costs down, but cutting corners isn't always a good idea.
You pay for all marketing.
It takes time to get everything right, but since you're in full control, you can begin the next book knowing no one will reject it. But you also don't know how well the first book will sell. Just remember, the book will be up for a lifetime so sales could begin to come in after years of being published. So it does take time. That is a downside for all publishing--it takes time.
You have to learn how to keep an eye out for the scammers. They are out there and will claim they have all these guarantees to help you sell your book. There are no guarantees! Even in the traditionally published world.
That's basically it. It's up to you. Research is key so before diving in and making the choice, figure out what you want to give up and what you want to keep. Either way, you'll be marketing your books yourself. If you get lucky enough to get an agent or someone who does this for you (at a cost), you're good to go. But do the research first. Once you sign a contract, there's no turning back.
I, for one, prefer to be an Indie Author. But that's me. I love the freedom it gives me. If I missed anything from either list, please comment below! Thank you!!
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