I’m so frustrated.

I’ve discovered that articles written to help authors decide between traditional publishing or self-publishing focus on the pros and cons of each model without providing a very, very important detail.

None of the sites you recognize and trust (I’m not going to name and shame) are willing to tell you the truth.

“Should I use traditional publishing or self-publishing?”

My experience with online author groups reinforces the need for the reality check that nobody seems to be offering.

A common post in many of these groups goes something like this: “I’m trying to decide if I should go with a traditional publisher or self-publish. What do you think I should do?”

I see some variation of this nearly every week.

The person asking the question usually isn’t a professional writer, hasn’t published any articles or short stories, and hasn’t received writing awards or recognition.

It’s their first book.

Beware the hive mind

Invariably, group members offer some version of this advice:

• “Don’t even think about traditional publishing. You’ll make more money self-publishing!”
• “You should NEVER pay anyone money to publish your book.”
• “I’ve heard so many horror stories about working with traditional publishers that I’d never go that route!”

Usually, this advice comes from people who don’t have traditional publishing experience.

There are also people who provide more informed input:

• “If you want to go the traditional publishing route, you should get an agent.”
• “If your book is nonfiction, you’re going to need an impressive platform.”
• “Before you explore publishing options, be clear on what you want to accomplish with your book. That might determine what makes the most sense.”

The painful truth about traditional publishing or self-publishing

What I rarely see among responses and didn’t find in other articles about this is a sometimes painful truth: Today’s typical author-to-be won’t be offered a traditional publishing contract.

via GIPHY

For most, self-publishing in some form is the only option.

I’m reluctant to share this reality because I feel like I’m bursting bubble after bubble after bubble.

And yet, here I am, writing about it.

I feel like I have to address it because nobody else has.

Publishers and contracts

There’s really no traditional vs. self-publishing debate. You can’t sign a contract with a traditional publisher that you aren’t offered.

In reality, publishers are increasingly selective about who they offer those coveted contracts to.

This is the case even for established professional writers with marketable book ideas. Many writers who might have gotten a contract 15 years ago are now turning to self-publishing, and not necessarily because they want to. It’s often because they have no choice.

There are a number of reasons why experienced fiction and nonfiction writers find it harder to snag traditional publishing deals today. The reasons are less important than the harsh reality that it’s not as simple as “Should I go with a traditional publisher or self-publish?”

Industry changes have created more publishing options

There’s good news, though. There are more publishing models today than ever before. And that’s where authors have real choices.

Book publishing insider Jane Friedman has recently updated her “2023-2024 Key Book Publishing Paths” infographic that clearly explains current publishing models. Studying this carefully should help you see what might work best for your writing project and budget.

Using this chart to get smart about the book publishing industry and where your book fits into it will better prepare you to ask for advice in online groups. And, when you do turn to a group for publishing input, give members specifics about you and your project that will help them provide informed guidance.

Here’s the type of information we need when you’re asking about which publishing model to use:

• Whether your book fiction or nonfiction
• The subject and category or genre
• How much writing experience you have
• Why you are the best person to write this book
• For nonfiction in particular, information about your platform (that audience waiting to buy the book because of who you are or your reputation)

Be careful about who you listen to

via GIPHY

You also want to be smart about who you select as your publishing advisors in online groups and elsewhere. The fact that we don’t know what we’re talking about doesn’t stop some of us from speaking with great authority.

And those who know the least often have the loudest voices.

As a result, authors with a shot at a traditional publishing contract don’t try to get one, while those who aren’t good candidates waste time pursuing that unlikely option.

Be sure to check the profiles behind those offering advice, too. They often offer clues to credibility.

In addition, you can usually discount comments that are barely even a sentence – “Don’t bother.” – or emotional – “Only an idiot would go with a big publisher!” Focus instead on responses that are thoughtful and specific.

Write a great book

No matter which publishing model makes the most sense for your situation, never forget that you must write a great book. You’ll need to demonstrate that you can do that to get a publishing contract, but it’s also important when self-publishing. The reason is simple: Readers want good books.

Mediocre books rarely soar unless someone is gaming the system. And sure, a so-so book can become a momentary best-seller in a small niche Amazon category, but that doesn’t mean it reached a lot of people or became beloved or even recommended.

Whether you’ve received a traditional publishing contract, opted for a hybrid approach, or have put together your own self-publishing team, it’s all about the book. The shortest route to publishing success is to write a high-quality book that people want to read.

Did you pursue a traditional publishing contract? Did you get one? Tell us about your experience in a comment!

(Editor’s note: This article was first published in September 2018. It has been updated and expanded.)