So, you’ve written a book? First off, congrats! That’s a huge deal. Now, the next big question: Should you self-publish or go with book publishing services? Both options have their perks, and I’m here to break it all down for your Gen Z style! Let’s go.
1. You’re the Boss vs. You Have a Team
So, first of all, if you self-publish, you call all the shots. Moreover, you
- choose the cover
- set the price
- decide where it gets sold
Like literally everything. But let’s be real, that’s also a LOT of work.
With book publishing services, you get a whole team. For instance,
- editors
- designers
- marketers
The ones who handle the details for you. So, it’s like having a squad that ensures your book looks professional and sells well. But the downside? You have to give up some control and follow their process.
2. Speed of Publishing
Secondly, do you want your book out ASAP? Wah! Then, self-publishing is the way to go. Also, you could publish in weeks or even days if you’re fast. No waiting for approval from a publishing house!
With book publishing services, it’s a slower ride. They have processes for editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing which means it might take months or even years before your book hits shelves. But hey, good things take time, right?
3. Costs Upfront vs. Royalties Later
Self-publishing? You’re paying out of pocket—for editing, cover design, marketing, and more. But once your book sells, all the profit is yours.
With book publishing services, they cover the costs, but you’ll make less per book because they take a cut. It’s kind of like investing vs. profit-sharing—one’s risky but rewarding, the other’s safer but slower to pay off.
4. Quality Control – DIY vs. Expert Help
In self-publishing, everything is on your editing, cover design, and formatting. If you’re a control freak (in a good way), this is great. But if you mess up, yikes! Readers notice bad covers and typos.
Book publishing services have pros who ensure your book looks polished. They’ve done this a million times, so they know what works. This is the better choice if you want a book that looks high-end and bookstore-worthy.
5. Getting Into Bookstores
Self-publishing? Say goodbye to seeing your book in big bookstores (unless you work hard). Most bookstores only stock books from traditional publishers.
Book publishing services have connections. They can get your book into physical stores, libraries, and major online retailers. So if you dream of walking into a store and seeing your book on a shelf, this might be your best bet.
6. Marketing & Promotion
Self-publishing means you’re your marketing department. TikTok, Instagram reels, email lists—you gotta hustle to get people to notice your book.
Book publishing services handle marketing for you. They might set up book tours, get you interviews, and even place ads. You still have to promote yourself, but they give you a huge head start in the marketing game.
7. Rights & Ownership
Self-publishing? You own EVERYTHING. Want to turn your book into a movie? Do it. Want to make an audiobook? Go for it. No one tells you what to do.
With book publishing services, they often own some rights to your book. This means that if Netflix wants to turn your book into a movie, you’ll need permission (and they’ll get a cut of the money). It’s a trade-off between full control vs. big opportunities.
8. Prestige & Credibility
Fair or not, traditionally published books still get more respect. Readers, bookstores, and even media outlets take them more seriously. If you want awards, bestseller lists, and industry cred, book publishing services give you a better shot.
Self-publishing is gaining respect, especially if your book sells well. But let’s be honest—many people still see it as the “easier” option (even though it’s a lot of work!).
9. Income Potential
Self-published authors keep more money per sale, but they also have to work harder for sales. If you don’t market your book well, it might not sell much.
With book publishing services, you get smaller royalties, but if they push your book hard, you could sell way more copies. It’s the classic quantity vs. quality debate. Which risk are you willing to take?
10. The Long-Term Game
If you’re publishing just one book that you’re hoping to read for fun, self-publishing is a simple way to put it out there.
However, are you interested in a long-term writing career? Then, book publishing services will help give you a strong repo. Moreover, it will open some doors for future book deals or writing opportunities. It’s sort of like the difference between being an indie artist and signing with a record label. One gives you freedom. One gives you bigger opportunities. choose wisely!
Final Thoughts
There are neat things about self-publishing and book publishing in general. For example, if you are someone who likes to control everything, wants to get your book out as fast as possible, and wants to keep all the money you make, then self-publishing is your jam. On the other hand, if you’d prefer not to deal with any of the details and work, dream of seeing your book in bookstores, and care about that “officially published author” feeling, then traditional book publishing is probably the way to go.
So, the better of the two choices comes down to the specific things that you want. Firstly, ask yourself what your purpose is. So, are you building some passion project that you’re just wanting to share? Or are you hoping to build a full-time writer career? And let us tell you. Once you know what you’re going for, choosing is much, much easier. Hence, go on and chase your book dreams, and make them real
