Hi everyone I hope you’re well! I’m talking about publishing again today, but this time I’ll be discussing some of the pros and cons of traditionally publishing your book.
5 Pros and 5 Cons for Traditionally Publishing your Book
Pros
1 Help and Advice from an Agent
If you decide to head down the traditional publishing route, and you’re lucky enough to find an agent to represent you, then you will have the benefit of all their industry experience and knowledge. They’ll be able to help you find the best home for your book and help to navigate the long and complicated mire of literary contracts.
2 Benefits of In House Editors
In all probability, even if you’ve edited your manuscript to within an inch of its life, there will still be some mistakes. But, publishing houses have their own editors who will pour over your words and work with you to get your book in the shape it needs to be in for publication. Also, unlike with Self-Publishing, you don’t pay for professional editing.
3 Benefits of a Marketing Team
Publishing houses also have their own marketing teams which will alleviate at least some of the marketing pressure on you. You will still be expected to market your book and yourself, however, you’ll have help and guidance along the way.
4 You Don’t Have to Cover Production Costs
All costs of producing your book are covered by the publisher. You don’t need to pay for designers, artists or editors. It shouldn’t cost you anything at all.
5 It’s Much Easier to get your Book into Bookstores
Publishing houses have been doing this since time immemorial and often have exclusive deals with bookstores. While it is possible to get your Self-published book on a bookstore shelf, it’s very hard. Bookstores like what they’re used to.
Cons
1 Delays
With traditional publishing, you must adhere to the schedule of the publishing house handling your book and that might mean long delays between writing and publication.
2 Loss of Rights
When you Self-Publish you retain all of your rights because there is only you involved in your book’s production. With traditional publishing, depending on your contract, you may have to share your rights.
3 The Publisher gets a Say
Publishing houses generally get a say in how your book will be put together and edited. You may be asked to give an opinion on your book’s cover art and other details but the end result will ultimately be up to the publisher.
4 It’s very difficult to get Published
Traditional publishing is a very difficult industry to break into. It can be incredibly hard to find an agent to represent you and even if you do, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that they’ll be able to interest a publishing house in your work. Some publishers accept unsolicited manuscripts (though you should do your research and make sure before submitting) but getting them to notice you and your work can be near impossible.
5 Royalty Rates are Low
When you Self-Publish your book, you get to keep all of any money you make. In traditional publishing, however, you have to share your earnings with the publisher and your agent.
As always, thanks for reading, I really appreciate it!
Until next time,
George
© 2022 GLT
Categories: Editing, publishing, Writing Tips
GEORGE L THOMAS 
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