The Benefits of Going with a Traditional Publisher
In “Why Self-publishing vs Traditional Publishing Doesn’t Matter” I pointed out that both options have the potential to satisfy the core needs of a writer seeking publication. Writers must carefully consider the pros and cons of each option before pursuing either one. Future posts will consider some of these issues.
To start the discussion, here are five reasons why a writer should go with a traditional publisher:
1. Wider Distribution
Traditional publishers have distribution avenues that are effectively not available to self-published books. Sure, there are work-around solutions, but they’re limited and require much time and effort. Traditional publishers handle the distribution, easy peasy.
2. An Advance
Traditional publishers provide an advance. While the advances are getting smaller, they still exist. Self-publishers never receive an advance. In fact, self-publishing costs money, so it’s like a negative advance.
3. More Prestige
An author of a traditionally published book earns greater respect and garners more esteem.
4. Higher Quality
Traditional publishers generally produce a higher quality product. There are more eyes looking at it to catch errors and make it the best they can.
5. They Do the Heavy Lifting
What about e-books, hardcover and paperback, press releases, cover designs, ISBN, bar codes, back cover material, and author photos? A traditional publisher handles all these items. There’s nothing for the author to master or worry about; traditional publishers make it happen.
Traditional Publisher versus Self-Publishing
Given all this, why would anyone want to self-publish? Next week, we’ll consider why.
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Peter Lyle DeHaan, PhD, is a full-time, career author. He’s published scores of books, hundreds of articles, and thousands of blog posts, with experience as a publisher, editor, and commercial freelance writer. A passionate wordsmith, his goal is to change the world one word at a time. Learn more at PeterLyleDeHaan.com.
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