Traditional, Hybrid or Self-Publishing: Which Route Suits Your Book and Goals?

Settling on the right publishing route is a crucial decision most new authors grapple with. The options – traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing – each possess unique advantages and trade-offs depending on your desired level of control, budget, timeline, and overall goals.

Here’s a balanced perspective on each path, and why self-publishing with UWL Publishing House makes the most sense for most contemporary authors; 

Entails signing a contract with an established publisher, in most cases, through an agent. The benefits of traditional publishing include access to a wider network of bookstores and media, potential advances, professional design, and editorial teams. However, the publishing process can be opaque, selective, and lengthy. Often, authors relinquish a degree of control in regard to editorial choices, marketing strategy, and cover design, among other key aspects. In addition, advances are not guaranteed to every author, and royalty splits always tend to favor the publisher. 

This is a blend of traditional and self-publishing. Authors may be required to pay for select services to tap into the publisher’s marketing and distribution resources. Compared to traditional publishing, hybrid may offer more attractive royalty terms and increased flexibility. The problem with hybrid publishing, is uneven quality across service providers – some hybrid publishers are credible, while others operate just like vanity presses. Therefore, it is essential for authors to vet the distribution reach, contract terms, and reputation carefully, before signing on the dotted line. 

 

Self-publishing hands authors 100% control over marketing choices, cover design, pricing, timelines, and creativity. Typically, the publishing process is faster, and more profitable per copy sold because authors receive a larger share of royalties. Also, self-publishing supports creative experimentation, like quick revisions based on feedback from readers, multiple cover tests, and serial releases. The main drawback, is that authors need to get acquainted to publishing functions, or hire experts for promotion, distribution, design, and editing. 

If you’re a writer who yearns for flexible revenue potential, creative control, and speed, self-publishing is the most attractive option. At UWL Publishing House, we combine professional support with the independence that comes with self-publishing. We provide services like publishing, distribution, social media marketing, including bonus optional paid services from a team of UWL creatives. As a result, you retain full creative ownership of your work, while having audiobook narrators, cover designers, marketers, and skilled editors, at your disposal whenever you need them. 

The UWL model eliminates the complications that can potentially to make self-publishing a daunting task. With a choice of 3 innovative publishing packages, UWL handles marketing, retail and library distribution, formatting, as well as ISBN allotment. On the other hand, our network of professional freelancers provides on-demand services to improve the quality of your work. In addition, royalty splits are transparent and authors receive the lion’s share of compensation. 

In case you desire wide bookstore placement, prestige, or leaving important decisions to gatekeepers, then traditional publishing would be a great match for you. If you seek a middle ground and prepared to invest in higher levels of service, then hybrid publishing can be a perfect fit. For authors who fancy a supportive partner, speed, and control, self-publishing through UWL would be the most logical solution. 

All you need is to submit your manuscript, select a package, and let the competent professionals at UWL Publishing House do the rest. 

It’s publishing at its simplest.