As part of our “When it comes to publishing–First things first” series, today we address our first topic in answering the question “What’s the difference between online self-publishing and traditional publishing?” This post may be more about perceptions than reality, but as they say– perception is everything!

So let’s get started on today’s topic:

1. “I’m published!” vs. “You’re what? “–Recognition, stigma, and obscurity.

Over the last four hundred years the traditional book publishing industry has brought fame and fortune to many an author. Some authors have become celebrities with millions of passionate readers and followers. Others have had their books cross into other cultural outlets such as movies and stage. Certain authors–from J.K. Rowling to Stephen King to Mark Twain–have become household names. Some authors have a strong, yet narrower cult following, and some are simply known for being controversial. Either way, they’ve made an impact on you and others–often an emotional impact that lasts a lifetime. We all can name our favorite authors, and one of the goals that keeps us writing is that we would like to become someone’s “favorite author.”

For better or worse, having our book published is a personal process. We’ve poured our heart and soul into our writing, we know and love our characters, and if we’re fortunate enough to get picked up by a publisher we’ve reached our holy grail. Our purpose, passion and drive have been validated. Why? Because we’ll gain notoriety, credibility and acceptance–not only with our readers, but with our writing peers. It’s not just about feeding our personal ego, either. Historically, the act of “being published” by a traditional publisher means that your work will “pass the test” and be noteworthy and attractive to the buying public.

That brings us to the business side, or the reality of the traditional publishing business model. Regardless of your intentions, the traditional publisher’s job is to pick the best of the best in order to maximize the financial return for their company. If your book meets this challenging expectation, then your work is indeed something special. You’re now a big fish in a small pond, and your day has arrived.

It’s mostly downhill after that. Once your work is accepted for publication and after you’ve reached contractual agreement, a traditional publisher (or their partners) will take your book and “optimize” it for success for an identified market segment. They’ll edit it, design your book cover, print it, distribute it, and market it. In essence, they’ll be doing the driving and you’ll mostly be going along for the ride–so sit back and enjoy it.

Traditional publishing is not without its downside, however, and beyond this rosy picture is a hard truth–Getting picked up by a large traditional book publisher (or smaller imprint) won’t happen overnight. The primary difficulty with relying on the traditional publishing route is that the odds are against you.  I’ve likened it to winning the lottery.

Sure, you may win the lottery some day, but if you’re an author you should come to terms with the realization that today’s publishing environment–more authors, fewer bookstores, more “competing” media and entertainment options–is hurting your odds of getting picked up by a traditional publisher. Should it be one of your goals as an author? Certainly. Must your publishing success depend on it? Definitely not.

Which takes us next (tomorrow) to self-publishing, its stigma, and the risk of obscurity.

Thanks again, and till next time–Keep Publishing!

Henry