Traditional publishing is the process by which an author submits their manuscript to a publishing house (also known as a publishing company), and if the publisher finds the manuscript compelling, they offer the author a contract to publish the book.
The publisher then assumes responsibility for producing, distributing, and marketing the book, usually at no cost to the author (aside from the possible advance payment). This method of publishing has been the most common for centuries and remains a primary avenue for many authors today.
In traditional publishing, the author works with a team of editors, designers, and marketers, who help shape the book into its final form. Once published, the book is distributed through retail outlets, both physical and online, and often includes a marketing push by the publisher to attract readers.
The goal is typically for the book to reach a large audience, with the publisher providing resources and expertise to help make that happen.
Let's dive deeper into the pros and cons of traditional publishing.
Pros of Traditional Publishing
1. Professional Editing and Design
One of the biggest advantages of traditional publishing is the professional editing and design that comes with the process. Publishers employ experienced editors who will work with authors to polish the manuscript, ensuring that it is free of errors and meets a high standard of writing quality.
Additionally, the publisher will handle the cover design and formatting, ensuring the book looks professional and visually appealing, both in physical and digital formats.
2. Wider Distribution
Traditional publishers have established relationships with retailers and distributors, which allows books to be placed on bookstore shelves both in physical stores and online retailers.
This means that traditionally published books are much more likely to be found in mainstream bookshops, libraries, and through major online platforms, such as Amazon, RioTrend, and others. This broad distribution is often difficult to achieve with self-publishing, especially for new authors.
3. Marketing and Publicity support one
The key benefits of traditional publishing is the marketing and publicity support authors receive. Publishers have in-house marketing teams who know how to get a book into the hands of readers. This can include book tours, press releases, author interviews, and book placement in prominent locations in bookstores.
The publisher’s marketing budget is a powerful tool for authors, especially when compared to self-published authors who must manage these efforts on their own.
4. Advance Payment and Royalties
Traditionally published authors often receive an advance against future royalties. This advance is a lump sum paid before the book is published, and the author does not have to pay it back unless the book fails to earn back the advance through sales. In addition to the advance, authors also earn royalties, typically a percentage of the sales price of each book sold.
5. Prestige and Credibility
Being published by a respected traditional publishing house can lend an author a sense of prestige and credibility. Readers, critics, and even other writers often hold traditionally published books in higher regard due to the rigorous vetting process they go through. Many readers still trust books published through traditional means, associating them with higher quality.
6. Long-Term Support
Traditional publishers often provide long-term support for their authors. Once a book is released, the publisher can continue promoting it through subsequent printings, new editions, or special promotions. They also manage the backlist, allowing books to continue to earn royalties for many years, long after their initial publication.
Cons of Traditional Publishing
1. Longer Time to Publication
Traditional publishing can be a lengthy process. After submitting a manuscript, it can take months or even years before the book is officially published. The submission process itself is time-consuming, with many publishers requiring authors to go through literary agents.
Even after a contract is signed, the editing, design, and marketing process takes time, which means the author may have to wait for a significant period before their book is available for readers.
2. Limited Creative Control
While an author’s vision is central to the writing of the book, traditional publishers often take a strong hand in shaping the final product. This can mean changes to the manuscript, from structural edits to title suggestions, or even alterations in the cover design.
Some authors may find this level of editorial oversight restrictive, particularly if they have a specific vision for their book that conflicts with the publisher’s preferences.
3. Low Royalties and Profit Margins
Traditional publishers generally offer authors a royalty rate that ranges between 5% to 15% of the sales price, which means authors earn only a small percentage of each book sale. While an advance can provide an initial financial cushion, the royalties earned over time might not be substantial unless the book becomes a bestseller.
In contrast, self-published authors can keep a much higher percentage of the sale price (typically 70% to 80% on platforms like Amazon).
4. Highly Competitive
Traditional publishing is highly competitive. Thousands of authors submit manuscripts to publishers each year, and only a small fraction are accepted. Getting a book deal often requires an author to first secure a literary agent, which is a whole other hurdle.
Even after landing a deal with a publisher, the chances of a book becoming a bestseller are slim. For new authors, it’s especially difficult to break into the market, and many books may be rejected before an author finds a publisher willing to take a chance.
5. Publisher’s Agenda and Limited Flexibility
When authors work with a traditional publisher, they may have less control over the direction of their book’s marketing and promotion. Publishers may prioritize commercial appeal, meaning certain genres or themes may not be given the attention they deserve. If an author’s work is too niche or experimental, they might not get the support they need from the publisher to succeed in the market.
6. Contractual and Financial Constraints
While receiving an advance sounds appealing, the author will typically not receive any further royalty payments until the book sells enough copies to "earn out" the advance. This means the author may not see any additional income from royalties until the book surpasses a set sales threshold.
Additionally, traditional publishers typically own the rights to the book and may limit the author’s ability to independently publish in other formats or markets.
Final Thoughts
Traditional publishing is a time-honored route for authors to get their books into the world, offering many benefits such as professional editing, wider distribution, and significant marketing support. However, it also comes with challenges like lower royalty rates, less creative control, and a competitive process that can be daunting for new authors.
For readers, traditionally published books often mean higher quality, greater accessibility, and widespread availability. However, it’s important to remember that not every book in a traditional publishing catalog is guaranteed to be a hit. Some may fall into the hands of readers through sheer marketing efforts, rather than their literary merit.
Ultimately, whether traditional publishing is the right option for you as an author depends on your goals, your willingness to navigate the complexities of the publishing world, and how much creative control you’re willing to give up.
If you’re aiming for broad exposure and are willing to work within the traditional system, it can be an excellent choice. But if you prefer independence and greater financial rewards, self-publishing or hybrid models might be more appealing.
What is Traditional Publishing? FAQs
What is traditional publishing?
Traditional publishing refers to the process of authors partnering with established publishing companies to produce and distribute their work. It involves professional editing, marketing, and wide distribution.
How does the traditional publishing process work?
Authors submit manuscripts to literary agents or publishers. If accepted, the publisher takes responsibility for editing, formatting, printing, marketing, and distribution, often offering an advance and royalties.
What are the main advantages of traditional publishing?
Benefits include professional editing and design, greater market reach, established credibility, access to bookstores, and potential advances for authors.
What are the disadvantages of traditional publishing?
Drawbacks may include long waiting times, the competitive nature of securing a contract, limited creative control, and lower royalty rates compared to self-publishing.
What genres are most suited for traditional publishing?
Traditional publishers often favor genres like fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, and commercial works that appeal to broad audiences.
How does traditional publishing compare to self-publishing?
Traditional publishing provides wider distribution and professional resources, while self-publishing offers creative control, higher royalties, and faster turnaround.
