Which Publisher Is Best For You?

Publishers fall into several subgroups that function differently. Each is as diverse as the genres they publish.

Traditional Publishers

Traditional Publishing Houses are large companies that only accept agented manuscripts. Agents are a writers guide and do not generally work with Independent Publishers. Query letters from agents peak interest in manuscripts. Traditional publishers have strict submission guidelines. Editors from these companies also accept pitches at publishing conferences and conventions.

Payments are distributed in advances and royalties. Should the sales not equal the advance, the author may be required to remit some or all of the advance to the publisher.

Consider traditional publishing when time, marketing, and money are not factors. Traditional publishers may purchase book rights and choose not publish stories. Authors are not usually required to market, but some publishers require authors to market at the authors’ expense. Authors generally make 7–10% royalty on each traditionally published book sold in various formats. A $ .99 eBook would yield around $ .09.

Independent Publishers

Independent Publishers are companies that publish their own writings and are generally genre based. These houses are considered small businesses or secondary income streams for authors. Independent publishers develop a budget, hire independent contractors, and market their own books. Printing of the books varies from traditional print runs of 5,000 to Print On Demand (POD), many times both.

Proceeds from book sales go directly to the independent publisher/author. If an illustrator is hired, the independent publisher will pay a contracted fee in full or offer a royalty.

Consider becoming an independent publisher when you’re either a career professional, an influencer, like control, and/or want to build a business. Most traditional authors are required to market their books, therefore professionals and influencers with large followings make great independents and earn every dollar from book sales.

Small Publishers

Small Publishing Houses are small companies that accept limited manuscripts from writers based on the companies’ submission guidelines. These guidelines are generally genre based and require a thorough read.

Payments to the author vary from a traditional advance and royalty model to paying the publisher for services: editing, graphic design, illustration, printing, etc.

Consider independent publishing when partial control and relationships are important. Authors generally have a choice in all aspects from production to marketing their books, which may also lead to higher royalty percentages. The relationship between publisher and author may be stronger due to the personalized attention authors receive. This personalized treatment builds stronger author/editor relationships and pride for creating the best books possible.

Subsidy Publishing

Subsidy Publishing Houses are companies that accept manuscripts from do-it yourself writers based on non-restrictive guidelines and pay-for-what-you-need packages. Packages may include formatting, cover design, editing, etc. These publishing houses do not check authors’ submissions and charge for revisions. These companies are where the term “Self Published” derived because authors edit, proof, and market their books.

Payments to the author are commission based on sales. Many of these houses may lock authors into long-term contracts, marketing fees, upload fees, etc.

Consider subsidy publishing when expected book sales and production costs are small.

The best rule of thumb is read and understand any publishing agreement you are offered, no matter how dull it reads.