The Rise of Self-Publishing: How It Competes with Traditional Publishing for New Authors
- Hayley Rushbrook
- Mar 26
- 5 min read
The publishing world is an ever-evolving landscape that is rapidly changing how and which books make it to market, especially for first-time authors.
For debut authors, the road to seeking a traditional publisher can be a long, tiring, soul-destroying path that many are now choosing to avoid, preferring to explore self-publishing as a more attractive alternative.
But is self-publishing really able to rival traditional publishing?
This post looks at the pros and cons of both publishing routes and how the growing trend of self-publishing can effectively compete with traditional publishing.
The Growing Trend of Self-Publishing
Self-publishing has surged in popularity, fuelled by digital platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark, making it easier to create, distribute and publish books.
Fiction authors in particular are finding success in this model (according to the Written Word Media Indie Author Survey 2025), with romance and fantasy being particularly prolific genres. And with the global self-publishing market rising to $1.85 billion in 2024 (and the expectation that it will more than triple by 2033), it indicates that authors appreciate having more control over their work and the potential increased financial rewards self-publishing offers.
Pros of Self-Publishing
Creative Control
One of the major advantages of self-publishing is the ability to maintain full creative control over your work. Publishing your book through a traditional publisher can come with creative limitations, as your manuscript is expected to fit current market trends. After all, the publisher has accepted the risk of your books' success, so they will want to do all they can to ensure it sells.
Higher Royalties
Self-published authors often earn significantly higher royalty rates. For print books, this can be as high as 60%, whereas eBooks can reap up to 70%. Compared with traditional publisher royalty rates (print: as low as 5%, eBook: up to 25%), it's unsurprising that self-publishing is growing in popularity.
Speed to Market
Authors can be impatient beasts, eager to get their books out into the world, but in traditional publishing, this isn't possible. Realistically, it can take two to three years from the initial manuscript submission to making it to print, but self-published authors can expect a much shorter timeline. For authors keen to release a story aligned with current trends, this speed can be a crucial advantage.
Direct Reader Engagement
Self-publishing fosters a direct relationship between authors and readers. By personally creating your author platform, managing social media channels and interacting with your audience in real time, you can nurture a dedicated fanbase.
Cons of Self-Publishing
Marketing Responsibilities
Every author, whether traditionally published or self-published, has to market their books. There is a misconception that traditionally published authors don't need to. The difference between the two is that those who traditionally publish are often supported by a dedicated marketing team. For first-time self-publishers, this can be a particularly daunting task.
Quality Control
Traditionally published books go through a rigorous vetting process to ensure an author's book meets professional standards and reader expectations. But self-publishers often lack the financial means to invest in all the required stages. This is why realistically budgeting and being savvy where you spend your money is crucial when self-publishing. The non-negotiables are: professional editing, cover design and formatting. Poorly presented books often lead to negative reviews and lost sales, and that's not how you want to start your author career.
Perception and Credibility
Despite the progress of self-publishing, some readers still associate traditional publishing with higher quality and credibility. However, the stigma is slowly fading as self-published books increasingly gain popularity. For example, E L James's Fifty Shades of Grey was originally self-published under the title Master of the Universe and began life as Twilight fan fiction before she sold the rights to Vintage Books in 2012. Andy Weir's The Martian started as a blog series that, due to reader demands, he eventually self-published as an eBook on Amazon before Crown Publishing Group expressed interest.
The Advantages of Traditional Publishing
Established Distribution Channels
Traditional publishers have established relationships with bookstores and online retailers, ensuring wider distribution for your book and increasing your visibility. For authors aiming for high sales volumes, this access is key.
Professional Support
First-time authors who are unsure how to navigate the publishing process may benefit from the professional, guided support offered by traditional publishers. Responsible for editing, cover design and marketing strategies, everything they do is designed to maximize your work’s potential.
Credibility
Being associated with a reputable publisher can lend instant credibility to your work. Many readers still equate traditional publishing with high quality, and having well-known publishing houses behind your book can open doors to interviews, book tours and other promotional opportunities.
The Disadvantages of Traditional Publishing
Low Royalties for First-Time Authors
First-time authors often face disappointing royalty rates with traditional publishing. As noted earlier, royalties may be as low as 5%. This is a reality authors find discouraging after all the hard work, time and effort they've invested in writing their novel.
Lengthy Publishing Process
As mentioned earlier, the traditional route can be frustratingly slow. From querying agents to navigating a prolonged acceptance and publishing process, it may stretch into years before your book is available for readers.
Limited Creative Control
When traditionally publishing, you might need to compromise on aspects of your book. Publishers often request changes to the content and cover design. Such compromises can stifle creative expression, particularly for those with a specific vision for their work.
Choosing Your Path
Assessing and understanding your individual goals, resources and preferences will help you decide which route to publishing you take. If you value creative freedom and higher financial prospects, self-publishing may suit you better. Conversely, if you prefer support from industry professionals and established distribution channels, traditional publishing could be the more attractive option.
Wrapping Up
The rise of self-publishing has reshaped the literary landscape, creating new opportunities for authors to share their stories. While each publishing path has its pros and cons, the increasing popularity of self-publishing proves that new authors can successfully carve their niche independent of traditional publishing houses. It can also act as a stepping stone to traditional publishing if this is something you wish to enter into later in your author career.
It's important to weigh your options carefully and choose what reflects your values as a storyteller. Neither path is wrong or right; it's about what feels right for you.
Looking to add an editor to support you on your self-publishing journey?
Hayley Rushbrook is a respectful, human fiction line and copyeditor and proofreader specialising in mystery, crime and thriller, romance and general fiction, children's, middle grade and YA.
She gives your hard work the careful attention it deserves, so it is remembered for all the right reasons.
Connect: LinkedIn
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