Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing

Have you written an amazing story on Wattpad that you want to get published? It can be difficult deciding whether to self-publish, work with an agent or send your manuscript directly to a publisher. Here are a few tips, and pros and cons from my publishing journey that might help you decide which publishing path is right for you and get you started.

Traditional Publishing

1. Research the best fit for your manuscript

Once you have a polished manuscript (grammar and spelling checked and read through by your beta readers) you're ready to submit. You can check out sites like Manuscript Wish List to see what agents are looking for and who's open to submission. Also, Twitter is really amazing to stalk agents or head over to smaller press's websites and see what they accept. Do not submit to agents or publishers randomly. Make sure they accept the type of manuscript you are sending. This will save you time and less tears when you get back rejection letters.

2. Write a query letter

Whether you are submitting to an agent or a publisher directly, you need a query letter. This can be a daunting task, but there are some amazing resources online to get you started. Take your time to write this letter. Be sure you have the editor or publisher's name spelled correctly. You'll want to include your credentials, a blurb about your story, word count, genre and a catchy tag line (think movie trailer hooks). Read the editor/ publisher guidelines carefully. They may ask for a synopsis or the first few chapters of your story. Don't send anything they don't ask for and follow the guidelines EXCACTLY. It's tempting to add bonus material to stand out, but that's what your story is for.

3. Send, wait and resend

Some writers luck out on the first query (unicorn writers), but most of us have to query over and over. Rejection letters can be hard to take for a new writer, but really a rejection just means it's not the right fit for the agent / publisher. You want someone who is passionate about your work, so keep submitting until you get a yes.

4. The waiting game

I went straight to a publisher and once I approved the contract, we developed a marketing and editing plan. My series had a one year schedule for publication, which is really fast. With a bigger publisher, you're looking at one-two years before your story will be ready for market. If you also sign with an agent, you need to give them time to sell your novel first and you also may do edits with your agent beforehand. No matter which route you take, you'll need patience. I like to draft new stories or write short stories between edits and releases.

5. Share your release!

Before your novel is released you will need to start getting the words out. This is the same whether you self-publish or go with a publisher. With a publisher, you'll have some support, but you need to do a lot of promotion on your own as well. Set up blog tours with book bloggers, run a giveaway, send out review copies (publishers do some of this) and beg everyone you know to show you a little book love. It can be hard to find readers for your book, so when you find some loyal readers who will support you along the way, be sure to love them back. Hint: Wattpad readers are the most amazing readers EVER!

Self-Publishing

1. No dreaded query letter to write and no rejection letters from editors

This is probably the most exciting thing about self-publishing. I mean who wants to get piles of rejection letters? But don't self-publish because you think it's easier. Self-publishing is a long and lonely road. You are responsible for everything. So, think hard, before you decide to toss away the query letter.

2. Publishing happens when you want

You're the publisher, so you can decide when to release your story to the world. You can also decide how frequent you publish. You can publish one or five books in a year; it's completely up to you.

3. Create a team of super stars

Like, researching for a publisher or agent in traditional publishing, you need to be just as thorough when researching your editors and designers for self-publishing. When interviewing editors, ask for a sample of their editing and ask which books they worked on. Do they do full edits, content edits and copy edits? (I recommend more than one editor) Do they do sensitivity reading? There is a lot to consider when hiring and editor(s). Be diligent in you research and find someone who's a super star editor as well as someone you can work with.

You'll also need to hire a cover designer. There are some great websites for premade covers or you can find a cover designer who will do original art work for your cover. Note: Wattpad is full of incredibly talented cover designers. Just search the book cover tag.

Lastly, you need to hire a book designer, or learn to format the interior yourself. You'll need the book in different formats for each seller. Ex. Kindle copies (MOBI) and Kobo (EPUB) Retailers are very specific, so check the guidelines.

4. Distribution

You're in charge, which means you also need to sell your book and handle all the accounting. You're going to need a company, like Amazon or Draft2Digital to upload your files to all the sites. You can also use Smashwords, but I find them overcomplicated to use. That said, the information for self-published authors on the Smashwords website is amazing. Read it all before you publish!

This is a big topic, but if you get to the stage and need help, send me a direct message and I can try to answer your questions. Otherwise, do your research and ask other authors what distributor they like and their experience with each.

5. See above number five above and double or triple it

You're on your own, which can be empowering and also a little daunting. Now that you have your book out there, you need to find readers. Again, Wattpad is an incredible place to meet other authors and readers. Build a network of support. Whether they buy your book or not, you'll want to have author and reader friends who understand what you're going through and who will support you through the ups and downs of the publishing world.

Every publishing journey is different. I hope some of the tips above help you get started toward publishing your manuscript. If you have a publishing tip, add it in the comments here or if you have any questions, please feel free to stop by my profile TiffanyDaune and send me a message. Sending you all positive publishing vibes!

Coral and Bone (Book One) is now a published novel and free to read on Wattpad!

Curses and Ash (Book Two) & Smoke and Ruin (Book Three) Available on Amazon (Free on Kindle Unlimited).

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