Assisted Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: What’s the Difference?
For a lot of new authors the thought of publishing a book is both exciting and overwhelming. Questions such as "where do I start?" and "how will know what is the best route for my book?" may derail your publishing process before you even begin. This article is designed to answer your questions about self-publishing and help you determine how you can best achieve your book publishing goals.
Assisted Self-Publishing
When you publish with CrossBooks, a division of LifeWay Christian Resources, you are receiving “assisted self-publishing.” This means you will experience efficient, affordable and professional assistance from our publishing consultants throughout your entire journey, but you are still in control of what actually happens to your book. With assisted self-publishing you do have to invest financially in your book, but you always have the final say about what happens to your book. Also, unlike with a traditional publisher, you will always retain the rights to your book. CrossBooks will not buy your rights so you are free to continue to submit and market your manuscript elsewhere.
A few other perks you will receive when you publish with CrossBooks include:
- Association with a LifeWay Christian Resources
- Exposure of your title to traditional publisher B&H Publishing Group
- Potential to be carried by LifeWay Christian Stores
- Theological Review ensures a sound Christian message
- Volume Discounts for Authors
- Retain Ownership of Your Book Content
- Ability to share your story, enrich your ministry and help others.
For more information about the benefits of publishing with CrossBooks read our Why Publish with CrossBooks section.
Traditional Publishing
Publishing with a traditional publishing house typically takes longer than with assisted self-publishing, but for an author who wants his/her book to be picked up by a traditional publishing house, having an agent submit your manuscript is the route to take. With the traditional publishing route, if the publisher likes the manuscript or a portion of it, they will pay the author an advance and buy the rights to the manuscript. At this point the manuscript is out of the author’s hands and he/she will have a limited say in any changes made to the book.
There are perks to publishing with a traditional publishing house if you can get them interested in your book. These perks include an advance on the book, extensive marketing help and a much greater chance of having your book land on a physical bookstore shelf.
In our quickly advancing digital age the old rules about publishing are quickly being thrown out the window. Authors want options when it comes to publishing, but they also understand the book market is competitive and the publishing process is extensive. Each author must decide what the best course is, weighing all the options along the way.
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