Self-Publishing (POD) vs. Traditional Publishing?

I’ve done a few POD publications and since I do my own designs, editing and layouts anyway I paid pretty much nothing until I actually buy my books. With that in mind should I pursue a traditional publisher and would they allow me to continue expressing my own creativity without a lot of interference? Would profits be any better? Right now I basically make money based on what I am willing to spend as far as how many books to buy at a time and what to sale them for. Also any insite on what good traditional companies are out there would be great.

Economically, with both traditional and self publishing your profit will be determined by the profit per unit times the number of units less any expenses you have. Financially, you need to compare both of these with each option. Since you’ve already done a few publications yourself, you have a better feel than any of us for your profit potential on that side.

If you can get a traditional publisher to carry your work, it’s very likely it will sell more copies. Very likely substantially more, but again, you are the one who knows your current self publishing volume. I think a mistake many self-publishers make is over estimating the extra profit per unit they will make. It’s true the publisher gets a big percent but they also bear the cost of marketing, inventory, etc. In addition, POD costs substantially more than traditional printing so that may eliminate most of the profit difference right there. Increased POD costs are the big problem I’m facing with my book.

Also consider that you have probably gone through the learning curve so any future publications you do yourself may be less work for the return you get.

Another thing to consider is the potential audience. If it’s big, that’s where a traditional publisher can really make all the difference. Is it quickly dated? That’s a reason to self publish and get it out quick.

I self published a book that I knew was a niche book having a limited audience. I figure over it’s lifespan, I’ll probably only make a $1000 or so profit from the book itself. (but have greater spin off profits) Not much, but I also know of people who had small run traditionally published books and only made $500 in royalties.

As far as what companies to approach, that is so dependent on what type of book you have. “The Writer’s Market” is one way to start your research into this. Another is to look in the bookstores at books, that are the same genre, but your exact topic has not yet been published by that company.

In addition to economic differences, you need to consider what you enjoy about each. Is having the graphics you mentioned important to you? Do you enjoy layout or find it a burden? Would you feel better about being published through a traditional publisher?

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