Which Book Publishing Model Is Right for You?

You’re ready to write your book. You’ve got expertise, stories, and insights that could help others. You’re starting to think about marketing and how this book can support your business goals. Maybe you’ve even created an outline. But then the big question hits you: Which publishing path is right for me?

You’re not alone. For experts and thought leaders who want to publish a business-building book, the publishing landscape can feel overwhelming. Traditional publishing? Self-publishing? Hybrid? What do these event mean? And, which one’s best for you?

Traditional Publishing: The Classic Route

Traditional publishing is what most people think of when they picture “getting a book deal.” You pitch your book idea to literary agents or publishers. If they make you an offer, you write the content, and the publisher manages book production, marketing, and distribution. 

Pros:

• Major credibility and prestige

• No upfront costs

• National distribution and marketing support (sometimes)

  
  

Cons:

• Highly competitive, with authors needing a strong platform

• Slow—expect 1–3 years to publish

• Limited creative control over title, cover, or even content

• Low royalties (often 5–7%) with fewer and smaller advances

• Many authors feel “lost in the crowd” to higher profile authors or titles

  
  

Best for: Authors who want the traditional stamp of approval, have time to wait, and are comfortable giving up some control.

Self-Publishing: The DIY Model

Self-publishing puts you in charge. You handle (or hire help for) every part of the process—from book concepting to marketing, writing, editing, design, industry requirements, technical aspects, distribution, and sales. 

Pros:

• Full creative control

• Faster timeline—often months, not years

• High royalties to author

Cons:

• Upfront costs for professional editing, design, etc.

• Steep learning curve and time needed to manage the process

• Full control can be overwhelming

• Without expert help, quality, timeline, and results can suffer

Best for: Entrepreneurs, coaches, or consultants who want full control and are willing to manage the process and do most of the work themselves.

Hybrid Publishing: The Middle Path

Hybrid publishing blends the best of both worlds. A good hybrid publisher vets books and puts quality first—not vanity. If your book submission is accepted, your hybrid publisher collaborates with you as they manage the entire publishing process (from book strategy, to marketing, production, and distribution, and sales). Authors get more creative control, faster turnaround, and higher royalties than with traditional publishers. 

Pros:

• Professional publishing support and high-quality output

• Faster than traditional (4–9 months is common)

• Shared marketing effort and strategic guidance

• More control and higher royalties

Cons:

• Requires upfront investment to a comprehensive publishing plan

• Must spend more time to think “beyond the book”

• Relies on long-term commitment to marketing yourself and your book

Best for: Experts, advisors, and service providers who want to build credibility and support their business goals through publishing—and don’t want to go it alone.

So… Which One’s Right for You?

There’s no one “right” path—just the right fit for your goals, time, and resources.

Ask yourself:

• What are my publishing goals?

• What is most important to me?

• What capabilities do I have and where/how will I need expertise?

• How much time am I willing to invest in the success of my book?

If you’re building a brand, growing your business, or establishing your thought leadership, hybrid publishing often offers the balance of support and control that makes the most sense.

No matter which publishing path you choose, make sure it aligns with your goals and needs.

To be considered for publishing with Soro Publishing, submit your book proposal here.

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