Should I Self-Publish or Publish Traditionally?

The big question every author considers at one point or another is “Should I self-publish or publish traditionally?”

For many Christian communicators, it’s a question of stewardship more than just a business decision. We want to honor God with our words, reach the audience He’s called us to serve, and choose the publishing path that will best fulfill that mission.

The Self-Publishing Route

When I wrote my first book, a devotional titled 31 Days to Hope Reinvented, I knew traditional publishing was not an option due to the limited size of my platform. Self-publishing was the only option I could realistically pursue due to finances.

Now, eight years later, this little devotional has touched thousands of people as I travel, speak, and share this book as a resource. This book would not have reached anyone had I not self-published it. Having a book available is a way to deposit your message long after you leave. 

Self-publishing puts you in the driver’s seat. You control the timeline, creative direction, and budget. You can release your book in months rather than years, and you keep a higher percentage of the royalties. With tools like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and other platforms, your book can reach global readers without relying on traditional gatekeepers.

However, self-publishing also means wearing all the hats or hiring the right people to do so. You’ll need to invest in quality editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing. Without these, even the best message can get lost in an unpolished package.

The Traditional Route

For my next book, Shame Off You, I was able to secure a publisher by the grace of God. Traditional publishing offers the backing of an established house, including professional editing, cover design, marketing, and distribution. Your book can land on store shelves and in libraries across the country. There’s also a certain credibility that comes with being traditionally published.

But traditional publishing also requires patience and persistence. It often starts with finding a literary agent, crafting a strong book proposal, and waiting for months (sometimes years) for acceptance. You’ll need to demonstrate to a publisher that there’s an audience for your book, typically through a strong platform and a well-defined marketing plan. Traditional publishing is a partnership as authors work alongside their publisher to get the book out into the world.

The Hybrid Route

I would be remiss if I did not also include hybrid publishing. If you want some of the structure of traditional publishing and are financially able to, hybrid publishing is a good option.

At the end of the day, the question isn’t just “Which is best?” but “Which is best for the message God has entrusted to me right now?” And the most critical question isn’t how you publish your book but why. When the message we carry has eternal significance, we must steward this message and leave our ego at the door. As we steward our message, God will carry our message for His purposes. 

All for Jesus,
Denise

What do you think is the most important aspect of the route you choose to publish?