Should I Self Publish or Trad Publish?

A bright and inviting scene of a writer contemplating their publishing options, with a split view showing traditional publishing on one side and self-publishing on the other, surrounded by books, a laptop, and creative tools.

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Find Your Path!

Are you torn between self-publishing and traditional publishing? This engaging quiz will guide you through key questions to help you determine which publishing route best aligns with your goals and comfort level.

Identify your publishing preferences
Assess your readiness to market and promote
Understand your financial aspirations

9 Questions2 MinutesCreated by WritingWolf521

If you were to go with a publishing house, which would you prefer to submit to?

A large and well-known publishing house (ex: Penguin, Harlequin, etc)

A small or indie publishing house

Both/either

I'm not sure

Do you have an agent or are you willing to get one?

Yes I have an agent

No, but I'd like to get one

No, and I don't want one

How frequently do you plan to publish your work?

What kind of earning or income would you like from the books you publish?

I'd like it to be my main income

I'd like it to subsidize the income from my or my partner's full or part-time job

I'd like to make some 'fun money' from it, but don't need/expect much

I just want to say I'm published, money doesn't matter

Other

How comfortable are you with the idea of hiring an editor, cover designer, formatting the book, writing your blurb, booking ARCs, etc?

Very comfortable, not really nervous

Mostly comfortable, nervous about some aspects

Not very comfortable, but I can do it if I have to

Not very comfortable, it makes me very nervous

Terrified, not comfortable at all

How comfortable are you with the idea of doing promotional work that many publishers expect their authors to do? (Blog tours, social media such as twitter, etc)

Very comfortable, not really nervous

Mostly comfortable, nervous about some aspects

Not very comfortable, but I can do it if I have to

Not very comfortable, it makes me very nervous

Terrified, not comfortable at all

What is your main goal with publishing your work?

To make bestseller lists, get a movie or show made based on my work, become a household name, or other lofty goals

I just want to share my work with the world

To maximize profit while sharing my work with the world

I want to be able to say I'm published

To make money with my writing

Which of these statements is most accurate for you?

I want to write and not have to do much else

I want to have a lot of control or say over how my book is packaged and marketed

I want to write, and I'm willing to package the book, but I don't want to do much promotion

I want to write, and I'm willing to promote the book, but I don't want to be the one who packages it

If you went with a publisher, what would your priority be in selecting one?

That I write and they do all the rest

That they can market my book and get it seen by as many people as possible

That their staff and experience guide me and the book in the right direction

Honestly, I'll go with whoever accepts my book

Other

Should I Self Publish or Trad Publish?

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Find Your Path!

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