Every author eventually faces the same fork in the road: query agents and pursue a traditional publishing deal, or self-publish and keep full control. Neither path is universally "better" — the right choice depends on your goals, timeline, and how much control you want over the process.
Traditional Publishing
In the traditional model, you query literary agents, an agent sells your manuscript to a publisher, and the publisher handles editing, cover design, printing, distribution, and marketing — in exchange for the rights to your book and a royalty typically in the 10-15% range (after your agent's 15% commission).
Pros: no upfront cost to you, access to bookstore shelf space and traditional media, editorial and design resources of a publishing house, credibility with certain readers and award committees.
Cons: the process is slow — querying alone can take months or years, and a deal-to-shelf timeline of 12-24 months is normal. You also give up significant creative and business control, and most manuscripts are rejected.
Self-Publishing
In self-publishing, you (or a service like Nova Publisher) handle editing, design, formatting, and distribution directly through platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark. You keep the rights and typically earn 35-70% royalties depending on the platform and pricing.
Pros: full creative control, much faster timeline (weeks to a few months), higher royalty percentage per sale, and no need for agent or publisher approval to get your book to readers in the US, Canada, or anywhere else.
Cons: you're responsible for (or need to pay for) editing, design, and marketing, and self-published books historically face more skepticism from certain reviewers, though this has shifted significantly as the format has matured.
What's Changed by 2026
The gap in perceived quality between self-published and traditionally published books has narrowed considerably — professional editing, design, and formatting services have made it realistic for independent authors to produce books indistinguishable from traditionally published ones. Amazon's bestseller lists in the US and Canada regularly feature self-published titles, and hybrid strategies (self-publish first, use sales data to pursue a traditional deal later) have become common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which path makes more money?
It depends on sales volume. Self-publishing pays a much higher royalty percentage per book, but traditional publishing includes an upfront advance and access to wider distribution. A self-published book that sells well can out-earn a modest traditional advance; a book that doesn't sell will earn more from a traditional advance than from self-publishing royalties on few sales.
Can I try traditional publishing after self-publishing?
Yes — many authors self-publish a first book, use its sales performance as proof of audience demand, and then successfully query agents for later books. Some agents specifically look for self-published authors with a demonstrated readership.
Do I need an agent to self-publish?
No — self-publishing bypasses agents and publishers entirely. You (or your publishing service) work directly with distribution platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark.
Nova Publisher supports authors across the full self-publishing process — editing, cover design, formatting, ISBN, and distribution — for authors throughout the USA and Canada. See our services.