Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: How to Keep Control and Attract Big Publishers

If you’re an aspiring author or business owner thinking about writing a book, one question almost always comes up:

Should I self-publish or pursue a traditional publishing deal?

The answer may surprise you—because today, self-publishing is often the smartest path to traditional publishing, not away from it.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• The key differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing

• Why maintaining control over your work matters more than ever

• How self-publishing can increase your chances of landing a major publisher

• What publishers and literary agents actually look for today

• Research-backed insights on author success and sales

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: The Real Difference

At its core, the biggest distinction between self-publishing and traditional publishing is control.

Traditional Publishing (The Old Model)

• You give up rights to your book (often for years or life of copyright)

• The publisher controls pricing, marketing decisions, and sometimes even content

• Authors usually need a literary agent just to get a proposal reviewed

• Advances are shrinking, and marketing support is often limited to top-tier authors

Self-Publishing (The New Power Move)

• You retain full ownership of your intellectual property

• You publish under your own name or company, not a publisher’s imprint

• You control pricing, positioning, messaging, and backend offers

• Your book becomes a business asset, not just a product

As many self-publishing consultants emphasize, publishing under your own name ensures you’re never locked into someone else’s system—and that flexibility matters.

Why Control Over Your Book Is a Strategic Advantage

Books today are no longer just books.

They are:

• Lead generation tools

• Authority builders

• Speaking and media gateways

• Client and customer acquisition engines

When you self-publish strategically, your book works for your business long-term.

If you sign away your rights too early, you may lose:

• The ability to update or revise content

• Control over bulk sales or funnels

• Rights to foreign, audio, or derivative formats

• Alignment between your book and your brand

This is why many experts recommend self-publishing first, especially for entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and thought leaders.

Can Self-Publishing Lead to a Traditional Publishing Deal?

Yes—and it happens more often than you think.

Many major publishers now look to self-published authors as proven assets, not risks.

Here’s what publishers care about most:

• 📈 Book sales (especially consistent sales over time)

• 👥 An engaged audience or email list

• 📣 A clear platform (speaking, podcasting, media, social presence)

• 💡 A strong concept with market demand

If you can demonstrate success independently, you’re far more attractive to a traditional publisher.

In other words: publishers want proof, not potential.

What the Research Says About Self-Publishing Success

A Written Word Media survey of over 8,000 authors found that:

• Self-published authors who treated their books like a business earned significantly more over time than traditionally published authors without marketing support

• Authors with multiple books and strong platforms saw exponential income growth

• Visibility and consistency mattered more than publisher backing alone

Additionally, Author Earnings reports have repeatedly shown that self-published authors account for a substantial share of ebook sales on platforms like Amazon—often outperforming traditionally published authors in certain genres.

Translation:
Publishers are watching the self-publishing space closely, because that’s where market-tested authors are emerging.

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How Traditional Publishers Actually Find New Authors Today

Most major publishers don’t accept unsolicited manuscripts.

Instead, the typical path looks like this:

1. You build traction independently (often via self-publishing)

2. A literary agent discovers or is pitched your book

3. The agent believes in your work and your platform

4. They shop your book to publishers using real sales data

This is why having a book already in the market—with proven results—can dramatically shorten the path to a traditional deal.

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The Smartest Publishing Strategy Right Now

If your goal is impact, income, and long-term authority, here’s the modern approach:

• Self-publish under your own name or brand

• Keep control of your rights and positioning

• Use your book to build visibility and demand

• Let agents and publishers come to you

You don’t have to choose between self-publishing or traditional publishing.

You can use self-publishing as the doorway to both.

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Final Thoughts

The publishing industry has changed—but many authors are still playing by outdated rules.

Today, the authors who win are the ones who:

• Own their work

• Understand their audience

• Treat their book as a strategic asset

• Use momentum to create bigger opportunities

Whether you stay independent or eventually sign with a major publisher, control and proof of success put you in the strongest negotiating position possible.

Here’s a few places you can join me in the next few weeks!

• The Confident Framework  – I’m hosting a NEW Free 90 Min Training about Confidently Selling in sales conversations, in your speaking presentations and even on your website… You asked and I’m delivering! It’s happening Tuesday, December 16th from 10-11:30 am PST. It will be recorded and if you’re registered for the masterclass, you will get the replay. You can register here now.

• Virtual Speed Networking – Holiday Edition (December 17th) – Put on your fun holiday outfit or accessories and join us for a festive networking event! Free for members & guests. Live introductions + breakout sessions for deeper connections. Share what you do, your passions, and even your offers in the chat. Register here.
• Holiday Party & Gift Exchange Potluck (Dec 19th, 12–3pm PST) – Join us in person at a member’s private Sacramento clubhouse (2245 Orchard Lane, Sacramento, CA 95833) for a festive holiday celebration! This special event includes a potluck, gift exchange, networking, and a chance to meet and mingle with other local members. Bring a dish or drink to share to attend for free as a member, or contribute $10 to help cover the room rental. Guests are welcome for $10, or you may bring food instead. Register here.

I’ve got 2 NEW and UPDATED Facebook Groups you can be in for more private access

• The Author Success Collective which you can join now to get in on upcoming trainings, calls, resources and more!

• Jumpstart Your Marketing & Business Now: I post other live broadcasts and videos in there, join here.

 

Wishing you a productive and impactful week!

Let’s make this YOUR BEST YEAR ever!

I know how to show you how to tweak what you’re doing to get really BIG RESULTS in the next year! Book a 1on1 clarity session with me here now! Here’s to creating and enjoying a life full of lots of Love & Money!

Katrina Sawa, The Jumpstart Your Biz Coach