Are you a first-time non-fiction author wondering how to get your book published? Do you go the traditional route and seek out a literary agent? Or do you take matters into your own hands and self-publish? What about hybrid publishing or crowdfunding publishing? With so many different book publishing routes available today, deciding which is right for you can be overwhelming.
As someone who is passionate about book writing, I am determined to help aspiring authors fulfil their book publishing dreams. That's why I've put together this guide breaking down the advantages and disadvantages of each publishing route. I've also included some examples of non-fiction bestsellers that have succeeded using each method.
Whether you're a self-help trailblazer or a science buff, this article will provide you with valuable insights into the different publishing options available to you. So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let's dive in!
What's in this guide?
The 3 different publishing routes plus one extra
Choosing the right path for your non-fiction book
Making a decision—factors to keep in mind
Final thoughts
1. The three different book publishing routes
I. Traditional Publishing
This is the most traditional route for publishing a book. Authors submit a book proposal to a literary agent or publisher, who then decides whether to represent or publish the book. The publisher takes care of editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing of the book. This route typically offers advances and royalties to the author.
My books have been published using this publishing route. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of going down the traditional publishing path.
Advantages
Publishers carry the costs and take the risks.
Access to professional editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing services.
Prestige and validation from being published by a reputable publisher.
Possibility of receiving an advance payment and royalties.
Wider distribution and bookstore placement.
Disadvantages
Waiting to hear back (acceptance) after submission can take 6-12 weeks.
High competition and difficulty in getting published by a traditional publisher.
Longer publishing timeline, as publishers typically take 1-2 years to bring a book to market.
Less control over editorial decisions and book design.
Lower royalty rates compared to self-publishing.
Some of the world's top traditional book publishing companies include Penguin Random House, Macmillan Publishers, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins.
Smaller publishing houses, also known as Indie publishers include Soho Press, Graywolf Press, Akashic Books, and Qwirk Books.
Examples of non-fiction bestsellers published via traditional publishing:
"Becoming" by Michelle Obama: This memoir by the former First Lady of the United States was published by Crown Publishing Group in 2018 and became a worldwide bestseller, selling over 15 million copies.
"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey: This self-help book was first published by Simon & Schuster in 1989 and has since sold over 25 million copies worldwide.
"Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand: This biography of World War II hero Louis Zamperini was published by Random House in 2010 and spent over four years on The New York Times bestseller list.
"A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking: This popular science book was first published by Bantam Books in 1988 and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling non-fiction books of all time.
II. Self-Publishing
Some authors I work with prefer to go down this path, mostly because they want full control over all aspects of the publishing process. I plan on exploring this option or the Hybrid one for my next book. The choice I make will depend on my budget at the time.
In choosing this route, the author takes full responsibility for editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing of the book. It may cost you more, but as the author you retain all rights and profits from the book.
Don't worry though, you don't have to flounder about 100% on your own. There are service providers who help authors to self-publish. These include retailers such, as Amazon KDP, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
Companies such as KDP Print, Smashwords, and Draft2Digital provide distribution support. Full-service companies that offer everything from editing to distribution include Book Baby, Matador, and IngramSpark.
Advantages
Full control over editorial decisions, book design, and distribution.
Higher royalty rates and greater profit potential.
Faster publishing timeline, as authors can bring their books to market in a matter of weeks.
Access to online platforms such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Disadvantages
No access to professional editing, design, and marketing services unless the author hires and pays for them.
Less prestige and validation compared to traditional publishing. (An ongoing debate.)
Limited bookstore placement and distribution unless the author invests in additional marketing efforts.
Examples of non-fiction bestsellers published via self-publishing:
"The Barefoot Investor" by Scott Pape: This personal finance book was self-published by the author in 2016 and became an instant bestseller in Australia, selling over 2 million copies.
"The Paleo Solution" by Robb Wolf: This diet and health book was self-published by the author in 2010 and became a New York Times bestseller, selling over 100,000 copies.
"The Freedom Journal" by John Lee Dumas: This productivity and goal-setting journal was self-published by the author in 2016 and became a bestseller on Amazon, selling over 10,000 copies in its first week.
"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson: This self-help book was self-published by the author in 2016 and became a bestseller, selling over 13 million copies worldwide.
"The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman: This relationship advice book was originally published by a small Christian publisher in 1992, but the author later acquired the rights and began self-publishing it. It has since become a bestseller, selling over 12 million copies.
"Crushing It!" by Gary Vaynerchuk: This business and marketing book was self-published by the author in 2018 and became a bestseller, debuting at # 2 on The New York Times bestseller list.
III. Hybrid Publishing
This is a combination of traditional and self-publishing. The author pays a fee to a publisher, who provides editorial, design, printing, and distribution services. The author retains the rights to the book and receives royalties from book sales.
I am currently working with an author who has chosen this route because, as she says, “I need all the help I can get while still retaining some control.”
Advantages
Access to professional editing, design, printing, marketing and distribution services.
More control over editorial decisions and book design than traditional publishing.
Faster publishing timeline than traditional publishing.
Retention of the rights and royalties by the author.
Disadvantages
High upfront costs, as authors are required to pay for the services the publisher provides.
Limited bookstore placement and distribution unless the author invests in additional marketing efforts.
Less prestige and validation compared to traditional publishing.
There are many hybrid publishers out there. Some of the more reputable ones that I’ve come across are, IdeaPress Publishing, Greenleaf Book Group, Forbes Books, She Writes Press, Amplify, and those listed in the examples below. Be sure to do your research thoroughly before choosing the right one for you.
Examples of non-fiction bestsellers that have been published via hybrid publishing:
"The 10X Rule" by Grant Cardone: This business and self-help book was published by Cardone's own hybrid publishing company, Cardone Ventures, in 2011. It has since become a bestseller, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
"The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin: This memoir and self-help book was published by HarperCollins in 2009, but the author worked with a hybrid publisher, CreativeSpace, to produce a special edition that included a reader's guide and author Q&A.
"The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries: This business book was originally self-published in 2011 before being picked up by Crown Publishing Group. The author worked with a hybrid publisher, Greenleaf Book Group, to produce and distribute the book to bookstores.
"The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy: This self-help book was published by Hardy's own hybrid publishing company, SUCCESS Books, in 2010. It has since become a bestseller, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
+ Crowdfunding Publishing
Crowdfunding is not strictly one of the publishing routes but more a funding method to help get your book published. Using crowdfunding platforms, the author raises money from supporters to fund the publishing process. The author can use the funds to pay for the book's editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing. This route allows authors to retain full control over the book.
An author I know on LinkedIn used this method to fund the publishing of his book. He had a good marketing and promotion strategy which he used in 2022 to promote his book before publishing. This way, he got his followers to buy his book before the launch in 2023 to fund his publishing costs.
Advantages
Full control over editorial decisions, book design, and distribution.
No upfront costs for publishing the book.
Ability to generate buzz and pre-orders for the book.
Higher royalty rates and greater profit potential.
Disadvantages
Risk of not meeting the crowdfunding goal and not being able to publish the book.
No access to professional editing, design, and marketing services unless the author hires and pays for them.
Less prestige and validation compared to traditional publishing.
Examples of non-fiction bestsellers that have been published via crowdfunding publishing:
"Rebel Ideas" by Matthew Syed: This non-fiction book on diversity and innovation was published in 2019 via Unbound, a crowdfunding publisher. It became a bestseller in the UK, where it was originally released.
"Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter" by Ben Goldfarb: This non-fiction book on environmentalism and conservation was published in 2018 via Island Press, a traditional publisher that utilized a crowdfunding campaign to help promote the book.
"The Good Immigrant" edited by Nikesh Shukla: This anthology of essays by black, Asian, and minority ethnic writers was published in 2016 via Unbound, a crowdfunding publisher. It became a bestseller in the UK and won numerous awards.
2. Choosing the Right Path for Your Non-Fiction Book
When deciding which publishing route to take for your non-fiction book, there are several factors to consider, including:
Your goals: What do you hope to achieve by publishing your book? Are you looking to make a profit, establish yourself as an expert in your field, or simply share your story or knowledge with others?
Time and resources: How much time and money do you have to invest in the publishing process? Traditional publishing may take longer and require more upfront investment, while self-publishing may allow for greater control over the timeline and costs.
Target audience: Who is your book intended for? Understanding your target audience and their preferences can help you choose the publishing route that will best reach and engage them.
Genre and niche: What type of non-fiction book are you writing, and is there a particular niche or subgenre it falls into? Some publishing routes may be better suited for certain genres or niches.
Marketing and promotion: How will you promote and market your book once it's published? Some publishing routes may offer more support in this area than others, while others may require you to take a more active role in promoting your book.
3. Making a Decision
Once you've considered these factors, you can begin to weigh the pros and cons of each publishing route and make a decision based on your individual needs and goals. Some key considerations to keep in mind include the following:
Cost: How much are you willing and able to invest in the publishing process?
Control: How much power do you want over the content, design, and distribution of your book?
Timeline: How soon do you want your book to be published?
Reach: How important is it for you to reach a wide audience, and how will you achieve that?
Support: How much help do you want or need throughout the publishing process, and which route will offer the most support?
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the decision of which publishing path to choose for your non-fiction book is a personal one that will depend on your individual goals, resources, and preferences.
By understanding the factors to consider when choosing a publishing route and the best practices for success as a non-fiction author, you can confidently navigate the publishing landscape and achieve your goals as a writer.
So, take the time to do your research, connect with other writers and industry professionals, and stay focused on your vision for your non-fiction book.
With dedication and perseverance, you can bring your ideas to life, reach your desired audience, and make your mark in the world of non-fiction books.
I hope this guide answers some of your questions. If you have any other questions or something to add, connect with me on LinkedIn. Be sure to keep an eye out for more blog articles about the book-writing process coming to you in the next few weeks.
Shamila Iyer - your content partner from idea to publication.
Write. Edit. Coach.
A thorough (but not overwhelming) guide. Thank you for the warning about Vanity publishers.