2 ways to publish your first book (and which one is right for you)

The guide to choosing between self-publishing and publishing with a publisher

🏷️ Categories: Writing.

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This is the fourth article in a series of four.

In this series, we’ve covered everything you need to go from having written nothing to having your first manuscript ready to publish. We focused on nonfiction, but many of the ideas apply to other genres as well.

Let’s recap:

• Why writing in public is the best way to find your ideas.

• How to turn those validated ideas into a clear, solid outline.

• How to write consistently and finish chapters successfully.

Today we reach the end of the road: the moment of publishing. But this is where many new writers stumble because they don’t know which option suits them best.

Let’s look at the two most common forms of self-publishing…

1. The Myth of the “Book as an Event”

When someone writes their first book, they often imagine publishing it as an event.

They picture it as a before-and-after moment. Like a party—intense but short-lived.
But reality is different: publishing a book is a starting point. A well-crafted book is a long-term asset that brings three key benefits:

• It generates income.

• It serves as your author business card.

• It positions you as an authority on a topic for readers and future clients.

A strong book will keep working for you long after you stop promoting it. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint—the most successful authors don’t chase virality; they build steadily. That should be your mindset: don’t publish just to say “I finally did it”, but to create something you’ll still be proud to show five years from now.

And that requires quality.

2. You Don’t Need a Traditional Publisher

This may sound harsh, but it’s true.

Most traditional publishers don’t take on new authors. And when they do, they usually offer small print runs, little promotion, and highly restrictive conditions in terms of rights and creative decisions.

Self-publishing done right, on the other hand, gives you three things:

• Full freedom over your content.

• Higher profit margins per copy sold.

• Faster time to market.

The key, however, lies in that phrase: done right.

3. Self-Publishing on Your Own: Total Freedom, Real Risks

Today, several platforms let you publish a book by yourself:

• Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) lets you upload a print or digital book at no initial cost—great if you’re on a tight budget.

• Reedsy offers editing, design, and formatting services à la carte—ideal for picking only what you need and handling the rest yourself.

• Canva, LaTeX, Vellum, or Atticus allow you to design and format your book (and even covers) on your own, further reducing self-publishing costs.

Sounds great, right? It is… if you know what you’re doing.

The problem is that if you’re a writer who hasn’t yet published your first book, you may lack the experience or knowledge in graphic design, layout, and marketing strategy to make your book stand out on Amazon.

Common issues in DIY self-publishing include:

• Weak covers (poor font choices, generic styles, low visual impact).

• Poor formatting (incorrect spacing, low-quality images, pagination errors, citation issues).

• No professional editing (grammar and spelling mistakes, inconsistent tone and style).

• Zero promotion. Your book exists—but no one sees it.

Publishing on your own is like building a house by yourself: you can do it, but don’t underestimate the work. You’ll be the author, editor, designer, typesetter, rights manager, marketing strategist, and publicist—all in one.

Are you ready to take all that on—and do it well?

4. Professional Self-Publishing

There are professional self-publishing houses.

You’re not signing with a traditional publisher that takes your rights, nor are you left alone with a poorly designed PDF. You’re working with a team that respects your voice, supports you without intruding, and elevates your book to a professional level.

Key advantages:

• Personalized guidance: A dedicated editorial team walks you through structure, review, visual decisions, and final title.

• Real professional editing: Proofreading, stylistic editing, and narrative structure review—your book improves without losing your voice.

• High-quality design and layout: Carefully crafted interiors, strong covers, and consistent visual coherence—your book won’t look amateur.

• Multi-platform publishing: Amazon, independent bookstores, your own website, in both digital and print formats.

• Promotion and strategy: They help you define your audience, messaging, and post-launch movement.

All that without giving up your copyright or signing restrictive contracts.

5. A Book Isn’t Just Text—It’s a Publishing Product

Here’s the key difference. Many first-time authors think of a book as a Word file with a cover and back cover. But a book isn’t just a collection of pages—it’s a communication piece. As such, it must have:

• A cover that grabs attention and says, “Open me.”

• A design that invites easy reading.

• An internal rhythm that keeps readers engaged.

• A polished, frictionless style.

And if you want it available in print, you’ll also need:

• Professional print layout.

• ISBN and copyright/legal compliance.

• Broader distribution channels than just an Amazon account.

That’s not something you pull off on a Sunday afternoon.

6. So Which Option Is Better?

It depends on your situation and goals.

• If you feel capable of handling all aspects of writing and publishing professionally, self-publishing on Amazon can work.

• If you want to ensure a professional-quality book that reads well and save yourself the countless hours of non-writing work—then you need help.

  

✍️ Your turn: Which option fits your case better? Self-publishing on your own saves money but risks a weaker outcome and lower visibility. Self-publishing with a publisher ensures quality and frees up your time to focus on what you do best—writing.

💭 Quote of the day: “Great books give you a feeling you miss all day, until you finally get to dive back into those pages.” — Kathryn Stockett, The Help

See you next time! 👋