Benefit Analysis of Traditional Publishing Vs Self-Publishing

1. Why Writers In India Must Rethink Their Options
2. Key Questions Every Writer Should Ask
3. Traditional Publishing
4. Self-Publishing in India
5. Easy-Reference Table: Traditional vs Self-Publishing in India
6. Trends: Data and Insights for 2025

Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing: Which Path Is Best for Your Book?

 On the one hand, there is the conventional form of publishing, which is low-cost but has very high entry barriers. On the other hand, is self-publishing a more accessible option, albeit at a higher price.

The writers wanting to publish a print book are at a loss as to which type of publishing they should go for. Traditional publishing or self-publishing? We analyse both types of publishing for you and lay bare the facts. The pros and cons of self-publishing vs traditional publishing. The publishing world is evolving fast—let’s clear the confusion and help you make the right decision for your creative journey.

1. New Realities: Why Writers In India Must Rethink Their Options

Today, aspiring Indian authors face choices never available before. Gone are the days when traditional publishers were the only gatekeepers. With the rise of self-publishing in India, more writers are enjoying creative freedom, higher author royalties, and faster turnaround times. But what does each route involve—and who does it suit best?

2. Key Questions Every Writer Should Ask Before Choosing a Publishing Path

1. How much creative control do I want over my book’s content and appearance?
2. What’s my budget for publishing and book marketing for self-published authors?
3. How important is speed to publication for my goals?
4. Can I handle repeated rejection or long wait times?
5. How will each option affect my book’s distribution and discoverability—both online and in stores?

3. Traditional Publishing

Upside:

1. The biggest benefit is that there is NO payment to be made by the author to the publisher to publish his/her book. Publishers bear all production, book distribution, and editing expenses.
2. You do not need to spend time deciding which publisher you should go with. The publisher that is willing to publish your book with the best terms is the one you go with. It is a rare, lucky one, that will have more than one publisher willing to publish his/her book.
3. Wide distribution: Access to mainstream bookstore distribution, literary awards, and traditional media.
4. Possible book advances: Some publishers offer upfront royalty payments.

Downside:

1. The biggest drawback is the uncertainty of whether your book will even get to see the light of day. Acceptance rates are less than 2% for first-time authors (Publishers Weekly 2024).
2. The publishing process can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more. 12-24 months from acceptance to book launch is average.
3. This is often a closed process with little transparency, the writer having little control over either the publishing speed or its trajectory. Long periods with little feedback, unclear proposal statuses.
4. The role of literary agents in India in approaching traditional publishing houses is on the rise.
5. Indian authors must still promote their book, despite publishing with a “big five” or respected local house.
6. The royalty rates are often low 5-10% of the MRP.

Then there are the grey areas. These areas some authors will consider as good and others will consider the same factors as not suitable.

1. Traditional Publishing Company decides the shape the book is to take based on their analysis. The publisher may make changes that the author dislikes, or the book may not fit the author’s intended idea.
2. There is little involvement of the author in the publishing process, except in the marketing of the book
3. The publishing process is entirely handled by the publisher except the marketing. The marketing is largely to be carried out by the author.
4. Some traditional publishers may ask writers to pay to publish their books.

Recommended for those:

1. Who have a strong writing skill, proven track record as an author or strong personal credentials?
2. Those who can take repeated, rejection and don’t mind if this means their book is never published.
3. A writer who can afford to wait for a long time to see their published book.

Example:

 Samira Gupta, author of “Elevate Executive Presence With 3Ps: Poise, Power and Performance“, waited 18 months before realising that there was no encouraging response from traditional publishing. She finally decided to take the plunge with self-publishing. The well-edited, professionally turned out book hot the market in one month. Garnering acclaim and recognition. Placing her in a position to reach the right kind of clients and encouraging book sales.

4. Self-Publishing in India: The Empowering New Era

Upside:

1. The author rarely faces rejection. Publishing a book is almost a sure shot.
2. Go from final draft to published book in as little as 1-3 months. The process is quick, takes less than a month to a maximum of three months, depending on the services you take.
3. YOU decide on your title, cover, book length, and design—no compromises. The author is always kept in the loop, whether it is pre-publishing, printing, book distribution or sales of your book. It’s an open process for authors.
4. Worldwide availability: Sell online in India and other global bookstores with print-on-demand options. The process is quick, with in 2-3 weeks, the book can be made available globally.
5. The author gets to keep 50%-70% of the net if you price and manage your book right.

Downside:

1. The biggest downside is that one needs to pay to get the book published. You’ll pay for book editing in self-publishing, design, and distribution. (Average cost in India: ₹30,000–₹1,50,000)
2. You need to research to find the company that suits your needs and gives you all the services you have paid for.

The grey areas would be:

1. The author’s desires/inputs are most important. Sometimes the author’s inputs or desires are not in tune with the market and the changes he requests does not work in the market. Here the author has a product he adores but the readers may not quite enjoy the same.
2. The author decides, depending on his budget, which services he would like to take. Due to a lack of experience or budget, the author may overlook essential services for their book, such as editing and book marketing, which are particularly important for self-published authors.
3. Self-publishing has a robust online presence this ensures, regular sales feed to the author and regular royalty payouts too but miss out on equally wide distribution to bookstalls and book shops.

Recommended for:

1. New authors who want to test the market to see how well the readers accept their writing and where and how they can improve.
2. For those authors keen to publish their work and get it out in the market.
3. For those that cannot take rejection. Those who cannot wait for long to get their book published, eg, those who are professionals.

Example:

Poornima Dayal is a Mumbai-based poet. storyteller, artist, unable to find a publisher, self-published her novel Sumati’s Odyssey: A journey through life, love and the universe, with publishing assistance from Zorba Books. She reached a wider audience through targeted Facebook marketing and direct Kindle sales—retaining total control and higher author royalties India.

5. Easy-Reference Table: Traditional vs Self-Publishing in India

Feature	Traditional Publishing	Self-Publishing Platform
Costs to Author	None (unless hybrid vanity)	Author covers editing, design, etc.
Time to Market	12–24 months	1–3 months
Creative Control	Publisher’s decision (limited for author)	Full author control
Distribution	Bookstores, mainstream media, libraries	Online (Amazon, Flipkart, Zorba Books Store, eBook), select stores
Royalties	5–15% of MRP (after agent/publisher cut)	50–70% (can vary by platform)
Editing & Design	Publisher provides; high standards	Author’s responsibility
Marketing	Publisher handles some, much left to author	Entirely author-driven (or paid add-ons)
Prestige/Validation	Higher due to selectivity, awards	Growing respect as market matures
Speed & Flexibility	Slow, fixed schedules	Fast, change anytime

New Thinking: Is There a “Hybrid” Path?

Many Indian authors now choose a blend, hybrid publishing, working with companies that offer professional services for a fee but let them keep rights and control. These “hybrid” models—like those Zorba Books offers—combine the best of both worlds.

6. Trends: Data and Insights for 2025

• According to FICCI-EY 2025, assisted publishing in India has grown by 58% since 2019, with more young authors and professionals choosing this route.
• Amazon KDP reports a 40% year-on-year increase in self-published Indian books.
• In a recent survey, 62% of first-time Indian authors said they would consider best self-publishing platforms for future books, citing speed and control as primary reasons.

Final Thoughts: Your Book, Your Choice!

There’s no universal answer. Align your publishing path—whether traditional, self, or hybrid—with your personal goals, resources, and strengths as a writer.

Have more questions? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments—let’s help each other grow as writers!

For a step-by-step guide and expert support, explore Zorba Books’ resources on both self-publishing and traditional publishing. Your story deserves the perfect route to readers!

Helpful Resource: The Complete 2025 Guide to Self-Publishing in India

The Complete 2025 Guide to Self-Publishing in India

If you found this article helpful, please share it with your writer friends or on social media, and let’s demystify publishing for Indian authors, together!