As I finish my first main series novel I come to an age old crossroad for authors.
Do I try to find a publisher or do I publish myself?
While getting an agent may be a difficult process it's often well worth it to have a connection to the strongest names in the industry, especially for new authors like myself. Having a team of people behind you to help make your novel the best that it can be can be very beneficial. Any publishing house you should take seriously will have connections to stores like amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other books stores as well to get your product on shelves where the people can see it. However many people inquire agents, editors, and publishers every day with every novel they've ever written so to stand out in that sea of creativity can be a daunting task. Another downfall is if a company pays you in advanced for your book you are obligated to pay them back either in sales or by purchasing the equivalent amount of books yourself.
Self Publishing on the other hand has been made more accessible than ever with sites like amazon KDP and Lulu. Self publishers better be ready to do 100% alone with only the starting capital they have in their pockets. Not having store connections can make it impossible to get your book in anywhere larger than the local book store.
However with all the control being in your hands you'll never have to worry about a debt hanging over your head and creative control remains solely in your hands.
Fellow writers what do you think are the benefits of self publishing or traditional publishing? Have you been published or published yourself?
Share your experience below!