Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing:

Why I Chose My Path

Finally holding my finished book!

🌟 Traditional Publishing

Traditional publishing usually starts by finding a literary agent who represents your style of work. Once you find the right fit, you send them a submission package: a short synopsis of your book, rough sketches, and 3–5 nearly finished pieces.

It’s a long process; agents typically take 6–8 weeks to respond (if they reply at all). And since it’s such a competitive field, it often takes time and persistence to find the right match.

Pros:

• More distribution + bookstore opportunities

• Greater visibility and industry credibility

• Marketing and support from the publisher

Cons:

• Less creative control

Long wait times and slower timelines

A look inside my book

🎨 Self-Publishing

Self-publishing means you take the reins and do it all yourself from writing to illustrating, formatting, cover design, editing, and marketing. It’s a big commitment, but it also comes with big rewards.

Pros:

• Full creative control ✨

• Freedom to publish on your own timeline

• It’s truly your story, from start to finish

Cons:

• You handle everything (formatting, proofreading, distribution, marketing, etc.)

• Can feel overwhelming without a team to back you up

💜 Why I Chose Self-Publishing

As a new illustrator, I knew it would be challenging to land a literary agent right away. It’s a competitive field, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could create and publish a book on my own.

I also had a unique story I wanted to tell, and self-publishing gave me the freedom to bring my exact vision to life. From editing to illustrating, proofreading to cover design, I’ve handled every step of the process. It’s been a lot of work, but it’s also been deeply rewarding.

Many authors self-publish their first book to showcase their unique voice, gain experience, or build a portfolio that can eventually help them connect with the right agent. I love knowing that when the time comes to approach agents, I’ll already have one book fully under my belt and I’ll be able to say that I did it myself.

🌈 Looking Ahead

I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I do know this: I’m excited. Even on days when I feel small or uncertain, I acknowledge those feelings and keep moving forward. Self-publishing has given me not only a book I’m proud of, but also an incredible education in what it takes to bring a story into the world.

And for me, that’s just the beginning. ✨

 If you’re working on your own creative project, would you lean more toward traditional publishing or self-publishing? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!