Self-publishing gets a lot of good press these days. It’s faster, easier, cheaper, more profitable, a better deal—choose your superlative. But depending on your goals, the decision to choose self-publishing is not a no-brainer. I’ve done both, so here’s my two cents for professionals writing books:

Seriously consider self-publishing if—

You’re a celebrity with hungry readers

You want to (have to) publish ASAP

You prefer DIY (do-it-yourself) control

Your subject covers a micro-niche

You’re a social media superstar

You want to run your own editorial/production team

Stick with traditional publishing if—

You want vetting by seasoned book editors

You want the imprimatur of a mainstream publisher

You want bookstores to stock your book

You want to share financial risk

You don’t want to run the publishing team

You don’t mind waiting a few extra months

Your Publishing Game Plan: Pros & Cons

*production = copyediting, proofing, indexing, cover design, interior design, and printing.

**depends on the details/coordination of production

[Revised January 2020. Originally published December 2, 2013]