At some point, and usually around Hellscape 5 in Query Hell – there are burning questions which crashes into an author’s mind. Why don’t I just do it myself? Why am I still craving validation from an industry that doesn’t know I exist and makes it so hard for me to? Self publishing vs traditional publishing – what’s right for me?

Traditional publishing is a fortress. Its booby-trapped moat is filled with business obstacles (finding agents, writing to them, synopsis, blah, blah, blah) which authors inherently are disinterested in, because those obstacles have much more to do with marketing than craft. And the longer you stand outside that drawbridge with your manuscript in hand, the harder it is.

When Writing Becomes Performative

For a lot of us, the dream is more than just holding our very own, IRL, printed book. It’s about legitimacy. The agent. The book deal. The PR tour. The window display at a real, independent bookstore. There’s a something-to-prove innate desire to ‘earn it’ – not just earn the attention of readers, but earning the respect of gatekeepers. It’s the ultimate validation.

But that craving can warp your soul.

You start writing for someone else, for a trophy, a checkpoint. For a system. For approval. Thoughts of comps, categories, pitches take over. Soon, you’re censoring yourself, all before you even finish your draft. You start censoring yourself, softening edges, reworking sentences to make them more palatable for someone who might half-skim them while half-watching Netflix.

You’re no longer writing like a writer. You’re writing like a marketer. And it kills (at least some of – which is too much) the magic.

Writer’s Block Yay!

Quick detour here: What we often call writer’s block is sometimes something else entirely: grief.

You’re not stuck because the ideas don’t arrive. You’re stuck because the joy has left. The purity of the process has been diluted by too many external forces. You’ve internalized the noise. You can’t hear your own destiny over the roar of everything that everyone else thinks it should be.

And that grief? It runs deep. Because it’s not just about the book. It’s about the version of yourself you betrayed trying to become “marketable.” You’ve put on a mask to get into the party.

Of course, let’s not ignore the reality that sometimes, this works. Look at all the bands that sell out commercially just to drift back into obscurity and do their own, real thing again. Can’t blame them.

The Self-Publishing Release Valve

Enter self-publishing – the choose-your-own-adventure of modern publishing.

For many of us, it’s the back stairwell and unlocked door in a system that’s built for another class. For others, it’s the first choice: full control, full ownership, no middlemen. It’s attractive. You can hit publish without waiting for anyone’s permission.

But it’s not a free ticket out of Responsibility Town. I’ve used this ticket and the destination was horrendous – and I hope to God you’ll never come across the atrocious artifact (an ebook) I’ve cluttered our dear literary market with.

You’re (or are supposed to be) the writer, the editor, the designer, the distributor, the marketer, the publicist, the sales department, the everything. Your book’s success is entirely on your shoulders.

Of course, there’s still ‘the stigma’. It’s fading, but not gone. There’s still a voice – sometimes external, sometimes internal – that whispers, “If my work were good enough, someone, a REAL someone would’ve said so by signing me, publishing me, validating me.”

That voice is usually wrong. Although, let’s be honest, sometimes the work isn’t actually good enough, for reasons in and out of our control. But the voice is always loud.

The Fantasy of Being the Chosen One

Many of us want traditional publishing because we want to be seen. We want an agent to validate our work. We want an editor to say, “Yes, this matters.” Some of us (most of us) want money. Others want the affection of readers. It’s all validation in the end.

We want to walk into that metaphorical castle and be knighted by royalty.

But what if that invite never comes? What if the gate stays closed, the moat stays treacherous? Or worse, what if they crack it open, just wide enough to say it all needs changed?

Then what?

Reality

The publishing industry isn’t designed for us, to nurture artists. It’s designed for ‘the market’, to sell products. There’s nothing inherently evil about that – capitalism and all. But when you treat it like a church and expect some kind of spiritual induction, you’re going to end up disappointed.

Your work can be a sacred achievement and still be invisible to the market.

Your voice can be exactly what people out there need to hear and still get passed over because it doesn’t fit – on the agent’s list, on the shelves, or in the marketing spreadsheet.

You can write something honest, raw, and beautiful – and still (probably will) be told, “It’s not right for us.”

It doesn’t mean you’re not good. It means the system is not built to see you unless you have what it expects.

But people will still recite you the old saying, “the cream always rises…” or “if you work hard enough it’ll all work out…”

However, we know the reality is it often doesn’t. Because of the moats, the market, the fortress, gatekeepers, maybe because this particular cream isn’t the right flavor that meets the moment, the readers.

Self Publishing vs Traditional Publishing: There Is No ‘Right’ Path

Both self publishing and traditional publishing can lead to success, depending on your goals. Some writers thrive in the traditional system. They have an MFA. They find agents who ‘get’ them. Editors who champion them. They land on the right desk at the right time. And it works. They have a good old fashioned ‘give ‘em what they want’ approach to writing. Some of them are just really fucking good.

Others find joy – or are forced to – in going indie, learning the ropes, building a tribe, keeping most of the money, controlling their own destiny. That works too. Really well, to the tune of six or seven figs for a decent amount of writers.

Both paths require tenacious strength, endurance, and a willingness to fail publicly. Both are crazy, fulfilling, and uncomfortable – and discomfort equals growth.

So, Why Are You Writing Anyway?

To get picked? To be liked? To be validated? Money?

All valid. Many writers have rode just a single one of those to success. A lot of the easy, common, and oh so comforting wisdom you’ll hear is that you need MORE. You don’t. Plenty of authors, and other artists and craftsmen, have made it without talent, without deep passion, without respect for the craft or industry. Just know your why and know that it is achievable.

So I’m here to tell you don’t let that hold you back. Publish!

The Way Forward

I just realized this post has been kind of a downer. I promise you, we’ll end with a positive note.

You don’t have to pick a side in the battle of self publishing vs traditional publishing. You can query agents and prep your self-publishing plan B at the same time. Define success however you can. Claw for it. Run for it. Whatever you have to do. You get to decide what matters most to you. Keep writing.

Just don’t wait for someone to tell you you’re allowed to write. If you didn’t know already – you need to know about the Martian.

Chant It With Me: The Martian Didn’t Need a Gatekeeper and Neither Do I

Still torn between self publishing vs traditional publishing? Let’s talk about Andy Weir.

He didn’t have a vendetta against the publishing system. He was working a full time job, writing on the side. That’s it. That was the whole master plan.

After his first story The Egg caught some attention online, he posted a sci-fi story chapter by chapter, for free on his blog. No launch. No list-building. No hype.

Readers found it. They liked it. They asked for an easier way to read it, so he popped it up on Amazon for 99 cents.

Then something wild happened. People started buying it. Slowly at first. Then steadily. And then Podium Publishing came along, turned it into an audiobook. That audiobook? Became the #1 seller on Audible.

Before long, the book was picked up by Random House. And then – yeah, Matt Damon.

All that? Started with a guy sharing his writing. Getting better. And not waiting around for a gatekeeper to anoint him.

You don’t have to wait for the industry to let you in.

You can build your audience, build your catalog, build your legacy without ever stepping foot in a traditional pipeline. If the story is good – and you keep showing up – readers will find it.

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing?

Traditional publishing offers distribution and validation, but it’s slow and oppressively selective. Self-publishing is more profitable, fast and flexible but puts all responsibility on the author. You still need to professionally edit and develop your story.

How can I maintain my authentic voice while trying to get published?

Set boundaries. Know what’s precious to you and what’s not. Or admit you’re willing to lose it in order to make it big. I don’t blame you.

What should I do if I experience writer’s block?

Unplug from the noise. OR keep writing through it – it doesn’t have to be coherent – just vomit words through the pen – that’s progress. Block is different for everyone – but sometimes it’s a signal that you DO need to stop. Meditation works wonders for me during moments like this.

Is self-publishing a valid option for serious writers?

Absolutely. Thousands of professional authors make careers this way. The quality depends on your effort.

How do I find a literary agent that aligns with my vision?

Look everywhere (not just the ‘big two’ platforms) – find reps who share your tone, values, and sensibilities. Check interviews, client lists, and their wishlist #MSWL carefully.

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