The dream of every writer is to see their book in the hands of eager readers. But before that dream becomes a reality, there’s a crucial decision every author must make: Should you go with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) or pursue traditional publishing?
Both publishing routes offer advantages and challenges, and what works best for one author may not be the right fit for another. So, how do you choose the path that’s best for your book?
In this post, we’ll break down the differences between Kindle Direct Publishing (self-publishing through Amazon) and traditional publishing. Whether you’re writing your first novel or launching a business book, the right publishing choice can impact everything from your creative freedom to how much money you make. And as you’ll soon discover, the right decision is not one-size-fits-all.
What is Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)?
Let’s start with a quick overview of Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). KDP is Amazon’s self-publishing platform, allowing authors to publish and sell both eBooks and paperback copies on Amazon. One of its most attractive features is the complete control it gives authors. You decide on everything: from the book cover design to pricing and marketing.
Some benefits of KDP include:
- Quick publishing process: You can upload your book, cover, and manuscript to KDP, and it’ll be live on Amazon within 24 to 48 hours.
- Higher royalties: Authors can earn up to 70% in royalties on eBook sales.
- Global reach: Through Amazon, your book is available to a worldwide audience.
- Full creative control: You’re in charge of everything from the content to the pricing.
But, just because you can do everything doesn’t mean you should. Self-publishing requires a lot of work, from formatting your manuscript to marketing your book (we’ll get into that more later). If you go the KDP route, you’ll be responsible for every aspect of the process—but it also means you’re the boss.
If you’re considering KDP, be sure to grab my free Simple Book Marketing Plan Template. It’s a step-by-step guide that will help you create a marketing strategy so your self-published book can stand out and reach the right readers.
What is Traditional Publishing?
In traditional publishing, authors submit their manuscripts to publishers—sometimes directly, but more often through a literary agent—and hope for a book deal. If a publisher accepts the manuscript, they’ll buy the rights to publish and distribute the book.
Some key benefits of traditional publishing include:
- No upfront costs: The publisher covers all expenses related to editing, formatting, cover design, printing, and distribution.
- Professional support: Authors work with a team of editors, designers, and marketers to perfect their book.
- Access to bookstores: Traditional publishers have the connections to get your book into brick-and-mortar bookstores and libraries.
- Prestige and validation: There’s a certain prestige that comes with having a book traditionally published, and for many authors, that’s an important factor.
However, traditional publishing has its downsides too:
- Long wait times: It can take months (or years) to get a publishing deal, and even longer before your book hits the shelves.
- Lower royalties: Traditional authors typically earn royalties between 5% and 15% on print books and 25% on eBooks.
- Less control: The publisher often has the final say on things like cover design, pricing, and marketing strategy.
Traditional publishing may feel like the “holy grail” of publishing, but it’s important to understand that even traditionally published authors need to market their books. That’s where your own efforts—whether through building an email list or social media presence—come in. I’ve seen many authors struggle with this part of the process, which is why I also offer coaching services to help guide authors through these marketing and promotional efforts, no matter how they choose to publish.
Comparing the Two: KDP vs. Traditional Publishing
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s compare Kindle Direct Publishing and traditional publishing across several important factors: creative control, royalties, time to publish, and marketing.
1. Creative Control
- KDP: You have complete control over your book’s content, cover, and price. Want to change the title or revise the book after it’s published? You can do that instantly. However, with great power comes great responsibility. You’ll need to handle (or outsource) tasks like editing, cover design, and formatting.
- Traditional Publishing: Here, the publisher takes the reins on many creative decisions. While you’ll have input, the publisher’s team ultimately makes the final decisions on things like cover design, layout, and even title changes. For some authors, this hands-off approach is a relief; for others, it can feel stifling.
2. Royalties
- KDP: One of the biggest advantages of Kindle Direct Publishing is the royalty rate. Authors earn up to 70% on eBooks and 40% to 60% on paperbacks, depending on where the book is sold. That means you get a bigger share of each sale compared to traditional publishing.
- Traditional Publishing: In exchange for covering all the costs and taking the risk, publishers keep a larger cut of the profits. Authors can expect to earn 5% to 15% in royalties for print books and about 25% on eBook sales. Additionally, you might get an advance—a one-time payment that’s applied to your future royalties—but you won’t earn more until your book sales cover that advance.
3. Time to Publish
- KDP: This is where KDP really shines. You can have your book published and available for sale within days of completing it. There’s no waiting for approval from a publisher or agent.
- Traditional Publishing: Patience is key here. From finding an agent to signing a book deal, the process can take months or even years. And after the contract is signed, it can still be 12 to 18 months before your book is released.
4. Marketing and Distribution
- KDP: This is one of the biggest challenges for self-published authors. You’re responsible for all of the marketing. However, platforms like Amazon provide tools like Kindle Unlimited and Amazon Ads to help promote your book. To make sure your launch day is as smooth as possible, download my free Book Launch Checklist to guide you through your book’s big debut.
- Traditional Publishing: Publishers have teams dedicated to marketing and distributing your book. However, it’s a common misconception that they’ll do everything for you. Most publishers expect authors to play an active role in promotion, whether it’s through social media, book tours, or interviews. That’s why having your own marketing plan is still critical, even in traditional publishing.
Pros and Cons Recap: KDP vs. Traditional Publishing
| Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) Pros: Complete creative control Higher royalty rates Fast publishing process Global reach via Amazon | KDP Cons: All marketing efforts are on you Need to cover upfront costs for editing, cover design, etc. Less prestige or perceived validation |
| Traditional Publishing Pros: Professional team support Access to bookstores and libraries Higher level of prestige and industry recognition | Traditional Publishing Cons: Long wait times for publication Lower royalties Less creative control |
How to Decide Which is Right for You
Choosing between KDP and traditional publishing comes down to your goals and priorities as an author.
If you’re looking for creative control, higher royalties, and the ability to get your book to market quickly, KDP might be the better option. However, if you’re willing to wait for the potential prestige of traditional publishing—and you prefer to leave the production work to professionals—then the traditional route could be a better fit.
For authors who want to combine the best of both worlds, a hybrid approach is also an option. You could self-publish one book while pursuing a traditional deal for another, allowing you to gain both the experience of traditional publishing and the flexibility of self-publishing.
If you need help navigating this decision or support in crafting a marketing strategy for either path, my author coaching services offer personalized guidance to help you choose the right path and maximize your success.
Conclusion: Which Path Will You Choose?
At the end of the day, both Kindle Direct Publishing and traditional publishing have their merits. The key is to consider your unique goals, preferences, and resources.
Are you ready to dive into the world of KDP? Grab my Simple Book Marketing Plan Template to help you map out a winning marketing strategy for your self-published book. Or, if you’re leaning toward traditional publishing but need support with your platform and marketing, I’m here to help with my author coaching services.
Whichever path you choose, know this: your book deserves to be in the hands of readers, and you have what it takes to make that happen!