3 Reasons to Traditionally Publish

Instead of ranting about why you really should take a breath before self-publishing a book (because you usually should), I wanted to share the reasons I believe traditional publishers are still very valuable to authors.

This list is especially true for the authors I work with, who tend to be entrepreneurs, experts and thought leaders writing prescriptive (how-to) nonfiction.

Distribution

Traditional publishers are still the most likely way for your book to be sold in independent and local bookstores across the country. If you care about shopping local, distribution is definitely something you should care about. Amazon may be the #1 bookseller in the country but their ways of doing business are shady AF even for their own authors. (Yet another reason to do your research before deciding to self-publish.)

Professionalism

People in the traditional book industry know how to create, manufacture and sell books. Are we right on every little thing? No. Are we, as an industry, aware of how to take advantage of new platforms like TikTok and Clubhouse or even contemporary marketing strategies like sales funnels and lead magnets? Not always.

But we know how to see the potential in an author and their idea, and how to shape the content of a book so it’s the best it can…