Welcome back! In Part One of this series, we met Elmore—our fictional-yet-oh-so-familiar aspiring novelist—and explored the many layers of the self-publishing world. From choosing between Amazon exclusivity or wide distribution to managing costs and creative control, we saw how self-publishing can be both empowering and overwhelming.
But what if self-publishing isn’t quite the right fit for you—or not the only fit?
That’s where Part Two comes in.
Today, we’ll walk with Elmore (and with you) through the other three primary publishing paths:
Traditional Publishing – The long game with potential prestige.
Hybrid Publishing – A professional, collaborative approach (at a cost).
The Blended Path – A flexible strategy for the career-minded writer.
Just like last time, we’ll look at the pros, cons, costs, and best-suited-for profiles for each. And we’ll let Elmore ask the questions you might be thinking, so this stays grounded, real, and actionable.
Let’s get back to it.
2. Traditional Publishing
“Let the pros take the wheel.”
When I signed with my first NYC literary agent, I was thrilled. He pitched my sci-fi thriller to several publishers including the Big Five. The feedback was strong. Some editors loved the story. But… there were no offers.
That two-and-a-half-year journey left me both wiser and a bit disillusioned.
Pros:
Professional editing, design, and distribution—at no (direct) cost to you.
Built-in credibility, media exposure, and bookstore placement.
May offer an advance (anywhere from $1,000–$10,000+).
Greater access to awards and literary recognition.
Cons:
Very competitive to break in. Often requires an agent.
Longer timelines (2–3 years is not uncommon).
Limited creative control over cover, title, and marketing (and yes, you’ll still be expected to do a lot of the marketing.)
Royalties are lower—8–15% of print sales on average.
Best Suited For:
Authors who want broad distribution and prestige.
Patient writers open to collaboration and compromise.
Those willing to build a platform or pitch strategically.
Elmore’s question to his coach:
“So even if a publisher says they love my story… they might still pass?”
Coach: “Yes. But that doesn’t mean your book isn’t worthy—it just means their list is full, or the market’s not ready. That’s the biz.”
Elmore: “Noted. I’ll bring snacks for the waiting room.”
3. Hybrid Publishing
“A professional team—with me in the driver’s seat.”
When I published Life On Purpose, I worked with Elite Books, one of the early reputable hybrid publishers. I appreciated having a team, while still having final say on the title, cover, and direction. That collaboration gave me both polish and peace of mind.
Pros:
High-quality editing, design, and production.
Faster than traditional publishing.
Some support with distribution and marketing.
Retain more rights and input than traditional publishing.
Cons:
Costs can range from $3,000–$15,000+ depending on services.
Quality and transparency vary—vet publishers carefully.
Marketing promises can be… aspirational.
Best Suited For:
Professionals or coaches using a book to support a broader mission.
Writers who want to collaborate with a publishing team.
Authors who want a beautiful book but not full-on DIY.
Elmore:
“Wait—what’s the difference between hybrid and vanity press again?”
Coach: “Hybrid publishers choose projects based on quality. Vanity presses take anyone with a credit card. The difference is respect.”
4. The Blended Path
“Why not all of the above?”
If there’s one truth I’ve learned, it’s this: there’s no one-size-fits-all publishing path.
Over the years, I’ve jumped from one route to another depending on the book, my goals, and the season of life I was in.
That’s what Elmore’s starting to see, too.
Coach (gently): “You don’t have to marry your publishing path. Think of it more like dating.”
Elmore (smiling): “So I can flirt with Kickstarter while querying agents?”
Coach: “Exactly.”
What the Blended Path Might Look Like:
Self-publish a novella while querying your full-length novel.
Publish nonfiction traditionally and fiction independently.
Use crowdfunding to launch your book, then license rights later.
Start with hybrid, then pitch the next book to agents.
Pros:
Ultimate flexibility and strategy.
Adaptable to your personal evolution as a writer.
Empowers you to learn, test, and refine as you grow.
Cons:
Requires more planning and willingness to shift gears.
Learning curve is steeper at first.
May lack a “clean” publishing identity at first glance.
Best Suited For:
Writers building a long-term career or brand.
Multi-passionate creators who want to experiment and learn.
Anyone not afraid to color outside the lines and blaze their own path.
Funding Your Book Dream
(Because aligned action still requires actual dollars)
Every path has costs—either in time, money, or both.
Here are a few ways Elmore (and you) might fund your publishing dream:
1. Self-Funding
Save monthly, sell a few old things, or set aside “book budget” money over time.
2. Friends & Family
A quiet “I believe in you” check or informal loan from someone who believes in your work.
3. Crowdfunding
Use Kickstarter or Indiegogo to raise funds—and build buzz. (We’ll go deep on this in a future article.)
4. Grants & Fellowships
Look into opportunities from writing organizations, arts councils, and nonprofits. Many are designed to support emerging voices.
5. Creative Collaboration
Pool resources with other writers for editing, design, or marketing.
Journal Your Way to Clarity
Elmore, being the thoughtful creative that he is, decided to journal through the decision before committing to anything.
“I realized I wasn’t just choosing a path,” he said to me, “I was choosing a relationship to my work. That’s bigger than one book.”
You might feel the same. So here are 10 questions to help guide you.
10 Clarifying Questions for Choosing Your Publishing Path
What’s your ultimate purpose for this book? Is it to be your only book or the first of many?
How important is creative control to you?
What timeline feels right for your life and energy?
What financial investment are you prepared—or able—to make?
Do you want to learn publishing, or hand it off?
How much do you enjoy marketing or public engagement? Are you open to growing into these?
What other life commitments might influence your choice? Don’t disregard the rest of your life.
Do you want this book to open other doors (speaking, coaching, etc.)?
Who do you want to collaborate with, if anyone?
What does your intuition whisper when you imagine each path?
Finding Your Path—Not Just Elmore’s
Elmore’s been doing a lot of thinking (and journaling) since we started this journey.
He’s realizing that publishing isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a relationship with his work.
And just like any good relationship, it needs to align with his values, goals, and creative rhythm.
“I don’t have to commit to just one path forever,” he said during a recent coaching session.
“I just need to pick the next right step—and stay open to what comes next.”
That’s wisdom worth borrowing.
Your Write On Purpose Assignment: Journal Your Way to Clarity
Now that you’ve explored all four publishing paths and have Elmore’s story in mind, it’s time to turn inward.
Your assignment is simple—but potentially powerful:
Choose a quiet time and space to write through the 10 Clarifying Questions. You don’t need to rush or answer them all in one sitting. Let each one breathe. You may find that a particular question unlocks insight you didn’t know you were waiting for.
Pay attention to what lights you up—and what shuts you down. Notice how your body responds. That’s part of the wisdom you’re bringing to the table.
After journaling, ask yourself:
Which publishing path seems to best support this book’s message and purpose?
Which path feels like the best fit for you—as a writer, and as a human being?
Where do you still feel unsure—and what support would help clarify things?
Elmore realized this was more than choosing a publishing strategy—it was choosing how to be in relationship with his creative work. It’s the same for you.
And if you find yourself circling questions without clear answers, know this:
You’re invited to schedule a free, no-pressure Creative Clarity session with me.
We’ll talk through your reflections, clarify your next steps, and explore which publishing path—or combination of paths—feels most aligned with your book and your life.
Because your story matters. And the way you bring it into the world matters too.
Let’s do it on purpose, for as I suggested to Elmore: “A publishing path is part of your Purpose Project as an author, so choose it from love, not fear. From vision, not obligation.”
Let’s start a conversation through the chat feature that will support the process of making such an important decision.
PS – A Quick Update
Some of you tried to access the Eco-Guardian Self-Test from last week’s article and discovered the link didn’t work—my apologies for the mix-up. The good news is that in the meantime the project has grown into something even better: the Eco-Guardian Compass (‘cause no one really like taking tests, right?)
Over the next 10 days I’ll be releasing three different Compasses—one for ages 10–14, one for ages 15–18, and one for adults/elders. (For full transparency, I took the adult/elder version myself this morning and scored 122 out of 200. Clearly, even the creator still has plenty of room to grow as an Eco-Guardian-in-Training! )
The Compass will be released through the Eco-Guardian Secret Library next week (on a pay-what-you-will basis which includes for free if you choose). When it’s ready, you’ll not only be able to engage with the Compass but also explore a growing library of eco-friendly tools and resources.
Why it’s worth the wait:
It takes just 5 minutes to complete each Compass.
It’s designed for kids, teens, and adults—each version tailored to their stage of life.
It helps you (and your family) discover your inner Eco-Guardian—the natural strengths you already carry for caring for the Earth.
Parents: it’s a simple, fun way to start meaningful conversations with your kids and teens about their role in Earth’s future.
Here’s a sneak peek of the Compass cover:
Stay tuned — I’ll send you the direct link as soon as it’s live. I can’t wait to share this with you.
Brad (Write On Purpose Coach & Eco-Guardian-In-Training)
