Vanity Publishing vs Traditional Publishing

I’m a member of several writing groups on Facebook and the same question keeps coming up, sometimes several times a week. Authors have received an offer from a publisher and they’re not sure whether it is a scam. But they’re being asked for money.

You can understand the excitement of any writer who has been told that their work is brilliant and that the publisher really wants to get their book out into the world, particularly if they’ve been pitching for months and have received numerous rejections.

The simple fact is a traditional publisher WILL NOT ask an author for any money up front.

So, I thought it might be helpful to highlight the differences between vanity and traditional publishing to help you make an informed decision about which route best suits your needs as an author.

What is Traditional Publishing?

Traditional publishing refers to the process by which an author submits a manuscript to a publishing house (such as Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, or Simon & Schuster) in the hope of securing a contract. If accepted, the publisher takes on the financial risk and invests in the book’s production, editing, design, marketing, and distribution. The author is typically paid an advance (a sum of money paid upfront against future royalties) and then receives a percentage of royalties from book sales once the advance is recouped.

In traditional publishing, the publisher controls the creative process, including editorial decisions and cover design. Authors generally have some input, but the final say often rests with the publisher. Traditional publishers also have established distribution networks and can help authors reach a wide audience through bookstores, libraries, and online platforms. I would say this is one of the major considerations between traditional, vanity and self-publishing.

What is Vanity Publishing?

Vanity publishing, sometimes referred to as partnership publishing, subsidy publishing or author-pays publishing, is a model in which the author pays to have their book published. In this model, the publishing company provides services such as editing, design, and printing, but the author shoulders the costs upfront. Vanity publishers typically do not offer advances, and the marketing and distribution efforts are minimal unless the author pays extra for those services.

The term “vanity” comes from the idea that authors are paying for the satisfaction or “vanity” of seeing their work in print, regardless of whether the book has been deemed commercially viable by a professional editor or agent. Vanity publishers tend to accept a wide range of manuscripts, often without stringent quality control, because their primary business model relies on the fees paid by authors, not on book sales.

Key Differences Between Vanity Publishing and Traditional Publishing

1. Financial Investment

One of the most significant differences between vanity publishing and traditional publishing is the financial model. In traditional publishing, the publisher covers all costs related to the production and marketing of the book. The author is not required to pay anything upfront and is even compensated through an advance.

In vanity publishing, however, the author must pay for the publishing services, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. This makes vanity publishing an expensive option, especially for authors who are not confident in their book’s commercial potential or ability to recoup the investment through sales. Plus an author may have to pay extra for additional services such as marketing.

2. Quality Control

Traditional publishers are selective about the books they publish. A manuscript must typically go through a rigorous submission process, often involving literary agents, before it is accepted. Once accepted, the book undergoes professional editing and revision to ensure high standards of quality.

Vanity publishers, on the other hand, generally accept almost any manuscript because their income comes from the author’s payment rather than book sales. As a result, the quality of vanity-published books can vary widely, with some authors receiving minimal editing or design services. This lack of quality control can affect the book’s marketability and overall reception by readers.

3. Distribution and Reach

Traditional publishers have well-established distribution channels that can get an author’s book into major bookstores, libraries, and online retailers. They also have relationships with professional reviewers and media outlets, which can help generate publicity for the book. A traditionally published book has a much higher chance of reaching a wide audience, as publishers are motivated to sell as many copies as possible to recoup their investment and generate profits. Distribution is also something to bear in mind if an author is thinking of self-publishing,

Vanity publishers often provide limited distribution services, and many do not have strong relationships with booksellers or media outlets. While they may offer packages that include listing the book on online platforms like Amazon, the onus is often on the author to market and promote the book. This can be quite overwhelming for authors especially if they have limited marketing experience or resources.

4. Control Over the Final Product

One of the benefits of vanity publishing is that the author retains complete control over the creative process. Authors can make all decisions regarding the book’s content, cover design, and overall presentation. For writers who have a specific vision for their work and do not want to compromise, vanity publishing offers more freedom than traditional publishing.

In contrast, traditional publishers have the final say in most creative decisions. While authors can make suggestions, the publisher’s team of professionals (editors, designers, marketers) often makes the ultimate call to ensure the book aligns with the market and the publisher’s standards. Some authors may find this lack of control frustrating, while others appreciate the guidance and expertise that comes with a traditional publisher’s involvement.

5. Author Prestige and Perception

This is a major consideration for any author. A bookshop owner once explained to me that if he decided to stock a vanity or self-published book, he needed to take a traditionally published book of the shelves. So, it was major consideration for him that the book would be likely to sell. He considered it more likely if it came from a traditional publisher.

Traditional publishing is often viewed as more prestigious because of the selective nature of the process. Getting a book accepted by a reputable publisher can be seen as a mark of quality and professional validation. It can also open doors to literary awards, critical reviews, and mainstream media coverage.

Vanity publishing, on the other hand, is sometimes viewed with scepticism because it does not require the same level of editorial scrutiny. Books published through vanity presses are often seen as less credible by industry professionals and may struggle to be taken seriously by literary critics or reviewers. A robust proofreading and editing process by the author can help before it even gets to the publishing stage.

I had a conversation recently with a client who had received an excellent review for his book but that the reader took exception to the fact that it was produced by a ‘vanity’ publisher. This does highlight the snobbery around methods of publication. Does it really matter when the book is a great read? Discuss!

Which Option is Right for You?

Choosing between vanity publishing and traditional publishing depends on your goals, budget, and willingness to take on risk. 

If you want professional support, wide distribution, and the prestige that comes with being traditionally published, and you’re willing to go through the lengthy submission process, traditional publishing is a great option. 

However, if creative control is important to you, you’re prepared to invest a significant amount of money  in your work, and are eager to see your book in print without waiting for a publisher’s approval, vanity publishing may be a viable alternative. 

A word of caution: there are hundreds of vanity publishers out there that will happily take your money from you. Do your research. Check independent reviews. Join writer’s forums and ask if others have been happy with who they worked with. Use a service like the Alliance of Independent Authors or Writer Beware https://writerbeware.blog who highlight the scammers and advise who to avoid.

Ultimately, understanding the key differences between these two models can help you make the best choice for your writing career.