The Basics: Choosing Your Publishing Path: Self, Hybrid, Traditional
You’ve probably seen the ads:
“Publish your book in 30 days!”
“Traditional publishers are dead!”
“Self‑publish and keep all the money!”
Here’s the problem: none of them are telling you the full story.
If you’re an entrepreneur, expert, or creator who wants a book to grow your business, credibility, and impact, there is no one “right” way to publish. There’s only the right way for your goals.
So the central question is:
How should an entrepreneur or expert choose between self‑publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing for a nonfiction book?
Your “Right” Path Depends on Your Goals
Meghan’s core belief:
There is no single correct path.
Your best option depends on:
What you want your book to do for your business and career.
How much time and money you’re willing to invest.
How much control you want.
Whether you’re willing to build an audience.
She used to try hard to convince people not to self‑publish, but eventually realized: people are most successful when their publishing path actually matches who they are and who they want to become.
From there, she lays out the three main routes entrepreneurs and experts use:
Option 1: Self‑Publishing
Pros
Low barrier to entry – You don’t need permission from anyone.
You retain all rights and profits – You own everything.
Full creative control – Cover, title, content, timing — it’s all up to you.
Cons
You have to do everything yourself – editing, design, production, distribution, marketing, sales, the works.
Low sales can hurt your long‑term career – A poorly produced or poorly selling book can make it harder to get taken seriously later.
Limited distribution – It’s much harder to get into bookstores, airports, and major retail channels.
Best For
Memoir or deeply personal stories.
Very niche markets and specialized expertise.
Odd formats or experimental projects that don’t fit traditional models.
What most people miss
The biggest blind spot Meghan sees: authors don’t realize that self‑publishing means they are the entire publishing company. If you’re not ready to handle (or hire out) editing, design, printing, distribution, and sustained marketing, this route can quickly become frustrating.
Option 2: Hybrid Publishing
Hybrid publishing is a middle ground: you pay a publisher or service provider, and they handle many of the professional pieces, but you’re still more involved than you’d be with a traditional house.
Pros
Professional quality – You get editing, design, and production support.
Fewer barriers to entry – You don’t need to convince a traditional editor or agent.
More creative control – Typically more say over content and presentation than with traditional deals.
Cons
Can be expensive – You’re often paying significant fees.
Limited distribution – Not as strong as major traditional publishers.
You’re still responsible for marketing and sales – They don’t magically make your book sell.
Best For
People who don’t want a traditional deal.
Authors who want total creative control and are willing to pay for high‑quality production.
Niche markets where a smaller, focused reach is acceptable.
What most people miss
This space has many bad actors — companies promising bestseller status, huge exposure, or “done‑for‑you” success that never materializes. If you go hybrid, you need to:
Do serious homework.
Vet contracts and reputation.
Understand that marketing is still on you.
Option 3: Traditional Publishing
This is Meghan’s home turf.
Pros
You get an advance – Money upfront against future royalties.
Professional editing, production, and distribution – Your book is developed, designed, printed, and distributed by pros.
Stronger sales potential – Traditionally published books generally have more reach and credibility.
Best shot at bestseller status – If “bestseller” is your dream, this is usually the most realistic path.
Cons
High barrier to entry – You need a strong idea, platform, and proposal.
You still have to market and promote – The publisher supports you, but won’t do everything.
You must build a substantial audience first – Traditional houses invest where they believe they can sell tens of thousands of copies (often 30,000+).
Best For
Entrepreneurs with large or fast‑growing audiences.
Experts who do lots of facilitation, speaking, and travel.
People who want to be the go‑to authority in their niche and expand into press, film, and TV.
What most people miss
Traditional publishers are not there to “steal your ideas” or “take all your money.” Done well:
They help promote and leverage your ideas.
They help you grow your business and visibility.
They pay you upfront and invest in producing a book that can live in major channels.
But: you must be willing to build a platform and treat your book as part of a larger, strategic career.
Hidden Risks and Hot Takes Meghan Wants You to Know
Self and hybrid spaces are full of predatory promises.
There are many companies that prey on authors’ dreams with big promises and vague results. If you see “We’ll make you a bestseller!” in an ad, treat it as a red flag, not a guarantee.If you don’t want to grow an audience, self or hybrid might fit better.
For people willing to invest money and effort but not build a platform, non‑traditional routes can still produce a good book and serve a smaller, focused audience.Her core clients want more than that.
The entrepreneurs and experts she works with:Aim to be the best in their fields.
Want to build audiences to serve more people and make a bigger impact.
Often don’t even think about a book until after their platform is underway.
For them, a traditional deal is both a business move and a lifelong dream — and worth the extra time and money to build a platform and hire help.
Questions This Episode Answers
“How do I know which publishing path is right for me?”
“Will a traditional publisher restrict my business or steal my ideas?”
“Can I become a bestseller through self or hybrid publishing?”
“What if I hate social media — can I still get a traditional deal?”
“What’s the biggest mistake people make when choosing a path?”
