“You finish the book. You sit in the hush. And then, like a ghost in the doorway, the question appears: Now what?”

Writing a novel is a feat of heart, grit, and haunted little miracles. But once you’ve hit The End, a new beginning creeps in: the publishing path. It’s less about plot twists now, and more about choices.

For most authors, there are two main roads ahead:
Traditional publishing—with its polished gateways, agents, and book deals.
Self-publishing—where you’re both the writer and the architect of your own empire.

Neither is inherently better. And no, there’s no divine signpost pointing to The One Right Way. It all depends on you. Your goals, your resources, your soul’s compass. Let’s explore both routes, their shadows and spotlights, so you can choose the one that whispers, this is your way.

The Traditional Path: The Gatekeepers’ Realm How It WorksYou write the book (Cue sigh of exhaustion).You query agents with a pitch, synopsis, and sample pages.If an agent offers representation, they’ll shop your manuscript to publishers.If accepted, you sign a contract (advance, royalties, rights).The publisher provides editing, cover design, distribution, and some marketing.Eventually—months or years later—your book hits shelves. The PerksPrestige & Validation: There’s still a sparkle in the words, “I landed a book deal.”Advance Payment: Cold hard cash upfront (though it’s often modest and recouped through sales).Wider Reach: Better chances of getting into bookstores and libraries.Professional Team: Editors, designers, publicists—you’re not alone.Lower Financial Risk: You don’t pay production costs. The PitfallsIt’s Slow. Publishing can take years.Loss of Creative Control. Covers, edits, even titles may change without your input.Lower Royalties. You might earn 10% per book…if that.High Competition. Agents get hundreds of queries a week.Marketing Falls on You. Even with a publisher, you’re often expected to do most of your own promotion.

Traditional publishing feels like joining a sacred circle…but only after surviving the labyrinth.

The Self-Publishing Path: The Writer as Oracle and CEO How It WorksYou write. You edit (or hire editors). You design (or hire designers).You choose your platform: Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Kobo, etc.You format, upload, and publish your book.You market it yourself, from spooky teaser reels to launch emails. The PerksCreative Freedom: Every decision is yours, from font to final chapter.Higher Royalties: Keep 35–70% of every sale.Speed: Publish in weeks instead of waiting years.Direct Connection: You build your readership yourself.Flexibility: Run discounts, update covers, pivot directions—all on your terms. The PitfallsAll Costs Are Yours: Editing, cover design, formatting—it adds up. Believe me, I know.You’re the Marketer. If you don’t promote, no one will.Stigma Lingers: Though it’s fading, some circles still side-eye indie authors.Learning Curve: You wear every hat—editor, designer, marketer, accountant.Quality Is On You: Readers expect professionalism. You’ve got to rise to meet it.

Self-publishing is like building your own haunted house: thrilling, intimate, and entirely yours—but make sure the foundation is strong.

Key Questions for Choosing Your Path

Ask yourself:

Control or Collaboration? Do you want full authority, or are you okay sharing the reins? Timeline? Are you in a hurry to launch, or willing to wait for a gatekeeper’s green light? Finances? Can you invest in quality upfront, or would an advance help? Marketing? Are you okay being the face of your book? Goals? Do you dream of seeing your book in Barnes & Noble…or being your own boss with full creative say? Genre Matters. Some genres—like romance, fantasy, or mystery—thrive in self-publishing spaces.What About Both? The Hybrid Path

Some authors are crafting their own crossroads:
They publish certain books traditionally and others independently.

This hybrid model lets you enjoy the credibility of trad publishing and the freedom of self-pub—depending on the project, the season, or the soul-calling.

Think of it as a foot in both worlds. A haunted manor and a crooked cabin in the woods.

Final Thoughts: The Path Is Yours

Personally, I enjoy being a self-published author, but I’ve had long, lingering thoughts about this—especially as I work on From the Ashes and continue writing Midnight Chase. Being self-published gives me the freedom I love, though other days, I dream of walking into a bookstore and seeing my title glint under fluorescent lights. It’s okay to not have all the answers yet.

Here’s what I do know:

You’re not behind. You’re not lost. You’re just standing at the fork, deciding where your feet feel steadier.

Whichever road you choose—traditional, self, or somewhere in between—do it with eyes open and heart aligned. And remember: you are your own best compass.

Your Turn, Dear Reader:

What are your thoughts on publishing? Have you chosen a path? Are you still wondering which to take?

Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your ghost stories, dreams, and decisions.