Self-Publishing: The Pros, the Cons, and Legitimate Companies You Can Use

A balanced guide to the pros and cons of self-publishing, plus legitimate platforms writers can trust and vanity presses to avoid.

Self-publishing has transformed the publishing world. Writers no longer need to secure a traditional publishing deal to see their work in print or available online. 

Today, authors can publish ebooks, paperbacks, and even audiobooks themselves, often with global reach.

However, self-publishing is not automatically the right choice for everyone. It comes with clear advantages, genuine drawbacks, and a landscape that includes both reputable platforms and firms best avoided.

This guide looks at the pros and cons of self-publishing and highlights legitimate companies writers can use with confidence.

The Pros of Self-Publishing

1. Creative Control

Self-publishing allows you to retain full control over:

Content and tone

Cover design

Pricing

Release dates

Updates and revisions

There is no editorial board to persuade and no requirement to reshape your work to fit a market trend.

For many writers, this freedom is invaluable.

2. Faster Time to Publication

Traditional publishing can take literally years from submission to publication.

Self-publishing can take:

Weeks

Or even days

This is particularly beneficial for:

Timely non-fiction

Serial fiction

Bloggers and content creators

Writers responding to current events or trends

3. Higher Royalty Rates

Self-published authors typically earn a much higher percentage per sale than traditionally published authors.

While exact rates vary, self-publishing platforms often offer:

Significantly higher ebook royalties

Transparent payment systems

Regular reporting

You may sell fewer copies, but earn more per copy.

4. Ownership of Rights

When you self-publish, you generally retain:

Copyright

Distribution rights

Translation and adaptation rights

This gives you flexibility for future opportunities, including audiobooks, foreign editions, or licensing.

The Cons of Self-Publishing

1. Upfront Costs

Self-publishing is not free if done properly.

Potential costs include:

Professional editing

Cover design

Formatting

ISBNs (depending on platform and country

Cutting corners here can harm credibility and sales.

2. No Built-In Marketing

Unlike traditional publishing, self-publishing rarely includes:

Marketing campaigns

Media outreach

Bookshop placement

You are responsible for:

Promotion

Audience building

Visibility

Many books fail not due to quality, but because nobody knows they exist.

3. Discoverability Is Challenging

Online marketplaces are crowded.

Standing out requires:

Strong metadata and keywords

Good cover design

Consistent promotion

Patience

Success is often gradual rather than immediate.

4. Quality Control Is Your Responsibility

There is no external gatekeeper.

That means:

Mistakes can slip through

Poor presentation can damage reputation

Reviews may be unforgiving

Professional standards still matter — even when self-publishing.

Legitimate Self-Publishing Platforms You Can Use

The following platforms are widely regarded as reputable, transparent, and non-exploitative.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)

Best for:

Ebooks and print-on-demand paperbacks

Global reach

Pros:

Easy to use

Huge marketplace

No upfront publishing fees

Considerations:

Competitive environment

Exclusivity if you enrol in certain programmes

IngramSpark

Best for:

Print distribution to bookshops and libraries

Pros:

Professional-grade printing

Wide distribution channels

Suitable for authors targeting bookshops

Considerations:

Setup fees

More complex interface

Draft2Digital

Best for:

Wide ebook distribution beyond Amazon

Pros:

Distributes to multiple retailers

Simple dashboard

No upfront fees

Considerations:

Slightly lower royalties due to aggregator model

Kobo Writing Life

Best for:

International and UK-friendly ebook distribution

Pros:

Strong presence outside the US

Transparent reporting

No publishing fees

Considerations:

Smaller market share than Amazon

Apple Books for Authors

Best for:

Direct access to Apple’s ecosystem

Pros:

High-quality storefront

Good international reach

Considerations:

Requires Apple-compatible setup

A Word of Caution: Vanity Presses

Be wary of companies that:

Charge large upfront fees

Promise guaranteed sales or bestseller status

Market themselves as “hybrid publishers” without transparency

Lock you into restrictive contracts

A legitimate self-publishing platform:

Does not require thousands of pounds upfront

Allows you to leave

Does not claim to market your book magically

If a company makes publishing sound effortless and expensive, proceed carefully.

Is Self-Publishing Right for You?

Self-publishing suits writers who:

Value independence

Are willing to learn

Accept responsibility for quality and promotion

Prefer long-term growth over instant validation

It may not suit writers who:

Want full marketing support

Dislike technical processes

Prefer traditional gatekeeping

Neither route is “better” — they are simply different.

Final Thoughts: An Empowering Option, Not a Shortcut

Self-publishing is not a shortcut to success, but it is a legitimate, empowering route for writers who want control, flexibility, and ownership.

Done well, it can be deeply rewarding.

Done carelessly, it can be frustrating.

The key is informed choice, realistic expectations, and professional standards.