{"id":7688,"date":"2025-06-02T15:30:07","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T15:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wordpress\/?p=7688"},"modified":"2025-07-14T13:02:54","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T13:02:54","slug":"self-publishing-vs-traditional-publishing-plot-structure-techniques","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/cptestlink.com\/underwood\/self-publishing-vs-traditional-publishing-plot-structure-techniques\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing: Which Path is Right for You?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you&#8217;re ready to share your story with the world, one major question arises: <\/span><b>Should I self-publish or pursue traditional publishing?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00c2\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choosing the right publishing path can impact your creative freedom, earnings, timeline, and overall experience as an author. So, <\/span><b>how do you decide between self-publishing vs traditional publishing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is Traditional Publishing?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Traditional publishing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the classic route to getting your book into readers\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 hands. It involves submitting your manuscript to a publishing house, often through a literary agent. If accepted, the publisher handles the editing, cover design, printing, distribution, and marketing (to some extent).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Pros of Traditional Publishing<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Credibility and Prestige<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Getting a book deal with a well-known publisher adds credibility. Your book might be stocked in major bookstores, reviewed by the media, and submitted for awards.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>No Upfront Costs<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The publisher covers all production expenses. Authors usually receive an advance payment and earn royalties after the advance is recouped.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Professional Support<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll work with experienced editors, cover designers, and publicists to make your book market-ready.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Wider Distribution<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Traditional publishers have existing relationships with bookstores, libraries, and international distributors.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Cons of Traditional Publishing<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Difficult to Break In<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s highly competitive. Many authors receive multiple rejections before landing a deal\u00e2\u20ac\u201dif they get one at all.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Slow Process<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> From securing an agent to publication, the process can take 1\u00e2\u20ac\u201c2 years or more.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Limited Creative Control<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Editors and marketers have the final say over your book\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s content, title, and design.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lower Royalties<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Authors typically earn 5\u00e2\u20ac\u201c15% of the book&#8217;s retail price, much less than in self-publishing.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is Self-Publishing?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Self-publishing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> puts you in the driver\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s seat. You take full responsibility for editing, design, publishing, and marketing\u00e2\u20ac\u201deither by doing it yourself or hiring professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This route has exploded in popularity thanks to platforms like <\/span><b>Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and Kobo<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Pros of Self-Publishing<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Full Creative Control<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You decide how your book looks, reads, and is marketed. Want to write an experimental genre? Go for it.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Faster to Market<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Once your manuscript is ready, you can publish in a matter of days or weeks.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Higher Royalties<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Self-published authors can earn 35%\u00e2\u20ac\u201c70% of the sales price, depending on the platform and price point.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Global Reach<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Online retailers make it easy to reach readers worldwide, even without bookstore placement.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Cons of Self-Publishing<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>You Bear the Costs<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll need to invest in professional editing, cover design, ISBNs, and marketing\u00e2\u20ac\u201dcosts that can add up.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Steep Learning Curve<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Publishing involves formatting, metadata, ads, and algorithms. You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll either need to learn or hire experts.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Harder to Gain Credibility<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Without the backing of a publishing house, gaining media attention or bookstore placement can be tough.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>You Do All the Marketing<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Unless you hire a PR team, promotion is up to you, and it never stops.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Comparing Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing<\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Factor<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Traditional Publishing<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Self-Publishing<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Time to Market<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12\u00e2\u20ac\u201c24 months<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Days to weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Creative Control<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limited<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Full<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Upfront Costs<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">None<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You pay all costs<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Royalties<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5%\u00e2\u20ac\u201c15%<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">35%\u00e2\u20ac\u201c70%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Bookstore Presence<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low to moderate<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Marketing Responsibility<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shared<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mostly yours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Publishing Rights<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The publisher owns the rights<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You retain all rights<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Editing\/Design Support<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Provided by the publisher<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must find or hire<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Prestige &amp; Validation<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Varies<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plot Structure Techniques Matter\u00e2\u20ac\u201dRegardless of the Publishing Path<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter which route you choose, one thing remains constant: <\/span><b>the strength of your story matters most<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well-structured stories resonate with readers, increase your chances of success, and can help sway agents or readers alike. Here are three foundational <\/span><b>plot structure techniques<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to master before publishing:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. The Three-Act Structure<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This classic technique divides your book into:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Act I \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Setup<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Introduce characters, world, and conflict.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Act II \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Confrontation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Your protagonist faces obstacles, and stakes rise.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Act III \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Resolution<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The climax and conclusion tie everything together.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>2. The Hero\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Journey<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Popular in fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure genres, this structure includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Call to Adventure<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Trials and Tribulations<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Transformation and Return<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s emotionally satisfying and universally familiar to readers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. Save the Cat! Beat Sheet<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Favored by screenwriters and novelists alike, this technique breaks your story into 15 \u00e2\u20ac\u0153beats\u00e2\u20ac\u009d that keep momentum flowing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whichever structure you choose, <\/span><b>a well-plotted story improves your chances<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of grabbing attention, whether from an agent or a browsing reader.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Decide Which Publishing Path Is Right for You<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some key questions to ask yourself before choosing:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1. What Are Your Goals?<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to build a career as a professional author? Either path works.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want full creative freedom or fast release? Lean toward self-publishing.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dream of seeing your book in bookstores or winning literary awards? Traditional may be the better bet.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>2. What\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Your Timeline?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re writing a time-sensitive book, such as one tied to a current event or trend, <\/span><b>self-publishing\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s speed<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be a major advantage.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>3. How Much Control Do You Want?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re particular about how your book is edited, titled, or marketed, <\/span><b>self-publishing gives you the reins<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If you prefer a collaborative process, traditional publishing offers a team-based approach.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>4. Are You Willing to Learn or Outsource?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-publishing success often requires mastering:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Book formatting<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cover design<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metadata optimization<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advertising (Amazon, BookBub, Facebook)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not tech-savvy or prefer not to DIY, you may need to <\/span><b>hire professionals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or consider traditional publishing, where support is built in.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hybrid Publishing: The Best of Both Worlds?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Hybrid publishing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a third path. In this model, you share costs with a publisher who provides editorial, design, and distribution services, <\/span><b>but you retain more royalties and rights<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than in traditional publishing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure to <\/span><b>research hybrid publishers carefully<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, as some are vanity presses in disguise. A reputable hybrid publisher will:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vet manuscripts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offer professional services<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be transparent about costs and royalties<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Real-World Success Stories<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Self-Publishing Success<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Martian<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by Andy Weir started as a self-published novel on his website. It gained a cult following, landed a traditional deal, and became a blockbuster movie.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Traditional Triumph<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Where the Crawdads Sing<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by Delia Owens debuted with Penguin Random House and became a global bestseller, thanks to bookstore distribution and word-of-mouth buzz.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both paths can lead to success\u00e2\u20ac\u201dit depends on <\/span><b>your goals, skills, and preferences<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Thoughts: It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Your Story\u00e2\u20ac\u201dOwn the Journey<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to <\/span><b>self-publishing vs traditional publishing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, there\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s no one-size-fits-all answer. Each path has its advantages and trade-offs. What matters most is your commitment to your story and your readers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No matter which route you choose:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Write the best book you can<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Use smart plot structure techniques<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Understand your publishing responsibilities<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The publishing landscape is more accessible than ever. With the right mindset, tools, and support, you can get your book out into the world on your terms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-7689 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/localhost\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/adadad-1.jpg\" alt=\"Self-publishing vs traditional publishing Plot structure techniques\" width=\"740\" height=\"493\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cptestlink.com\/underwood\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/adadad-1.jpg 740w, http:\/\/cptestlink.com\/underwood\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/adadad-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 740px) 100vw, 740px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ready to Publish? Let My Book Writers Help!<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At <\/span><b>My Book Writers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we specialize in helping aspiring authors like you <\/span><b>bring their books to life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, whether you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re self-publishing, pursuing a traditional deal, or exploring hybrid options.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Need help with <\/span><b>ghostwriting, editing, cover design, or book formatting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want strategic guidance for <\/span><b>self-publishing on Amazon KDP<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for expert input on <\/span><b>plot structure techniques<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>We\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re here to support your author&#8217;s journey from concept to publication.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/localhost\/wordpress\/\"><b>Contact us today<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a free consultation and take the next step toward becoming a published author!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Weighing your publishing options? Explore the pros and cons of self-publishing vs traditional publishing to find the path that fits your goals as an author.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7690,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[55],"tags":[56],"class_list":["post-7688","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-publishing-essentials","tag-publishing-options"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing: Which Path is Right for You?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Weighing your publishing options? 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