For most new nonfiction authors, self-publishing beats traditional publishing on speed, royalties and control, while traditional publishing wins on upfront cost.
This guide is published by Defining Moments Press, which offers done-for-you and done-with-you self-publishing services. We rank three paths on the same criteria: upfront cost, royalties, time to publish, launch support and who each suits. Our own services are listed first as our pick.
Self-publishing is better for most professionals who want a book to build authority quickly and keep their royalties. Writer Cosmos cites ALLi's 2025 survey: indie authors earn a median of $13,500 a year, nearly double the $6,000 to $8,000 median for traditionally published authors.
It depends on one thing: if bookstore shelf placement matters more to you than speed and royalties, and you can wait, traditional publishing genuinely fits. If you want the book working for your business this year, self-publish, with help or alone.
Our own pick, listed first because Defining Moments Press publishes this page.
Why this position: It pairs self-publishing royalties and rights with a team that handles or coaches production and launch, in 8 weeks or less.
Why this position: It is the lowest cash cost route and keeps your royalties, but you learn and do every step yourself.
Why this position: It costs nothing upfront, but the publisher keeps most royalties and the route to a deal is long.
| Criteria | 1. Defining Moments Press | 2. DIY self-publishing | 3. Traditional publishing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Fee for service. DIY Author Blueprint $1,997; other services quoted on a call | $200 to $800 (Manuscript Report) | $0 upfront (Manuscript Report) |
| Royalties | You keep all royalties and rights | You keep them; up to 70% on ebooks (Writer Cosmos) | Publisher takes 85 to 90% (Manuscript Report) |
| Time to publish | 8 weeks or less to write and publish | Depends entirely on you | Long; usually requires an agent first |
| Launch and marketing | Book marketing and launch to bestseller included in done-for-you and done-with-you services | You plan and run it yourself | Varies; Reedsy notes marketing can still be a substantial author cost |
| Best for | Professionals who want authority, speed and full royalties | Authors with more time than budget who enjoy learning the tools | Authors seeking bookstore placement who can wait |
For traditional publishing, most authors query literary agents, who pitch publishers for them. For self-publishing services, compare what each includes, who keeps the royalties and rights, and the total fee. Jane Friedman maintains a widely read overview of the key book publishing paths if you want a broader map.
Defining Moments Press states its purpose is to show people that self-publishing is not only an option but the best option. It describes the traditional route as one that can involve about two years, giving up creative liberties and most royalties, and relying on a publisher for marketing. That is the company's view, and it is why it publishes this site.
New here? Start with our guide on how to publish my book with Defining Moments Press.
We judged every path on five criteria: upfront cost, royalties kept, time to publish, launch and marketing support, and who it suits. Market figures come from Manuscript Report, Reedsy and Writer Cosmos, linked on this page. Defining Moments Press figures come from its own published pages.
This comparison was written by Defining Moments Press, Inc., which sells the services ranked first. It is not an independent review and no audit was performed. Read our methodology for more.
Published by Defining Moments Press, Inc.
Book a free call to see whether a Defining Moments Press done-for-you or done-with-you service fits your book.
Published by Defining Moments Press
