Traditional vs. Independent publishing which one works for you?

In today’s world of heightened technology and advanced entertainment, one of the things that are a constant debate is whether it is better to publish traditionally or independently. For actors this is specifically important because it is wise to know what you are auditioning for and what the plans are for the project should you be casted. In addition, it is important to know how to make your own opportunities so understanding the different ways to do so may be very essential to  The Creative Penn  describes the traditional way of publishing as an established way of getting a deal for your book, film, TV show etc. The pros refer to an established form of credible sources, working with a professional and experienced team, easier distribution and no upfront financial costs to name a few. As a newbie of publishing it may be easier and smarter to go the traditional route because you have the opportunity to learn so much about the business, the steps it takes to actually publish and your specific work from a business standpoint. This also is wise for those who want to maybe published their work independently the next time around because they will have an established name by that point and a better reputation which would appeal better to an audience. On the other end traditional publishing can take a very long time, grant you low royalty rates and you may lose creative control which is a big turnoff for many creatives wanting to publish.

On the independent side of things, you have the ability to maintain complete creative and design control over your work, you are happier as you are not in a binding contract with a company that may drain your art, you will receive more royalties for your work as it relates to the numbers of your project, you can market faster and you can use it as a way to market yourself to publishers for potential partnerships. For many people that put their all into their creative pieces whether it be a film, TV show, book or music, the creative aspect is extremely important for them and having that freedom is a great pro to independently publishing. Also the hassle of not having to wait a long time as it relates to marketing is a stress reliever to start making revenue faster than a traditional way. The cons to independent publishing include doing it all by yourself which may not be the easiest for someone who is new to publishing. In addition, you will have to set your own budget which can be very expensive.

Overall in the entertainment world it is vital to understand in, the different types of media publishing and distribution whether you are publishing your own work or booked on a gig.