5 Ways to Publish Your Book: Which Option Suits Speculative Fiction Authors?
The five main ways to publish a book are traditional publishing through an agent, submitting to a small press, DIY self-publishing, partnering with a self-publishing consultancy and working with a hybrid publisher. The right option depends primarily on your budget, desired level of control, preferred timeline and willingness to manage the production process.
This blog covers:
5 Ways to Publish Your Book
Route 1: Pursue Traditional Publishing Through a Literary Agent
Route 2: Submit Directly to an Independent or Small Press
Route 3: Self-Publish Your Book Entirely Yourself
Route 4: Partner With a Self-Publishing Consultancy
Route 5: Work With a Hybrid or Partnership Publisher
What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Publishing Route?
Which Publishing Route Is Best for Speculative Fiction Authors?
How to Choose Between the Five Publishing Options
Publish Professionally and Quickly Without Losing Control
FAQs About Ways to Publish a Book
Finishing a manuscript is a huge achievement. Unfortunately, it is also the point at which a deceptively simple question tends to arise: how are you actually going to publish it?
You may have heard of traditional publishing and self-publishing, but those are not your only options. You could approach a small independent press, manage the entire publishing process yourself, hire professional support or enter into a hybrid publishing agreement.
That decision is especially important in a growing market. According to figures published by the Publishers Association in June 2026, fiction revenue in the UK alone increased by 8% to £1.1 billion in 2025.
There is no universally correct way for speculative fiction authors to publish a book. The best route is the one that best supports your requirements, as I will explore in this article.
5 Ways to Publish Your Book
Route 1: Pursue Traditional Publishing Through a Literary Agent
Traditional publishing is probably the route most familiar to aspiring authors.
Under this model, a publishing house acquires the right to publish your book. The publisher normally funds the editorial, design, production and distribution process. You may receive an advance and will earn royalties under the terms of your publishing contract.
For most fiction authors seeking a deal with a major commercial publisher, the first step is querying literary agents. If an agent offers representation, they will submit the manuscript to suitable editors and negotiate any resulting publishing agreement on your behalf.
The process usually looks something like this:
Complete and revise your manuscript.
Prepare a query letter, synopsis and sample pages.
Submit to literary agents.
Secure representation.
Revise the manuscript with your agent if required.
Go on submission to publishers.
Receive and negotiate an offer.
Enter the publisher’s editorial and production schedule.
It can be a long and highly selective process. Securing an agent does not guarantee a publishing deal, just as receiving a publishing deal does not guarantee major sales or extensive marketing support.
Advantages of Traditional Publishing
A reputable traditional publisher covers the cost of producing the book. You gain access to an established editorial and production team, and the publisher may have stronger trade relationships than an individual author could easily build alone.
Traditional publishing can also offer:
established distribution channels
greater access to physical bookshops
eligibility for certain awards and review channels
an advance against future royalties
Limitations of Traditional Publishing
The biggest trade-off is control.
The publisher will make or heavily influence decisions about the cover, title, positioning, formats, publication date and pricing. Authors are usually consulted, but consultation does not always mean final approval.
Traditional publishing is also slow. Querying can take months or years, after which the acquisitions and production process may add another lengthy wait.
This route may suit you if you value industry validation, do not want to fund production yourself and are comfortable working within a publisher-led process.
It may be less suitable if you have a strong visual identity for the book, want to publish on your own schedule or intend to control a long speculative-fiction series from beginning to end.
Route 2: Submit Directly to an Independent or Small Press
Not every traditional publisher is part of a large corporate publishing group.
Independent publishers and small presses often specialise in a particular genre, readership, region or creative mission. Some accept unagented submissions, which means you can approach them directly during designated submission windows.
For example, a specialist science-fiction or horror press may be more open to unusual structures and niche subgenres than a larger publisher seeking books with broad commercial appeal.
The process varies between presses, but you may need to submit:
a query or covering letter
a synopsis
sample chapters
the complete manuscript
an author biography
comparable titles
information about your intended readership
A genuine small press operating under a traditional model should not require you to pay for the basic publication of your book. Its resources may be more limited than those of a major publisher, but a small press is still acting as the publisher and taking on the financial risk.
Advantages of a Small Press
Small presses can provide a more personal and genre-focused experience. Their lists are often carefully curated, and the editorial team may have a strong understanding of the readers you are trying to reach.
Potential advantages include:
the possibility of submitting without an agent
specialist genre knowledge
greater openness to niche or experimental projects
traditional publication without approaching a major publisher
Limitations of a Small Press
Smaller publishers usually have smaller teams and budgets. Their marketing reach, advances, print runs and distribution arrangements can vary considerably.
You should research each press carefully. Look at the quality of its existing books, how widely they are distributed, whether authors appear satisfied and whether the contract contains fair rights and termination provisions.
If you are a speculative fiction author interested in a traditional publishing relationship but feel your manuscript would be better understood by a focused independent press, this could be the route for you.
Route 3: Self-Publish Your Book Entirely Yourself
DIY self-publishing means you act as the publisher and take responsibility for moving the book from manuscript to market. That includes deciding what work to complete yourself, which freelancers to hire and where to distribute the finished book.
Platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allow authors to publish various formats through their own accounts. KDP states that authors retain their rights and can control elements, such as design and pricing. Services such as IngramSpark can also provide print-on-demand production and wider distribution infrastructure.
However, uploading a file is only one small part of publishing professionally. A complete self-publishing process may include:
developmental editing
manuscript revisions
copy-editing
proofreading
cover design
ebook formatting
print typesetting
front and back matter
ISBN decisions
metadata and category research
platform setup
file quality checks
printed proofs
pricing and release planning
You can learn to complete these tasks yourself or hire individual freelancers. Either way, you remain responsible for the schedule, quality control, communication and final decisions.
Advantages of DIY Self-Publishing
The greatest advantage is ownership.
For example, you choose the title, cover, editor, pricing, formats, release date and publication platforms. You can plan a series on your own timeline and retain direct access to your sales dashboards.
You also keep control of:
publishing accounts
ISBN choices
final files
intellectual property rights
author brand
reader relationship
future editions
Limitations of DIY Self-Publishing
Self-publishing can become overwhelming when it is treated as a single upload rather than a professional production process.
You may need to learn unfamiliar technical requirements and make a large number of decisions in the correct order. Mistakes can result in duplicated costs. For example, formatting a book before the text is final may mean paying to change the interior later.
The DIY route is not necessarily free, either. Although publishing platforms may not charge an upfront upload fee, professional editing, design, formatting, proofs and other services still require a realistic budget.
This option may suit authors who enjoy project management and have enough time to research every stage.
It may be harder for authors balancing a career, family responsibilities or limited experience in book production.
Route 4: Partner With a Self-Publishing Consultancy
Partnering with a self-publishing consultancy offers a middle ground between doing everything yourself and handing the book to a publisher.
Under this model, you remain the publisher and final decision-maker, but you hire professional support to guide or manage the process.
A self-publishing consultant may help you create a realistic timeline, coordinate different production stages, prepare the book for publication and avoid paying for work in the wrong order.
Depending on the service, support might include:
developmental editing
copy-editing and proofreading
project planning
cover design coordination
formatting and typesetting
front and back matter preparation
blurb guidance
genre and subgenre positioning
category and keyword recommendations
ISBN guidance
ebook and print platform planning
file checks
upload guidance
print-proof support
The crucial distinction is that a self-publishing consultant does not become your publisher. Rather, you retain your rights and approve the creative decisions. Ultimately, you’ll leave the project with access to the relevant files and publishing assets.
Advantages of Supported Self-Publishing
You gain professional structure without giving away control.
This route can be particularly valuable for busy speculative fiction authors. Instead of personally coordinating every editor, designer, formatter, file and deadline, you can follow a defined process with professional guidance.
The right consultancy can also provide greater continuity, allowing you to work with one trusted point of contact throughout the editorial and production process rather than coordinating with several disconnected providers.
The model allows you to:
remain creatively involved
retain your rights
publish through your own accounts
choose your formats and release schedule
reduce decision fatigue
benefit from specialist expertise
avoid managing every technical detail alone
Unlike traditional publishing, you do not need to wait for a gatekeeper to acquire the book. Unlike fully DIY self-publishing, you are not expected to build an entire publishing workflow from scratch.
Limitations of Supported Self-Publishing
The author funds the service, so supported self-publishing should be viewed as an investment in professional editorial and production standards rather than a low-cost route to publication.
You also need to assess the provider carefully. Ask exactly what is included, which work will be subcontracted, how many revision rounds you receive and whether you will own the final files and accounts.
A transparent provider, such as EV Editing, should be able to explain:
what you are paying for
who will complete each stage
what is outside the agreed scope
when payments are due
which decisions remain yours
what happens after publication
whether any ongoing sales or marketing support is included
Supported self-publishing may suit authors who want professional-quality production and clear project leadership while retaining creative and commercial ownership.
Route 5: Work With a Hybrid or Partnership Publisher
Hybrid publishing sits between traditional publishing and self-publishing, but the term is used inconsistently.
Under a reputable hybrid model, the publisher selects which books to accept, publishes under its own imprint and takes responsibility for professional editorial, production and distribution standards. You, the author, will contribute towards publication costs and should receive a higher share of sales proceeds than you would under a standard traditional contract.
The Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) states that a legitimate hybrid publisher should meet a defined set of criteria. These include vetting submissions, using clear contracts, publishing under its own imprint and ISBNs, ensuring editorial and production quality, providing distribution and paying higher-than-standard royalties.
It’s important to note that hybrid publishing is different from supported self-publishing.
With supported self-publishing, you hire service providers but remain the publisher. With hybrid publishing, the hybrid company acts as the publisher and normally releases the book under its own imprint.
Advantages of Hybrid Publishing
A reputable hybrid publisher can provide an integrated publishing team and a more managed experience than DIY self-publishing.
Depending on the company, you may receive support for distribution management and salesadministration.
Limitations of Hybrid Publishing
Hybrid publishing requires careful due diligence.
The author usually pays a significant sum and grants the company certain contractual rights. The quality, transparency and commercial value of paid publishing arrangements vary widely.
The Society of Authors has warned about poor practices among some companies that charge authors for publication, including misleading sales expectations and low-value contracts.
Before signing, find out:
exactly how much you will pay
which rights the company will acquire
how and when those rights revert to you
whose ISBN will be used
which imprint will appear on the book
what distribution means in practical terms
what marketing activity is guaranteed
how royalties are calculated
whether you can approve the cover and edits
what happens if either party wants to end the agreement
Consider having any publishing contract independently reviewed before signing it. A strong hybrid publisher should offer something more substantial than a collection of expensive services wrapped in the language of a publishing deal.
What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Publishing Route?
Before comparing your options, it helps to understand what you actually want from the publication process.
Some authors want the validation and industry access associated with a traditional publishing deal. Others care more about retaining control of their cover, release date, rights and long-term series strategy.
Ask yourself:
How important is creative control?
Are you willing to wait several years for publication?
Do you want to choose your own editor and designer?
Are you comfortable investing money up front?
How much of the project do you want to manage personally?
Do you want to retain control of your publishing accounts and files?
Is bookshop access a priority?
Are you building a long-term indie author business or publishing a single passion project?
Your answers may make one route feel considerably more suitable than the others.
Which Publishing Route Is Best for Speculative Fiction Authors?
Speculative fiction does not require a single publishing model. Traditionally published fantasy and science fiction can reach large audiences, while independent authors have also built successful careers by publishing directly to genre readers.
Your manuscript and career plans should guide the decision. Traditional publishing or a small press may be worth pursuing if you want industry validation and a publisher-funded process.
DIY self-publishing may suit you if you already understand book production and enjoy managing freelancers. Hybrid publishing may be appropriate when a reputable company has a convincing track record, offers genuine publishing value and presents a fair, transparent contract.
Partnering with a self-publishing consultancy may be a stronger fit if you value that control but do not have the time or expertise to personally coordinate editing, design, formatting and platform setup.
Think carefully about the characteristics of your book, too.
For example, a long epic fantasy series may benefit from the release control of self-publishing. An unusual cross-genre novel may find an enthusiastic home with a specialist small press. A more useful question is, ‘Which route gives this particular book the strongest chance of becoming what I want it to be?’
How to Choose Between the Five Publishing Options
Creative control: Who makes the final decision about the title, cover, edits, pricing and release date?
Financial model: Who funds the publication process, and how will income from book sales be divided?
Rights and ownership: Which rights are you granting, how long will the agreement last, and can you recover those rights?
Workload: Who will coordinate the editing, design, formatting, files, distribution and publication schedule?
Route to readers: Does the company offer genuine distribution and sales, or does it simply make the book available for order?
Don’t choose a route based only on which one sounds most prestigious or convenient. Look at the practical consequences of the business model. It is best to be cautious when a company guarantees bestseller status or pressures you to sign up quickly. In my experience as a self-publishing consultant, a trustworthy provider should be transparent about what they can and cannot achieve.
Publish Professionally and Quickly Without Losing Control
There are several legitimate ways to publish a book, and each one suits a different type of author.
For speculative fiction in particular, professional guidance should begin with the manuscript itself: strong design and distribution cannot compensate for unresolved problems with plot, pacing, character arcs or worldbuilding.
That is why many authors choose guided self-publishing. It offers a middle ground between managing every stage alone and handing control of the project to a publisher.
EV Editing supports speculative-fiction authors through both the editorial and publication process. The aim is to give you a professional, publisher-level structure while you retain ownership of your rights, accounts, files and creative decisions.
Because every manuscript and publishing plan is different, EV Editing works selectively with complete manuscripts that are ready for professional editorial review and publication planning.
Explore the self-publishing services to find the right level of support for your manuscript, or submit an enquiry to discuss your publication goals.
FAQs About Ways to Publish a Book
What are the main ways to publish a book?
The main options include traditional publishing through a literary agent, submitting to an independent press, DIY self-publishing, supported self-publishing and hybrid publishing. Each model offers a different balance of control, cost and professional support.
Do I need a literary agent to publish a book?
You usually need a literary agent to submit fiction to major commercial publishers. However, some independent presses accept direct submissions. You do not need an agent to self-publish your book.
Can I self-publish without doing everything myself?
Yes. Self-publishing means that you are the publisher and final decision-maker; it does not mean you must personally complete every task. You can hire editors, designers, formatters or a self-publishing consultant while retaining control of your accounts and rights. Alternatively, you can partner with a self-publishing consultancy that guides and coordinates the editorial and production process while you retain ownership and final approval.
What is the difference between hybrid publishing and partnering with a self-publishing consultancy?
A hybrid publisher publishes the book under its own imprint and usually shares income with the author, who contributes towards the publication costs. A self-publishing consultancy is paid to deliver services, while the author remains the publisher and publishes through their own accounts.
Which publishing route gives authors the most control?
DIY and partnering with a self-publishing consultancy offer the greatest control. You can retain your rights, approve the files, and decide when and where the book will be published.
Is self-publishing a good option for fantasy and sci-fi authors?
Yes. Self-publishing gives speculative fiction authors control over worldbuilding-heavy edits, genre packaging, series schedules, formats and release timing. However, the book still needs professional editing, design and production to compete effectively.
