Last Updated on May 25, 2026 by NEK Editing

In most cases, traditional publishing companies control how much the author is paid, own the copyrights, and control the publishing process.

Traditional publishing means using an established book publishing company — such as Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, or Harper Collins, etc. — that has a team of professionals in charge of editing, book cover design, marketing and sales, and other publishing tasks. However, plenty of suitable mid-sized and small press companies (independent publishers, university presses, regional presses, and digital-only) would also be thrilled to have your work.

Here’s a list of the pros and cons of using a traditional publisher:

Pros	Cons
Advance on royalties (no up-front costs)	They don’t take unsolicited submissions (it is hard to get a publishing deal)
Publisher pays for all book publishing elements	Low royalty rates (8%-15%)
Highest visibility advertising	Up to 2+ years to market the book
Highest chance for bookstore distribution	Author has no creative or marketing control

Other key players in traditional publishing include agents and editors. Agents pitch books to editors and publishers and negotiate offers on behalf of the author. Agents are paid when they sell an author’s work to a publisher and receive at least a 15% commission on everything the author is paid (including the advance payment and royalties). It’s best to avoid anyone who charges fees other than the commission amount.

Like editors, most agents specialize in certain genres and either work for an agency or are freelancers. They also have industry expertise, know the market, and can provide valuable guidance in developing an author’s writing career.

If you need help or have questions about traditional publishing, please contact NEK Editing.