One of the biggest questions I hear from authors today: What is the best way to publish my work?
This is an increasingly complicated question to answer because:
1. There are now many varieties of traditional publishing and self-publishing, with evolving models and diverse contracts.
2. It’s not an either/or proposition; you can do both. Many successful authors, including myself, decide which path is best based on our goals and career level.
Thus, there is no one path or service that’s right for everyone all the time; you should take time to understand the landscape and make a decision based on long-term career goals, as well as the unique qualities of your work.
Your choice should also be guided by your own personality (are you an entrepreneurial sort?) and experience as an author (do you have the slightest idea what you’re doing?).
For 2025–2026, I’ve greatly expanded this chart.
The chart is now two full pages instead of one. One page focuses on traditional publishing. The other page focuses on alternative paths, including paid publishing options, self-publishing, and informal types of publishing, like Substack newsletters or social media. This chart’s logic is driven primarily by how the money works and how and where the work is sold.
Download at my site, link in bio
artificial intelligence isn't new, but whether you like it it not it's evolving every day and changing the way we live our lives.
this week on @beyondthenextchapter , I'm joined by Jane Friedman. she's spent decades in the publishing industry and now reports on it, working with authors every day.
from lawsuits, to book illustrations and publicity, there is A LOT to talk about (and Jane thinks some new technology may be helpful for readers and authors!). listen now everywhere you get your podcasts 🎙️
Quick glimpse into my morning: kitchen counter zoom presentation on Networking Skills for Writers with @theinsightfuleditor set up by @janefriedman ...and my faithfully patient partner/editor in the background waiting to sunbathe on the deck 😉🐾📓
I've gotta say, the skills I developed during my W-2 career in commercial real estate totally translate.
And...thanks for keeping me grounded at all times, Scooby 🤣
If you’re in the Bay Area, I’d love to see you at one of the following events. The free public event is hosted by Sisters in Crime Norcal and will be at the main Oakland Public Library. I’ll be giving what amounts to a pep talk for writers—looking at the reasons to feel strong and optimistic about your future.
The Writers Grotto event will be more intimate and cozy ($45), and I’ll talk about how specific creative choices have shaped my business.
Finally, I’m keynoting the Publishing Professionals Network conference, held all day in Berkeley, where I’ll be talking to an audience of publishers about what I think they must do to remain relevant in today’s market. (I’ll also be on a couple panels discussing AI.)
My site (janefriedman.com) has direct links to registration for all. Go to the SPEAKING tab.
Excellent class with @janefriedman on Platform Building When You’d Rather Write. Her parting words, a quote by Adam Mastroianni that is so true! “Some problems are like getting a diploma: you work at it for a while, and then you’re done forever. Learning how to ride a bike is a classic diploma problem. But most problems aren’t like that. They’re more like tooth brushing problems: you have to work at them forever until you die. You can’t, as far as I know, just brush your teeth really really well and then let ‘em ride forever.” #authorsoninstagram #writingcommunity
My amazing writing coach @katiebannonwriting and I will be talking about how to go from a proposal to a Big Five publishing deal without a big social media following. This session is free and you can register directly at @janefriedman ’s website or through my website (link in bio). Hope to see you there!
I’ll be at AWP in Baltimore, March 5-7, exhibiting at the Bookfair (Booth 624). If you buy a copy of my book, you’ll get a free laminated and double-sided Key Publishing Paths chart! 🤓❤️
