{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Writing at the Red House Podcast","title":"The Publishing Decision No One Can Make for You: Weighing Traditional, Indie, and Everything In Between","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1497,"description":"Are you stuck trying to figure out whether to self-publish or pursue traditional publishing? You're not alone. This decision can feel overwhelming, especially when you're juggling life responsibilities while pursuing your writing dreams.\nIn this special replay from last year's Path to Publish conference, Kathi Lipp sits down with Sherri Johnson—a literary agent with the Gardner Agency who has also self-published 14 books and been traditionally published. Sherri offers a unique perspective that few in the industry can provide: she's literally done it all.\nWhat You'll Learn in This Episode\nThe key differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing\nWhat the \"Big Five\" publishers are and how smaller presses differ\nWhy hybrid publishing might not be your best option (and what to watch out for)\nThe advantages of traditional publishing: expertise, marketing support, and validation\nThe advantages of indie publishing: freedom, speed, and a bigger slice of the financial pie\nWhy you shouldn't view self-publishing as a \"consolation prize\"\nThe Bottom Line\nAs Sherri reminds listeners, you get to decide. Whether you're drawn to the validation and support of traditional publishing or the freedom and speed of indie publishing, the choice is yours. The only thing you can't control is whether a publisher says yes—but that doesn't mean self-publishing is settling. It's simply a different path with its own unique rewards.\nAbout Our Guest\nSherri Johnson is a literary agent with the Gardner Agency, a self-published author of 14 books, and has also been traditionally published. Her diverse experience gives her unparalleled insight into all aspects of the publishing industry.\nThis episode is Part 1 of Sherri's Path to Publish session. Stay tuned for Part 2, where she dives into practical questions to help you decide which path is right for you!","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/SXdcaR2JROaTxAIRwTq1kVkXifLxSROeRv9AcSKUy1w/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80OTQ4/MTEzMTQ5Y2ExM2Qx/M2M2MDc5ZjY5ZTUw/MDdhYy5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}