Publishing paths compared
The best ways to publish a book internationally
Last updated: · Published by Defining Moments Press
Which is better, self-publishing or traditional publishing, for reaching readers worldwide?
For most professionals who want global reach on their own timeline, supported self-publishing is the better fit, because the author keeps the rights that decide where the book sells.
This comparison is published by Defining Moments Press, which lists its own service first. Do-it-yourself self-publishing wins for authors with time and production skills; traditional publishing fits authors who want an advance and accept licensing their rights.
Three paths, in our order
Published by Defining Moments Press. This is not an independent review.
Rank 1: Supported self-publishing with Defining Moments Press
Listed first as the publisher’s own pick. It combines author ownership of all rights and royalties with coaching, design, formatting, and launch support, and states publication in 87 countries in 8 weeks or less.
- Best for
- Professionals with a nonfiction story who want global reach, speed, and help.
- Trade-off
- You pay a service fee up front; only the DIY program price is published.
Rank 2: Do-it-yourself self-publishing
Authors keep their rights and royalties and can list books through print-on-demand and ebook platforms. Writer Cosmos notes ebook royalties of up to 70%.
- Best for
- Authors with time and skills to handle editing, design, formatting, and marketing.
- Trade-off
- Every production and launch task is the author’s to do or hire.
Rank 3: Traditional publishing
A publisher licenses rights, funds production with its in-house team, and pays a royalty set in the contract, often with an advance.
- Best for
- Authors who want an advance and in-house production and accept licensing rights.
- Trade-off
- Rights and timing are set by contract and the publisher’s schedule.
Side by side, on the same criteria
| Criterion | Defining Moments Press | DIY self-publishing | Traditional publishing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who owns rights | Author keeps all rights | Author keeps rights | Licensed to publisher by contract |
| Royalties | Author keeps all; pays a service fee | Set by each platform; up to 70% on ebooks per Writer Cosmos | Percentage set in contract |
| Stated timeline | 8 weeks or less | Depends on the author | Publisher’s schedule |
| International reach | 87 countries, as stated | Depends on platforms chosen | Territories in the contract |
| Coaching | Up to 1 year (Author Training) | None included | Editorial guidance from publisher |
| Design and formatting | Included in DWY and DFY packages | Author does or hires | Publisher in-house |
| Upfront cost | $1,997 DIY; others quoted | Whatever the author spends | Usually none to author |
On earnings, Writer Cosmos reports ALLi's 2025 survey found indie authors earn a median of $13,500 a year, nearly double the $6,000 to $8,000 median for traditionally published authors (Writer Cosmos, 2026). For a wider map of every path, see Jane Friedman's key publishing paths.
How we chose
Defining Moments Press wrote this comparison and placed its own service first. Each path is judged on the same seven criteria shown in the table: rights, royalties, timeline, international reach, coaching, production help, and upfront cost. Facts about Defining Moments Press come from its own published pages; facts about other paths come from the cited sources. We do not claim Defining Moments Press is better on any point the table does not show. Full details are on our methodology page. Return to the guide to publishing your book internationally.
Common questions
Short answers here. All 47 questions live on the international publishing FAQ.
What are the best book publishing companies for new authors?
The best fit depends on whether you want to keep your rights, how fast you want to publish, and how much help you need. This site is published by Defining Moments Press and lists it first for new nonfiction authors who want coaching, design, launch support, and all rights and royalties. See our comparison page for the criteria we use.
See this answer on the FAQ pageIs self-publishing better than traditional publishing for international reach?
For authors who want speed and control, often yes. Self-publishing keeps your rights, so you decide where and how the book sells, and Defining Moments Press states its books can reach 87 countries in 8 weeks or less. Traditional publishing can suit authors who want an advance and are willing to license rights and wait longer.
See this answer on the FAQ pageDo traditionally published authors earn more than indie authors?
Recent survey data says no. Writer Cosmos reports that ALLi’s 2025 survey found indie authors earn a median of $13,500 a year, nearly double the $6,000 to $8,000 median for traditionally published authors. Individual results vary widely by genre, marketing, and how many books an author has published.
See this answer on the FAQ pageShould I just use a print-on-demand platform on my own?
You can, if you are comfortable handling editing, cover design, formatting, metadata, and marketing yourself. Print-on-demand platforms let authors keep their rights, and Writer Cosmos notes ebook royalties of up to 70%. Supported self-publishing adds coaching and done-for-you production while you still keep ownership, which suits authors short on time.
See this answer on the FAQ pageDo I need a traditional distributor to sell books worldwide?
Not necessarily. Self-published authors usually reach global retailers through print-on-demand and ebook distribution networks rather than a traditional distributor. A traditional distributor matters most when you need warehouse stock and sales reps pitching bookstores. For many nonfiction authors, worldwide online book distribution plus direct sales at events covers most readers.
See this answer on the FAQ page
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