Self-publishing or traditional publishing - what's realistic for beginners in 2026?

Do you want to make money from it or just get your book out there? For beginners, self-publishing today is way easier than it used to be - the barrier to entry is low, you keep control, and you get a bigger cut of the profits. A traditional publisher normally needs a finished manuscript, an agent, or just plain luck, and the whole process takes forever. Realistically: if you want to publish fast and you're willing to do your own marketing, go self-publishing. If you'd rather have someone backing you up and you've got time to wait, try a publisher - but prepare yourself for a ton of rejections. 📚