These questions are a diagnostic, not a test. Answer honestly. The framework surfaces trade-offs — not the "right" answer. Most authors discover the question changes as they gain experience. Your first book teaches you what you value most. Your second book benefits from that knowledge.
Five questions
In orderQ1
Financial capacity
Can you invest in professional self-publishing without financial hardship?
- No — query agents first, while saving toward a future self-published project
- Yes — continue to Q2
Q2
Genre performance
Does your genre actually sell through self-publishing channels?
- Genre fiction, romance and practical non-fiction thrive independently
- Literary fiction and academic work more often need traditional support
- Do not assume. The Genre Performance Analysis Worksheet is how you find out
Q3
Learning orientation
Do you want to understand the publishing business comprehensively?
- Self-publishing forces you to learn every part of it
- Traditional publishing handles most business functions for you — removing the burden and the knowledge
Q4
Timeline pressure
Do you need income from this book within 12 months?
- Self-publishing can generate revenue immediately
- Traditional publishing typically takes two years or more before royalties arrive
Q5
Risk tolerance
Are you comfortable with uncertainty and learning by trial and error?
- Self-publishing is constant decision-making
- Traditional publishing removes most decisions from your control, for better and worse