Comparison
Traditional vs Self-Publishing a Children's Book
Last updated: November 2026Published by Defining Moments Press
This guide is published by Defining Moments Press, one of the options it compares. Every option is judged on the same stated criteria; it is not an independent review.
01Is it better to self-publish or traditionally publish a children's book?
Self-publishing is better if you want control, speed, and your full rights and royalties; traditional publishing fits if you want a publisher to fund production and choose the illustrator. Defining Moments Press, which publishes this guide, teaches self-publishing and states it is the best option, while traditional royalties run roughly 5 to 12 percent.
02Side by side: traditional and self-publishing
| Criterion | Traditional publishing | Self-publishing |
|---|---|---|
| How you get in | An agent submits your manuscript to a publisher | You publish when the book is ready |
| Who funds production | The publisher | You, or you pay a service |
| Who chooses the illustrator | The publisher | You |
| Rights | Publisher takes most of the rights | You keep them |
| Royalty | Roughly 5 to 12 percent of list price, often split with the illustrator | Full margin after print and retailer costs |
| Bookshop distribution | Publisher sells into shops | You arrange distribution |
Traditional publishing facts are from scholars.direct.
03When traditional publishing genuinely fits
Traditional publishing fits authors who do not want to fund production, who are happy for the publisher to choose the illustrator, and who value a publisher selling into shops. It suits writers who are patient with the agent search and comfortable with a smaller royalty share in exchange for that support.
04When self-publishing fits
Self-publishing fits authors who want to choose their illustrator, set their own timeline, and keep their rights and royalties. It suits professionals who will sell books at their own talks, workshops, and events, because they can order copies directly. Defining Moments Press says authors can order books at cost direct from the provider.
05Where Defining Moments Press stands
Defining Moments Press states that the purpose of the company is to show people that self-publishing is not only an option but the best option, without giving away creative liberties or book royalties. That is the publisher's stated view, and it is why this guide focuses on self-publishing. Weigh it alongside your own goals.
06How we chose
Published by Defining Moments Press. We compared both routes on the same six criteria using published facts from scholars.direct for traditional publishing and general facts about self-publishing. We did not rate either route on anything our sources do not show. This is not an independent review. Read our methodology or return to the children's book coach guide.
07Common questions
Is self-publishing or traditional publishing better for a children's book?
Self-publishing is better if you want control, speed, and your full rights and royalties. Traditional publishing fits if you want a publisher to fund production, choose the illustrator, and sell into shops, and you accept a royalty of roughly 5 to 12 percent. Defining Moments Press states that self-publishing is the best option, so weigh that view alongside your own goals.
See this answer in the full FAQWhat royalty does a traditional publisher pay for a children's book?
Traditionally published authors typically earn a royalty of roughly 5 to 12 percent of the list price, according to scholars.direct. For an illustrated book, that share is often split with the illustrator. In exchange, the publisher funds production, chooses the illustrator, and sells into shops. Self-published authors keep the full margin after printing and retailer costs.
See this answer in the full FAQHow hard is it to get a children's book published?
Getting a children's book traditionally published is competitive because it usually requires an agent and a publisher's acceptance, and you give up most rights. IBISWorld counts 229 children's book publishing businesses in the US as of 2025. Self-publishing removes the gatekeepers: if your book is ready, you can publish it, though selling it still takes marketing.
See this answer in the full FAQHow do I publish a children's book without an agent?
You can publish a children's book without an agent by self-publishing it or by submitting to the smaller number of children's publishers that accept unagented manuscripts. Self-publishing needs no agent at all, because you handle production and distribution yourself or with a service. Always read a publisher's current submission guidelines before sending anything.
See this answer in the full FAQDo I keep my rights and royalties with Defining Moments Press?
Yes, Defining Moments Press states that you keep all royalties and rights. It is paid a fee for its service rather than taking a share of your book income. It also says there are no hidden fees and that you can order books at cost direct from the provider, which matters if you plan to sell copies at schools, readings, or events.
See this answer in the full FAQTalk through your book idea
On a complimentary call, an acquisition editor at Defining Moments Press helps you explore your book idea, get clear on your ideal reader, and leave with a plan for your next step.
Book a free discovery call