FeaturesSelf-PublishingUnion Square PublishingTraditional Publishing
Strategic PlanningAuthor makes all decisions or outsources additional support
Authors become part of our Algorithms for Success trademarked Ecosystem which establishs the best future for the author and titlePublisher takes over and makes all decisions
RelationshipAuthors are a customerAuthors are a valuable partner and an important member of the publishing teamAuthors are sometimes treated as a partner
RightsAuthor maintains ownership and control of Intellectual Property rightsAuthor maintains ownership and control of Intellectual Property rightsPublisher maintains the Intellectual Property rights
DesignAuthors assume all cost associated with designOur design team creates a custom front and back cover and interior for each book Books are given a custom designed interior and cover
EditingAuthors assume all cost associated with editingAuthors provide a fully edited and proofread manuscript that is analyzed and edited internally to ensure quality. However, we have editors and ghost writers available to help as needed Publisher takes over editing and final manuscript content and quality
PrintingAuthors assume all cost associated with printing. Printing costs coveredPrinting costs covered
Publishing CostsA’La carte costs for each service Offers various publishing cost packagesNo Publishing Fee charged
TimingBooks are brought to market usually in 3-6 months or sooner Books are brought to market usually in 3-6 months or sooner Books are brought to market usually in 18-24 months
Purchase RequirementAuthor is expected to purchase copies to sell to the general publicNo minimum purchasing requirementsMajor houses require authors to purchase 5,000+ copies upon its release, usually at a 50-60% discount off retail
Bookstore DistributionNo Bookstore distribution and limited online availability Full Bookstore Distribution both online and off Full Bookstore Distribution both online and off
Author Book Discounts20%-65% off retail price depending on format and quantities purchasedAuthor may purchase books at print cost plus a percentage with volume and quantity discountsTypically 50% of retail price and typically limited to a certain amount
Royalties 20% to 100% of net sales, but typically a $10,000-$15,000 cost20-30% Royalty across the board of Net sales, Paid quarterly Average of 4% to 15% Royalty, depending on mode of sale and is typically based on Net sales, paid twice a year
Advances No advances paidSmall advances paidAverage advance of $1,500
Return RateTypically sold on a non-returnable basis and are not available in bookstoresAverage of less than 25% bookstore return rates which are then restocked for resale, offered to the authors.Average of 45+% bookstore return rates which are usually shredded for the tax benefit
Public Relations SupportNo PR support is providedMarketing team advises on publicity and marketing strategiesUnless author is one of the top 6%, no PR Support is offered
Marketing No Marketing plan or budget is offeredCo-operative advertising may be made available on a per book basisUnless author is one of the top 6%, no Marketing Budget is offered
Continuing EducationTypically no or expensive continuing educationPartnership with Algorithims for Success Ecosystem to help with the business behind the book.No Continuing Education