I've self-published all my books, but I'm considering querying a traditional publisher for my next novel. My knowledge about this issue is limited, but I've thought about the pros and cons of both methods. As I see it, the benefits of self-publishing as these: it's much faster, the royalty is considerably more, and the author has more control over the book.
The only benefit I can see to publish traditionally is getting the book into bookstores such as Barnes and Nobel and being able to have book signings there. However, this is a pretty big benefit. Readers can't read a book they don't even know exists. Right?
I've read a lot about both methods of publication, and it seems to me that getting a publisher to accept a book can take years, then the royalties are small. It's my understanding that authors still have to do their own marketing. I may not be seeing the whole picture, but I want to.
I think the time factor is the thing I most dread. I am so torn. What do you think? Am I missing something?