You’ve got the idea. Maybe even a few chapters.
Now comes the big question: Should you self-publish, or work with a boutique publisher?
Both paths can lead to a published book. But only one will get you the book that actually grows your business.
Let’s unpack the differences—so you can make the smartest move for your goals.
What Self-Publishing Really Means
Self-publishing means you do it all (or hire others to do it piecemeal):
- Writing
- Editing
- Cover design
- Formatting
- Uploading
- Distribution
- Promotion
It’s accessible. You control everything. And you keep all the royalties.
But here’s the truth: most self-published business books don’t work—not because the authors aren’t smart, but because the process is scattered, overwhelming, and lacking strategy.
The Hidden Costs of Self-Publishing
Self-publishing can seem cheaper. But the real costs add up quickly:
- Wasted time trying to figure it out on your own
- Poor design that damages your credibility
- A lack of strategy that kills your ROI
Many authors end up with a book they’re not proud of—or worse, one that no one reads.
And let’s be honest: most people can tell when a book is self-published. That’s not always a good thing.
What Is Boutique Publishing? A boutique publisher like Summit Press is the best of both worlds:
- You keep creative control
- You own your IP
- You retain high royalties
But you also get expert guidance, professional polish, and a clear strategy that ties your book to your business goals.
This isn’t about slapping your name on a PDF.
It’s about creating a business asset that works for you.
When Self-Publishing Might Be Right
To be fair, self-publishing can be a good option when:
- You’re a prolific writer who’s already built an audience
- You have in-house marketing and design support
- You want to experiment with lower-risk ideas
But if this is your first book—and especially if it’s meant to attract clients, build authority, or launch a new chapter in your business—you’ll likely want a deeper level of support.
When Boutique Publishing Is the Smart Choice
Boutique publishing is ideal if:
- You’re short on time but long on ambition
- You want to make sure your book gets read—not just printed
- You need strategic help turning your ideas into a compelling narrative
- You want your book to build your business, not just sit on a shelf
It’s not about vanity. It’s about leverage.
At Summit Press, we treat your book like a business asset—because that’s what it is.
Case in Point: Bryn, the Leadership Coach
Bryn had a killer idea and years of experience—but no time to figure out how to structure, write, design, and launch a book.
She tried going it alone and got stuck.
When she partnered with Summit, we helped her shape her IP, structure her content, and write a book that turned readers into revenue within weeks of her launch.
That’s the difference a boutique partner makes.
So—Which Path Is Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Do I want a book, or a business asset?
- Do I have the time to manage the process myself?
- Do I know what makes a book actually work in the marketplace?
If your goal is to build authority, attract clients, and grow your platform—you don’t need a printer. You need a partner.
Ready to Talk Strategy? We help coaches, consultants, and service-based professionals turn their ideas into high-impact books that attract the right clients.
No templates. No generic advice. Just strategy, support, and results.
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