Hi Dave – Which way do you lean when it comes to publishing a book? Should I try to get a NYC literary agent and a traditional publisher, or just self-publish? My blog is basically a manuscript in progress, but it’s already been reviewed – and rejected – by several agents through AgentQuery.com. One agent even sent me a personalized note saying it was great material, just not his style… but still worth publishing. As George Carlin once said: “A definite no… yeah.” Thanks! – C.B.
Is that a yes or a no?
Hey C.B. – If you had asked me that question when my first book came out through a New York publisher, I would have given you a long speech about why you should never self-publish.
Today? I’m right in the middle.
I’ve done both – traditional publishing and self-publishing – and there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Honestly, there’s no reason you can’t do both.
This topic comes up all the time with speakers and comedians because writing is part of the business. Whether it’s material for the stage, speeches, articles, or eventually a book, creative people write.
And let’s face it – most people believe the old saying:
Everyone has at least one book in them.
Writing it is one challenge.
Getting it published, read, and actually making money from it? That’s a whole different story.
So let’s get to your real question:
Literary Agent or Self-Publish?
First, let’s clear something up.
A “NYC agent” does not guarantee anything.
Your literary agent can be in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, London, or anywhere else. Publishing is largely handled online now, along with book fairs, networking events, and industry connections. Geography matters far less than relationships.
Case in point – my literary agent is based in Atlanta, and she landed me two book deals with New York publishers.
Before that, I lived in Manhattan for 14 years and ran one of the most famous comedy clubs in the world. I had contacts in television, film, and nightlife – but not publishing.
Without a literary agent, I would have never gotten past the gatekeepers.
My agent handled the submissions, made the calls, worked her contacts, and got the deals.
That’s the real value.
It’s Who They Know
What’s your story?
A literary agent’s success doesn’t depend on where they live.
It depends on who they know.
Their job is to get your work into the right hands – the editors and publishers who can actually say yes.
But first, you need the product.
That means the manuscript.
If you’re already famous, your agent can probably sell an idea or outline. If Taylor Swift calls her agent with a book idea, she gets a deal.
You and I?
We’d better have the full manuscript ready.
Traditional Publishing = Prestige
In my opinion, getting a real publisher to release your book is still the gold standard.
It’s harder. It takes longer. It can feel nearly impossible for an unknown author.
But it can happen – I’m proof.
And yes, it feels good knowing professionals in publishing believe in your work enough to invest real money and time.
There’s also still a stigma around self-publishing.
Sorry if that bruises a few egos, but it’s true.
Ask an author, “Who published your book?”
Saying the name of a recognized publishing house sounds a lot stronger than saying, “Well… I did.”
But Speakers and Comedians Need to Think Differently
Now let me shift this toward the people I usually write for – speakers and comedians.
Because honestly…
Who cares who published your book if the book helps you make money?
Professional speakers and comedians understand something called:
BOR Sales
(Back Of the Room)
Books. T-shirts. Audio programs. Videos. Merchandise.
If it isn’t nailed down backstage, someone is probably trying to sell it.
And smart performers should.
That’s where self-publishing becomes incredibly valuable.
Self-Publishing Can Pay Fast
Traditional publishing is prestigious.
Self-publishing is practical.
A publisher may give you an advance – which is great.
But self-publishing lets you create inventory for BOR sales.
You can literally open a box of books in the morning, do a speaking engagement or comedy show that night, and go home counting cash.
That’s real business.
I’m a big fan of Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) for both paperbacks and eBooks. Costs have come down significantly.
But remember this:
You can’t autograph an eBook.
After a strong performance, audiences want more information – or a souvenir.
A signed physical book gives them both.
That’s why printed books still matter.
Don’t Go Cheap
If you self-publish, invest in quality.
Too many people look for the cheapest possible printer and end up with a cheap-looking book.
Bad idea.
A poor-quality book kills sales.
People will smile, shake your hand, compliment your performance – and walk away without buying.
In publishing, like comedy:
You get what you pay for.
——————–
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So What Should You Do?
My answer is:
Yes – try for both.
Pursue a literary agent and traditional publishing.
Absolutely.
But while you’re waiting – and yes, it can take years – also explore self-publishing, especially if you’re already performing regularly.
Because here’s the reality:
Most aspiring authors hear “no” far more than “yes.”
Can your ego handle that?
Self-publishing gives you immediate control.
Traditional publishing gives you long-term credibility.
Both can work.
Final Thought
If you truly have a book in you, get it out.
Look for literary agents.
Research submission guidelines.
Study agency websites.
Do the work.
But if you’re already a working speaker or comedian, also think seriously about self-publishing for BOR sales.
Key phrase there:
Already working.
Because if you’re not performing in front of audiences, promoting your book becomes much harder.
Otherwise, you’re just another unknown author competing online with thousands of others.
And trust me – I’ve heard plenty of horror stories from self-published authors with boxes of unsold books stacked in their basements.
Books don’t sell themselves.
Promotion matters.
That’s why every movie star on the planet hits the talk show circuit when a new film comes out.
It’s marketing.
And for speakers and comedians, your best marketing opportunity happens right after a great show – when the audience is excited, engaged, and standing right in front of you.
That’s when books sell.
That’s BOR.
And that’s why publishing – whether traditional or self-published – isn’t just about writing.
It’s about business.
Thanks for reading and as always – keep laughing!!
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