{"id":8354,"date":"2026-04-24T23:52:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T03:52:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/?p=8354"},"modified":"2026-04-24T23:52:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T03:52:01","slug":"should-you-self-publish-or-find-a-literary-agent-the-real-business-of-writing-a-book","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecomedybook.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/24\/should-you-self-publish-or-find-a-literary-agent-the-real-business-of-writing-a-book\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Self-Publish or Find a Literary Agent? The Real Business of Writing a Book"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi Dave \u2013 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\u2019s 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\u2026 but still worth publishing. As George Carlin once said: \u201cA definite no\u2026 yeah.\u201d Thanks! \u2013 C.B.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"

Is that a yes or a no?<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Hey C.B. \u2013\u00a0If 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<\/em> self-publish.<\/p>\n

Today? I\u2019m right in the middle.<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve done both – traditional publishing and self-publishing – and there are advantages and disadvantages to each. Honestly, there\u2019s no reason you can\u2019t do both.<\/p>\n

This topic comes up all the time with speakers and comedians because writing is part of the business. Whether it\u2019s material for the stage, speeches, articles, or eventually a book, creative people write.<\/p>\n

And let\u2019s face it – most people believe the old saying:<\/p>\n

Everyone has at least one book in them.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Writing it is one challenge.<\/p>\n

Getting it published, read, and actually making money from it? That\u2019s a whole different story.<\/p>\n

So let\u2019s get to your real question:<\/p>\n

Literary Agent or Self-Publish?<\/h3>\n

First, let\u2019s clear something up.<\/p>\n

A \u201cNYC agent\u201d does not guarantee anything.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Case in point – my literary agent is based in Atlanta, and she landed me two book deals with New York publishers.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Without a literary agent, I would have never gotten past the gatekeepers.<\/p>\n

My agent handled the submissions, made the calls, worked her contacts, and got the deals.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s the real value.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s Who They Know<\/h3>\n
\"\"

What’s your story?<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

A literary agent\u2019s success doesn\u2019t depend on where they live.<\/p>\n

It depends on who they know.<\/p>\n

Their job is to get your work into the right hands – the editors and publishers who can actually say yes.<\/p>\n

But first, you need the product.<\/p>\n

That means the manuscript.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

You and I?<\/p>\n

We\u2019d better have the full manuscript ready.<\/p>\n

Traditional Publishing = Prestige<\/h3>\n

In my opinion, getting a real publisher to release your book is still the gold standard.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s harder. It takes longer. It can feel nearly impossible for an unknown author.<\/p>\n

But it can happen – I\u2019m proof.<\/p>\n

And yes, it feels good knowing professionals in publishing believe in your work enough to invest real money and time.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also still a stigma around self-publishing.<\/p>\n

Sorry if that bruises a few egos, but it\u2019s true.<\/p>\n

Ask an author, \u201cWho published your book?\u201d<\/p>\n

Saying the name of a recognized publishing house sounds a lot stronger than saying, \u201cWell\u2026 I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

But Speakers and Comedians Need to Think Differently<\/h3>\n

Now let me shift this toward the people I usually write for – speakers and comedians.<\/p>\n

Because honestly\u2026<\/p>\n

Who cares who published your book if the book helps you make money?<\/p>\n

Professional speakers and comedians understand something called:<\/p>\n

BOR Sales<\/h2>\n

(Back Of the Room)<\/h3>\n

Books. T-shirts. Audio programs. Videos. Merchandise.<\/p>\n

If it isn\u2019t nailed down backstage, someone is probably trying to sell it.<\/p>\n

And smart performers should.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where self-publishing becomes incredibly valuable.<\/p>\n