The $100 MBA Show – MBA2730 Book Publishing: What Are Your Options (And Which Is Right For You)?

Host: Omar Zenhom
Date: January 16, 2026

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, Omar Zenhom takes listeners through a practical, no-nonsense breakdown of today’s three main book publishing options: self-publishing, traditional publishing, and hybrid publishing. Wanting to write his own book, he did a deep dive into the pros and cons of each, focusing especially on which model best serves entrepreneurs, creators, and experts. Omar’s mission: save listeners from months of confusion—possibly even from wasting thousands of dollars—by ensuring they choose the path that aligns with their real goals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Writing vs. Publishing: Two Distinct Challenges

• Writing a Book: Crafting a valuable, compelling, “page-turner”—a skill that requires focus and perseverance.
• Publishing a Book: Getting that book into readers’ hands and the actual world; involves decisions about distribution, marketing, and business models.
• Common Pitfall: Many obsess over writing and neglect the publishing strategy, resulting in unknown or unread books.
  • “A lot of people spend a lot of time on the writing part and forget about the publishing part.” (03:24)

2. Why People Struggle with Publishing

• Choosing the Wrong Model: Each publishing option has outcomes that align with different goals.
• Misunderstanding Trade-Offs: Every decision comes with both benefits and drawbacks.
• Chasing the Wrong Outcome: External validation (e.g., authority, being an 'expert') may not come just from having a published book.

3. The Three Primary Publishing Paths

Option 1: Self-Publishing [05:19]

• What It Is: You do everything—hire designers, editors, formatters, and distribute via platforms like Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or direct sales from your website.

• Major Advantages:

  • Profit Margins: Keep up to 70%—much higher than the 5-15% of traditional publishing.
    • “You can publish a book as fast as you can write it if you want to... You can do it in three months, in six months, whenever you’re ready.” (06:53)
  • Total Control: From title, cover, messaging, pricing, to timelines, you’re the boss.
  • Speed: No waiting for publishing windows; release as soon as you’re ready.
  • Total Autonomy: Own everything, revise at will, bundle with products, use for lead generation.

• Key Drawbacks:

  • Responsibility: You pay for all production and marketing, carry all the risk.
  • Can Be Lonely & Overwhelming: Without an audience or established marketing, selling your book can be difficult.
    • “If you don’t already have an audience... self publishing can be very lonely. It could be very overwhelming. It can also produce very underwhelming results.” (08:32)

• Resource Tip:

  • Book: Published by Chandler Bolt
  • Program: Self Publishing School

Option 2: Traditional Publishing [11:24]

• What It Is: Publish with an established house (e.g., Penguin, Wiley). Usually requires getting an agent.

• Major Advantages:

  • Advances: Receive upfront payment to write the book—amount varies with audience/platform.
    • “Some experts… get like a million dollar advance… advances can start between 20, 30, $50,000.” (11:49)
  • Distribution: Get into bookstores, airports, libraries, corporate bulk deals.
  • Prestige: Essential (almost exclusively so) for landing on the New York Times bestseller list.
    • “If seeing your book in a major international airport matters to you, then traditional publishing is going to be your route.” (12:34)
    • “It’s almost impossible for you to get on [the New York Times] list as a self-published book.” (13:24)

• Key Drawbacks:

  • Low Royalties: 5–15%, sometimes even less.
  • Loss of Control: Publisher has final say on title, cover, release, positioning—often not negotiable.
    • “You don’t control the title… even the cover… the release date… they’re the ones that are going to tell you…” (14:32)
  • Loss of Rights: Publishers can own various rights (publishing, international, audio)—legal help is advised.
  • Slow Process: 18–24 months to publish is common. Not ideal for fast-evolving fields.

Option 3: Hybrid Publishing [16:53]

• What It Is: A blend of self and traditional models. Publisher provides professional production and distribution, but you retain more control and rights.

  • Example: Page Two Publishing (used by authors like Alan Dibb—The 1-Page Marketing Plan).

• Major Advantages:

  • Creative Control and IP Retention: Full say in content, rights often stay with the author.
    • “You retain creative control, you retain most of your rights, and you retain significant margins…” (17:49)
  • Professional Support: High-quality editing, design, production, and proper distribution.
  • Access to Stores & Lists: Books can still hit major lists like USA Today or WSJ (not NYT).
  • Better Margins: Not as high as self-publishing, but better than traditional.

• Key Drawbacks:

  • Upfront Investment: Usually must pay a significant fee at the start (“not a vanity fee, it’s a partnership model”).
    • “Honestly, the reason why I think this option is really cool is because that’s the only trade off…” (19:31)

Decision Guide – Which Path Is Right for You? [19:45]

Self-Publishing:

• Go this route if you want maximum control, already have an audience, care about speed and profit margins, and use your book to support your business.
• Best for those not interested in prestige or NYT bestseller status.

Traditional Publishing:

• Choose this if your #1 goal is prestige or to hit major mainstream lists like NYT, and you’re willing to accept less control, lower profits, and slower speed.

Hybrid Publishing:

• Ideal for those wanting a solid balance—good control, strong support, access to distribution, better margins, and ownership of IP.
• Suited for those who treat their book as a long-term brand asset and dislike bureaucracy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the importance of alignment:
  “You gotta know why you’re writing this book, and if the outcome of the [publishing] model doesn’t match the outcome you want, then you’re choosing the wrong model.” (04:14)

• On control vs. prestige:
  “If seeing your book in a major international airport matters to you, then traditional publishing is going to be your route.” (12:34)

• On hybrid publishing trade-offs:
  “Honestly, the reason why I think this option is really cool is because that’s the only trade off, right?” (19:31)

• On the bigger picture:
  “Just remember—your book is not just a book. It’s a platform. It’s a calling card. It’s a trust builder. It’s a leverage tool to show that, hey, you got something important to say.” (21:17)

• On making the right choice:
  “The worst thing you can do is publish it the wrong way for the wrong reasons. So give this some thought before making a decision. Choose the path that serves your goals, your life, your business—not just your ego.” (21:25)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:24 – The critical distinction: writing vs. publishing
• 04:14 – Aligning your publishing choice with your goals
• 05:19 – Deep dive: Self-publishing model (pros, cons, tips)
• 08:32 – Challenges in self-publishing without an audience
• 11:24 – Deep dive: Traditional publishing model
• 12:34 – The value (and limitations) of prestige and reach
• 14:32 – Rights and control in traditional deals
• 16:53 – Deep dive: Hybrid publishing model
• 17:49 – The balance of control, support, and outcomes in hybrid
• 19:45 – Summary: Recommendations by goal and personality
• 21:17 – Your book as a platform and leverage tool
• 21:25 – Final cautionary advice on publishing for the right reasons

Conclusion

Omar Zenhom provides a refreshingly honest look at today’s publishing landscape, urging aspiring authors to weigh their ambitions, resources, and expectations carefully. Whether you crave the autonomy and profits of self-publishing, the prestige of a traditional deal, or the control/support balance of a hybrid model, your long-term goals—and not your ego—should drive your choice. As Omar reminds listeners:

“Choose the path that serves your goals, your life, your business—not just your ego.” (21:25)

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