There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the meaning of traditional publishing can vary depending on who you ask. In general, traditional publishing refers to the process of publishing a book through a well-established publishing house, as opposed to self-publishing or using another alternative method.
The main benefits of traditional publishing are that you generally have more control over the quality of your book (since the publisher will have a team of editors, designers, etc. to help ensure that your book is as high-quality as possible), and you also have a better chance of getting your book into bookstores and other retail outlets. Additionally, traditional publishing typically provides more support and promotion for your book than self-publishing, which can be helpful in getting your book noticed by potential readers.
Of course, traditional publishing also has its downsides. One of the biggest is that it can be difficult to get a traditional publishing contract in the first place. Additionally, once you do sign a contract, you will likely have less control over things like the cover design, marketing, and price of your book. And finally, traditional publishing generally takes longer from start to finish than self-publishing (it can often take a year or more from the time you sign a contract until your book is actually published).
So, ultimately, the meaning of traditional publishing will vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for the highest possible quality and widest distribution for your book, traditional publishing is probably the way to go. But if you're looking for more control over your book and a faster publishing timeline, self-publishing may be a better option.
