Indie publishing is the real deal
learn all about it . . .
There are many independent presses, various choices of distributors, and multiple book formats available to independent authors who want to control their own work and publishing platform. Many authors have chosen to self-publish rather than go the traditional publishing route, which most often leads to disappointment. What used to be the ‘high standard’ of traditional publishing is now more often the true vanity or ego publishing. Many mid-list authors have been buying back their publishing rights from traditional publishers in order to go down the Indie publishing road and actually make money.
Why? Many reasons, some personal, but common shared reasons are:
- higher royalties
- control of design
- control of editing
- no long waiting period to publish (while hoping not to get dumped while waiting)
Perhaps this sounds bias, but after reading about all the options, the processes entailed, and other authors’ stories, it quickly became apparent that the responsibility for the marketing platform, (the hardest part in my opinion), falls on the author even if signed with a traditional publisher. So why not self-publish! It only makes sense.
Here are a few suggested resources to help you decide what’s best for your journey.
If you want to self-publish you need to consider your book’s format. Most self-published authors release eBooks and also use POD (print on demand) for the paperback. You will need to write your best story, have it edited, and then format the file for print in a PDF for print format. Also popular today are eBooks using ePub files that are downloaded to distributors for digital readers and smartphones.
The most popular eBook distributors are:
- Amazon Kindle
- Rakuten Kobo
- Nook Press (Barnes & Nobel’s digital store)
- Apple iBook Store
- Other reader streaming services like Scribd, Reddit…
- Also, eBooks can be distributed to libraries
If you don’t want to load the ePub file directly, or don’t want to manage the various dashboards for each distributor, you can use an aggregator site like these options:
Draft2Digital
- Smashwords (a favorite place for self-publishers which is now partnered with D2D)
- Draft2Digital distributes eBooks to various eBook distributors, plus to the list used by libraries, using the ePub format. They do not require special formatting, so if you aren’t tech-savvy, this is a good option. I format my own files, so I’m not familiar with how the output looks using D2D formatting help, but many have used this service with great results. They are also provide POD (print on demand) printing options.
POD Printers for print on demand,
is the most economical for self-publishing to avoid warehouse costs and distribution issues. Small press shops require minimum press runs which you purchase up front and store. Using POD you save time and money overall.
- Amazon now uses KDP print for paperbacks and now has a program for hardcover. One dashboard to access your Kindle eBook and your print paperback.
- INGRAM: Lightning Source for POD paperback and/or hardcover for small publishers, if you’re acting as a small publisher with many titles.
- Ingram Spark for self-publishers – the site also lists the requirements to follow for a successful launch.
- There are small local printers with minimum runs – usually, 1,000 or more copies required, which makes you responsible for all inventory, warehousing, and distribution of the product. Costs per book may be lower, so small publishers may go this route.
- Other companies like LuLu,, and vanity presses etc. do print services for you but usually have higher costs. These are best only if you want small runs and not in it for major profit, or for personal use, like gift-giving to family members or business adventures.
Be very careful – there are many sites that offer services and charge for things that should be free, and can sometimes take your money needlessly. Never sign a contract unless you fully understand the fine print.
For more detailed info about this subject read David Gaugrhran’s bewares blog
David also has a lot of helpful marketing information and more…
Beware of print companies that disguise themselves as a publishing service or hide behind a legitimate publishing house’s name. They will take your money (with high unjustified fees) and then run. There are scams, so before you enter into costly service agreements or sign contracts read up. Avoid companies like:
- Abbott Press
- Xlibris Publishing
- AuthorHouse
Read the fine print – don’t give away your rights.
There are also hybrid Indie publishers popping up like She Writes, (I was a member of the She Writes group, however, I do not use the press services). More about Hybrid Press options is here in a post by Jane Friedman.
Also, small college and independent presses will publish a few titles each year upon approval. Usually these are niche titles, like histories or specific local artists etc.
Consider the choices listed in the Independent Press and IPG publishers listed here: https://www.ipgbook.com/publishers-pages-32.php
Another option is Employee owned FriesenPress https://www.friesenpress.com/
Discover the path that best suits your journey, the right solution for you.
The digital publishing world is changing all the time, with new software and copyright laws, so remain curious. Stay informed. Learn more about digital publishing here – International Digital Publishing Forum
Save time for writing.
A guide to information for self-publishing authors.
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