Publishing: The Indie Route
March 11, 2009 by B J Keltz
Today’s savvy self publishers are referred to as Indie Authors, or sometimes Indie Publishers (although that term is usually reserved for small or emerging independent presses). An Indie Author is not, for the purpose of this article, a writer who pays a vanity press to publish their book. The stigma of the vanity press, in which the author submits material for printing and binding, and then takes delivery of a minimum number of books) originated because these works were not vetted, edited, or often even professionally proofed. Anyone could use a vanity press if they had sufficient money. This term is slowly taking its place in the corner reserved for manuscripts ordered by the writer that may or not have merit, and has been replaced with the term Indie Author.
For us, the term Indie Author refers to quality works that are published through avenues other than a separate publishing house. The smart Indie has a platform. They have done their research and know the market. They have written something good and paid for a copy editor, perhaps line edits, and cover art. Their choice of EBook or tree book is based on their market and what they are publishing, and often the choice is combination publishing or PoD.
It is the Indie Presses and Indie Authors who are pushing the envelope and broadening publishing horizons. Their success or failure is closely watched as the large houses continue to fold back in on themselves and reduce their imprints. Younger generations are more open to this form and it is rapidly gaining ground. The advent of PoD services makes this a more viable alternative than a vanity press. The PoD service can often work in very small increments, ship the books to the purchaser, and include the book in its list of available titles for the distribution chain.
There is a lot of work involved for the Indie author in terms of making sure the manuscript is technically well done and edited thoroughly. Promotion falls squarely on the Indie’s shoulders as well. Distribution can be dealt with by choosing a printing service, such as Lightening Surge, that is well connected with those channels and able to distribute the book. There is cost involved, from editing professionals to graphic artists, to promotion and the cost of publication. All the glories rest go to the author. So do the failures.
While some proponents no longer consider this an emerging trend, many aspiring authors, agents, and editors are watching this sector carefully. Not all Indies are successful, but more of these books are hitting best seller lists, making money, and gaining valued attention for the author and future works. These writers have embraced new avenues of publishing and certainly bear watching.
In addition to full responsibility for the book, there does remain a stigma attached to any work that is self produced. As more quality books come into being, and as the older generations depart the book buying arena, that will change. The ideal Indie author is likely a niche writer with a large following and ready fan base. While this form of publishing is gaining ground in fiction genres, it is still primarily populated with non-fiction works at the successful levels.
If you think Indie publishing is for you, do your homework. Know your market and develop your platform. Be prepared to pay well for professional edits and cover art. Don’t skimp on quality. Put together a promotional plan or be prepared to hire a marketing firm, and by all means, tap into book distribution lines.
