People often use the terms “self-publishing” and “independent publishing” interchangeably, but there is a big difference between the two.
When compared side by side, traditional and digital publishing are so dissimilar that they are generally regarded as two separate disciplines. Because of this, the process of self- or independent publishing can be daunting for writers.
How does one define self-publishing?
A publishing house is considered independent, or “indie,” if it is not part of a larger group or company. It really is that easy.
Almost all of the small publishers you’ll come across will specialize in something specific. Fiction, nonfiction, ebooks, essays, culture, etc.
There are several positive aspects of self-publishing.
Independent publishing houses, then, have a different focus than commercial publishing houses. They make their own choice, and it has nothing to do with money or quantity but with excellence. Without any constraints whatsoever, they are free to make whatever choices they see fit. They don’t publish what they think will sell but rather what they feel strongly about.
A great independent publisher will also be there to help you through every bump in the road. The entire process, from the preliminary stages (such as editing and proofreading) through the final stages (like marketing and sales),
A first-time author needs sales and marketing assistance more than anyone. Self-publishing allows you to retain creative control while having someone with relevant knowledge by your side every step of the way.
The fame of independent authors is another plus. This is crucial for aspiring writers just starting out. Your book will get a boost in visibility and sales if it is released by one of the many publishing houses that already have a sizable fan base or stellar reputation.
Independent publishing’s downsides
A major negative of self-publishing is the reduced financial rewards. Having to pay a publisher to act as a go-between can eat into your profits.
Quite a few small presses really make it a practice to charge more for certain services. Among the services likely missing from the bare-bones offering are promotional efforts, editorial review, and proofreading. Because of this, the total price may increase somewhat.
The second drawback of using an independent publisher is that it takes significantly longer to release your work than when you publish it yourself. Some independent publishers only accept submissions at certain times of the year, and others may take up to six months to respond. If your submission is accepted, publication may take another six months after that. You’ll have a full year to make your goal a reality.
Self-publishing has been defined as what?
We can now go on to the second possibility, self-publishing. In this case, you play the role of your own publisher. Your name will be printed on the book inside.
So you’re in charge of everything from publication to editing to promotion to sales? Yet, you can use one of the many self-publishing sites available. Self-publishing platforms such as Kindle Direct Publishing, Smashwords, and LuLu are available.
Some Benefits of Self-Publishing
First and foremost, there’s the satisfaction of having accomplished something entirely on your own. Indeed, you have carried out the aforementioned action. You’re responsible for the success of every book that is bought and read. This is a fantastic sensation that may make everything worthwhile.
Furthermore, you get to pick every single detail. Totally everything about your book is up to you. Every last detail, from the cover design and whether it’s glossy or matte to the cost and availability across several platforms. Everything.
Downsides of Self-Publishing
I guess it all depends on your point of view. At first glance, being in charge of and responsible for managing everything could seem like an attractive proposition. This is a huge hurdle, especially for first-time writers.
The absence of support is another negative aspect. While it’s true that you can pay for services, that doesn’t mean you’ll always get the same quality as if you worked with a publishing house. Insufficient audience response can be devastating to many writers.
The most significant drawbacks are likely to be related to advertising and sales. All your effort could be for naught if you haven’t already released a book or don’t have a sizable fan base.
To what extent do you like each of these options?
You should try both options before deciding which one is best for you.
Self-publishing is a good option for first-time authors as they wait to hear back from traditional publishers. While waiting to hear back from independent publishers, you can work on building a fan base and a revenue stream.
You can skip the marketing expertise of a publishing house and go straight to self-publishing if you already have a dedicated fan base. Those who have been writing for a time and have been rejected by traditional publishers choose self-publishing.
They do it because of the power they can exert and the money they can make. These authors have become well-known in their fields and have built up a large readership. They are now ready to go out on their own.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t waste time looking for an indie publisher if the information in your ebook will be out-of-date in a year. Self-publishing through a site like Kindle Direct or one of the many aggregators is a quick and easy way to get your ebook to readers.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped to clarify the difference between these two terms, which are often used interchangeably but are sometimes misunderstood. Please feel free to ask us anything you need clarified or to find out more about either.
To sum up, working with a dedicated independent publisher can teach you a great deal about the publishing world and its inner workings. Self-publishing allows you to take charge of all aspects of your writing, marketing, and business operations, allowing you to discover your true potential as a writer, marketer, and manager. It’s possible that you’ll get some unbelievable returns.
