What Does It Mean to Be an ‘Indie’?
By Erika Liodice | October 8, 2016 |
Therese here to introduce you to Erika Liodice’s new column, The Indie Way! Through this column, Erika will provide us all with facts and opinions from the perspective of the independent author. I couldn’t be happier to see this roll out here on WU, and I look forward to learning right along with all of you. Thank you, Erika!
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Do you know what today is? It’s the first annual Indie Author Day (#AuthorDay16). To celebrate, nearly 300 libraries across the U.S. and Canada are coming together to educate writers about independent (a.k.a. “indie”) publishing and introduce readers to the indie voices in their communities. As an indie author myself, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to talk about what it means to be an indie and clear up some misconceptions.
Myth: Independent publishing is a last resort for writers who have been rejected by traditional publishing.
Fact: Many indie authors intentionally skip the “traditional” route altogether. They do so for a variety of reasons, some of which include:
- Autonomy. Indie authors love having the freedom to write what they want, when they want.
- Creative control. They want to have the final say in how their stories are told, what the book cover looks like, how it’s priced, when its released, how it’s promoted—and every other aspect of their book’s journey into the world.
- Speed to market. Indie authors value the ability to bring their books to market in a matter of days or weeks, rather than months or years. This agility not only enables them to reach readers faster and begin generating income sooner, it allows them to capitalize on time-sensitive opportunities, such as books about hot topic issues.
- Ownership. Indies see the rights to their work as valuable assets that they can turn into products–such as ebooks, audiobooks, foreign language books, and more–in order to sell into different channels and markets and ultimately reach more readers.
- Smarter compensation. While most indies write for the love of it, they also want to be compensated fairly. They appreciate the favorable royalty splits, easy-to-understand royalty statements, and timely payments offered by independent publishing platforms. And since they never have to worry about their books going out of print, they enjoy the ongoing source of passive income that supports their ultimate mission: to write more books.
Most indie authors know that readers don’t shop by publisher but rather by topic, genre, or author name, so they choose to focus their time and energy on producing great books that readers will love rather than chasing a book deal. (For more reasons why writers go indie, check out #PoweredByIndie.)
Myth: Self-publishing and independent publishing are the same thing.
Fact: While many people use the terms interchangeably, there’s actually a big difference between the two. Self-publishing is generally embraced by writers who view their publishing pursuits as more of a hobby than a career. They might be interested in creating a book that is important to them but has little commercial appeal, such as a family history or a memoir. Or they may be “starting small” in order to test the waters before committing to publishing on a bigger scale.
Independent publishing, on the other hand, is embraced by writers who view themselves as author entrepreneurs. They treat publishing as a business. Many establish their own imprint and run it like a mini publishing house, buying their own ISBNs and hiring freelancers to help them produce professional products. They develop marketing plans to launch and promote their titles. They attend industry conferences, book fairs, and educational workshops to build their networks, identify business opportunities, and continue improving their skills. They may even eventually decide to publish other authors. For the indie author, publishing isn’t a hobby; it’s a career.
Myth: “Independently published” means poor quality.
Fact: Most indie authors today are savvy about what it takes to gain and maintain loyal readers. They take great pride in their work, and they are committed to creating well-written, beautifully-produced books that readers will enjoy. They seek out professional talent—such as freelance editors, graphic artists, book formatters, and foreign language translators—to help bring their vision to life. They belong to professional organizations, like the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) and the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), where they have access to a wide variety of publishing resources and can learn from like-minded writers. As a result of their commitment, many indie titles are indistinguishable from traditionally published books.
Myth: Indie authors are just trying to get rich quick.
Fact: Most indie authors know there are far better ways to get rich quick. After all, independent publishing requires an upfront investment of time and money with no guaranteed return. What really motivates indie authors is the desire to tell their stories and connect with readers. And they believe in their vision so deeply that they’re willing to take a risk and invest in themselves.
Myth: Once you go indie you can’t go back.
Fact: Independent publishing can lead to all sorts of opportunities, including a book deal with a traditional publisher. There are plenty of stories about authors who managed to find their fan base and catch the attention of publishing houses—and even film studios—after independently publishing their work. And there are just as many stories about traditionally published authors who found more success by going indie. Whether your goal is to be a lifelong indie, eventually break into traditional publishing, or strike the balance of a hybrid author, independent publishing can help you get the exposure you need to achieve your goal.
Myth: Being an independent author is a lonely, disempowering existence.
Fact: Being an indie author means being part of an inclusive, empowering community of writers who are constantly trying new things and sharing what they learn. Forging your own path can give your writing a sense of adventure because you never know where your journey is going to lead or what opportunity is going to pop up next.
Myth: If we ignore the indie movement long enough it will go away.
Fact: The indie movement is a groundswell that isn’t going away. Every day, new technology makes it easier for writers to publish their work and reach readers. It’s the best time in history to be a writer because there are no longer barriers standing between you and your publishing aspirations. To many this is a threat, but for those who understand what independent publishing is all about, it’s an incredible opportunity.
If you want to learn more about independent publishing, check out an Indie Author Day event near you.
Any indie authors out there? What misconceptions have you encountered?
The first time Erika Liodice saw the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, and Holland’s tulip fields was on the postcards her father sent from his business trips. Those postcards inspired a deep desire to see the world long before she stepped foot out of her small hometown in Pennsylvania. Today, Erika is an accomplished world traveler and freelance travel writer for National Geographic. Through her new Places That Inspire column here at Writer Unboxed, she sends postcards to fellow writers about the places she’s discovered and the creativity they’ve inspired along the way. To learn more about Erika and her work, visit erikaliodice.com.
So glad to see this piece, stressing the positives of being indie. Thanks.
Thanks for the taking the time to read it, Sandra. Your books look intriguing. (Side note: we’re practically neighbors. I live just up the road in the Lehigh Valley).
Happy writing!
What a perfect piece to celebrate Indie Author Day! Spot on and thorough in debunking so many of the silly notions that have grown up around indie publishing. Thanks for dispelling these beliefs, which are rooted in ignorance and fear. I sincerely hope this post helps others move beyond that dark place to a place of understanding and embracing indie publishing as a tool that can truly set them free as writers. Looking forward to seeing more from Ms. Liodice in this column — Brava!
Thanks, Mary! That is my hope too :)
Proud indie here — I love that this will be a regular thing!
Yay, Natalie! So glad to know you’re out there. I don’t know if you remember, but we met at UnCon 2014. Great to “see” you again :)
Hi Erika: I’m both self-pubbed and indie-pubbed (Crispin Books). I know a lot of authors on both sides and would like to disagree with your defining self-pubbed as “writers who view their publishing pursuits as more of a hobby than a career.” Gosh, this is so not true, and it’s unfair to diminish self-pubbed writers to hobbyists. Many self-pubbed authors are serious career-minded writers, entrepreneurs, and business people pursuing the commercial book market with great vigor. Self-pubbed authors not only have to learn to be excellent writers, but also learn the book industry, marketing and promotion, and work hard to achieve sales. I can tell you, this is no hobby.
There are countless stories of self-pubbed authors who have done the hard work and gone on to be success stories: John Grisham, Amanda Hocking, Lisa Genova to name the most well known. But many less famous self-pubbed are managing respectable sales and they keep on writing and building their readership—several who are followers here at WU. Several here who are professional in all they do as self-pubbed authors.
Self-pubbed authors are not hobbyists.
Wow. I think Paula proves exactly here what Erika was trying to explain: Self-pubbed authors who are successful get that way because they work to learn what makes ALL authors successful: professionally prepared manuscripts, designed covers, and quality print production values PLUS all the “back office” skills needed to organize, record, keep track of finances, communicate with vendors, and — most importantly — market and promote. Though they may at that point still consider themselves self-pubbed authors, they have in fact moved from being hobbyists or “one-book wonders” to join the ranks of indie publishers. I don’t think Erika “diminished” anyone here. I think she explained the difference clearly and Paula has pointed out through her comments that it’s mainly a matter of the author’s self-perception, what they call themselves. As someone who makes a decent part of my living advising would-be self-pubbed authors to move past that beginner stage into full-blown indie publisher status without getting caught in scams or making costly mistakes out of naivete or ignorance, I can vouch for the veracity of Erika’s description of the difference. Perhaps an easier way to put it might be this: Nearly all indie publishers are self-pubbed authors, but not all self-pubbed authors have done the hard work it takes to become successful indie publishers. There are a few self-pubbed authors I’ve worked with who intentionally limit their published titles to just one or two, and they’re perfectly happy with that. They only want to have a book or two, and don’t really care whether they sell all that many. I don’t badger them into becoming full-blown indie publishers, because making a living — or even a respectable portion of one — with their writing is not their goal. That’s just fine. But I assure you that, at tax time, if those self-pubbed authors continue to claim tax deductions against their publishing expenditures, the IRS will begin watching them after three years. If they haven’t begun generating a reasonable amount of revenue in relation to the amount of their expenditures claimed after five years, the IRS will likely flag their file. And if their agents come a-knocking, I guarantee you those self-pubbed authors will be legally classified as hobbyists.
Well said.
I appreciate your column, and think you covered the issues well. I also suggest reading Hugh Howey’s blog, The Wayfinder, https://www.hughhowey.com/blog/
He of course was/is an indie author and has since expanded to both indie and traditional publishing. Right now he’s sailing around the world on his catamaran. Sigh. It can be done.
Jerilyn Dufresne, author of the Sam Darling mysteries
Now THAT is an adventurous writing life. Thanks, Jerilyn!
Paula, let’s agree to agree. Everything you’re describing is exactly what being an indie author is all about. And that’s exactly why I wanted to start this column: to give voice to the growing community of writers who are mastering not only the craft of writing but the business of publishing.
Erika, thank you for your thought here. I’m not sure we do agree if you separate and define a self-pubbed author as a hobbyist. I see the term indie-author and self-pubbed author as interchangeable and many still do relate to them that way: independently published, whether its under your own name, your own publishing imprint name, or by a small professional indie publisher like New Directions or Firebrand. I will point to your reference of today’s inaugural Indie Author Day who does not separate if you are self-pubbed, hybrid, or indie-pubbed. All in the “indie community” are welcomed. This is so important because it helps to dispel the stigma that is attached to separating the self-pubbed. Perhaps in your future blogs you can expand about the growing blend of indie-pubbed community.
Great article. All this time I thought Self-published and Independent author designations were the same. According to these new definitions, I started out as a self-pub in 2002, facing all the hurtles and myths you mentioned. It’s been a long, hard voyage dispelling that stigma. It seems I became an Indie in 2013, when I began investing in my confidence that my stories were worth the time and money it would take to let the world know I was here. It was the turning point in my journey as an author.
Good for you, James! So glad to know you’re part of the “tribe” :)
(Your book covers are AWESOME, by the way!)
I began my writing career as an indie author. Thank you for explaining the difference between self-published and indie author. I must admit that I was confusing the two. Now I know I was indie, not self-published. There’s nothing wrong with either but it is important to know what you are or were.
You’re not the only one who has confused the two terms, Leanne. I used to as well. It gets ambiguous because most indie publishers are self-published but not all self-published authors are indie publishers. To your point, both are equally valid choices. However you define yourself, I’m glad to meet you :)
Erika, thanks for launching this column. There are a lot of independent authors who feel they are out there alone, but as you point out, there are communities and resources available. Many accomplished writers have taken the indie route, either by choice or because of the daunting challenges of landing a book deal with a traditional publisher. It’s not a stigma. I look forward to future posts.
Thanks, Chris. Feeling alone is the exact reason I wanted to start this column. I had a feeling there might be other indie authors out there who were feeling the same way. Now we don’t have to! Glad to know you’re out there :)
Great article! Thank you for helping dispel the misconceptions about indie publishing. I’m one of the many writers who are no longer interested in pursuing traditional publishing. After three years, ten books, some work and a bit of good luck, I’m finally making my living entirely from writing, and it’s a great feeling.
I wouldn’t have gotten where I am if I’d played the traditional game of hunting for an agent and then hoping for a book contract. At best, after three years I’d be lucky to have one or two books out, and given how paltry advances in my genre have become, I wouldn’t have earned anywhere near enough to pay my bills. The indie path isn’t necessarily better for everybody, of course, but it’s been good to me.
The myth that gets me riled most is the idea that only trad-pubbed writers are “real” authors. The fact is, many of those “real authors” end up reaching less readers than a lot of indies. A growing number of trad-pub new books sell less than 1,000 copies in their first year (which usually means in their lifetime, since print books make most of their sales on the first couple of months since release). That’s not a hard number to beat, and plenty of indies routinely do so.
You rock, C.J. What a great story! I’m glad your decision is paying off for you. And I’m thrilled to know you’re part of this community.
Also, your book covers are stellar (no pun intended).
Thank you! I found WU through a link on The Passive Guy, and now I’ve got it bookmarked and will be checking it regularly :)
Awesome! Welcome to our virtual family :)
Thanks for this, Erika. I’m an indie author in fiction, and the hardest part has been convincing people that it wasn’t an option of last resort. It was my choice to go indie rather than traditional (despite interest from NYC). I love being in complete control of every aspect of publishing my books. (Except that my “boss” is often too lenient about making me meet my deadlines. ;-) )
Not sure why we need to distinguish between self-pubbed and indie–I think it adds to the confusion–but either way, it’s all about empowerment. Thanks for explaining why so many of us have chosen this path!
I’ve struggled with the same misconception, Gwen. Everyone assumes my novel was rejected by traditional publishing when in fact I didn’t query a single agent. I actually CHOSE this path.
Love your energy and enthusiasm…and the array of books you have available. Keep up the great work!
Another lively and informative post from Erika.
Hi Jeff! Long time no see. Glad to know a superstar indie mystery author is in our midst :) Congrats on the release of your new book!
I certainly hope nobody still thinks writing, indie or otherwise, is how you get rich quick. Talk about playing some longshot odds…
I’m looking forward to more columns on this subject. This is a great introduction and summarizes well the most important aspects of what it means to be indie.
Thanks for stopping by, Brenda!
Erika, what an excellent column for WU! I’ve been an indie since 2008 (nine novels and one just-this-moment- released illustrated children’s book) and you are right, the opportunities that occur are exceptional.
For me, it has meant awards, collaborations of the most extraordinary nature and now crossing genres and moving into audio…
Golly, for any indie, the world is one’s oyster!
Cheers and keep up the good work!
I love hearing that, Prue. What an inspiration!
I’ve commented about being independent on WU before. I did originally try to go the traditional route by querying New York agents with my first two novels, but as soon as I found out doing my own publishing was an option (2011 for me) I knew it would work for me. I have a background in marketing, so that part was not intimidating. I also have the computer skills to do my own formatting. I look at it as a business, and am not afraid to invest in advertising where I feel it will pay off. My series is gradually building up a following.
Many writers in my genre (I write a mystery series) have had one or two books traditionally published, then been dropped by their publishers due to low sales. Two books doesn’t give a series a chance to build a following. Once dropped by a publisher, it’s almost impossible for an author to get another publishing contract, even if the author changes their pen name and starts a new series.
I’m in this for the long haul (as long as my age permits!) and am now working on the fifth novel in my series. (I appreciate not having someone else set deadlines for me!) The last one I published is a finalist for the Whistler Independent Book Award in the Crime Fiction category, a new award for independently published authors that’s connected to the Whistler Writer’s Festival. It’s nice to see independents being recognized at an established festival that features mainly traditionally published authors as speakers and panelists.
As to your question about encountering misconceptions, in my experience, most readers don’t care whether books are independently or traditionally published. The difficulties lie in distribution and exposure, which online book sales, plus promotion services like BookBub, are starting to overcome. (I am, however, having trouble promoting a German language translation of one of my books.)
I suspect most independents rely on POD (print on demand) publishing, and I see this as a practical, environmentally responsible method of book production. Using POD, independent books can be made available for purchase through all major book retailers, even though they are not stocked on the shelves.
I believe that there’s a place for both traditional and independent publishing, but success in both still depends on having a product that readers want, and the ability to reach those readers in a cost effective way.
Thanks for a very timely post!
Ruth – Bravo for having the courage to take a chance on yourself. I’m so glad to hear that your efforts are starting to pay off. With your dedication, professionalism, and long-term commitment, I can’t imagine anything but great success in your future.
Happy Indie Author Day!
Happy Indie Author Day!
I am a hybrid author–indie and traditionally published. I published my first novel on my own when I found many rejections had to do with the fact I had no platform, nothing “searchable” online, no blog, no website, etc. I used the first book to establish all of that, to learn the process from the inside out, to gain readers, and to acquire reviews in the marketplace.
My aim was traditional publishing, and I do prefer the collaboration and distribution of traditional publishing, but I wouldn’t rule out indie publishing in the future. The market changes quickly, and indie can allow a greater degree of control in response to demand.
Great post!
Thanks for sharing, Erika. Your story is a great example of the possibilities that the indie route can open up.
I’m self-published – but in no way a hobbyist. You don’t spend fifteen years on what you hope will be a major novel as a hobby. It has taken every speck of energy I have for those years; Books 2 and 3, I hope, will take less time each.
I created a ‘publisher’ name and logo (Trilka Press) for Pride’s Children, and will eventually publish other work – of my own – under the imprint; that is quite common among the writers I know.
My plan is to do ALL my own work – to have complete control – on every book. I am very pleased with the results so far: I’m one of the people who can claim responsibility for the inside and outside of their own book. I have zero interest in working with other people – my experience so far with the back-and-forth required is that it isn’t something I can do.
I don’t mind being known as a bit of an eccentric, obviously, and I will keep looking for marketing efforts suitable to this particular book – but haven’t found someone with experience who gets it and whom I can afford, so I soldier on. One-size-fits-all marketing makes my stomach hurt.
Good luck with your blogging here. I’m sure there is plenty to be learned.
Alicia, congratulations on setting up your own small press and committing to a series! From what you describe, you sound like an indie author to me. Of course, as many have pointed out, the label matters far less than the mission: to write great books and connect with readers. Glad to have you with us!
I’m an indie author in the M/M gay romance genre.
Choosing to self publish was a no brainer. At last technology had caught up with my needs and so of course I was going to choose creative control over being trawled over coals by a traditional publisher.
Now I have the best of both worlds for my books. I have control over my book rights. I have all of my English language rights and have done translation deals in three different languages with Foreign publishers.
There is no doubt that it is hard work. Indie publishers have to spend a great deal of time creating and serving an author platform, and marketing and keeping their ‘brand’ current. But I would rather be Indie than be with a publishing house for my English language versions of my books. My friends who are with publishing houses are seeing the marketing budgets slashed with each release, so they end up having to self promote too. Some are in litigation with a publisher who has not paid royalties for more than 18 months, but continued to sell their books. I may only be earning a pittance, but I would rather be getting an email from Amazon notifying me of my pittance than having to shell out to sue an errant publisher.
I love hearing how empowering the indie route has been for you, Isobel. And you bring up a great point about indie publishing being a terrific option for writers in niche genres. Congratulations on all you’ve accomplished and may there be more success to come!
Excellent article–thank you, Erika :)
It’s astounding how publishing has changed in such a short period of time–flinging doors wide open to let so many good writers share their stories, make their mark.
Indie Pride!! \o/
True words, Dana. And it’s even more astounding to think about all the changes that lie before us. What an adventure!
I love being in control, and that’s the main reason I love being an Indie! :)
Me too, Lorraine. Creative vision is a tough thing to compromise on.
“Nearly all indie publishers are self-pubbed authors, but not all self-pubbed authors have done the hard work it takes to become successful indie publishers.” Mary Shafer
Couldn’t have said it better myself.