Most of my clients take the self-publishing road. It’s important, though, to understand what self-publishing means, as there are other terms in the arena: indie authors and hybrid publishing.
It’s important to know the difference before jumping in.
Self-Publishing
Self-publishing is kind of a catch-all for anyone who writes a story and takes it through to publishing and distribution.
This includes:
-Writing and polishing a manuscript
-Formatting and designing
-Book covers
-Print-ready files
-Inputting the metadata into the publishing platform you’re using
-Uploading the print-ready and digital files
-Distribution and sales
This is not to say the author has to do everything herself; she may hire a self-publishing author service to help with some or all of the phases involved.
All the costs are on the authors’ shoulders.
In this group, creating a book does not necessarily mean the author intends to sell it. It could be for family, friends, a specific event, or something similar.
This group is a mix of everyone who produces a book on their own, whether for sale or not. It includes one-time writers and career writers.
It also includes less-than-professional writers, those who don’t take the time or put in the effort to learn how to write before putting their name on the book cover and publishing it.
The unprofessional authors in this group are why self-publishing still carries a bit of a stigma. There are a lot of terrible self-published books.
Indie Publishing
Originally, indie publishing was a term used for small publishers, like the homegrown, mom-and-pop publishers that filled in the cracks left by the 5 large publishers. And it still is, somewhat.
Lately, though, the term is more in line with the author who does it all himself.
According to the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), “An indie author is a writer of fiction, nonfiction, or poetry books who self-publishes their own work and retains and controls their own publishing rights.”
You may pause here and question: Isn’t that the same as self-publishing?
The answer is yes and no.
Self-publishing encompasses everyone who takes control of publishing their book.
But indie authors specifically write and publish with the intent to make money, hopefully to make a living at it. They’re in it for the long haul and take pride in their books.
These authors spend the time and effort to get it right.
-They learn how to write.
-They learn about the genre they’re writing in.
-They learn about revisions, editing, and proofreading their work.
-They learn the process of going through to publication.
This doesn’t mean they do it all themselves. The author may hire a formatter or a designer. And if writing a children’s picture book or chapter book, she will hire a professional illustrator unless she is one.
Hybrid Publishing
Hybrid publishing is a different kind of publishing model.
This publishing path is a combination of traditional and self-publishing. It’s a partnership between the publisher and the author.
The publisher is vested in the author’s success because they invest in the book by covering some of the expenses.
The author covers what the hybrid publisher doesn’t. How much depends on the company, so always read your contract.
Hybrid publishing provides a more affordable avenue outside of the traditional publishing road, which keeps getting more and more difficult to get onto.
It is important to be careful, though, as there are many, many scam services out there. Some are vanity presses with a new title. It’s up to you to do your research and know who you’re dealing with.
Look for a service with a track record, one that knows what it’s doing and is in line with industry standards. The should publish under their own imprint and use their own ISBNs.
Whether Self-Publishing or Indie Publishing
Many self-publishers and indie authors hire quality self-publishing services to help them with editing, illustrations, formatting, publishing, and distribution. These services may provide specific services, hand-holding guidance, or act in a ‘hands-on, do it for you’ capacity.
With these services, the authors pay upfront fees for specific services, and retain 100% of rights, royalties, and control over publishing platforms.
The authors are in control; it’s a business to them.
Vanity Presses
While vanity presses shouldn’t be an option, it’s good to understand what they are.
Any company that charges the author to publish a book under the company’s imprint and ISBN is a vanity press. Often, these services also require authors to buy a certain number of author copies.
These companies make their money from the author. They have NO interest in you selling a single copy of your book.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Think carefully about how you want to enter the self-publishing arena.
Choose the type of publishing that will work best for you. Sometimes budget is the deciding factor, especially if you’re writing children’s picture books or even chapter books. These books need illustrations which can be costly.
If you take the hybrid road, look for a quality service. The same goes for self and indie publishing, and services that help the author.
There are probably more scam services than legit services out there, so again, be careful.
References:
(1) https://www.allianceindependentauthors.org/what-is-an-indie-author/
(2) https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-hybrid-publishing-to-get-your-novel-published#quiz-0
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, book doctor, editor, and self-publisher service. I help turn your idea, outline, or manuscript into a book you’ll be proud to call your own—and provide hands-on guidance through every step of the self-publishing process.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A 200+ page book that will help you write your own children’s book.
FICTION WRITING FOR CHILDREN eCOURSE
4, 8, or 12 Weeks / 9 Sections / Instructor Guided Self-Study Program
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING SERVICE
Self-publishing help for children’s authors (specializing in picture books and chapter books)
You can contact me at kcioffiventrice@gmail.com.
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