Indie/Self-published Authors and Why Some People Disdain Them

The landscape of self-publishing has changed significantly over the last decade. Once considered inferior to traditional presses, self-publishing is gaining more attention and earning credibility as a viable way to access unique, and in some cases quality, content. What’s more, the increase in self-publishing has garnered a significant amount of attention from marketing companies looking to capitalize on this burgeoning industry. Major publishers are even jumping on the bandwagon as well, offering independent authors a variety of ancillary services to help market their books. Libraries have begun using self-publishing to reconnect with communities by offering workshops and resources geared towards independent authors.  It is not uncommon for writers to choose the route of self-publishing because the traditional publishing route is difficult, if not impossible, for some writers to enter.

That statement is true! Many self-published authors hit a brick wall when presenting their work to the traditional publishers. Most of the time, traditional publishers don’t look at every manuscript they receive. If their work load is heavy, they will return the manuscript and thus depressing the author, who then decides to forget about becoming a serious author.

NOTE: an author is someone who has published more than one book. It doesn’t matter whether they are an Indie/self-published authors or not, they are still authors. Indie/Self-publishing is probably the only opportunity available to the beginners.

What’s the percentage of certain groups of people from obtaining authorship through traditional publishing routes?

*The number of books published by people of color speaks volumes about the barriers that prevent certain groups from obtaining authorship through traditional publishing routes. In 2017, out of 3,500 books received by the center, approximately 3% were written by African American and Latino authors, 7% were written by Asian Pacific American authors, and less than 1% were written by Native American authors. Therefore, self-publishing is a route that allows writers to share their stories. It also creates an opportunity to be recognized as an author.

Here is someone’s point of view regarding self-publishing.

I Understand that “indie publishing” is all the rage, but despite royalty rates of 70%, I think self-publishing is a terrible idea for serious novelists (by which I mean, novelists who take writing seriously, and love to write). Here’s why.

If you self-publish your book, you are not going to be writing for a living. You are going to be marketing for a living. Self-published authors should expect to spend only 10% of their time writing and 90% of their time marketing. if your passion is creating worlds and characters, telling great stories, and/or reveling in language, you might want to aim for traditional publication. I mute authors whose tweet streams are 90% adverts in the same way I wouldn’t watch the shopping channel. Most indie authors have tweet streams that are 90% adverts, perhaps a reflection of the fact that they must spend 90% of their time marketing. It certainly doesn’t make self-publishing look like the path to El Dorado. Why would I want to join this gang?

What I think: Well, he’s right about marketing however, he’s wrong about self-published authors not taking their writing seriously! All authors take their writing seriously! If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be irked when someone gives them a not so good review! 

There are people out there that just despise Indie/self-published authors, only for the fact that the author did what they could only dream of doing and that is publishing their own book. The self-published author doesn’t just talk about writing a book and publishing it, they went out and did it! They have courage and hope in a sea of vexing haters.

Do most self-published authors consider their writing a career?

The majority do but some are more realistic in the outcome so most have part-time jobs or even full-time jobs.  

Do I see my writing as a career or a hobby?

Well, I see it as a little of both. I do take my writing seriously just like other authors, but I don’t see it as a career. In fact, even some mainstream authors who have gone the traditional way and have published their books, do have a part-time job somewhere. If you did not make a deal with the Devil, like the woman who wrote Fifty Shades of Grey, then more than likely, your royalties will not be a steady steam. I have a part-time job, but I continue writing my books, in hopes that I will get a steady stream one day. All authors feel that way. Just noting.

 Overall, self-publishing may be all the rage, but the writer has a choice. If he/she wants to publish traditionally, then do so, however, more and more traditional companies are going in the way of self-publishing. Giving their audience a chance to read a diverse stream of books written by unknown authors. Some of those books can hide a hidden jewel. Just saying.

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