There is no doubting the fact that independent publishing is becoming more mainstream. There are, however, those who try to dismiss it as something of a fad. I don’t think it’s something that can be dismissed. Independent publishing is something I’m passionate about, and like many others, I think it’s here to stay. Here’s why.
Authors like the control
If you’re going to publish a book, you might as well do it how you want to. After all, as the writer, you’re the one who’s put in all the time and effort. Taking responsibility for the publishing process is something an increasing number of authors are embracing. All authors have to undertake marketing activities these days, but it is only independent publishing that gives them proper control over how they go about it.
This doesn’t mean that there’s no room for others in the process – by contrast, authors can benefit greatly from the help of professionals with experience in things like marketing and editing – but it does mean that the role of the author is more important than ever.
It’s a complementary way of working
On the one hand, independent publishing is an alternative model to traditional publishing. This has its own benefits for those authors who want something significantly different and aren’t interested in getting involved with the traditional side of things. I think this is important: for a long time, the books that have been published have been controlled by a relatively small group of people working in the publishing industry. Independent publishing is breaking down those barriers and allowing authors to bring a wider range of books to readers.
As well as this, independent publishing can be a complementary option to traditional publishing. The hybrid model, where authors are both independently and traditionally published, is increasingly popular. The fact that it offers so many different ways of working rather than forcing everyone down the same track suggests that self-publishing is adaptable enough to have considerable staying power.
Readers are becoming more enthusiastic about it
If it weren’t for readers, independent publishing would have no chance. However, increasingly readers are turning to self-published books. There are plenty of reasons for this – books that have been self-published are of a higher quality than ever before, they are easily available on e-readers, offer plenty of choice and are generally lower priced (and therefore more affordable) than other books. And with several recent high profile success stories, with any luck, the readers who have helped self-publishing so much already will be planning to stick around.
Authors are taking it seriously
Another reason independent publishing has staying power is that so many authors have so much invested in it. Lots of people have worked hard to publish their books and make a success of their writing, and naturally after investing so much are planning to stick with it. Surveys have shown that authors who self-publish generally enjoy the experience and would like to do it again.
Plus there is a growing network of support and professional help around independent publishing, which helps to strengthen its position and make an increasingly attractive option for authors and readers alike.
What do you think?