Title: The Indie Author Guide: Self-Publishing Strategies Anyone Can Use
Author: April Hamilton
Publisher: Writer’s Digest Books
ISBN: 1582979944
In her book, the Indie Author Guide: Self-Publishing Strategies Anyone Can Use, April Hamilton outlines the benefits to authors in forgoing the “traditional” publishing route, in not working with major publishers but rather in taking a “DIY” approach. She discusses how the publishing industry has grown over the past century and how difficult it is for even a “represented” author - one signed with a major publisher - to make a name for himself until his work has been proven.
Hamilton explains that each of the major publishers, “media megas” she calls them, has a small crop of what may be colloquially called “cash cows;” writers who have a stable audience and who consistently produce best selling works. They may have a handful of other authors on their roster but they invest the majority of their resources into marketing their main money makers, leaving the lesser known authors to essentially fend for themselves. Through her book, Hamilton poses the question if the chances are writers will be on their own in terms of marketing and promotions, why shouldn’t they be on their own for the whole process and create their book to satisfy their own vision?
Hamilton discusses the avenues available to the would-be “indie author,” outlining the differences between vanity publishers and print on demand publishers. Generally speaking, the main difference is in inventory. Vanity publishers encourage writers to keep large inventory on hand by offering discounted rates based on quantities purchased. They often don’t deal with the public in terms of selling the books they print directly, rather leaving sales to the author.
Print on demand publishers, on the other hand, typically only require the author to purchase a single, proof copy, and possibly a second if major changes need to be made after looking at the original proof copy. Often there will be discounts offered for bulk orders but these are not required by the publisher. A print on demand publisher handles sales and inventory, insofar as to print copies of the author’s work as customers order it.
Editing and graphic design services are often offered by a print on demand publisher, Hamilton explains, but these services are not required and the author is permitted to do any and all of the work she is capable of, going into the publication of the book.
The Indie Author Guide holds a plethora of tips and advice for the indie author, whether new to the industry or a seasoned professional, on ways to succeed as an independent artist, from production to promotion of their own works. It is a recommended read for anyone looking at pursuing this route in their own writing career.
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