October 14, 2019
A local library branch celebrated Indie Author Day with a gathering of authors. Did I belong? I have a contract, not a published book. Does my contract with an independent publisher make me an Indie author? Where do I fit in?
Greeted at the door by the library Program Manager, my hesitation to attend vanished. “Of course you’re welcome,” she said. “Come on in.”
During a short presentation by the Collections Manager (The DaytonMetro library system purchases more than 160,000 items a year!), I looked up definitions for a better understanding of myself as an author. Today I fleshed out that knowledge:
Self-Publishers are authors who produce their books start to finish. They write, edit, design, print, and market. They may have little interest in marketing widely. They may more often publish for friends, family, and self-satisfaction. My friend, Jane, published a book like that. It’s a lovely collection of essays and pictures about her life.
Indie authors seek a wider audience. They’re interested in producing a quality product that is author-driven, as opposed to market-driven, but they’re open to critique. Their orientation toward being more widely read sets them apart from self-publishers. Their drive to be independent sets them apart from traditionally published authors. Indie authors value the power of being in charge.
Independent publishers (a.k.a “Independent press” or “Small press”) are simply not part of a large corporation. My publisher, touchpointpress.com, is owned by one woman and employs about eight associate editors and one illustrator. I signed with them because I liked the all-female aspect of the press and the bios, plus their willingness to edit my work.
Corporate publishers are the big gals and guys. Money-driven and money-producing, they sell more books. And they expect a greater level of cooperation from writers in order to appeal to the biggest market. I’m a little intimidated by that at this point. Let’s take it slow.
An author may fit in all categories. If I live long enough, I could aim for that.
Let me know if that’s your understanding of the current world of publishing. If you’re a writer, to what do you aspire?