Publishing labels are important and using them properly is critical
I often use the terms of self-publishing and indie-publishing interchangeably. I shouldn’t.
They mean different things. So what’s the difference?
That’s a great question. I turned to my friend Google to investigate. It turns out Google doesn’t know. It simply confirmed a lack of consensus. Here are the findings of my research:
- Self-publishing and indie-publishing are not the same things. However, the difference is a matter of perspective.
- Self-publishing and indie-publishing both emerge as alternatives to traditional publishing. And we need those alternatives.
- Self-publishing may be a subset of indie-publishing.
- The difference between self-publishing and indie-publishing may boil down to attitude.
Here are my thoughts on the matter.
Self-Publishing
- Self-publishing finds its roots in vanity publishing, a pay-to-be-published model. (Though four years ago I asserted that attitudes have changed and traditional publishing is the new vanity publishing, offering a stamp of validation that I, for one, want.)
- Self-publishing is all about art, and making money from art isn’t the point—or so they say.
- The motivation of self-publishing is making books available to the public.
- The hardcore self-publisher does everything, from the cover design to editing, to interior layout, to marketing. Unfortunately, it shows in the final product. And for that reason,I hate reading self-published books.
- Self-publishing finds its place with the writing hobbyist.
Indie-Publishing
- Indie-publishing finds its roots in the entrepreneurial spirit.
- Indie-publication is a for-profit endeavor with a clear objective to monetize the value of books as a business.
- The motivation of indie-publishing is profit from the art of books.
- The indie publisher assembles a team, tapping others to assist with the publishing process, from cover design to editing, to interior layout, to marketing.
- Indie-publishing finds its place with the writing professional.
From all this, I realize that when I say I plan to self-publish some of my books, I really mean indie-publishing. Though I view my writing as art, I also see the results as a business opportunity. And I’ve been an entrepreneur longer than I’ve been a writer—though not by much.
Yes, I still have a goal to traditionally publish some books. I also plan to indie-publish other books. Together they will help me to one day make a living writing full time.
Learn more about writing and publishing in Peter’s book: Successful Author FAQs: Discover the Art of Writing, the Business of Publishing, and the Joy of Wielding Words. Get your copy today.
Peter Lyle DeHaan is an author, blogger, and publisher with over 30 years of writing and publishing experience. Check out his book Successful Author FAQs for insider tips and insights.
