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A few blog friends and authors have asked about my decision in 2015 to switch from traditional to indie publishing. I thought it might be interesting to share a trio of posts about the factors that informed my decision. These posts are five years old, but my opinion remains the same. If this post, Part I, captures your attention, you can follow the link below to the 2nd and 3rd in the series.
Part I: Pros of traditional publishing
Part II: Cons of traditional publishing (and how they compare to indie publishing).
Part III: Results
***
In 2016, I begun the process of reclaiming my traditionally published books and republishing them myself. I thought it might be useful to document my reasons, particularly for those writers dawdling at this fork in the publishing road, trying to decide which way to go.
I originally published through a small press, and I don’t want to give the impression that this was a bad deal or that the publisher did anything wrong. It was, in fact, a valuable learning experience, especially for a new author and one as clueless as I. A small press may be the perfect publishing solution for many authors, especially if the words “traditionally published” carry personal weight.
Before I dig in, it’s important to state that – with a few exceptions – this was my experience. It reflects my personality, expectations, and quirks. What worked for me might not work for you and visa-versa. In addition, each publishing house is a unique entity represented by unique individuals. It’s reasonable to assume that my comments don’t apply to every small press!
So, what was great about my small press experience?
Hands-on relationships
I wrote a book without a blog and all the valuable online information available to authors. I did zero research on publishing, knew no published authors. Basically, I knew zip. Typical for me.
I can’t speak for mega-presses, but with my publisher, I received generous personal attention. I had tons of questions, sent daily emails, and received prompt replies. The process was laid out for me, contracts thorough and easily understood, my expectations set. It was comforting to know that my endless dumb questions and new-author anxiety were treated with respect and patience.
No Upfront Cost
When working with a traditional publisher, the professional services needed to bring a book to market come at no charge. This includes all facets of editing, proofing, cover design, formatting, obtaining ISBNs, and anything else you can think of. The publisher recoups the costs when the book goes for sale and they contractually take a portion of the revenue. For a writer with few financial resources, upfront costs may be a factor. Besides not having any idea what I was doing, I also had a pitiful bank account. This way, all I had to do was write.
Professional Editing
When I “finished” my first book, I was part of a writer’s critique group. I applied all the suggestions of my cohorts, and my writing improved to the point that a publisher was interested. Yay for writers’ groups! Little did I know how much I still didn’t know.
The editing process commenced. The editor and I went back and forth for an entire year and made hundreds and hundreds of changes – literally. Working with a professional, I received invaluable lessons on the craft of writing. The process improved my book and armed me with a battery of tips to employ on future projects.
This process was highly collaborative, and I was grateful to be able to argue my case when I felt strongly about a point. I understand from a few colleagues that some publishers are less collaborative and some will exercise a contractual right to make the final call on changes.
Covers
As a clueless person, I had no resources for cover design. The publisher worked on the concept and sent me multiple drafts for comment. My contract allowed 3 changes at no charge though we made many small tweaks. I have heard that some publishing houses don’t request input on design and don’t allow changes. I know of one author who wrote a book about “coyotes” and the publisher put “wolves” on the cover. The author was stuck with the wolves.
Contract Length
My contracts were for one year from the published date. This is a relatively short period when compared to contracts that span 3-5 years. The shorter contract is a boon in the event the relationship isn’t working, or the author or publisher wishes to terminate. My termination required a 90-day notice and there was no cost associated with ending the agreement.
My contracts were on a per-book basis with no commitment tying up future books. This is particularly important when writing a series or serial where a contract may commit future books to that publisher for the agreement’s term. An author may end up making do with the publisher or leaving books unpublished until the contract can be terminated. Contracts are important, and they aren’t all the same.
Paper Book Quality
Publishing houses will likely use printing services of a high quality. Personally, I’m satisfied with Amazon and the quality of their paperback books. However, printing houses will often have more size, style, and color options as well as better quality paper and bindings. Many professional print houses are not “print on demand” so there will be a sizable minimum order or set-up fee that may exceed what the author wants to invest. This was a significant challenge in my case.
So, Why Go Indie?
For someone who knew squat, my experience with a small press was highly instructive. The editing process improved my writing. The service was professional and respectful, the contracts fair.
Yet, publishing through a small press has significant pitfalls. As my knowledge and experience grew, it became evident to me that the challenges outpaced the advantages. Would I accept a contract with a big publishing house with a huge marketing department and a tasty advance? Um…yeah! But in the meantime, I’m going indie.
In Part II, I’ll explain why. Check it out HERE.
Myths of the Mirror 
Excellent, Diana! This information in huge to so many writers.
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Jennie. The next part is the “con” of traditional publishing from my perspective and explains why I switched and never regretted it. I do hope this is helpful to anyone trying to decide which way to go. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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I’m looking forward to the next part, Diana. Thank you!
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This is so helpful to me right now, as I recently decided to publish myself. My first novel was published by a micropress. The experience was both good and disappointing. Your posts are an excellent resource, Diana. Thank you.
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That reflects my experience too… good and disappointing. I’m glad this was helpful, Julie. Part II of these posts covers the challenges with trad publishing that indie publishing solved for me. I’ve never regretted the switch and hope it goes wonderfully for you too. Thanks for the visit. Be well, my friend.
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I appreciated reading your publishing experiences, Diana. I belong to a writing group. We invited a couple local best selling authors to speak to us. One authors was not as fortunate as you. She said she spent her first 10 years trying to land on an agent without success. Finally she got one. The publisher who would take her didn’t accept her manuscript, instead, they gave her a subject on autism, the interest of the publisher. She did the research from scratch and wrote the book which got her foot in. Her contract was 5 years. She finally ended the contract and republished the books as indie publisher.
I also went to a writers conference which had 95% of speakers and workshops on traditional publishing which was not too encouraging to me.
Then I discovered a self-publishing group offered video training with supporting materials for $395. I purchased the package and learned the step-by-step from writing to publishing when Amazon used Create Space. I started blogging then. On blogger I followed published a series of three books and posted many writing resources and links. I studied the sources.
I kind of learned about the process before getting myself into it. I write and publish as a leisure and only do it under a budget.
I’ll head over to read your following parts of the posts. Thank you for your sharing and thoughts.
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Thanks so much for reading and sharing your experiences, Miriam. Even though I found traditional publishing very frustrating, I feel lucky that the publisher was honest and helpful. That author who was stuck for ten years in a bad situation is so disheartening. I’ve never regretted going indie. And good for you for doing so much learning and research prior to jumping in. I should have done that too. Saved myself some work and grief! Lol. But all’s well that ends well. 😀 Happy Writing, my friend. ❤ ❤
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I went Indie and it was the best thing I ever did. As you said, more control over your material and more profit. Many traditional publishing companies disparaged indie publishers and labeled them vanity publishing. Don’t get me wrong, there are vanity publishers out there, one being Dorrance. But indie publishers are different and I think the reason why traditional publishers frown on them is because they deem them a threat.
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Thanks for taking the time to read, Cherie. I’m so glad that you’ve had a positive experience. I think indie publishing is getting better over all, and trad publishers should be nervous. I still come across books that need some serious, serious work, but as more indie-publishers are successful, this route is increasingly legitimized. Yay. Happy Writing and be well. 😀
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You’re so welcome. And thank you so much for your kind words. 🙂
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I tried to leave a comment on your site, Cherie, but I was having trouble with WP. It kept trying to make me log into your site. Sigh. You have a lovely blog. 🙂
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Thank you so much. And please allow me to apologize for that. I don’t know what’s wrong with WP, I think this is an example of a few bugs they need to fix. Because most people can get on here without having to sign in but for some reason a few have alerted me to the same problem and I’m so sorry. I’ll get a hold of tech support and see what I can do.
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WP glitches can be so frustrating, huh? I just wanted you to know because I try to return visits. I didn’t want you to think I ungrateful for your kind comment. ❤
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I completely understand and I’m so grateful. Thank you so much. 🙂
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I remember when you first shared this with us and I appreciated it again. You managed to dodge all the gruel us other Indies had to learn as well as write the damn book, lol. But yes, looking back at my own journey, I had a plan – learn the biz, read lots of writing resource books, read numerous newsletters to learn from my predecessors, and like you, the most invaluable learning was from my editor. It helped me with all other books that would follow, and still, I learn more with every book I put out. So kudos to you my friend! ❤
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I can totally see you doing all that research, Debby, and it clearly paid off. I’m more the “Jump in and learn to swim” type of person. Overall, I think I was lucky, and don’t regret my publishing journey. And yes! This is a business where we continue to learn with every project. Thank goodness for this writing community! Be well, my friend. ❤ ❤ ❤
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Thanks Diana. You too be well, and as you’ve learned, it really does take a village. ❤ xox
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And don’t forget about the trailer offer – when you’re ready. If you’re still interested.
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Thank you for remembering. Of course I didn’t forget! ❤
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I am fascinated by both your post and the follow-up discussion.
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Thanks for taking a look, Rebecca. Part II is the real meat of the comparison, and points to why I switched to indie publishing. It was a wonderful decision (for me) and I’ve never regretted it for even a minute! I’m glad this kept your interest. Have a lovely week and stay safe. ❤
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I am looking forward to this discussion and will be sending you an e-mail in the next couple of days with some questions for our podcast.
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Oh good. I hadn’t seen them and didn’t want to bug you. Lol. Thank you!
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Well, you make it sound like the perfect marriage. I’m off to read how The Seven Year Itch worked out.
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Yeah. There were lots of good things about it, Chelsea, but lots of things that were terribly frustrating! Once I learned the ropes, it was a no-brainer to sever ties and do it myself. Part II is the meat of the journey. I hope it’s interesting and useful. 😀
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Thanks for explaining! I’ve never tried Independent publishers, so I really knew nothing about them.
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Ann. I have no regrets about the route I took – such a good learning experience. But I do prefer being the queen of my castle! At least when something goes wrong, I can fix it. 🙂 Have a safe and peaceful week, my friend. ❤
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What an excellent series, Diana. I am looking forward to reading each segment. I started out indie with my first four books, then after I’d spent all I could from my savings began the search for a publisher for my fiction series. My first books are true stories, and I was compelled to publish them, no matter the cost. Working with a publisher is an entirely new experience for me and my biggest motivating factor in seeking this route was strictly money. I’m still in the red with my first books. I will say it’s nice to have a partner for a change. Thank you for sharing!
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Thanks for sharing your experience as a hybrid publisher, Jan. I hope your relationship works out well and is happily profitable. So much depends on the publisher’s collaboration when it comes to marketing and promotion. As I mentioned, we all need to find what works individually. Be sure to share your experience! Happy Writing!
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It’s something I have to think about. Do I want publishers to publish the two novels I have finished or do I try to publish them myself?
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It’s an important choice, Joanne, though it’s possible to change course if something isn’t working. That’s the good news.
The best thing is to move forward armed with information. I’d encourage you to read Part II which has the meat of the comparison. Then make the choice that’s best for you! Happy Writing. 😀
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, Diana. I shied away from traditional publishers when I started writing for some of the very reasons you list above. I can’t imagine working so hard on MY book, only to have someone else make the decisions that matter most.
That’s just me, though.
As you say at the end, if a big publisher wants to offer me a six figure deal, I bet I can put a lid on my attitude, lol
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Ha ha. Me too! Give me access to a marketing department and my opinion will change instantly! But that was part of the point of the post – most of us will be on our own even with a publisher. Thanks for stopping by, Jacqui. Happy Writing!
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What a great interview Diana and such great information you have imparted. You have waded through the maze and it’s good to know how you havegotten here, sooo awesome! Thanks for sharing your story here! ❤️
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Thanks for reading, Cindy. It was an interesting journey, and I haven’t regretted my choices. Happy to be where I am. 😀 Have a wonderful week and stay safe.
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You’re so welcome Diana! It’s an impressive and wonderful journey you have created! soooo awesome to hear! I will and you as well! ❤️
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I am avidly reading, Diana. Glad you added the comment that your opinions haven’t changed!
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I’m glad that my opinion hasn’t changed too. Ha ha. Though I’d still love to have a marketing department. Wouldn’t that be nice? Thanks for stopping by Jacqui. Happy Writing!
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After years of having hundreds of poems published in litmags and a few large-market magazines, I decided to do a book and found an excellent small press publisher (I was under no illusion that there was a mass market for the kind of witty verse which is my forté). The publisher was everything I could have hoped for, and although the book only sold a few hundred copies, several of its poems were anthologized or found their way into prestige publications, including THE RANDOM HOUSE TREASURY OF LIGHT VERSE.
As you indicate, what worked best for me wouldn’t necessarily be the way other writers want to go. My advice is to have realistic expectations for the kind of writing you do, and then go for it.
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Thanks for sharing your experience, Mr. M. It sounds like you found just the right publishing avenue for your work. And congrats for landing a few poems in the The Random House Treasury! Very prestigious. Yes, realistic expectations are essential, and good information helps make that happen. 🙂 🙂
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Hi Diana, I started writing with a view to self-publishing, then, through blogging and attending the annual London Book Fair, I realised how tough it was to get sales and recoup the costs – I reckoned an optimistic outlay of at least 500 to a 1000 (pound Sterling, US dollar, Euro, all much the same value nowadays!) to get something professional looking out there and I simply couldn’t take the risk – a truth born out on getting a contract with an indie publisher (who did a great job, let me be me, and I’d submit to again) – 8 months from publication about 30 e-books and a handful of paperbacks sold and we’d done a fair bit to get noticed. To be honest I feel, in part, uncomfortable that I’ve not (as yet) given the publisher a return on their faith in me, and relief that I hadn’t racked up costs that my conscience would have labelled self-indulgence. I don’t know any blogging-writers who let on what their sales are – and only one small indie UK publisher who through tweets shows how damn tough it is out there trying, quite literally, to balance her books! So, as I finish off my second book of poetry it has to be ‘send out on submission’ for me – unless I win the lottery! All the best. Eric.
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Thank you for this very informative post. I’m merely writing poems on WP at the moment and have never had anything published since I was a kid. Having got to 400+ poems already, I recognise that at some stage I am going to have to make decisions about what to do with them all. I’m not at that point yet, but will re-visit this post once I feel that I am at those particular crossroads. So, thanks again for a highly interesting post.🙂
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I’m glad this was helpful. I feel like I was lucky to land an ethical publisher even though I found the experience frustrating in the long run. I hope this post-series will give writers some things to think about as well as questions to ask. The good news is that it’s possible to switch! Thanks for reading and be well. 🙂
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Thank you again, and thanks for the prompt reply. It’s appreciated.🙂
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Great post, Diana. I’m currently editing a novel I want to shop for traditional publication. I’ve done small press and a bigger house, and the marketing team from the bigger house was a huge plus. Unfortunately, that isn’t an option for the future. I also have a second book I will probably indie publish, so this series of articles is very timely for me.
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Thanks for reading, Mae. I think there’s a giant difference between the big houses and small presses when it comes to marketing assistance. That support would be a huge plus. But without that, I found indie publishing within my capabilities and I like being mistress of my domain. I noticed in your goals that you’re mixing things up this year. I’m glad this series felt timely. Thanks for reading!
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Very valuable and valid information for a writer who is starting his or her way of publishing their books and Diana when I too published my first Poetry Book, Poet’s Touch I too have faced the same problems like you. We have to join a group of writers who can really help us and someone who is adept at publishing and editing books. Thank you so much for your wonderful share.
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Kamal. I’m glad that parts of this resonated and hope that it helps new authors think about their choices with a bit more information. Have a great week, my friend, and Happy Writing. 😀
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You are always welcome dear Diana. You too have a lovely week ahead dear friend. Happy Writing to you too.
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Great post, Diana. I admire those who self-publish. Working a full-time day job doesn’t allow the extra time involved in handling everything on my own. For now, I’m thankful for my publisher, and for a hobby that pays me pretty well. But like Teri said above, no one is getting rich. 🙂
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Thanks, Jill. Yeah, for most of us, writing will never pay the rent. But that’s not why we write anyway. I’m so glad that you have a publishing relationship that works for you. That’s wonderful! I wish I’d been better informed when I started out. Perhaps it would have been less frustrating. I hope these posts will help a few new authors ask the right questions as they start their publishing journey. 🙂
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All of your posts are so thorough and helpful – I will keep all of this in mind as I navigate my writing journey. Thank you Diana!
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The good news is that you can go one way, the other, or both! And it’s possible to switch gears if your chose path isn’t working for you. The most important thing is to know what questions to ask. 🙂 Thanks for the visit, Meg, and I’m glad you found this helpful. ❤
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Like you, when I started writing I was clueless about the ISBN, formatting, etc. and my publisher handles everything and I’m glad. Splitting the profits isn’t as fun – not that anyone is getting rich from them, lol.
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Ha. I was such a dumb bunny when I started out. Teri. And I would have stayed with trad publishing if it was only about profits (which aren’t anything to retire on either way), but I hated the inability to promote and increase readership. I’m glad that you’re having a good experience with your publisher. That’s the best of both worlds. 😀
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[…] There were a host of factors that compelled me to cancel all my contracts and go indie. The most significant of them was marketing control. As a traditionally published author, I had no control over pricing and I couldn’t discount, which made promotion almost impossible. My sales were abysmal. After the switch, which included new covers, my sales and profits increased overnight. It was the right choice, and I haven’t regretted it for a moment. It anyone is interested, I wrote a series of posts about the decision starting with: https://mythsofthemirror.com/2016/01/15/goodbye-traditional-hello-indie-part-i/ […]
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[…] she posts interesting articles about writing fantasy (need to design a magic system, anyone?). Her series of posts about deciding to terminate her contract with her previous publisher and self-publish her novels […]
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[…] indie author. My reasons for the switch were detailed in two posts Goodbye Traditional, Hello Indie (Part I) and (Part […]
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wow! Your blog is a real gem. I’ll have to explore more. Thanks for sharing this.
I though we had to get professional editing ourselves even before traditional publishing.
Where can I find critique groups? (On the net or in person)
Thanks😁 I’m sorry if I’m being a bit annoying. I feel like a child with a new toy.
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Ha ha ha. You don’t need professional editing with a publisher; they’ll provide that. But, make sure your manuscript is as perfect as you can make it. Publishers are looking for polished work.
I really like the face to face critique groups. Contact a local writing chapter and they probably have lists of groups in your area. I live in the sticks so had to drive an hour to the one I joined, but it was well worth it. You can also start your own! I’ve never used an on-line group and am wary of them, but some people swear by them. 🙂 Not to bury you in reading, but here’s a post on critique groups if you’re interested: https://mythsofthemirror.com/2013/05/29/writers-critique-groups/
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I doubt there are any chapters in India. The only people I have met who write in real life are myself and my friend. And she values the peace in her life too dearly to criticize me😉
But I’ll find something. Thanks:-)
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🙂
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I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I’ve been researching pros and cons of both traditional and indie publishing for the future when I’m ready to make that plunge, and I find few things as valuable as personal accounts from writers who have been through the process. So thank you!! I’m curious to read Part 2 and find out why you went the indie route.
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I was pretty clueless, Jade, when I started. I don’t regret my choices, as I learned quite a bit, but I wish I’d divorced my publisher a year earlier than I did. Live and learn. I’m glad you’re finding this helpful 🙂
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That sounds like one of the mottoes of life: Live and Learn 🙂
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[…] indie author. My reasons for the switch were detailed in two posts Goodbye Traditional, Hello Indie (Part I) and (Part […]
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This is great information, D. I’m glad to know about your experience, the plus and minus of it. Thanks for posting it. Hugs!
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Thanks for the visit, Teagan. Part II is a bit more about the minuses. I’m happy with my decision, but I think each writer needs to find what works for them. There are many options – thankfully. Have a great week 🙂
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Reblogged this on Toni Kennedy : A Writing Life.
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Thanks so much for the reblog, Toni. 😀
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Diana, this is a whole lot of valuable information for people just now facing publishing their books. It is a wonderful and generous gift to share your experience and knowledge of both types of publishing. Thank you, since someday I may work on my murder mystery or my children’s books, too. 😉
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Awesome, Robin. Keep writing if it’s something you enjoy. It sounds like you are from a family with some writing talent. This part provided some ideas on contracts which I think are worth considering, since all publishers will be different 🙂
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Diana, this is very, very interesting! I kind of want to book mark this in case I ever write enough of something and want to try to publish it.
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It’s not the end all, Jane, just my experience. Yet, it does give a couple ideas to think about when deciding which way to go or when evaluating contracts 🙂 Glad it was helpful!
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Reblogged this on Ace Sales & Authors News and commented:
Really useful to other readers over your experiences of publishers personally as Kev my mate who did all the interviews with indie authors found its the best route – Wish you best of luck l will also promote your work through my network it’s free of course regards Ian
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Thanks for the reblog, Ian, and the promotion, of course. Have a great weekend 🙂
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You too hope weather is treating you good regards Ian 😀
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Hi. We’ve sort of met before. Good question in your posts: what should a writer do?
I was sure from the very beginning, all those years ago, that I wouldn’t be able to get my book past agents and publishers – because of the subject matter (one of my main characters, a reclusive writer (!), is disabled, and knows how ‘the world’ views disabilities). So I dug into the writing, figuring I’d cross that bridge when I needed to get to the other side.
And I lucked out. Self-publishing ‘happened’ during the time I was writing. I started ready the SP blogs four years ago, and pretty soon decided it was for me: no limits except those I set myself, and I would decide what and when. I think it has worked out exactly the way I thought it would, as far as the writing and publishing: Pride’s Children is a good book (IMHO).
The marketing, well, I haven’t learned enough of that yet – but people like you have been saying for years that you’re on your own there, mostly, anyway – unless you’re one of the big guns. I will learn. I AM learning. And the one thing that seems to be very clear is that you have to keep on writing, and produce more at the same time you’re selling what you have.
I like the control, and I like the possibilities, and I like being in charge.
Alicia
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Thanks for sharing your journey, Alicia. This self-publishing route is a blessing for all those talented authors and their books that would have been overlooked by the legacy presses. I have my fair share of rejections, believe me.
It sounds like you did lots of things right in terms of learning all you could about self-publishing before jumping in. And marketing? That is a bear… and changing all the time. My hope is that self-publishing will continue to establish and expand its framework in support of indie authors. I expect we will see many changes in the near future 🙂
Have a great weekend. Happy Writing!
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We are buried (NJ), and it is still falling.
I’m hoping to do great things with writing. The myth sustains us – but only if the work is really mythological in value. Not every indie writer aims at greatness.
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Reblogged this on Ancien Hippie.
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Thanks for the reblog, Penney. I hope it’s helpful 😀
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Reblogged this on Writer's Treasure Chest and commented:
I think sharing experiences like this is important to many writers, not only to new, hopeful ones like me. Thank you very much, D. Wallace Peach for telling us your story.
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Thanks for the comment and reblog. I don’t have all the answers, but perhaps provided some food for thought 🙂
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Reblogged this on The GUNDERSTONE review.
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Thanks for the reblog! I appreciate it 🙂
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It’s a great read – thanks for writing it up
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Just popped by to thank you for liking all 3 episodes of my little serial based around The Writing Reader’s prompt.
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I enjoyed it and had to read all three 🙂 Thanks for vising!
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[…] Part I of this blog summary focused on my personal experience contracting with a small press. On the whole, it was a valuable learning experience, especially for a new author who knew nothing about anything. My publisher treated me fairly and respectfully, I improved my craft and happily published 6 books. For many authors, this approach may be the perfect publishing route. […]
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