Katharine E. Hamilton
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6/11/2015 62 Comments

Indie Publishing vs. Self- Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

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Oh how many times I get asked, "Who is your publisher?" 
Or, "Oh, so you're self-published?" (With a little hesitation on whether or not they should trust another word that comes out of my mouth)
I usually just say yes because I know the people are not wanting to stick around to actually hear the explanation of why NO, I am not Traditionally published, and NO I am no longer claiming to be a self-published author. I've left those two stigmas behind and have moved on and developed into an Indie Author. (Hear the choir singing, Hallelujah!) 
But what does being an Indie Author mean? What does it matter? Isn't it still self-published? 
Well, allow me to elaborate for you folks. :) 

I'll start with the most popular term: Traditional Publishing.
What does this mean? 
These are your big boys... the Simon and Schuester, Berkley, Penguin, Macmillan, etc. These are traditional publishing houses that require you to submit your manuscript, via a literary agent, to their company, and then they tell you 'yay' or 'nay.' 
Have I tried this? 
Yes.
Did I enjoy the process?
Yes and no.
Why was I not picked up by a traditional publisher?
I can't really give you an exact answer really. But what I can tell you is that I have received the flat out "no" from some companies. But I have also received some incredible feedback from some as well. I've received offers of resubmission once I took into account certain changes... so why did I not do this? Why did I "give up"? 
For starters, I didn't really give up. I just decided I was paying way too much for middle men, when I sort of have that "go-getter" personality. I could be doing this myself! Why do I need to pay someone to speak for me?! Unfortunately that's how Traditional Publishing operates. So I said, "See ya later! I'll try this on my own. Thanks for the feedback."

So I did.

Next option: Self- Publishing
What does this mean? 
These are companies like AuthorHouse, Frieman Press, Trafford, etc. These are companies that offer publishing packages that range from around $400-$6,000 or more depending on what you want. These packages offer the basics of standard publishing: ISBN, Copyright, Designing/Formatting, Printing, Listing with retail sites. Everything else can be bought at an extra cost... such as: Marketing materials, Editing/Proofing, Expanded Distribution, etc. Everything comes at a cost and your royalties are slim to none. I know this... because my three children's books are through AuthorHouse. Not only did I go through this process once, but three times. I'm pretty familiar with it. I learned what I liked, what I did not like, what I needed, what I did not need... etc. For a first time author, I recommend this route, just because it gets your feet wet and allows you to learn the business. It allows you to learn what you are capable of as well. So that the next go around, you know what to ask for and decline. However, do not expect to make tons of money via this method. You pay for all those middlemen. 


Next option: Indie Publishing (Independent)
What does this mean?
Though similar to Self-Publishing there is one bigger factor... One bigger person involved. This is you. You are your own publisher. You don't have one. On the inside cover of your book it says: YOU. :) It's pretty awesome. But what does it mean to publish independently? Well, you have a company you go through for creating your book and printing: Ex. CreateSpace, Smashwords or IngramSpark, etc. These companies provide you with a basic set up: Upload your manuscript. Upload your cover. Upload your ISBN and bam we put this book together how you tell us to. 
The author has complete control on the final product. I hired my own beta-readers. I hired my own editors. I hired my own cover artist. I chose how big my book is. I chose glossy or matte finish. I chose page color. I chose price. I chose my distribution channels. I chose my formats. The point: I CHOSE EVERYTHING. 
Now what about marketing? It's all up to you. Which some people find quite daunting... but for me, that was one of my biggest complaints with AuthorHouse... they did not ask my opinion on anything, they sent me the standard marketing package at a whopping $1500, and I hated all of it. In fact, I did not send anything out because I was so embarrassed by the product I was given! 
For Indie Authors, you choose who you would like to design your marketing materials, whether it be you or someone else. You control what products you want, what they say, how they look, etc. I LOVE THIS! This is the fun stuff! (Other than the book part, duh) I love my marketing for The Unfading Lands, because it is EXACTLY how I imagined it... I hired a graphic designer and I was able to say 'yay' or 'nay' on designs and projects.
On top of having control over everything and doing everything yourself, you receive higher royalties. With AuthorHouse I was receiving maybe 5% or 10% (at least that's how minimal it seemed... I'm talking, almost non existent after they take their chunk) but being Indie Published, I receive 70%.... 70% royalties!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's incredible. Did you know you can actually make money as an author?! I didn't... well until I went this route. I've made more the last 2 months than I have the last 8 years combined! 

So there you have it. An Indie Author is basically the coolest author you are ever going to meet. Why? Because several have said 'no' to traditional publishing companies. They've said 'no' to the self-publishing companies where it breaks the bank. And they've said 'yes' to mastering their skill and owning up to the challenge and responsibility of doing everything themselves! Booya!

And please, do not make the mistake of assuming an Indie Author's work does not measure up to a traditionally measured book. Don't give us the small head tilt and the stink eye... when honestly, sometimes the opposite is quite true. Janet Evanovich, Colleen Hoover, E.L. James, Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe... all started out as Self/Indie Authors ... Mark Twain started his own printing company to put his books out! 
Not all books on the market become best-sellers, whether traditionally published or not, but let's not overlook those that do. Because those people paved the way for the Independent person... the Independent Author... to get their works out there. And some of them are incredibly amazing. I know because I've read them. 


So there ya go. I hope you feel fully educated. I hope the next time you see an Indie Author you can say, "Congrats on all your hard work." or "Wow, this is an incredible book."
Nothing means more than someone loving our work! :) 



62 Comments
Tom Benson link
6/11/2015 04:51:12 pm

Hi Katharine.
I like this article and your attitude to the whole publishing scene.
Congratulations on finding your feet ... and your voice in the world of indie authors.
I'm indie and have been since the start of this, my third career. I started my long journey only a few years ago and having read many books, articles and websites on the various footholds, I decided I wasn't paying anybody to do what I was confident I could do myself, or with a little help from those in the know.
What have I paid for?
I'm an artist, so it was natural for me to create my own covers, but once I tried paying a cover designer I saw sales increase, so that is an area I continue to use for my novels.
My author website - I used the same person, and again it has paid.
I have only one regret - that I didn't start earlier.

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James Jenkins
4/23/2016 12:26:32 pm

this is all well and good, but does not give any direction. How do I link up with Barnes and Noble, Ingram, what does and author need to do to set up files for print on demand? How does an Indie publisher create a print on demand file and and eBook file? The basics are missing to help an indie publisher start the journey after writing the book and having the manuscript edited. What is the next step?

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Katharine E. Hamilton
4/25/2016 09:39:25 am

Hi James!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
I did not intend to write a step by step guide on how to publish within these different routes. That would take a series of blog posts because there is a lot to include. I just wished to introduce the different avenues a writer can take. However, that being said, I do not mind answering any questions you may have about the process. Please fill free to email me with your questions and I will be happy to help you out any way I can. :) Thanks!

Morris V. Maniscalco
1/30/2016 03:25:03 pm

Very interesting and informative article. Several questions not answered...Who are these INDIE presses and how much do they charge??

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Katharine E. Hamilton
4/25/2016 09:41:52 am

Hi Morris!
Thanks for stopping by the website! :)
Indie publishers are the authors themselves, and the cost varies depending on which company he or she chooses to create their books through. If you have any questions about the process, please fill free to email me. I would love to help you out. :)

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Charles
3/17/2018 08:31:59 pm

Do you have to register a personal company name to publish independently??

Katharine E. Hamilton
3/18/2018 06:22:17 am

Hi Charles,
No you do not have to register a personal company name... unless you want to. Some authors just use their pen name. Others may register an LLC or Company Name as the publishing house, but it is still them self publishing. They are just essentially creating a small press to publish under, but they only represent themselves. Again, this is an only if you want to scenario. Hope this was helpful.

jenny jensen link
2/24/2016 02:31:18 pm

Katharine -
My clients often ask me the difference between the various publishing routes. I'm an editor, not a published writer and I never feel comfortable commenting on this critical point. Thank you for a clear, real and upbeat overview. Now I have a link to give in response to future queries!

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Katharine E. Hamilton
4/25/2016 09:43:04 am

Thanks Jenny!
I'm glad it was helpful!
And love hearing from editors! You guys are gems in this industry. :)

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Dorothy Copperman
7/3/2016 01:32:44 pm

Dear Katherine,
Great to see a clear distinction made between self and independent publishing. Question: I saw a literary prize offered which stipulated that no self-published books need apply. Do you think Mark Twain's book brought out by his own publishing company would qualify for submission or not?
[P.S. Please respond also to my email address. And thanks for the great info.]

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Lisa Laurin
8/17/2016 12:18:17 pm

Hello, thank you for your article. I guess I still am a little confused at the differences.. Is indie vs. Self publisher basically about the profit?

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Katharine E. Hamilton
8/17/2016 02:10:30 pm

Hi Lisa,

Indie Publishing is a form of self-publishing in the sense you do everything yourself. (find a printing service; cover designer; editor; market platform, etc.) And you have higher royalties.
Self-Publishing in general is usually with a vanity press of some sort, a larger publishing house that you pay to publish your work. They design the cover for you, etc. But they take a large portion of your royalties in the process.
So they are similar in the sense you are still having to find a way to publish your work, but Indie is more hands on with higher royalties.
I hope that clarified a bit for you. If I only confused you more, I apologize, but please feel free to email me if you have any more questions. :) Thanks for posting!

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TechyDad link
9/4/2016 01:37:19 pm

Thanks for this. I'm publishing my first novel in a month if everything works out right. (The first proof is on its way to me and I can't wait.) However, I started to read some comments online about how self-publishing via CreateSpace wasn't *really* being published and how you were only *really* published if Penguin or one of the big publishing houses stamped their approval on your work. I didn't want to believe these people, but it can be hard when you see multiple people saying the same thing.

Your article reassured me that this is the right path for me. Yes, there is a lot of low-quality work that is self-published, but not everything that is traditionally published is high quality. Yes, I'll need to push my book a little harder without a traditional publisher backing me, but there's no guarantee that they would be much help anyway. If sales are disappointing, they might ditch all publicity efforts and decide not to publish any followup novels that I have planned.

With independent publishing via CreateSpace, I'm guaranteed that I won't get dropped for disappointing sales and no publishing editor will demand that I change core aspects of my novel. I am in control and I will get out of this what I put in.

Besides, I'm only really writing these stories because I love writing. Having them published into an actual book and sharing them with others is icing on the cake - not my only reason for putting pen on paper. (Fingers on keyboard doesn't have as nice a ring to it.)

Thanks again!

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Katharine E. Hamilton
9/30/2016 01:41:09 pm

TechyDad,
I'm so glad you found this post reassuring!
Yes, there are tons of articles out there that hate on indie published works, but overall I think most people are coming around. Like you say, you get out of it what you put in. Best of luck to you! And be sure to drop me a line when your novel is released so I can check it out!

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Darryl Armstrong
1/5/2019 11:25:36 am

Dear Techy Dad: I rarely respond to threads like this but you last paragraph was an echo of my sentiment. I am not oblivious to the feeling that fame and fortune in writing must bring, but in fact I am not able to stop writing. Regardless of how the world perceives my efforts, I will write until "they pry my cold, dead fingers from the keyboard." Thanks for your input as I feel validated by your comments of over two years ago. Maybe you can update me on your progress and how the indie-publishing process worked for you.

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Mark link
12/4/2016 07:49:42 am

Sorry, but the middle tier you are describing is properly called the "vanity press" market and should be labeled as "Danger Stay Away" they take the money up front, provide you with a book, and park it. Since they get paid thousands up front, they have little to no incentive to sell your book. They are more intent on luring in the next unwary traveler. I have author friends who have literally had to buy out contracts on books riddled with errors, that it was proven the publisher (Tate) introduced into their manuscripts that were not in the original submitted work. Not only that, but they had printed many more than they had sold, and insisted the authors buy every printed copy, even though they should have only been liable for their contracted amount. It's a devious and twisted world and very few companies in it are reputable at all, and I've yet to speak to a truly successful Vanity Press author.

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Katharine E. Hamilton
12/4/2016 08:07:35 pm

Hi Mark,

Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment.
You are exactly right. The middle tier is the vanity presses that are out there.
Though they are not what I use now, I have used them in the past. Granted, I went through AuthorHouse Publishing. And yes, I paid quite a bit and royalties were extremely minimal, my experience with them was not a negative one. I have heard of others not having good experiences though, so I thank you for sharing your insight into vanity presses as well. I tend to caution people when they think about this choice. Though it does teach you the business a bit, it's necessary to be wary.
Again, thanks for the input!
Katharine

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Lisa.G.Books link
4/3/2017 03:03:50 am

A perfect mirror Katharine E. Hamilton! Absolutely spot on article! My thoughts exactly!

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Katharine E. Hamilton
4/6/2017 02:32:42 pm

Lisa,
Thank you so much for stopping by!
I'm glad you found the article helpful!
I feel as if I could write a book just on that
particular topic. ;) Take care!

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Lorie link
5/3/2017 10:02:33 am

Katharine, this is an informative article. The fact is that everyone needs an editor. Everyone. Needs. An Editor. And many of those who go the complete self-pub route (i.e., CreateSpace) could not only have used an editor, but also a designer. So when people choose to do it all their own (people who, unlike you, have no experience in the industry and have no experience as writers but have written a book) indie publishing should be what they turn to first (I'm talking about turning to an indie (independent publisher) for help, and yes, it costs money. But through the experience, these beginning writers will learn what it takes to get a book edited, finished, laid out, designed and up on the web. Writing a book is easy. Writing a good book is tough. Editing a book so that the writer's voice comes through and the document can be marketed head to head against other books on the web, is toughest by far. There's a blur of competition out there, and everyone's doing the same thing. I think indie publishing should be given more credit - we work hard for our authors.

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Laura E Thompson link
7/23/2017 07:57:35 am

Hi, thanks for this article. I am currently published through a subsidy publisher & have put in a lot of money with basically no return sales. I have 4 books in a series ready to go but I can't afford to pay a subsidy fee every time I want my book out there. I am considering going indie but I'm scared of the technical aspects of doing all of the online formatting myself. Are there step by step instructions out there? Is there an indie publishing for dummies guide? Or should I stick with my publisher? I feel so overwhelmed by it all. 😕

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Katharine E. Hamilton
7/23/2017 02:19:16 pm

Hi Laura,
Thanks so much for commenting!
I know the exact feeling your are experiencing, and it is a hard decision to make. But I chose to go indie and I cannot imagine any other way now. I love it. Depending on what you are looking for... there are a couple of options for you. I go through Amazon, via CreateSpace and their Kindle Direct Publishing for my ebooks. All is pretty easy once you get the hang of it. And formatting isn't as bad as it may seem. I actually offer advice, guidance, and skills for those seeking this type of transition to indie. If you look under the "Publishing Help" Tab on my website you can read more about that. But please, feel free to email me any questions or fears you might have. I do not mind answering questions about the process. [email protected] I don't want you or anyone to feel overwhelmed and potentially miss out on the fun, yes, I said the 'F' word... that comes with independently publishing, and sometimes we do miss out on the fun and fulfillment because we are too overwhelmed to take the risk. So please, any questions you may have, please feel free to email me.

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Maddie
8/28/2017 03:12:21 pm

Thanks for the informative article. Can you specify some indie publishers that allow you to have creative control and choose the things for the book?

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Katharine E. Hamilton
8/29/2017 07:14:28 am

Hi Maddie,
Thanks for stopping by!
For Indie publishing, you are actually the publisher so you have full creative control. From cover to cover and everything in between, you have full control. There are some companies that can guide you through the process with some fees (not too bad) or you can choose to do it yourself. CreateSpace and IngramSpark are a couple of highly reputable ones to give you an idea.
If you are looking to publish your book and need some help, I do offer some consulting services to help walk you through it all, that way on your next book you have everything you need to do it all yourself, if that's what you are wanting. :) You can check out what I offer here: http://www.katharinehamilton.com/publishing-help.html But I also don't mind answering a few questions either, so feel free to email me at [email protected].

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Phillip
9/16/2017 12:35:46 am

very informative I really learned alot thanks for caring enough to write this blog...

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Katharine E. Hamilton
9/17/2017 10:59:08 am

Hi Phillip,
Thanks for stopping by! And I'm so glad you found this helpful! :)

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C Mills link
10/29/2017 07:03:34 am

Thanks for an informative article! Perhaps the other avenue is worth mentioning, even if it might add to the confusion, in which case I aplogise. The other type of 'Indie publishing' is when a writer places a book with one of the many independent presses out there. To seek a publisher does not necessarily mean the Big 5, but going with a smaller company does give the boost of editorial focus ( massively important ) graphics for cover etc, and some imput for marketing. Very often, the smaller houses offer far superior royalty rates too. If going this route and a contract is offered, check out with other house authors before signing, obviously, and if it's thumbs up then this can be a very viable route. I think it's true to say now that any of the routes are now valid, and the choice over which is becoming an increasingly qualitative decision.

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Don J. Metivier link
1/3/2018 01:50:25 pm

I have two self-published books. Presently, I've a brood of agencies contacting me, trying to get me to invest with them. Their angle; get me to pay them to go from being a self-published author to an independent author. It mostly sounds good, but what happens next, if I decide to go this route, once the hammer strikes? What then? I become an independent author..., and what do I do for my next work? Where does the process begin, how does it work in-between until the end result is accomplished and the book is live? Seems right now, I have two good books lost in the limbo of writings.
I belong to a local book association and they provide publishing services themselves. I'm thinking this is the best avenue for my next book. Or not? What will I be considered then? An independent author, or a self-published writer, or something else?
Seems becoming a simple "author" has become more daunting over the ages. I enjoy the writing, not the bs.

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Katharine E. Hamilton
1/4/2018 06:37:23 am

Hi there! Thanks for stopping by my website!
I understand your dilemma... but first, congrats on having two books completed! That in itself is a daunting task.
I will try and help clear up some things for you, and if I only make it worse, I apologize, but feel free to email me with any questions you may have. The process should not be daunting or overwhelming, it should be fun. So here's my take on things. The companies that offer to publish your manuscript for a fee are vanity presses or small presses. They usually will publish it to where you retain your rights, but it costs a pretty penny to have them do it and on top of that, they usually take a percentage of your royalties. When you independently publish, you earn every penny. You may still pay to have your manuscript published, but not as much and you have full control. For example, I now independently publish using CreateSpace. I upload my formatted manuscript (they provide templates), I have a cover designer that designs my covers to their specifications and then I upload that and CreateSpace plugs it in for me. I then publish a paperback. (This process you are responsible for your cover, your manuscript format, and isbn) So my costs breakdown look like this:
Createspace: Nothing (because I do everything myself, the only cost to them is if I order a proof copy of my book and any inventory) They are my print on demand company.
Bowkers: ISBN purchase... usually $125, and then $25 for a barcode
Cover Designer: I typically pay between $150-$200 for my cover... there are designers out there that are cheaper than this.
And that's it. The rest of my investment I use for marketing purposes.
Now if you're looking to publish an ebook, it's a little cheaper if you go through Amazon KDP. They assign you a barcode, so that fee is not included.
Things to note:
1. There are other companies out there that offer similar services as CreateSpace.
2. Amazon KDP is exclusive to Amazon. If you are wanting to branch out further, there are other companies that provide the same services as they do as well.
3. CreateSpace will offer a cover generator, formatting services, etc. but at a fee. They aren't unreasonable in cost, but for me, I've found I would just rather do it myself.
So it really boils down to you what you are willing to invest, and how much you are wanting to do on your own.
A lot of people use self-publish and independently published interchangeably. But I, and other authors, typically explain it this way. If you use a vanity press or are published with a small press, you are self- published. If you choose the route to do it all yourself, you are independently published. I honestly don't think it matters too much. Either way, you are an author and you've worked your tail off to produce a quality book.
I hope this helps in some way. Best of luck on your writing journey, and again, feel free to email me if you have any questions. Have a good day! - Katharine
If you choose to use a vanity publishing house, remember everything comes at a cost.
If you choose a small press, remember they take a percentage of your royalties.
If you choose to do everything yourself, remember there are Facebook groups, local writing communities, and other authors willing to help you through it, because we've all had to learn at some point.

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Katharine E Hamilton
1/4/2018 06:40:15 am

Also, I would like to add... should you choose to independently publish, you will have the cost of an editor, should you choose to use one. I always recommend to pay the cost of a good editor. But again, it is minimal compared to what a vanity press charges for the same service. :)

Lorie
1/4/2018 07:03:05 am

You are independently, self- published -- some also refer to it as hybrid publishing - if you seek out the services of an independent publisher -- that means, you pay for design, layout, editing, cover design, placing the book on Amazon, and some marketing. Directly self-published if you do it all yourself through, say, Createspace.

People choose to self-publish for a variety of reasons, but I've seen 3 main ones since entering the industry:

A. They don't understand the book industry, or what it is to truly be a writer and craft a book, have written the first draft of something, want to get it out there in a hurry without taking the time to make it better - and by taking the time I mean, revise, revise, revise .... read, read, read .... engage with other writers ... and yes, it could take years to perfect the writing. A lot of people don't want to do that, or don't have the patience, or really don't understand, because they lack the experience, that their book is probably years, and at least 10 more drafts, away from seeing the light of day. So they self-publish. We may also call it hurried publishing in place of self-publishing.

B. Have written a memoir or self-help book, a spiritual book, cook book, etc., that won't be readily greeted with open arms by an agent or traditional publisher -- these people have something to say, but maybe not to a huge, mainstream audience. The writing is decent, the story interesting, but it will never land in the hands of a traditional publishing company. They may want to directly self publish, but have also sought out our services from an independent publisher.

C. They are decent enough writers, know the drill, know the business, know very well the craft of writing and that something good takes time, but don't have the energy to pitch to agents and then wait longer for an agent, should they land one, to find a traditional publisher. Age may have something to do with this or they have just lost patience. It could take years to land an agent, and the types of books that were readily accepted by agents 10-20-30 years ago are no longer even considered.

So there you have it -- sometimes it is direct self-publishing -- in which the person truly does it all themselves -- or sometimes hybrid. And sometimes, hurried.

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Katharine E. Hamilton
3/18/2018 06:34:39 am

Hi Lorie!
For some reason I did not see this comment come through when you posted it, so I apologize for my delayed response. Just wanted to say I appreciate your feedback and you definitely bring about some great points! With any manuscript, whichever style of publishing you choose to do, TIME is a HUGE factor to consider. Taking time to publish a quality work is key! But like you say, some wish to put it out there asap thinking it's golden. I think that is why it is so important to have beta readers and an editor. No book should see the light of day without outside eyes looking it over. Thanks for stopping by and giving your insight!

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Abigail link
6/14/2018 11:05:20 am

Excellent details in your responses.

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Stephanie
4/24/2018 02:18:47 pm

I love your blog, thank you for sharing your experiences with us! I am going to indie publish because of it.

Amazon's CreateSpace takes a large royalty. Which is the best indie publisher that doesn't take a royalty for printing children's books?

Thankyou!
Stephanie

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Katharine E. Hamilton
4/25/2018 07:12:58 am

Hi Stephanie!
Thanks for stopping by!
Amazon's CreateSpace actually takes a minimal royalty compared to other companies out there. I actually use them for all of my works now. If you would like to ask me more questions, please feel free to email me. I don't mind providing what information I know to help guide you in your own publishing journey. And congrats on the next step: wanting to publish your book! My email is: [email protected]
Katharine

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Tammy
4/26/2018 05:56:35 am

Hello, I'm an indie author/publisher and my book is about to hit the market for sale, but I do not like that I couldn't find a reasonable and reputable editor. The editors that I contacted didn't edit non-fiction memoirs. Can you please recommend an editor? It's for a non-fiction autobiography.
BTW: Your blog is very informative.
Thank you and best of luck to you.

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Katharine E. Hamilton
4/26/2018 06:49:45 am

Hi Tammy!
So glad you stumbled across my site! Thanks for popping by.
Editing is one of those items that a bulk of your budget tends to go towards. There are reasonable editors out there, but editing can also be rather pricey. It is worth it to pay for a good editor, but also within reason. My editor has worked with me from the beginning of all my novels and she's very reasonable. However, I'm not sure if she does non-fiction. (I will ask)... there is another woman that is a bit on the in between scale in regards to pricing, but I've had author friends use her and rave about how great she is. Her name is Kim, and this is her website if you want to look. It may give you a price comparison for other editors. Also, editing can increase in price based on what type of editing you're needing done. So that is something to keep in mind as well. Proofreading is much cheaper than line editing, for example.
But here is Kim's website: https://wordsmithproofreading.wordpress.com/
Also, I have seen SO MANY authors find editors in author facebook groups. At least once a week someone is reaching out for editing, and editors will supply their websites for them to check out. So you may venture into some of these groups and post what you're after. You may have a better response there. :)
Best of luck. And congratulations on your book!!!!

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Tammy
4/26/2018 08:17:59 am

I need proofreading for a little under 79,000 words.
One quote I received was approximately $1,600.00 for editing. This was steep and out of my budget.
Thank you for your quick response and I will look up the editor.

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Katharine E. Hamilton
4/26/2018 10:31:56 am

Oh my! Yes, that is very steep... I would definitely shop around. I would never pay over $1000 for that length of work. Best of luck in your search!

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Kelly Byrd link
10/23/2019 08:57:00 am

Hi, Katharine. I’m glad you mentioned both editing and proofreading to Tammy’s earlier comment. Here is some more clarification about the difference.

In my experience, most indie authors should consider investing $1,000 to $2,000 (2019 dollars) in a professional edit of their novel. After all, they don’t want negative reviews of their book. If the manuscript needs more work than average, or the author wants a substantive line edit, it will take a good editor up to 79 hours to work on 79,000 words. Even at double that speed, do the math on the hourly rate and think about how important it is to have someone with experience and skill carefully work on your book. (That said, if the manuscript is in really good shape, a basic copyedit of 79K words could be found for around $1,000.)

https://www.the-efa.org/rates

For example, here’s the description of substantive line editing from my written agreement and website:
(shameless plug: https://brightstar-editing.com)

I will maintain your voice and writing style, while suggesting specific substantive changes for clarity, smooth flow, emotion, tone, pacing, and continuity. I check for punctuation, grammar, word choice, speaker attributes, and internal consistency. I’ll let you know when anything is confusing for me as a new reader to your book such as discrepancies in the setting, character, or plot details. Poor sentence structure, repetition, and weak dialogue will be identified and suggestions given. I understand novels have a large range of style, and I will make sure the text is clear and consistent, but not strip it of its unique flavor and spirit. You’ll see my suggestions and edits along with your original text. If you like, you can review each edit and choose what stays. I will include informative notes in the margin and a style sheet.

-Kelly Byrd, editor and proofreader

Reply
Linda link
5/16/2018 04:42:17 pm

Thanks for the definition. At one time, I wanted to be published by a big house but, as you said, all the expensive middlemen killed that dream. Glad to hear you gave 'em the finger.

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kumar link
5/16/2018 11:21:33 pm

Tom Corson-Knowles, the author who founded Bestseller Ranking Pro, spent six long years trying to get a traditional publishing deal (and failed miserably). He finally decided to self publish his first book on Kindle in February, 2012.

That one decision changed his life (and the lives of the more than 30,000 authors he's since taught how to write, publish and market their books professionally).

Just twelve months after self publishing his first book, Tom had his first $12,000+ month from Kindle ebook royalties alone.

In Bestseller Ranking Pro, Tom will share with you his step-by-step system for becoming a bestselling author.

These strategies have also helped Tom and his private publishing clients create more than sixty-seven #1 Amazon bestselling books and counting.

If you're going to write, publish or promote a book this year, you need to see this:

https://bestsellerrankingpro.com?kfjd3746fhhsgd7

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Nina Pal link
10/30/2018 10:06:10 pm

Hello Katherine,

I am in a situation in which a self proclaimed independent publisher wants to publish my book- they will cover the cost of design and layout within the budget of around $2k, and in exchange they want exclusive rights to sales on Amazon. Do you think that is a fair exchange? I think they'll do a really good job of marketing it on Amazon, but then they make all the money off it and I do all the work creating content for them. I will own rights to sell the book on my own and through bookstores, but given the fact that most of the books out there are sold on Amazon, this feels a bit loan sharkish. Your thoughts would be welcome.

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LORIE GREENSPAN link
10/31/2018 06:07:09 am

Don't ever sign away your rights. I would do a search for the publisher under "writer beware" because what they're proposing sounds really suspicious to me. Good luck.

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Katharine E. Hamilton
10/31/2018 06:16:32 am

Hi Lorie,
Thanks for weighing in on Nina's post! I emailed her a response and also mentioned Writers Beware.... glad your sentiments echo my own. Thanks for stopping by!

Katharine E. Hamilton
10/31/2018 06:15:06 am

Hi Nina,
I replied to your email you sent me. :) I hope it will help you out a bit.

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Nina Pal
10/31/2018 08:01:34 pm

Thank you both for your support. I have ended my relationship with that pseudo publisher.

Darryl Armstrong
1/5/2019 12:02:35 pm

Katherine: Thanks for the clarification. I instinctively knew I either wanted to be published in the traditional route or indie-pub. Your article has left no doubt that vanity press is not an option. Garnering an agent through the query process is an exercise in futility akin to peeing in the ocean. Agents are awash in manuscripts and only tuned into already proven authors, who likely do not need to go scouting for representation. I understand the business of publishing and why the agents must find a book that will sell and make money for them, the publisher and lastly trickle down to the author. Having expressed a sense of empathy for the traditional method, it is in my best interest to learn the way through independent publishing and then focus on what matters the most to me: the writing. If someone wants to buy it-- fine. Your input has really helped me clarify what I want from my efforts. Thanks, from a neophyte.

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Sherrill Layton link
1/13/2019 02:45:37 am

As a new traditional publisher, I can attest to encouraging all forms of publishing! There is no perfect way; there is only the perfect way for you.

Art should never be caged, and each writer designs and defines their freedom through their work. I focus on loving language and expressing that by opening my arms to diversity. If more traditional publishers establish themselves in this way, we could level the literary playing field, and enjoy more books, each finding its way into the right reader's heart at the right time :)

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Katharine E. Hamilton
1/13/2019 05:09:53 am

Hi Sherrill,
First off I want to say... you are only the second Sherrill I have met that spells your name like it is! I have a very good friend who spells it the same way. :)
Second, thanks for stopping by and interacting. It's great to hear from other perspectives in the publishing realm. I agree with you 100% that art should never be caged and people finding the right platform for them is important. So glad to hear from you. Thank you.

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Jennifer Jones-Bates
2/1/2019 09:40:42 am

I was offered a contract with Page Publishing but thank goodness I have done some research and am wanting to self publish. I have read a lot of the comments but guessing I would have to find someone to illustrate my book for the self publishing route? There were a couple of red flags with Page Publishing so am glad that I didn't go that route. Also I had a book published with Tate Publishing and they filed bankruptcy so that was not a good deal and a huge learning experience.

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RENATA M LUBINSKY link
3/20/2019 06:42:06 pm

Thanks for the info, I feel soooooooooo much better now, lol.... I did everything by myself for Around Seattle in 80 Dates - an Online Dating Journey.
I did it because I love my product and did not want to wait another 2, 3 how many years? - and maybe somebody will be interested and will see my email/submission and then will tell me what to change...
It was fun, it was interesting and I learned a lot.

The only advantage I see with the traditional publishing is their connections/networking that is established. They know the right people.
I'm dying to get my book to the right producer... How to do it, is no my new journey...

All the best and thanks for sharing.

Cheers, Renata



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Frances Richardson
8/5/2019 06:33:58 pm

Dear Katherine,
I have always thought of myself as being "self published" with all the negative connotations. I realise now that I am an indie publisher because I did everything myself. Just to see if I could do it. Thank you for making the differing processes clear.

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Susan
12/2/2019 10:35:09 am

Hi Katherine,
Thankyou for sharing your experiences and insight in this article. Although I'm currently not a published author, nor have I finished my book, this article inspires me to get it done.

Since grade school my teachers encouraged me to take the path of literature and writing. I vividly recall my high school Language Arts Teacher saying to me "You have to seek writing as your career path, please".

A few years ago a couple of days before my mom passed, she made me promise her that I would write my book. She gave me a book on writing a book and told me not to waste time. I can honestly say that she would be so disappointed in me if she were here today.

I guess I'm so new to this I have no idea how to get started I hear so many negative comments from people when i mention my desire to write. They tell me how difficult it is to even find a publisher, the financial hardship I'll face, the time it'll take to brush up on my grammar and punctuation and so on. I guess that's been my stumbling block which has obscured my dream.

Having read about Indie Publishing, and then coming across your article, even though its from a couple of years back, has ignited my passion again.

Thankyou

Reply
Katharine E. Hamilton
12/2/2019 12:36:29 pm

Hi Susan,
Thanks for stopping by!
We all have to start somewhere. And yes, it may seem daunting, but I'm now on year 10 of being an Indie, and I love it. In September I had the privilege of sitting down with a few agents in the traditional publishing realm as well as an entire publishing team from Harper Collins, and let me tell you... indies who know how to market themselves and their books are a new threat to traditionally published authors. You can make a career out of being an indie writer. I have. Tons of other people have too. Stay away from the naysayers. The best thing you can do right now is to focus on finishing a manuscript. As raw as it may be, finish it. You can't move forward in any direction unless you have something to work with. Grammar and punctuation... hey, that's why we hire editors. ;) Just finish your project. Once you've done that, then start looking at what direction you want to take and which step comes next. ;) I wish you the best of luck, and if you ever have any questions in the future, please feel free to email me at: [email protected] ... I will do my best to point you in the right direction or at least offer some encouragement. Best, Katharine

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Zac
2/24/2020 05:06:56 pm

Thanks for this great post! I have been working on a manuscript for over four years now which I know is a significantly less amount of time than others.) Nevertheless, this manuscript started while I was working on my MFA in Fiction and was strong enough to actually earn that exceedingly expensive degree - but those three letters look so good after my name! Haha! At any rate, two years post-graduation of edits, revisions, rejections, and some great feedback from a few agents. I have really been considering the Indie route, but bombed in the past and am gun-shy, not to mention the fact that the director of my MFA program was very anti-anything-but-traditional-publishing and insisted that I distance myself from that previous work.

This post was perfectly timed and I am glad I came across it. I used CreateSpace before, and though I am not satisfied with the work as it reflects my immaturity and impatience of the time, the process was wonderful. I am looking at Amazon's KDP which has since replaced CreateSpace. Page Publishing ads have been all over local radio as of late and I almost gave that a shot - glad I did my extensive research and finished up here. I get your desire for the Indie route, and it runs deep in my blood and the blood of other writer friends of mine. So, again, thank you.

Reply
Katharine E. Hamilton
2/25/2020 03:59:10 am

Hi Zac,
Thanks for popping by!
This is actually an old blog post, but my thoughts remain pretty much the same. :) Indie Publishing, to me, is the way to go. :)
I've now been Indie for 11 years. It's changed a LOT over the course of that time, but it's still an easy and smooth process if you have patience.
If you are familiar with CreateSpace, then KDP should be a breeze for you.
Just make sure you have that professional looking cover, great editing, and be ready to dedicate most of your time to marketing.
If you have any questions when you start going through the process, feel free to shoot me an email. [email protected]
Best of luck!
Katharine

Reply
Rohit Totlani
7/16/2020 11:59:59 pm

Hi, this seems very helpful and really cool. Thanks.

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Karen Wiggins link
1/5/2021 07:21:20 pm

Thanks!

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Karen Wiggins link
1/9/2021 10:32:09 pm

Nice ppost thanks for sharing

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MckinneyVia link
2/15/2022 08:46:50 pm

Very much appreciated. Thank you for this excellent article. Keep posting!

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Tammy link
2/16/2022 04:03:40 am

I accidentally unsubscribed. I’m submitting to continue to receive blog updates.

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    Howdy Everyone! And welcome to my website! My name is Katharine Hamilton and I am a writer and multi-genre author! Thank you for stopping by! 

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