In our season one finale, Terrance and I discuss the pros and cons of both traditional and indie publishing.
No matter which way you plan to go with your novel, be sure you’re aware of the pros and cons of either method.
For my part, I’m a fan of independent publishing, although I understand that’s not the best choice for everybody.
In my case, I decided very early in the development stages of The Smuggler’s Gambit that I would publish independently. I want to total creative control over my novel.
I also want to control keeping it in print or digital distribution. Did you know when you publish with a traditional publisher, they can arbitrarily decide once your contract is up that they don’t have to publish your book anymore? And yet at the same time, neither can you, because they own it!
I’d love to see some discussion in the comments section below if you have strong feelings one way or another on which method is best for you.
By the way, we tentatively have a SEASON TWO of A Writer’s Journey planned in which we’ll be discussing all sorts of topics around the theme of “Time to Publish — Now What?”
I’m definitely in favor of going indie. My dad had a traditional publishing deal and it was awful. Terrible editing, ugly cover, overpriced, and no marketing support. The lack of control over any of that was very frustrating.
Fortunately, he’d had an attorney look over his contract before he signed, and he put in a clause giving my dad the option to buy back his rights for a few hundred dollars if they took him out of print, which happened eventually.
We got a nicer cover, put it up on Amazon and Smashwords, and even at the much lower price, he’s already earned more in a few months than he did in 10 years with a traditional publisher.
That definitely influenced me to go indie.
Your dad was very fortunate, indeed, to have a good attorney look over his contract. Many writers are just so happy to get a contract with a traditional publisher, they move forward without fully considering the future implications of the deals they are signing.
I am definitely in favor of indie publishing. Two words – control and revenue. Yes, it’s more work but (at least I believe) worth it in the long run. I recently began the process of starting my own indie press house. Super excited!
You know, I have a sneaking suspicion a lot of my Twitter friends are indie fans. In fact, I can only think of a handful of folks who are pursuing traditional publishing. I have to say, though, that the ones who are going the traditional route all have very good reasons given their circumstances. I’m just grateful there are as many options as we have nowadays!
Just found your podcast and look forward to going back and listening to all the episodes. Thank you for the insights on publishing and the wonderful history you have discovered and presented here on your blog.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Matt! I’m glad you’re finding it useful. As for history, if you like what’s here, you’d probably enjoy visiting the website for my book series, smugglersgambit.com. 🙂