You’re welcome! I hope it was helpful.

Sandy

amazingly written, thanks for sharing the bold truth and dropping the real facts.

I understand your point on the term “self-publishing,” Emilio. It’s worth noting that on Amazon, “independently published” means the author published via KDP, and that’s not always the case with self-published books. Some authors prefer the term “indie,” but that is often used to describe small presses that operate like large, traditional publishers, just on a smaller scale. And “independent film” doesn’t mean the it was self-funded, which is the case with most self-published books (and most of those books involve no funding at all…it’s DIY all the way). There are often investors bankrolling it, in the same way that crowdfunding can also support the self-publishing process, so I’m not sure that’s a fair comparison.

I think your issue with the term is that “self-publishing” often suggests “less than.” Unfortunately, most self-published books don’t meet traditional publishing standards because they don’t need to. There are no barriers to entry, no quality requirements. The fact that pretty much anyone can…and does… write and publish a book makes it hard for those who create exceptional content to avoid being lumped in with the “less thans.” That doesn’t make the term inaccurate, though.

I agree that people buy books because of content. But they don’t go into a bookstore looking for a self-published book because there’s a really, really good chance they won’t find it there. Traditional publishers manufacture books that people seek out and get them into stores and libraries, so that’s what you’ll find there. Getting that kind of distribution for an “independently published” book means the author has to create the demand that stores and libraries want to see. That takes time, money, know-how, and a top quality book.

Thanks,

Sandy

Your advice to do your homework and understand current market conditions is excellent, Sonia. So many authors leave out one of the most important steps: studying the book publishing industry and how it works. The best way to make a smart decision that will leave you with fewer regrets is to learn as much as you can about your options first.

Sandy

The point is well taken that many author groups dispense bad advice. And, sadly, many people fall for vanity presses that charge an arm and a leg for publishing a book and saddling authors with a garage full of overpriced copies of their books.

Doing your homework and understanding current market conditions is key. Thanks for publishing information that is truthful and accurate.

Bob, could you find someone to help you with the technical aspects that frustrate you?

Sandy

I agree with you on the term “reviews,” V.M. When I wrote about them here years ago, I referred to them as “comments” because they aren’t really what we think of as reviews. But I had to shift to using the same term as the rest of the industry so I wouldn’t confuse people.

Sandy

I’m glad to hear that, V.M. “Hybrid” seems to be a fluid term. In recent years, “hybrid” has meant that both the author and publisher invest financially in the book so they both have some “skin in the game.” In some cases, it means that the publisher has editorial standards and is selective about the projects it takes on, while still sharing the expense with the author. Neither of these points are coming through in Jane’s chart, though. Why do you define your arrangement as hybrid?

Sandy