Why I Chose Independent Publishing by Peculiar Medinus

 

Many authors dream of publishing a book, but determining how to bring their words to the world is not always simple. Should you go down the path of independent publishing or aim for the traditional route? Both options come with their own set of advantages and challenges, and the best choice often depends on your personal goals, priorities, and circumstances as an author.

For all my books, I opted for independent publishing. While I did explore traditional publishing at times, I found the process discouraging due to the lengthy delays and the significant changes imposed on manuscripts. Often, traditional publishers require compromises that alter the substance of your work, and for me, that went against the very purpose of my writing.

I write to fulfil what I see as God’s assignment for me, and I believe that those who need my message should be able to access it in a timely manner. For me, independent publishing has been a way to maintain creative control and ensure my work reaches the right audience when they need it most.

From experience, I can share the following advantages of independent publishing.

·       Creative Control: You retain full authority over your manuscript, cover design, and marketing strategy.

·       Faster Time to Market: Without the long waiting periods typical of traditional publishers, your book can be published as soon as you’re ready.

·       Higher Royalties: Independent publishing often allows authors to earn more per book sale compared to traditional publishing.

Despite the given advantages, independent publishing also has the following challenges:

·       Upfront Costs: You need to invest in editing, design, and marketing yourself.

·       Marketing Responsibility: Promotion and distribution fall entirely on your shoulders.

·       Less Validation: Some people perceive traditionally published books as having greater credibility.

Traditional publishing offers authors the prestige of having their work validated by established publishers and made widely available. However, it’s not without its downsides.

Advantages of Traditional Publishing

·       Prestige and Validation: Being published by a reputable company can enhance your reputation as an author.

·       Professional Support: Publishers handle editing, design, distribution, and promotion for you.

·       Broader Reach: Your book can potentially reach more readers through established sales channels.

Challenges of Traditional Publishing

·       Loss of Creative Control: Publishers have the final say on your book’s content and appearance.

·       Lengthy Process: Getting a book to market can take years, from initial pitch to publication.

·       Lower Royalties: You may earn less per book than if you published independently.

Making the Right Choice

The decision between independent publishing and traditional publishing comes down to your goals as a writer. If creative freedom and speed are your priorities, independent publishing might be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for support, wider distribution, and prestige, traditional publishing could be a better route.

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The most important thing is to find the path that aligns with your purpose and allows your message to resonate with the audience it’s meant for.

Which approach do you think is better, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear your perspective!