| There has never been a better time to be an | | | | publishers. They also assume all the financial risk |
| author and seek publication of your latest novel. | | | | of publishing your book and take all the rights to |
| The internet has leveled the playing field and | | | | your book as described above in the indie press |
| allows authors to sell books to fans with no | | | | description. |
| geographical limitations. The challenge though is | | | | Independent Publishing - this is one of the most |
| how does you publish your book. There are so | | | | confusing terms. It is often confused with |
| many different publishing terms such as: traditional | | | | self-publishing as well as traditional publishing |
| publishing, self-publishing, print-on-demand, | | | | through an independent press. It is really a |
| independent publishing, small press, indie press, etc. | | | | blending of self-publishing and traditional publishing. |
| What do they all mean? | | | | The author takes all financial risk but retains the |
| This article is going to explain three of these | | | | books rights and also the bulk of the profits from |
| terms: indie press, small press and independent | | | | selling the book. The publisher provides book |
| publishing. | | | | production expertise which helps the author |
| Indie Press - this type of company is independent | | | | produce the best possible book. The publisher is |
| of any of the major publishing conglomerates and | | | | responsible for choosing the printer and editing, |
| generally focus on a particular niche. These | | | | proofing, interior design and layout and cover |
| companies take the financial risk in the publication | | | | design if the author needs these services. As |
| of your book. They pay for all the production | | | | mentioned before, it is the author's responsibility |
| costs. These costs include the editing, proofing, | | | | to cover the costs of these services. The author |
| interior layout and design, cover design and | | | | uses the publisher's knowledge, expertise and |
| printing. They may also pay the author a small | | | | connections to get these production services |
| advance, up to about $2500. The author receives | | | | professionally done and reasonable prices. |
| a royalty of about 8%. However, the author will | | | | If you choose to use an Indie Press or Small |
| not receive any royalty until the advance and all | | | | Press, make sure you have an attorney read |
| production costs have been repaid to the | | | | through the contract to help you understand |
| publisher. The author then assigns all the rights of | | | | which rights you retain and which rights you are |
| the book to the publisher. | | | | assigning to the publisher. |
| Small Press - these companies generally publish 10 | | | | You have written a great book. It is now time to |
| or fewer titles per year and have annual revenue | | | | publish it and make it available to your fans all |
| of less than $50 million. These companies offer | | | | over the world. |
| traditional contracts to authors just like the major | | | | |