What’s the difference between self-publishing and independent publishing?

The terms “self-publishing” and “independent publishing” are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences in their meanings. Referring to yourself as “independently published” rather than “self-published” can enhance your professional image and improve the perceived legitimacy of your work. The term “self-published” has historically carried a stigma, often associated with amateur work lacking professional editing, design, or quality control. While this perception is changing, “independently published” signals a deliberate and professional approach to the publishing process.

By calling yourself independently published, you emphasize that you’ve taken on the role of a publisher, overseeing the same critical steps that a traditional publisher would handle—hiring professional editors, designers, and marketers to produce a polished, high-quality book. This distinction suggests a level of professionalism and commitment to producing work that meets industry standards, which can appeal to readers, reviewers, and industry professionals alike. It reframes your work as a serious endeavor, on par with traditionally published books, and highlights your entrepreneurial spirit in bringing your book to life.

Self-publishing typically refers to an author publishing their own work entirely on their own, without any involvement from a publisher or distributor. This can involve creating the manuscript, editing, formatting, designing the cover, and publishing and marketing the book all on their own.

Independent publishing, on the other hand, can also refer to an author who chooses to work with an independent publisher instead of a traditional publishing house. Independent publishers are smaller, often niche publishing houses that work with authors to produce and market their books, but don’t necessarily have the same level of resources and reach as traditional publishers.

In both cases, the author has more control over the publishing process and retains a higher percentage of the book’s earnings compared to traditional publishing, but there can be differences in the level of support and resources available to the author. However, self-publishing authors who have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to publish their own novels in a professional manner may choose to invent their own imprint under which to publish their works, turning themselves into independent publishers.

Want to learn more about the steps of the novel writing process? Start at the beginning of this series HERE.

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Now that Jack has been forced to reflect on everything he has to lose, he resolves to do better. He’s determined to spend more time at home with his family and repair the relationships that have suffered over the years while he’s been so focused on work. But as Callie’s behavior becomes increasingly bizarre, Jack realizes he has a lot more room to improve than he realized – and it might be too late to save his daughter after all.

For fans of We Need to Talk About Kevin, The Push, and Baby Teeth.