Why I Decided to Go Indie

I decided to indie publish for a number of reasons, but probably the foremost reason was because I felt limited by genre. I write for a very specific audience—a small slice of readership—and one that I think is underserved. I write LDS women’s fiction. Of course there are some great books already published in that particular genre, but it’s a minuscule portion of the LDS publishers’ budgets because, as I was told by more than one publisher, it doesn’t sell. If you walk into a traditional LDS bookstore, you find a plethora of romance, mystery, drama, fantasy, and young adult, but precious few women’s fiction. But I wanted to write what I liked reading.

So with the knowledge that there were only so many women’s lit books accepted in a given year, I felt my percentages were pretty low in getting published by that literal handful of LDS publishers. Add to that the fact that it takes several months just to have your manuscript reviewed before you even hear back that they’re interested in your book, but that it would be published two years in the future. No way! I’d already worked on my novel for years, put it through the wringer multiple times with multiple editors and a slew of readers, and I was ready then.

When I decided to independently publish, I loved that I was in charge of everything from the title to the cover to the timing of the release. I’ve indie published my novel, and have never regretted it. By independently publishing, I don’t feel I am waging war against traditional publishers by any means. Publishing is a business, and I understand that as we all adjust to the ebook industry (which I love, love, love as much as the printed book—well, almost anyway) a traditional publisher can only take on so many good books. But that doesn’t mean that mine isn’t good. I feel that indie publishing, when done professionally, meticulously and artfully, is supplemental. Just as relevant and legitimate. Publishers, traditional and independent are all on the same page: giving readers what they want—a great story.

For the next week, a fellow writer, Stephanie Fowers, will be explaining the independent publishing industry and exactly how to go about doing it yourself. She's taken the time to interview many other writers, editors and designers. If you're considering indie publishing your next novel, you've got to check this out. It's going to be a trove of information...one I plan on delving into each day.