Individuals who undertake the publication of their literary works independently, without the involvement of traditional publishing houses, are often referred to as self-published writers. These authors manage all aspects of the publishing process, encompassing editing, cover design, formatting, marketing, and distribution. An example would be an author who utilizes platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing to release their novel directly to readers, maintaining complete creative and financial control.
This mode of publication provides writers with significant autonomy and a larger share of royalties compared to conventional publishing models. It allows for niche genres and experimental writing styles to find an audience, bypassing the gatekeeping often present in traditional publishing. Historically, self-publishing was often viewed as a less prestigious route, but advancements in technology and changes in the publishing landscape have led to increased recognition and success for many independently published authors.
