An independent author, also known as a self-published author, is an individual who manages the publication of their work without relying on traditional publishing houses. This author assumes responsibility for various aspects of the publishing process, including editing, cover design, formatting, marketing, and distribution. For instance, an author who writes a science fiction novel, hires a freelance editor, commissions cover art, uploads the book to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, and promotes it through social media is acting as an independent author.
This path offers significant advantages, primarily complete creative control and a potentially higher share of royalties. The author retains the right to make all decisions regarding their work, from content to pricing. Historically, access to publishing required securing an agent and navigating the traditional publishing system, a process often fraught with gatekeepers. Independent publishing provides a direct route to readers, bypassing these traditional obstacles and allowing for quicker time-to-market. The rise of online platforms and print-on-demand services has further democratized the publishing landscape, making this path increasingly viable and attractive to many writers.
