Myth-Busting - Indie Authors Edition

 

(Typewrite picture credit - Pintrest @Redbubble)

Myth-Busting: You Don’t Need Traditional Publishing to Get Noticed

Hello. Did we miss the fact that it is absolutely 2024? Nearly 2025? We make our own rules. Unless you're HR and are processing my application – just take a chance on me, will you?

There’s a common belief that in order to sell your books, be recognized as a serious author, or even consider yourself one, you must go through the traditional publishing route. As if it’s your only way out of the jungle. News flash – it’s not. Let’s set the record straight once and for all: self-publishing and indie authorship can be just as impactful. Wait, let’s change that. It has been just as impactful, if not more, in today’s literary world.

Go onto my blog and my book reviewing Instagram account. You will see far more indie authors because I advocate for them. Some Sketcher, Danielle Lori, and H.D. Carlton are some of my all-time insta-buys. Time and time again, I have gently let down some authors who have been published by big brands on my account, deeming their reads not big publisher worthy. My end goal is to be a literary agent and work in PR. This is step one.

I write with integrity and believe in transparency, however, so let’s just make a confession. As we see on TikTok, “We listen and we don’t judge.” Sometimes when I go into The Works just to browse, if I’m not sure about what type of read it will be, I check the publisher first. That was before I got into the indie author world. Now, when I go book shopping, I make sure to specifically pick up more of the indie author books.

Here are a few myths I will gladly bust:

1. You need a traditional publisher to be successful. Whilst I understand books on a bookstore shelf will sell faster, it’s not up to them anymore. With bloggers and social media influencers taking the world by storm, many self-published authors have reached bestseller lists, built strong local communities, and secured book deals all on their own. Then when the big 5 regret not taking them on, that is mission accomplished. By self-publishing, the power is in the author's control, and they don’t just have it on the story but also the way in which they connect with their readers.    
2. Self-published books are inferior in quality. Who made this correlation from book to quality? On my blog, I said how I am that annoying person who likes a good quality book, so I just read it on my Kindle. It’s not the end of the world. I use my Kindle as much as I do paperbacks. It’s not because they’re low quality, it’s just because that’s how Amazon – which most new authors use – prints them in a specific way. Indie authors have contacts and they work with professional editors, designers, and marketing experience to ensure their work is published and well-produced. Need I say some of my most loved reads are from indie authors? Thank you.                                               
3. Self-published authors can’t get noticed. Lies you tell. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We live in a digital age, so authors use it. No more of that relying on traditional publishing channels. Even they rely on us to do it for them. Through social media, book blogs, and platforms like Goodreads, authors can now build their own platforms to engage with readers.                         
4. Indie authors are just ‘hobbyists.’ That’s where I draw the line. They are serious professionals with unique voices and perspectives that can get lost, limited, and modified in the traditional publishing process. I’m proud to support indie authors from underrepresented communities, who are often overlooked by mainstream publishers. A bit like me when applying for a job. The damn irony.

As a fiction book blogger, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is discovering inspiring self-published and indie authors whose voices deserve to be heard. And each time they aren’t, I see a bit of myself in them. So much talent in the indie space, and it’s important to give these authors the platform and support they deserve. Again, like me.

So to all my indie authors out there – keep writing, publishing, and shining because I will always write a review dedicated to you. As a supporter but also as an editorial and well-wisher. Not all reads are 5 stars for everyone, and people like me are here to elevate the work, not criticize it.

If you’re an indie author looking for support or exposure, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s collaborate and share your story with the world. I’m a literary agent, who needs her first editorial assistant job, so why not with an indie author? Because the big firms can’t handle us.

A shame.

Let me know if you like these kinds of posts, because I love writing them as much as I do writing book reviews.

As always, paper pages are life. 

Mwah.

Vivian. 

Don’t forget to keep reading, because as long as you do, it’s making a struggling authors day that much better. Reach for the starts of success.