What Does Being an Indie Author Mean?

The term "indie author" is widely used in the writing community, but what does it actually mean? In simple terms, an indie author is a self-published writer who takes full control of their publishing process—from writing and editing to marketing and distribution. Unlike traditionally published authors, indie authors do not rely on a publishing house to release their books. Instead, they retain creative freedom, manage their own finances, and make all publishing decisions.

However, being an indie author is about more than just self-publishing a book. It means running a small business, learning marketing strategies, and constantly evolving to reach and grow an audience. While traditional publishing follows a structured process with editors, agents, and publishers involved, indie publishing is a do-it-yourself approach that allows authors to take full ownership of their work. In this guide, we’ll explore what it means to be an indie author, the pros and cons of independent publishing, and how you can succeed as an indie writer.

What Defines an Indie Author?

An indie author—short for independent author—is a writer who publishes their work without going through a traditional publishing house. Instead of signing contracts with a publisher who controls distribution, rights, and royalties, indie authors take on full creative and financial responsibility for their books.

This means indie authors write, format, and publish their books using platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Kobo Writing Life, and other self-publishing services. They set their own prices, determine the book’s availability, and decide where and how to distribute it. Unlike traditionally published authors who must go through a long submission and approval process, indie authors can publish on their own schedule and retain full rights to their work.

Being an indie author also means handling the business side of publishing. This includes designing a book cover (or hiring a designer), formatting the book for print and eBook versions, managing book promotions, running advertisements, and engaging with readers. Many indie authors hire freelance editors, cover designers, and marketers to help polish and promote their books while still maintaining their independence. Ultimately, an indie author is not just a writer but also a publisher, marketer, and entrepreneur who oversees the entire book production process.

How Is an Indie Author Different from a Traditionally Published Author?

Traditional Publishing

Traditionally published authors must submit their manuscripts to literary agents and publishing houses, hoping for acceptance. If a manuscript is chosen, the publisher takes over the book’s production, including editing, cover design, formatting, printing, and distribution. Traditional authors typically receive an advance payment before the book is published. Once the book starts selling, they earn royalties, usually between 10% and 15% of book sales. However, they do not receive royalties until they "earn out" their advance, meaning their book sales must first cover the amount they were paid upfront. While traditional publishing provides credibility and can make books more accessible in physical bookstores, authors give up creative control in exchange for this support. The publisher makes final decisions on cover design, pricing, and sometimes even content edits. Additionally, the publishing process can take months or even years, with no guarantee of success.

Indie Publishing

Indie authors, on the other hand, skip the gatekeepers and publish their books independently. They decide when, where, and how to release their books. They also set their own pricing and distribution strategy, which allows for greater flexibility. Unlike traditionally published authors who receive lower royalty rates, indie authors can earn up to 70% royalties on platforms like Amazon KDP, Apple Books, and Google Play Books. They also keep full rights to their work, allowing them to sell film rights, audiobooks, and translations without restrictions. While this approach requires more work, indie authors can build long-term careers by publishing multiple books and growing an audience over time. They must learn marketing techniques, social media engagement, and advertising strategies to get their books in front of readers. However, this effort can result in higher financial returns compared to traditional publishing.

Pros and Cons of Being an Indie Author

Pros of Being an Indie Author

One of the biggest advantages of being an indie author is creative freedom. Indie authors make all creative decisions, from book content to cover design. They can write in any genre, explore unique storylines, and release books whenever they choose. There are no publishing contracts limiting their vision or requiring them to make changes they don’t agree with. Another major benefit is the higher royalty rates. While traditionally published authors only receive 10%-15% of book sales, indie authors can earn 35%-70% in royalties, depending on the platform and book format. This means indie authors keep more of their earnings and can make a profitable career if they sell well.

Additionally, indie authors can publish books faster than traditionally published authors. Traditional publishing can take 12-24 months after acceptance, but indie authors can publish within weeks of finishing their book. This allows them to capitalize on trends, respond to reader demand, and maintain a consistent publishing schedule to grow their audience. Lastly, indie authors retain full ownership of their rights. They can decide to publish print editions, audiobooks, and even translate their books into different languages. If their books gain popularity, they can negotiate movie or TV deals without interference from a publishing company.

Cons of Being an Indie Author

Despite its benefits, indie publishing also has challenges. One of the biggest drawbacks is the lack of an advance payment—indie authors don’t receive money upfront and must wait for book sales to generate income. Indie authors also face upfront costs since they must pay for editing, cover design, and marketing out of pocket. Without a publisher’s support, they must also learn book promotion, social media marketing, and advertising to ensure their books reach readers. Additionally, the self-publishing market is highly competitive, making visibility a challenge. Authors need strong branding and marketing strategies to stand out. Managing writing, publishing, and marketing at the same time can also be overwhelming without a solid plan. While indie publishing requires more effort, the financial and creative rewards can be significant for authors willing to learn and adapt.

Final Thoughts: Is Being an Indie Author Worth It?

Being an indie author means taking full control of your writing career—something that can be both empowering and challenging. While self-publishing requires hard work and financial investment, the rewards of higher royalties, creative freedom, and career growth make it a worthwhile path for many writers. Indie authors who consistently write, market, and publish can build successful careers, sometimes earning more than traditionally published authors. However, success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes dedication, learning, and persistence. If you’re passionate about storytelling and willing to treat self-publishing as a business, becoming an indie author can be an exciting and profitable journey. Whether you want to write as a hobby or turn it into a full-time career, indie publishing gives you the power to make your own decisions and shape your future as an author.