Attack on Indie/Self Publish Authors

For the past two days I've noticed a trend in attacking the indie author for doing what they love just as authors who are published traditionally do. It's like they're trying to say writing is only for the select few who are lucky enough to score an agent. That's like saying singing music is only for those who score a recording contract and not for those who get noticed on TV shows like The Voice or American Idol. Man would Kelly Clarkson be upset.

I'm reposting here my comment to one of these Indie book haters who really touched a nerve with me:




"I have to admit I'm a bit hurt by what (deleted) has said about Indie/Self Published authors. I am self published. I tried for years to get an agent to accept my manuscripts but it wasn't because my work wasn't good. All the agents gave me the same reason...because they already had a book or a couple of books in that genre they were representing. I self published through Amazon's CreateSpace but I had to do all the work myself because I could not afford to pay for professional services. I had to edit myself, create the cover and interior myself. No it doesn't look as professional as traditional published books and yes there maybe be some grammar mistakes I missed. But after years of dreaming to see my book in actual book form and have it available for others to read and hopefully enjoy, I felt so blessed when I found this Amazon service. My dream had finally came true even if it wasn't how I originally planned. And thinking that because books you find on a shelf in a book store are much better because they come from a big publishing company is a sad way of thinking. When I first read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, I found grammatical errors in at least two of the books in the series. Not to mention a foul up in the story. I commend self published authors for taking matters into their own hands and living their dream despite being told they couldn't. If we sat down every time someone told us no, then authors like Stephen King would still be living in a mobile home living pay check to pay check wishing someone would give him a chance. No he wasn't self published but he fought and fought until a publisher finally took his book. We have to fight for what we want no matter if we have to do it ourselves. So stop putting self published authors down simply because YOU think they're not deserving."

I'm sorry, but I am just so sick of the downers. Are they jealous or envious or just plain old angry? Then why? Why are traditional authors so down on Indie authors? Yes I'm sure there are books out their that are simply not up to par, by YOUR standards. That is YOUR opinion. Not fact. Stop the whining and start supporting those who are having to do this alone. To me, Indie authors are having to work the hardest. Give us the respect we deserve please.
4 likes ·   •  5 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on October 09, 2013 14:06 Tags: indie-authors, self-publish
Comments Showing 1-5 of 5 (5 new)    post a comment »
dateUp arrow    newest »

message 1: by [deleted user] (new)

To be fair, I can see their frustration. For most traditionally published authors, their road was long as just as filled with discouragement as others. When they finally did score that contract/deal it would have felt like all their hard work and dedication had finally paid off. It would have been a confirmation of their talent. To watch some (and these people do exist) who do NOT care about quality dump large amounts of crap into a respected industry--and then get praise from it--would certainly be discouraging.

That said, it's always a mistake to generalize. There are countless self-published authors who do take the time to perfect their craft and produce work worthy of being read. To suggest otherwise is not only foolish, but outright prejudice.


message 2: by [deleted user] (new)

LOL I don't even remember what I was like before becoming a mother!

You have the right attitude. There are too many only out for themselves (and massively unhappy to boot). If kindness and compassion spread the way anger and selfishness did, the world would be a better place. Until then, know that there are still plenty others just like you...and try to ignore the rest.


message 3: by Jonathan (new)

Jonathan I have read Three books from authors that were from indie publishers.None of them were terrible.You will get some that are not great.More power to an author that can self promote their books.Its just means harder work for them.All the best.Jonathan


message 4: by Anton (new)

Anton Indy book haters? I never encountered one...yet! All I can say is that Indie authors should be respected for their passion alone. Doing everything themselves, without any help, without any editors, and without any money in some cases.


message 5: by Wendy (new)

Wendy Unsworth It is up to us Indies to make our work the best we can. I think the vast majority of us do. I have read self published books that are certainly not as polished as those that have gone through the traditional route. On the other hand, I have read traditionally published books that have given me neither the thrill nor enjoyment of a story well told however polished they might be!


back to top