Indie, Self Published... What's The Difference?

[Bree]

Hey all,

I hear the terms 'indie author' and 'self published author' a lot, but I'm not quite sure I know the difference (if any).

I tried a Google search but there are different answers for the different sites.

Could someone please clarify for me?

Thanks so much!

[Kaitlyn]

This might not be much help, but I've always assumed they were interchangeable, as indie is just short for independent. I'm glad you asked though, in case I've been wrong all this time

[Sadie]

I think they are used interchangeably (I know I'm guilty of this), but they are actually different publication methods. As I understand it Self-published authors provide all of the funding for the publication of a book, while a indie publication is put out by a small or independent press (usually separate from the author, though I've seen a number of authors band together to form pub companies), though authors are still sometimes asked to contribute. So an indie publication still has to be picked up by a publisher, just not a Big Six publisher while a self-published doesn't or isn't. A lot of SP do so by choice not as a second best option.

Does that make sense? I'm sure someone else can provide a more eloquent/detailed answer.

[Bree]

yes that makes sense. I thought the same, but I didn't want to assume. Thanks!

[Kathy]

I don't think there are standard definitions out there. And even if there are, people will use the terms as they understand them. So you Ina never be really sure what someone means unless you specifically ask them. (Most of the time it doesn't really matter.)

[Bree]

Thanks for the clarification. I didn't want to be going around thinking i knew what i was talking about when i didn't. And i didn't want to assume they were the same. Thanks, i see clearer now

[Suzie]

The distinction between the two is fading quickly, however, and the terms are becoming fully interchangeable. If you think about it, "independent" doesn't entirely fit an author who publishes through a small press, because they're still publishing with a publisher. It fits those who "self publish" better, because they are more truly publishing independently. Just my thoughts on the matter.

[Jacques]

I agree with Suzie. The days of that distinction are fading fast, if they aren't already gone completely. From an indie's perspective, that distinction really only serves the trad-pubs that would like to pigeonhole the folks they think are their rivals.

[Robert]

I call myself an indie writer, because I am now self-publishing my books, as opposed to having them published by the likes of Harper Collins (my last publisher). The difference, to me, is that I chose what I am going to write and how I am getting it out to the readers.

Does this help or confuse?!

[Bree]

A little of both, only because you used both terms (indie writer self-publishing)in the same sentence.

Disregarding prior comments (only because there are many different ones) does one infer that you do everything yourself (publishing, marketing, editing, cover design) versus hiring people to do those things for you (professional cover design, editor, etc)?

Also, why would it not be considered "traditional publishing" if your publisher isn't one of the Big 6?

Thank you guys so much for your knowledge, as a simple google search has not been doing much for me.

[Kathy]

Breesc23 wrote: "Disregarding prior comments (only because there are many different ones) does one infer that you do everything yourself (publishing, marketing, editing, cover design) versus hiring people to do those things for you (professional cover design, editor, etc)?"
No, not in my opinion. I self published and hired a professional editor and cover designer.

[DL]

Breesc23 wrote: "Hey all,

I hear the terms 'indie author' and 'self published author' a lot, but I'm not quite sure I know the difference (if any)"

"Indie" can refer to both self published and Independent presses. Self published is pretty self explanatory.

Indie presses are different than traditional publishing houses because they use POD (print on demand) publishing whereas traditional presses run a set number of books per editions and have distributors. That process is too expensive for most independent presses.

Hope that helps.

[C.E.]

It seems to me that most of my fellow self-published authors try and avoid using the term "self published" and instead go by "Indie". It has a nicer ring to it, I'll admit, but I'd wager it's too distance themselves from the days of vanity presses.

[DL]

Actually, self published authors are self published and Indie authors are published by Independent POD small presses. So there is a difference.

[Jacqueline]

Many self published authors start their own independent presses too, so technically they're both.