5 Things Your Indie Publisher Is Not (And What You Should Know)
Let’s set the record straight: independent publishers are not vanity presses, not free labour, and not magicians who can make you a bestseller overnight. If you’re working with an indie publisher (like me), here are five things you should know to avoid any awkward conversations, misguided expectations, or unnecessary eye rolls from your publisher.
1. We Are Not Your PR Team
Yes, we want your book to succeed. No, we are not here to run a full-scale marketing campaign for you. Big publishers don’t even do this for most of their authors—unless you’re a celebrity or already have a massive audience, book promotion is largely on you. Want PR support? Great. That’s a separate service, not a default expectation. That said, I do offer PR & marketing services outside of publishing contracts, and with 30 years of experience in marketing, I know exactly how to get eyes on a book. If you want the expertise, it’s there—but let’s not assume it’s part of the deal!
2. We Are Not Just ‘Giving It a Quick Read’
Reading a manuscript properly takes time. We’re not flicking through it like a holiday novel. We’re assessing structure, marketability, and whether it’s a book we believe in. If we provide feedback, it’s based on years of experience, and if we charge for a manuscript assessment, it’s because that time is valuable. Editing and developmental guidance aren’t just opinions; they are professional services.
3. We Are Not Vanity Publishers
Let’s get this straight: independent publishers curate and invest in books. We select what we publish, just like any other publishing house. Vanity publishers take anything, print it for a fee, and walk away. Massive difference. If someone tries to lump us in the same category, I may be forced to deliver an impassioned lecture on publishing ethics.
4. You Should Never Pay to Be Published (But Yes, You Might Pay for Services)
No legitimate publisher should charge you for the privilege of being published. However, paying for professional services like editing, cover design, or marketing support is completely normal. Even the biggest publishers offer partnership models where authors contribute to costs. The key difference? Reputable indie publishers don’t just print and run—they invest in quality.
5. We Are Not Magicians (But We Work Harder Than You Think)
Publishing is a process, not a magic trick. Your book isn’t going to land in every bookshop overnight, and instant bestseller status is rare (unless your name is J.K. Rowling). Success takes consistent effort, strategic marketing, and audience building—and while we can guide you, we can’t do it all for you.
Working with an independent publisher is a partnership, not just a transaction. When both sides respect the process and understand the realities of publishing, it leads to a far more rewarding experience. Indie publishers bring expertise, creativity, and a deep passion for books, and when that’s valued, great things happen.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to finish a book to publish - because that’s what I do best.