What Authors Should Expect from an Indie Publishing House

What Authors Should Expect from an Indie Publishing House

In today's evolving publishing landscape, authors often consider working with independent (indie) publishing houses such as ours here at ShadowScript Publications as a viable alternative to traditional large-scale publishers. While the process is similar in many respects, there are critical distinctions that aspiring authors need to understand before they approach indie houses and we consider it opportune to explore the current landscape.

With the international economic environment still impacted by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost structures within the publishing industry have dramatically shifted and it's our experience that many newbie authors do not consider this. They should. Indie publishers, already operating with limited resources, are under pressure to ensure their investments generate a reasonable financial return as they are running businesses with an aim for longevity. Thus, authors must see themselves in a collaborative relationship which is mutually beneficial. 

In this short teaser post, I'll explore what authors can typically expect from indie publishers, what is required of them to be considered for publication, and the various costs involved in bringing a book to market.

What Indie Publishers Provide

Indie publishing houses offer authors several essential services that make the journey from manuscript to finished book possible. However, these services come at a cost, and the house must ensure it can recoup its investment through book sales and other revenue streams.

1. Editing Services
Indie publishers provide professional editing services, ranging from developmental editing (which focuses on structure and narrative) to line editing and proofreading. This process can be time intensive and requires experienced editors, which drives up the cost.

Cost Points:

Developmental Editing: $2,000 to $7,500 depending on the manuscript's length and complexity:
Copyediting: $1,000 to $3,000
Proofreading: $500 to $1,500

2. Design and Layout
A compelling book cover and professional interior layout are non-negotiable for a successful book. Indie publishers will hire graphic designers and layout specialists to ensure the book's visual presentation is of high quality. Let's look at monochrome text production with a full colour cover. 

Cost Points:

Cover design: $250 to $2,500
Interior layout: $250 to $1,500

3. Production and Printing
While digital publishing has gained significant traction, print books remain essential for many authors and readers. Printing costs have risen sharply due to supply chain disruptions and inflation caused by both Brexit and the global pandemic.

Cost Points:

Initial print run: $2 to $7 per book depending on print quality, number of copies, and location of the printer.
E-book production: $500 to $1,500

4. Marketing and PR
Marketing is one of the most challenging aspects of book publishing. Indie publishers often have smaller marketing budgets compared to large houses, but they do work closely with authors to strategise campaigns, including social media promotion, email marketing, and media outreach.

Cost Points:

Marketing and PR services: $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the scope.
Book launch events: $500 to $5,000 (venue, logistics, promotion).

5. Distribution
Distribution, especially for physical books, involves managing relationships with retailers and wholesalers. Most indie publishers have access to distribution networks but often at a higher cost because of the smaller scale of their operations.

Cost Points:

Distribution fees: $0.50 to $1.50 per book.
Shipping and handling: Varies based on location and quantity.

Of course, all the above figures are average and are negotiable, but they provide a reality check for many, including us! 

What Authors Must Bring to the Table

While indie publishers provide essential services, authors must be prepared to contribute significantly to their book's success, both in terms of time and effort. No longer can an author submit a manuscript and expect a publishing house to do everything else to make the book become a bestseller. Work. Work. Work. 

1. A Polished Manuscript
To even be considered for publication, authors need to submit a well-polished manuscript. Most indie publishers do not have the resources to heavily revise incomplete or poorly written drafts. This means that authors should ideally work with beta readers, writing groups, or even freelance editors before submission.

2. An Established Platform
Indie publishers often prefer working with authors who already have some level of an established platform. This could be a social media following, a blog with consistent readers, or professional networks in their area of expertise. Authors are expected to actively promote their books.

3. Assistance in Marketing
Authors play a crucial role in marketing. This includes participating in book tours, promoting the book on social media, and organising book launches. It is also common for indie publishers to expect authors to help generate buzz through public events, signings, or virtual engagements.

Promote the book across all personal and professional platforms.
Ensure sufficient attendance at book launches and events, especially if the publisher has invested financially in these occasions.
Engage with readers via social media and book forums to generate word-of-mouth interest.

The Reality of Royalties

One of the most important aspects of working with an indie publisher is understanding how royalties work. Typically, the publisher will invest a significant amount upfront to cover the costs mentioned above. In most agreements, royalties only begin to be paid after the publisher has recouped these costs.

Royalties Structure
Advance: Many indie publishers do not offer advances because of their limited budgets. If they do, it's often modest.
Post-Cost Royalties: After the publisher has earned back the production, marketing, and distribution costs, royalties can be split between the author and publisher, usually ranging from 10% to 30% of net sales.

Return on Investment
Given the rising costs of paper, ink, shipping, and marketing (which have all increased post-Brexit and because of global supply chain issues after the pandemic), indie publishers must carefully manage their investments in new authors. They are more cautious about selecting projects that have a strong potential for commercial success.

Conclusion: A Collaborative Partnership

Authors looking to work with indie publishers must understand that publishing is a business. Indie publishers may not have the vast resources of major houses, but they offer personal attention, creative freedom, and flexibility. However, this means that authors must contribute substantially to the success of their books, especially in marketing and promotion. The post-pandemic and post-Brexit economy have made it more difficult for publishers to absorb costs, meaning authors need to be realistic about the financial structure of the deal, the potential for returns, and the level of involvement required to make their book a success.

In summary, indie publishing is a collaborative process, where both the publisher and the author must work closely together to bring a book to life. Authors must come prepared with a solid manuscript, an understanding of the financial realities, and a willingness to actively participate in their book’s marketing and promotion.

 
References

IngramSpark Blog: "How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book?" Ingram Content Group, 2022.
Reedsy: "How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book?" Reedsy Publishing, 2021.
The Guardian: "Post-Covid Global Supply Chain Crisis Worsens as Brexit Adds New Headaches for UK Companies," The Guardian, 2021.