Authors who choose to self-publish should do so proudly.

Times have changed. Not too long ago, there were very few self-publishers. Most had a garage full of books. Some paid large sums of money to vanity presses.

Now the majority of authors are self-published. Authors no longer need to pay money to be self-published; it can be done for free. With print-on-demand and eBook technology, they no longer need to stock up on thousands of books.

Some of the companies who have made self-publishing possible are no small names. Authors can publish paperbacks with CreateSpace – an Amazon company – and eBooks with Amazon (using Kindle Direct Publishing) and Barnes and Noble (through Nook), for example.

CreateSpace

Kindle

Nook

A number of indie authors have achieved high levels of success with top-selling titles. Amazon periodically features indie success stories on their homepage. Reputable newspapers and magazines are highlighting self-publishing achievements.

Hugh Howey

Amanda Hocking

There is no reason to be embarrassed to be a self-published author:

• Indie authors have strength in numbers.
• Self-publishing represents freedom of creativity, content, and style.
• Some traditionally published authors are choosing to self-publish their new titles.
• There are many high-quality indie books out there, which show the true potential of self-publishing.

Move to Self-Publishing

Authors who choose to wear the self-publishing badge should wear it proudly.

They should also polish their badges so that they shine bright by perfecting their books and making them look as professional as possible. This improves the image of self-publishing for all indies, and also improves their own chances of success.

Chris McMullen, self-published author of A Detailed Guide to Self-Publishing with Amazon and Other Online Booksellers (Volumes 1 and 2)