When I was doing my MFA, one of my classes partook in an online chat with a self-published and traditionally published author. She had done well for herself; I don’t remember her name or the books she wore. They were YA Distopia.
But – the point:
We all had to have questions for her, and mine was along the lines of how self-published authors are assumed to be bad writers because they self-published. Her response went onto a sticky note that is now on my hutch:
“The stigma of self-publishing is lessening. I am interested in making a living, not approval.”
Oh, snap! How awesome is that? It is true that the indie market is FLOODED with poorly written self-published books, but there some well-written ones. Don’t let the fog of the self-published stamp weigh you down. It’s disheartening when people talk down about the self-published industry, and while I realize that there is a huge downside, there’s also an upside.
I am my own boss. I am my own editor-in-chief. I am the designer. I say what font I want. I am the final say-so in every decision in the process. I am also the coin purse, the publicist, and the entire marketing department.
Being an indie author doesn’t mean that someone is a bad writer – yes, it is a precaution, but there are exceptions to every rule. (I’ve started to read some traditionally published books that were worse than some indie books, so again – it’s about taste.)
It’s the old “don’t judge a book,” but instead of the cover, you shouldn’t judge by the publisher.
Beatrice B. Morgan 
This is so cool, as I just did a blog about my favorite parts of being a self-published author 😊 (it should come out this Friday or the next… I write my blogs ahead of time). “I am my own boss” was pretty much my #1, because I could prioritize college by making my own schedule.
There’s also no book tours or intense pressure to social-media hustle. Social media following is HUGE in trad publishing.
Many self-published authors put quality work out there– many don’t — but I do like that the playing field is even now, so that anyone with a story in their heart can share it 😍
Take care,
Yari
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I dislike agents that ask about your social media followers in their initial submission guidelines, like they only want clients with a guaranteed audience. Makes it less about finding good books and more about the money.
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Yes. And it annoys me because one: more followers does not equal more fans. People can buy followers now through apps. Doesn’t mean the followers care about your work.
And two: I have never noticed a large following consistent with high sales. You see indie authors with hundreds of good reviews on Amazon and 25 Twitter followers… and you see indie authors with 25k Twitter followers… and like 3 Amazon reviews.
I just hate the whole social media system, so I won’t keep rambling 😝
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