Picture this: You’re holding a book in your hands. The cover feels smooth, the pages crisp. You flip to the back and see a logo you don’t recognize. No Penguin, no HarperCollins, no familiar publishing house. Instead, you spot a name—maybe the author’s own. You wonder, “What does independently published mean?” If you’ve ever asked that, you’re not alone. The answer is more surprising—and empowering—than you might think.
What Does Independently Published Mean?
At its core, “independently published” means the author takes charge of the publishing process. There’s no traditional publisher calling the shots. The writer decides how the book looks, where it’s sold, and how it’s marketed. Sometimes, people call this “self-publishing,” but the term “independently published” carries a bit more pride. It’s about creative control, risk, and reward.
How Independent Publishing Works
Let’s break it down. When someone asks, “What does independently published mean?” they’re really asking about the nuts and bolts. Here’s how it usually goes:
- Writing: The author writes the book, often without an agent or editor from a big company.
- Editing: Many indie authors hire freelance editors. Some brave souls edit themselves, but most learn the hard way that fresh eyes matter.
- Design: Cover design and formatting are up to the author. Some use tools like Canva or hire designers from sites like Fiverr or Reedsy.
- Publishing: The author uploads the book to platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, IngramSpark, or Apple Books. No gatekeepers, just a few clicks and a lot of nerves.
- Marketing: This is where things get real. Indie authors hustle—social media, email lists, book signings, even TikTok dances if they’re brave enough.
Here’s the part nobody tells you: It’s a wild ride. You’ll make mistakes. You’ll learn. You’ll celebrate every single sale, even if it’s just your mom buying a copy.
Why Authors Choose Independent Publishing
If you’re wondering what does independently published mean for writers, it’s about freedom. Traditional publishing can take years. You might face dozens of rejections. Indie publishing lets you skip the line. You control the timeline, the cover, the price—everything.
But it’s not just about speed. Some authors want to write stories that don’t fit the mold. Maybe it’s a memoir about a niche hobby, or a fantasy novel with a talking raccoon sidekick. Traditional publishers might say, “No thanks.” Indie publishing says, “Go for it.”
Here’s a real story: In 2011, Amanda Hocking published her paranormal romance novels independently after dozens of rejections. She sold over a million copies. She didn’t wait for permission—she made her own path.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Go Indie?
If you love control, have a DIY spirit, and don’t mind learning new skills, independent publishing might be for you. You’ll need grit. You’ll need patience. You’ll need to wear a lot of hats—writer, marketer, accountant, sometimes even therapist (for yourself).
But if you want someone else to handle the details, or you dream of seeing your book in every airport bookstore, traditional publishing might suit you better. There’s no shame in either path. The key is knowing what you want.
Common Myths About Independent Publishing
- Myth 1: “Indie books aren’t as good.” Not true. Some of the bestsellers on Amazon are independently published. Quality depends on the author, not the method.
- Myth 2: “You can’t make money.” Also false. Some indie authors earn six figures. Others just cover coffee money. It’s a spectrum.
- Myth 3: “It’s easy.” Sorry, but it’s not. It’s rewarding, but it’s work. You’ll need to learn about ISBNs, copyright, and marketing strategies.
If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, know this: Every author starts somewhere. The difference is, indie authors don’t wait for a green light. They build their own.
What Does Independently Published Mean for Readers?
For readers, independently published books mean more variety. You’ll find stories that break the rules, genres that blend, and voices you won’t hear anywhere else. Sometimes you’ll stumble on a hidden gem. Sometimes you’ll find a book that needed another round of editing. That’s part of the adventure.
Here’s why it matters: When you buy an indie book, you support a creator directly. Your purchase helps someone chase a dream. That’s powerful.
Tips for Indie Authors
- Invest in editing. Typos kill credibility. Find a good editor, even if it means saving up.
- Don’t skimp on the cover. People judge books by covers. Make yours stand out.
- Learn marketing basics. You don’t need to be a social media star, but you do need to tell people your book exists.
- Connect with other authors. Writing can feel lonely. Find your tribe online or at local events.
- Keep learning. The publishing world changes fast. Stay curious.
Next steps: If you’re thinking about going indie, start small. Write a short story. Publish it. Learn from the process. Every book gets easier.
The Bottom Line
So, what does independently published mean? It means taking the leap. It means betting on yourself. It means learning, failing, and trying again. If you’re ready to share your story with the world—on your terms—independent publishing might be your best move. And if you’re a reader, keep an eye out for those indie gems. You never know what you’ll discover.