Monday, December 23, 2013

Indie Publishing Companies Add Value To Reader Experience

By Harriett Crosby


Publishers in the small arena are often denoted as autonomous or miniature as they deal with specific styles and topics of books and magazines. Some have titled this arena of the book publisher world as indie publishing companies, short for independent. Their specialties range from non-fiction and poetry, typically in anthology form, to fiction and non-fiction titles in a wide variety of niche genres. You may also find a few magazines in short supply from a small press.

An independent press, in order to be eligible for small status, must meet certain criteria. An important one is not to be associated with a larger parent company. Those in charge of the press, either an individual or small group of investors or publishers, make all the decisions regarding where money, time and energy will be spent. Although this is not a new concept, dating back to the late nineteenth century and the Kelmscott Press as the first independent publisher, they got their start through William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement. Morris was a writer, artist and textile designer.

Over time, a shift occurred in the independent publisher community. This shift didn't happen overnight, however as technology grew the transformation from large publishers to smaller ones emerged. This gives authors more control over their content, something larger presses won't budge on.

Another reason authors look to independent publishers is the fact they put more confidence in their projects. Pouring upfront funds into a book, using their professional services and helping a book to market, the right market is part of the perks. This way, a writer only needs to write, not print or do anything else to insure success.

Reserving an author's tone is paramount in small publisher's transactions. In addition, the author will retain all rights to their book after the small press runs their contracted amount of prints. For example, if an author is approached by another publisher or a film studio, they are able to sign a contract with either as they retain all rights to their material.

A small press will give a writer better profits and perks compared to self-publishing. Do-it-yourself publishers charge a fee for assistance, plus they require a limited number of books purchased before a total will be run, or an upfront feel. An independent publisher offers royalties for the use of a writer's work and do not retain copyright.

The distinction between small independent presses and the larger mega print houses is the smaller ones earn at or less than $50 million each year. This is on 10 or fewer book titles, although if a company prints more, it will still qualify as a small press. The total is given after discounts and returns are subtracted.

Printing presses will not edit or market a manuscript, they only print it. They are part of a growing print on demand (POD) series of bringing content to the masses. Any content from any writer is eligible for printing. Since there is no editing or sales help, as with indie publishing companies, the independent press is a better option.




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