I’ve been pondering lately about indie versus traditionally published books. I realized that prior to becoming an author seven years ago, all the books I read were in the latter category. Which I suppose makes sense because I didn’t even know the self-publishing world existed until I looked into it. And because I’m surrounded by mostly indie authors now (online of course!), I find myself gravitating toward indie books, both as a way to support them and for research purposes (since we share many of the same readers).
I have a couple of general thoughts about indie versus traditional books; you could call them pros versus cons. Take these for example:
Indie pros: usually less expensive; books in a series are typically released more quickly; there are more short story or novella-length books available
Indie cons: the covers are not as unique (ie. the same image can be found on multiple books); there may be some typos or grammatical errors
Traditional pros: book covers are one of a kind; books may be available in multiple languages and formats
Traditional cons: usually more expensive; books are released less frequently
As an author, I do appreciate that both avenues are available for me to pursue. I am curious, though, to know your thoughts and preferences as a reader. For example:
- Do you read more indie or traditional Christian Contemporary Romance?
- What are your thoughts about the writing quality of indie CCR versus traditional CCR?
- What has been your experience connecting and interacting with indie CCR authors compared to traditional CCR authors?
Please comment below with as much information as you’d like to share! I look forward to hearing from you!
Giveaway: I’d like to give away a digital ARC of my upcoming book Retying the Knot. Two winners will be randomly chosen from the comments below. The giveaway will remain open until midnight on Friday, May 21st.
A chauffeur and referee by day (AKA a stay at home mom of two), Liwen Y. Ho writes inspirational and sweet romance infused with heart, humor, and a taste of home (her Asian roots).
Hi Liwen! Thanks for the interesting question. As a retiree, who has books in every room of her house, I purchase primarily ebooks and therefore buy books published by independent authors, who work hard to promote their work and interact with their readers. When working as an English high school teacher, I purchase books for the classroom. Mostly best sellers. My pet peeves with traditionally published books is cost, arrogance of some authors, and typos. Personally I find self published authors to be more humble and willing to listen to their readers about subject matter or mistakes in their books, were published authors were arrogant and rude (not all). At a meet the author hosted by our small local independent book store, one traditional published author spent her whole hour rating her publishing house who was paying her bill to travel on book signing tours. So when I buy this author’s book, I am funding her entire vacation. That was a turn off to buying traditional published books. Another pet peeve with traditional published book is that the Kindle version cost as much or more than the paperback. Best wishes.
I truly never thought much about it. I loved reading all the information you shared regarding the pros and cons. I’ll look at it differently now. Thank you!
I tend to buy or borrow indie books almost exclusively these days. I love Kindle unlimited. I don’t like the cost of traditionally published books, I can’t afford to feed my reading habits with purchases like that. I look for those at the library generally if I’m going to read them.
I will say I find typos in traditionally published books all the time. That’s not something that’s exclusive to Indies.
I probably read an equal or close to equal number of traditionally published books vs. indie published. Regarding typos, I see as many in traditionally published as indie I have in the indie books I’ve read.
I read indie published books way more now than traditionally published! I have to admit, though, before I received my Kindle as a Christmas gift, I only bought traditionally published, as that was the only way I knew of to buy books. Now, I buy very few traditionally published books. I buy a lot of indie published! Indie authors are a lot interactive with their readers, in my experience. I’ve even met two in person, and look forward to having the opportunity to meet more. I find their books to be as good as, if not better, than traditionally published authors. Yes, some of them have typos; however, I’ve also found that if I let them know that I loved their book, found some typos, they all are willing to make changes, and many have also asked me to either be a beta reader for them or to be an ARC reader, and from there I’ve formed some great relationships. I’ve found some major errors in traditionally published books; however, no one seems to care about those. Or, people excuse those a lot faster than ones in indie published books. There are quite a few that I consider friends now, and I love to interact with them on FB, and some by email fairly frequently. I’ve read ARC’s for a couple of traditionally published books, and they tell you to NOT let them know of typos, as it’s not the final product. Not to say all of the errors will be caught, they just don’t want to know.
I read both. I find typos in many books regardless of how they are published. I think it is a pity that traditional publishers seem to focus more on how syllable a book is now. If it is tradionally published I will see if it is in the local library or more likely wait for it to appear in a neighbourhod nook library instead.
*sellable
I’m an author, but I was a reader first. I read a ton of contemporary Christian romance, at least one book a week, so I hope I can comment. :-)
Most of the books I read are indie, for a number of reasons. Indie books are cheaper and easier to access. Unfortunately, my local public libraries have no contemporary Christian romance of any description. Because they tend to be priced so much higher, I’ll only buy a traditionally published novel if I really, really, really want it. I mostly get them via services like Scribd.
For me, the quality of a book it’s not just about typos, but the overall story. Plausible plots, emotional depth, and likeable and believable characters are how I judge books. The quality of indie books is patchy when it comes to these issues. However, despite the less polished ones, there are many excellent indie books, way more than I could ever read. :-)
Hi Renate! Thanks for sharing your experiences! I haven’t met any traditionally published authors in person before so I appreciate your insight. I do agree that indie authors (at least the ones I know) are very approachable and humble. Thanks for your thoughts!
Hi Kelley! Oh, yay, I’m so glad this post was helpful! Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Beth! Yes, I do love KU, too! You can’t beat the cost. And that’s good to know that typos are universal. ;)
Hi Kimberly! That’s so interesting about the typos. I guess they plague us all! Thanks for commenting!
Hi Trudy! Yes, indie authors love and appreciate supportive readers like you! And yay for getting a Kindle for Christmas. You’ll never run out of books to read! Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
Hi Dianne! It’s good to hear from someone who reads both. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Hi Milla! Of course I welcome your comments! :) That’s surprising and a shame that your libraries don’t have any CCR. I actually haven’t checked mine, but now I’m curious to. And yes, there are way more indie books available than we could ever get through. Oh, the struggle! Lol. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Liwen! I was quite intrigued by your questions, given that I am primarily a traditional author who indie pubs whenever I can. I have a special place in my heart for my traditional books because there was a time pre-Amazon (was there ever such a thing???) when an author’s only choice was traditional. But since I’ve also dipped my toes into indie, what I love about indie is first, I was able to put what I wanted on the cover (a geeky guy in virtual reality glasses, which was how the heroine first met the hero) and loved the freedom to write my heart with no constrictions. So for me, best of both worlds. And I read about equally, as well.
Renate, I hope you don’t find ALL traditionally published authors to be arrogant and self-serving. I know you’re talking about the ones who GET major book tours, which isn’t any Harlequin Love Inspired author. :) But speaking for myself and my LI sisters, I hope you’ll find us easy to get to know. I love meeting readers!
Hi Deb! It’s wonderful having your input as a mostly traditional author. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences! Yes, you certainly do have the best of both worlds!
Hi Liwen,
I have traditionally published and indie published. Now I am strictly indie publishing, mainly because I can write the kind of story I want. I like having the control over the product that I didn’t have when with my traditionally published books. I can pick my title, my cover, and I don’t have to change my heroine’s name because some other author has a heroine with that name. I work very hard to make sure I don’t have typos in my indie books, and the nice thing about indie is being able to fix typos if you or a reader finds them. I had several of my traditionally published books that had typos and there was no way to fix them once the book was published. I’ve gotten the rights back to several of those books and reissued them with the typos fixed. That made me so happy!
I’ve never paid attention :(
Thank you for the info!!!
I tend to read a mixture of indie an traditionally published books. I really enjoy both types, though I do appreciate that the indie books tend to be released a lot sooner. For me it depends on how the author goes about releasing their indie books, I’ve read a lot from Sarah Monzon and Lindsay Harrell that they self-published and thought they were very well done, but then I’ve read some other authors that self-published and I didn’t think they were as polished as they could have been. I’m sure part of that is probably due to the expense of hiring editors and getting the book covers is probably costly too. Really it all comes down to the story for me, I’ll follow pretty much any author if their stories are what I enjoy reading.
For contemporary, I tend to read more indie books. I am much less likely to try a new-to-me indie author without a hardy recommendation because of the patchy quality though. I know there are so many amazing indie authors out there, but the chances of finding a not-so-amazing one hold me back.
I read mostly traditionally published authors when I’m in the mood for historical Christian romance. I have actually been more disheartened with some of those books though. I feel like a lot of them must slip through the cracks on development and editing issues. I’ve read several from established authors now that read like they were just slapped together. Sometimes I think that the challenges of selling yourself as an indie author also motivate writers to constantly improve their craft—and I appreciate that as a reader!
Hi Merrillee! I had no idea that traditional publishers could make you change your heroine’s name! So interesting. And yes, I definitely like being able to fix typos as often as necessary even after publishing. There is so much more control as an indie author. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
Hi Natalya! No worries, it’s not something I thought about much until recently. Thanks for reading!
Hi Megan! You’re right that editors and cover designers can get pricey, but having polished stories and eye-catching covers is important. I’m glad you’ve found some indie authors you enjoy. Thanks for commenting!
Hi Jessica! I’m with you; I definitely rely on recommendations when trying out new authors. That is disappointing to hear about your experiences with some traditional books. I guess it’s hard to know what went on behind the scenes with them. You’re right that authors constantly need to improve our craft! I personally always aim to make each new book better than the last. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
When I began reading way back when, there was no such thing as the internet and authors had no way of releasing books independently. Lots of Harlequin and Grace Livingston Hill books back then. Most of the books I read now are indie, and I love them. I am thankful for the Christian Fiction authors.
Hi Medenna! (Pretty name, by the way!) Yes, it seems like so long ago, but there was a time when the internet didn’t exist! LOL. I agree, I’m so thankful for Christian fiction indie books and authors. Thanks for commenting!
Print books would be traditional but I don’t buy many print books now (mostly LI). On the kindle it would be half and half I think. The most recent ones are more from newer smaller presses but the last few on pre-order are indie releases. It often depends on the author and also the book.
I will be honest. I cannot say one way or another. I pick a book that I want to read by the author, cover or the blub. I normally do not pay much attention to whether they are indie or traditional.
I cannot say one way or another. I have to be honest. I pick a book that I want to read by the author, cover or the blub. I normally do not pay much attention to whether they are indie or traditional.
Hi Ausjenny! Good to know! Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi Debra! I think that’s a good method. :) Thanks for commenting!
I’ve always been a reader, and I read trad pubs until I had kids and couldn’t make time to read between their needs and caring for my home. Then lo and behold, hubby bought me an iPad and I discovered the kindle app and the library apps and suddenly I could read with no hands while doing laundry or instead of surfing Facebook! Changed my life quite literally because I discovered the wide world of indie books via a Kindle Unlimited trial.
I discovered the good, the bad, and the excellent, and my heart stirred to write. I LOVE being an indie writer, though it’s my goal to have unique, quality covers with well-edited interiors. I still gravitate toward indie books, though I enjoy a good trad pub now and then too. I love the broad variety available on the indie market, especially in CCR when trad pubs often still have too many rules and in-the-box ideas to follow.
Hi Jaycee! Yay for your hubby and his awesome gift! :) And I agree wholeheartedly with your second paragraph. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi Liwen!
Honestly, I wasn’t that much aware of the trad publishing world for Christian authors until I joined the “Avid Readers of CF” group on FB, and then I was introduced to all these CCR authors I didn’t even know about before! I’ve seen them interact with readers there as well as on their platforms, but when an author has such a large “fan base” it definitely feels as if one can’t “connect” with them as easily (or as if they weren’t as available, you know?). Thus, I think these are the reasons why I prefer indie books and authors, and I definitely agree with your list of pros and cons.
Most of my books come from winning them or second hand stores. I can’t afford to buy them anymore. It doesn’t matter if they are indie or traditional. I do still prefer a hard copy book, though. I have several kindles but they don’t have the feel of a book that I want when I read.
I read both.
Hi Priscila! So true! I do love how “up close and personal” indie authors are. It feels less intimidating when I interact with them, too. :) Thanks for reading and commenting!
Hi Linda! Yes, there’s just something special about holding an actual book in your hands, isn’t there? Thanks for commenting!
Hi Denise! Good to know! Thanks for commenting.
I read both & love them both.
The vast majority of what I read is indie via Kindle, so I can’t say much in the way of comparison with traditional. I have definitely enjoyed getting to know several indie authors via email and, of course, here at IR. I have struggled with the range of quality that I have found in the indie world, even from the same author. I’m one who wonders sometimes if these authors actually go back and reread what they have written, lol. For the most part, I have been very pleased with the books I have read. I truly appreciate the authors here at IR for their HUGE contribution to quality CCR!
Hi Amy! That’s great! Thanks for commenting!
Hi Lincoln! Haha, actually (speaking for myself), I do go back and reread my older books and cringe when I do! Lol. I think every book is a learning and growing experience for authors as we try our best to improve our craft each time. Big thanks to our readers who support us while we do! Thank you for supporting the authors here at IR!
I read both indie and traditional Christian Contemporary Romance. Recently I have been reading more indie because of kindle unlimited and being on ARC teams. But it just depends on what season of life I am in.
I think that the writing quality of indie CCR and traditional CCR are very similar, I don’t have anything negative to say of either.
Connecting and interacting with indie CCR authors is easier for me then traditional CCR authors. I am able to utilize social media and helps a lot.
I used to only read traditionally published books, but now I almost exclusively read indie books. The main reason for me is that I got a subscription to kindle unlimited around the same time that I first found some indie authors I liked. I realized that most indie authors I was reading participated in KU, so I began looking to find more participating authors and they’re all indie.
Hi Angeline! That’s great that you enjoy both kinds. Thanks so much for commenting!
Hi Melynda! Yes, KU is an amazing program for readers. So glad you found indie authors you like. Thanks for commenting!
I’ve read more traditional CCR only because I hadn’t met any Indie ones until I started following this blog. I didn’t even know there were such things as independently published authors up to that point. But since then, I’ve read many wonderful books written by indie CCR writers!
I think the quality is just as good and what I appreciate most is that it seems indie published books have a stronger faith element in them. It always feels natural in the characters and setting :-)
I’ve only connected & interacted with indie authors here & signed up for the newsletters, but I think they are just as open & friendly as traditional published writers. I have interacted a little bit on Facebook, but most of it has been here on the IR blog.
Hi Trixi! Oh wow, I’m so glad you found this blog! You’ll never run out of CCR books now. ;) That is also interesting and great to hear about the faith element being stronger in indie books. Thanks so much for commenting!
I more often read traditionally published books by Christian authors because in my country they are only translated. I don’t read books by Indie authors very often because I don’t have an e-reader so I have to read everything from another device. The only Indie books I have read have come from giveaways. Thank you for posting this!
Hi Marilene! I never considered how much access readers in other countries have to CCR. Thank you for bringing up that important point. I actually don’t have an e-reader either, but I read Kindle books using the Kindle app on my phone. I’m not sure if that’s an option for you, but I thought I’d mention it. Thanks for commenting!
I read both Indie and Traditional authors and I enjoy both. I used to think indie books weren’t as good but then I discovered a group of Indie authors who are really dedicated to writing and making their books the best they can. Now I don’t see much of a difference between the two other than the marketing is a lot more extensive for traditionally published. There might be a few more typos in an Indie book (no matter how many times it is proofed, issues can arise), but I have actually picked up a couple of traditionally published books lately and was surprised to see typos there as well. I think both types of publishers are in a rush to get content out because we are in a content-driven world.
I mean to add that as for the authors, I have found more connection with Indie authors in some ways, but I have also connected in a meaningful way with more traditional authors. I think indie authors may have a little more time because their deadlines are self-set while traditional authors are on a deadline set by their publishers.
All the authors I have connected with have been super sweet and engaging, however, no matter their publication avenue.