The A, Bs, and Cs, of the Traditional and Indie Publishing Paths

This webinar equips writers to navigate the spectrum of publishing options and align their choices with their personal definition of success. Indie authors retain full creative control and reap the royalties of all their hard work writing and promoting a book—but not everyone is cut out to be the boss of their own publishing house. Meanwhile, many authors are driven to achieve validation and an upfront advance from a traditional publisher, but a trad deal does not guarantee a happily-ever-after.

This presentation provides an overview of the pros and cons of traditional and indie publishing and addresses the skillsets and goals that are best suited to each.

• Authorpreneurship: Why every author must embrace this mindset, regardless of their publishing path.
• The Bs of Traditional Publishing: From “bragging rights” to brick-and-mortar bookstore distribution, the pros and cons of working with a traditional publisher.
• The Cs of Indie Publishing: Creativity, control, and the practical benefits of managing your own intellectual property.

We’ll also delve into the process of indie publishing ebooks, print, and audio, giving participants insight into what it takes to become an indie author-publisher:

• Understanding Ebook Publishing: The essentials of ebook publishing, from formatting the manuscript to creating visually appealing covers, and the popular ebook platforms and distribution channels
• Print Publishing Unveiled: The steps involved in turning your manuscript into a tangible book, including print-on-demand options
• Venturing into Audio Publishing: How indie authors can capitalize on the growing demand for audiobooks and how the production process works, including working with narrators, audio production funding options, and distribution platforms for audio

From aspiring authors deciding on their first steps to experienced authors reevaluating their publishing strategies, this seminar provides actionable insights and practical takeaways to empower writers’ publishing decisions.

What You Will Learn:

• The core differences between traditional and indie publishing—and how to choose the best path (or paths) based on your creative and career goals
• The key principles of authorpreneurship, and why every author—regardless of publishing path—should embrace a professional mindset
• The benefits and challenges of traditional publishing, including advances, distribution, and editorial support
• The creative and business advantages of indie publishing, including control of intellectual property, timelines, and royalties
• How to prepare and produce ebooks, print books, and audiobooks independently, including formatting requirements and cover design needs
• Distribution options for each format, including how to publish widely or Amazon-exclusively—and why the choice matters
• The practical considerations of managing your indie publishing business, from hiring professionals to marketing and rights licensing
• Why “self-publishing” is a misnomer, and how collaboration is essential to high-quality indie books
• Actionable resources to continue learning, including trusted organizations like the Alliance of Independent Authors and The Indy Author platform

Who Should Attend:

• Aspiring authors exploring their publishing options for the first time
• Traditionally published authors curious about indie publishing or hybrid models
• Indie authors seeking to strengthen their publishing knowledge and business skills
• Writers unsure whether traditional or indie publishing best suits their goals
• Creators interested in publishing ebooks, print books, or audiobooks independently
• Authors looking to take more control over their publishing process, rights, and revenue
• Anyone who wants to better understand the publishing landscape and make informed, empowered decisions about their creative work

Instructor:

Matty Dalrymple educates and advocates for writers as The Indy Author. She is the host and producer of hundreds of episodes of The Indy Author Podcast and has spoken on topics related to writing and publishing at events such as the Writer’s Digest annual conference, the Alliance of Independent Authors’ SelfPubCon, Author Nation, Authors Guild webinars, International Thriller Writers’ CraftFest, and many more. She writes nonfiction books for writers, and her articles have appeared in Writer’s Digest magazine, Indie Author Magazine, and ALLi’s The Indie Author magazine. She serves as ALLi’s Campaigns Manager. Learn more at https://www.theindyauthor.com/

Matty is also the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers, beginning with ROCK PAPER SCISSORS; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels, beginning with THE SENSE OF DEATH; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts. She is a member of International Thriller Writers and Sisters in Crime. Learn more at https://www.mattydalrymple.com/

She is the principal at William Kingsfield Publishers. William Kingsfield was the pen name of Matty's father, T. W. Dalrymple, who inspired her love of writing.