The Weekend Report for Indie Publishing
The Report presents a data-driven guide to pricing, services, and global distribution for independent and small press publishers.
THE INDIE PUBLISHING
NAVIGATOR
A data-driven guide to pricing, services, and global distribution for independent and small press publishers.
Choose Your Publishing Path
The independent publishing world offers three distinct models. Your choice determines your upfront cost, creative control, and potential profit.
Self-Publishing
The Author-as-Publisher. You have absolute control, retain all rights, and earn the highest royalties. You are responsible for hiring freelancers and managing the entire project.
Hybrid Publishing
The Author-as-Investor. You pay a press to manage production and distribution in exchange for higher royalties than traditional models. The press vets submissions for quality.
Traditional Small Press
The Curated Gatekeeper. The publisher assumes all financial risk and creative control. Authors pay nothing upfront but receive the lowest royalty rates.
The Economics of a Professional Book
Launching a book that meets industry standards requires investment. Here’s a breakdown of typical pre-marketing costs for an 80,000-word manuscript.
Author-Funded Production Costs
Critical Insight:
Many hybrid packages don't include developmental editing or substantive marketing, which are crucial for success and represent significant additional costs.
Understanding Your Earnings
Headline royalty rates can be misleading. The net profit per book is what truly matters, and it varies dramatically by sales channel.
Net Profit Per Unit (Example: $16.95 Paperback)
This scenario assumes a $16.95 list price and a $4.00 print cost. The key variables are the wholesale discount and layered distribution fees.
The Global Distribution Blueprint
Technology has democratized global access. The optimal strategy uses Print-on-Demand (POD) platforms in tandem to maximize both profit and reach.
KDP Print (Amazon)
For Amazon sales
High Profit
IngramSpark
For Bookstores & Libraries
Wide Reach
The Dual-Platform Strategy
Use your own ISBN. Publish on KDP for Amazon sales (disabling 'Expanded Distribution'). Simultaneously, publish the same book on IngramSpark to service over 40,000 global retailers and libraries. This approach optimizes profitability and ensures comprehensive market availability.
