Linda K Sienkiewicz

Writing life, line by line

Small vs. Indie Presses in Publishing

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Is there a difference between a small press and an indie publisher? Or are they the same thing?

Independently owned

At one time, small press and independent (indie) press meant the same thing: a publisher that is independently owned, and imagesoperates independent of large publishing corporations. More and more, though, writers say their books are indie-published instead of using the term self-published. An author whose lagging sales meant her big-name publisher was less than interested in her new work decided to “go indie.” In other words, she intended to self-publish. Amazon even uses indie to refer to their self-publishing service. The Kindle Indie Bookstore website states “‘Indie’ is hard to define, but anything cool, creative and different is ‘indie,’” a definition that I find a little squishy when it comes to publishing.
The shift in the meaning of indie has been coming for a long time. As far back as 2008, a book titled Indie Publishing: How to Design and Publish Your Own Book touted: “Once referred to derisively as vanity publishing, self-published books are finally taking their place alongside more accepted indie categories such as music, film, and theater.” When you consider things in this light, indie press doesn’t have the negative connotations that vanity press does. Perception is everything.

What defines a Small Press?

A small press is an independent publisher that’s, well, small. They typically publish less than ten titles a year, depending on their resources. Small presses may specialize in a niche market often overlooked by big publishing houses. They are not driven by shareholders demanding huge profits, so they can take chances on authors and titles that a big publisher might not, and they also take pride in this. They are typically more active in the editing, marketing and distribution of their books than a tight-fisted corporate publisher. Small presses make up approximately half the market share of the book publishing industry.

It all comes down to money

The most important difference between a small press and an indie/self-publisher is that a small press does not charge the author to publish their book. A small press may not be able to pay large or any advances, but they will not ask an author for money.
The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association states on their website, “No matter where you encounter it in the publishing process, a fee or a requirement to purchase something is a sign either of a vanity operation or a self publisher.” [http://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/vanity/]

If you’re looking for a publisher, be aware of this shift in meaning: an indie publisher may be a self-publishing service. Check for hidden fees or subsidy requirements. Beyond that, look at what titles the press has published, where and how their books are sold, and if they’re selling. Visit their websites. Email their authors. Check around. Whether you intend to seek out a small press or self-publish, write well, plan ahead, and do whatever it takes to earn your book the respect it deserves!

Linda K. Sienkiewicz is the author of the award-winning novel In the Context of Love, a story about one woman’s need to tell her truth without shame.

2017 New Apple Book Awards Official Selection
2016 Sarton Women’s Fiction Finalist
2016 Eric Hoffer Book Award Finalist
2016 Readers’ Favorite Finalist
2016 USA Book News Best Book Finalist

“…at once a love story, a cautionary tale, and an inspirational journey.” ~ Bonnie Jo Campbell, author of National Book Award Finalist, American Salvage, and critically acclaimed Once Upon a River,and Mothers, Tell Your Daughters

“With tenderness, but without blinking, Linda K. Sienkiewicz turns her eye on the predator-prey savannah of the young and still somehow hopeful.” ~ Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of the #1 NY Times Bestseller, Deep End of the Ocean

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