The world of publishing is in an upheaval.

Amazon, the “book” web site we all used to peruse for our books is doing all they can to command the publishing world.

They say they believe books are to be affordable. They claim to care about both the reader and the writer. But not much at all for the publisher.

So there’s been price wars between the Big 5 and Amazon. With Barnes & Noble somewhere in the middle.

Word is traditional publishers are trying to preserve literary excellence. And trying to uphold the hardback.

Of which they’ve been trying to do since 1939 when the paperback started taking over publishing.

So it’s price v quality again. The aristocracy – the hardback v. commoner – the paperback.

Publishers are being swallowed up like minnows by big fish Hachette, Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster and Penguin Random House and Macmillan.

While they are trying to hold onto the old way of doing things — or so it seems — Amazon continues to innovate.

Recently, they came up with Kindle Unlimited. For $9 a month, you can borrow all kinds of books. But the Big 5 have been excluded from this feature.

So lots of authors are asking, “Should I go indie?”

Well, that’s the million dollar question.

Going indie is not a guarantee of success. Amazon maybe lending out a lot of books and making money, but if they’ve not been vetted by experienced and established editors, are they any good?

Like a lot of other authors, I have two backlist titles up on e-book sites. Georgia On Her Mind is part of Kindle Unlimited.

But that book was first A Steeple Hill book. Part of Harlequin.

It was written and rewritten. Edited. Rewritten again. Then line edited with changes made by me. Then proofed several times.

I’ve written 18 novels and novellas. And to tell you the truth, I’d be a bit nervous going indie. I love partnering with an editor and publisher to help me know if I’m writing something readers want to read!

Not to mention help with marketing and promotion.

But, the world is changing. Authors have more options. Several big name authors Claire Cook and Eileen Goudge went indie after not feeling the love from their publishers. You can read about it here.

But authors losing favor with publishers is NOT new to the indie world. That’s been happening since the beginning.

So what are we to do? Non published, published…

Here’s things to consider.

If you’re published, stay in tune with the publishing world. Try to stay in touch with your readers via Facebook, Twitter and newsletters. Keep writing. Work on your craft.

If you find yourself without a contract, consider why. Are your sales units down? Why? What happened to your readership? If you don’t like doing social media and marketing, then indie is a dangerous option. It’s imperative.

Maybe you’ve lost your passion for the books your publisher wants and they don’t want the stories you’re dreaming of now. It’s a valid change. Indie is a great option.

Talk things over with your agent. See what he/she has to say. But keep this in mind always: your readers. Take care of your readers. And your sales will take care of themselves. 🙂

If you’re not published, keep at it. Work on your craft. Network through conferences and other social media venues. Do NOT rush. Be patient. If you choose to go indie, awesome, but wait until you’re ready. How will you know your ready?

Enter a contest. How’d you do? What kind of feedback are you getting.
Get a book therapy. See what our therapist (me!) has to say.
Submit to editors and agents. What are they saying? If the feedback is, “We love it but don’t think we can sell it,” then maybe you have a indie-ready book.

If the feedback is, “The writing needs work but we love your voice,” then go back to work. Work on the craft. But be encouraged! You have a voice.

Indie or traditional, what is the Holy Spirit saying? This is an incredible time in publishing. Through the internet we can spread story that spreads the love and hope of the Gospel!

Lean into Him. Ask for wisdom. A business plan. Trust the Lord wants your writing out there more than you.

But don’t be anxious. Don’t be worried or in a hurry. Trust Him!

Happy Writing!