Jerry D. Simmons, publisher at INDI Publishing Group, discusses publishing options

A NEW OPTION FOR SELF-PUBLISHING
By Jerry D. Simmons

There are few choices when it comes to self-publishing, or what I like to call independent publishing. Unfortunately the terminology for publishing a book by yourself has a negative stigma which resulted from the flood of poorly written, unedited books that are mass produced each year. Any writer who invested in a professional edit for their manuscript typically had few options to publish, until now. With the launch of the INDI Publishing Group, the publishing landscape has changed.

The most common self-publishing companies are large assembly line, cookie cutter producers that are nothing more than printers posing as publishers. They are inexpensive and fast, which supports the business model of “publish anything.” These printer/publishers make money when the author signs their contract, not when books are sold. These people lack publishing experience and aren’t concerned with what happens after the book rolls off the press. The books they publish rarely follow book industry standards and are not allowed access to the shelves of booksellers in the U.S., for good reason. With these printer/publishers the author gets exactly what they pay for, a finished book, produced quickly, cheaply, and unacceptable in the marketplace.

The previously viable option to avoid unscrupulous “publishers” and manage the treacherous waters of independent publishing on your own was to start your own company or work with a variety of freelancers who could turn your manuscript into a finished book. The problem with wanting to self-publish without professional help results in books that are far from market- ready and unacceptable to consumers as well as booksellers. Dealing with people who speak the 'publishing language' is confusing. A writer often ends up with poor results.

Starting your own company or working with freelancers are acceptable forms of publishing your book, as long as you understand the limitations that accompany being published with the printing businesses, or working on your own without professional assistance. I‘m a strong advocate for publishing according to the writer's personal goals. If an author has hopes of selling a few thousand copies and catching the attention of an agent or editor, they will be disappointed with a 300-page trade paperback book that retails for $27.95.

The new INDI Publishing Group takes the combined publishing experience of a group of free- lance professionals and offers the writer a better option than the assembly line, carbon copy printer/publishers of the past, or venturing off on your own without experienced guidance. We offer writers an opportunity to invest in themselves and their manuscript by publishing under the INDI BEST imprint which follows book industry standards and provides access to booksellers around the country.

This group provides the author step-by-step assistance for publishing a professional book that can be sold and distributed through existing channels to booksellers across the country. If your hope is to invest in yourself and your writing to get results in publishing opportunities where anything can happen, then you owe it to yourself to explore the option of the INDI Publishing Group.

For more information, email Jerry D. Simmons jerry@writersreaders.com.