Dependent vs. Independent Publishing: Who Really Holds the Reins of Your Author Career?

Welcome, fellow authorpreneur! If you’re navigating the exciting world of self-publishing, you’ve probably found yourself standing at a crossroads: dependent publishing or independent publishing? Whether you’re a seasoned writer or a first-time author, the publishing world has changed drastically over the years—and understanding the difference between these two paths could be the key to unlocking your career’s success.

In this post, we’re going to dig deep into the two publishing models: the often-dependable but risky dependent publishing through Amazon’s KDP Select, and the entrepreneurial, empowering world of independent publishing. Let’s see what’s behind the curtain and why taking full control of your author career might be the best decision you make.

The Appeal of Dependent Publishing: The KDP Select Gamble

First, let’s talk about KDP Select, Amazon’s flagship program that transformed self-publishing when it launched in 2011. It promised big perks for indie authors—bigger visibility, promotional tools, and a growing pool of royalties. But as appealing as the jackpot sounded, there’s a catch. The program requires authors to put all their eggs in Amazon’s basket, giving up the ability to sell their book anywhere else for at least 90 days. That’s a long time in the self-publishing world, where diversifying your reach is usually considered the golden rule.

What’s the Deal with KDP Select?

Let’s break it down in simple terms. Think of Amazon’s KDP Select program like a massive, high-stakes poker game. You take your book and bet it on Amazon’s table. In return, you get a piece of a growing royalty pool—but there’s one huge catch: your book is now exclusive to Amazon for the next 90 days. During that time, it can’t be sold on any other platform—Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play, you name it—it’s Amazon or nothing.

While this exclusivity comes with a few benefits (hello, Kindle Unlimited!), the gamble is real:

No Control Over Distribution: You’re at Amazon’s mercy when it comes to selling your book. If they change their rules, cut royalties, or even ban your account, you have zero control.
Income is Unpredictable: With millions of authors in the program, the prize pool gets diluted. Many authors report stagnant or even declining sales as competition grows fiercer.
Dependence on One Platform: If Amazon pulls the rug out from under you, where does that leave you? Without your book, your audience, or your revenue.

But here’s the kicker: dependent publishing doesn’t just affect your income—it affects your entire business model. You’re at the mercy of Amazon’s algorithm, their payment schedule, and their ever-evolving policies.

Why is Dependent Publishing So Dangerous?

Let’s use an example from the world of big tech. When you’re using Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, you’re effectively an “outside investor.” You don’t own the platform; you’re just using it to reach your audience. Similarly, when you’re publishing exclusively on Amazon, you’re an outside investor in their platform. All the data, the customers, the royalties—Amazon owns it.

If you’ve ever had your Facebook account disabled or your YouTube videos demonetized, you know exactly what it feels like to suddenly lose control of your business. Now imagine that happening to your entire writing career. Your books vanish, your royalties dry up, and your audience is left stranded. That’s the risk of dependent publishing. You’re building your empire on someone else’s land.

The Thrill of Independent Publishing: Take Control of Your Destiny

Now, let’s shift gears to the exciting world of independent publishing. If dependent publishing is the risky casino game, independent publishing is your own business—complete with your own platform, your own rules, and your own audience.

What’s So Great About Independent Publishing?

You Own Everything: Your website, your email list, your books, your royalties—it’s all in your hands. No more relying on third-party platforms for your income.
You Control Distribution: You get to decide where to sell your book—whether that’s on Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, or your own website. And the more platforms you’re on, the more potential readers you can reach.
Your Audience is Your Own: By selling on your own website and building an email list, you can engage directly with your readers. No more playing the guessing game with Amazon’s algorithm, wondering if your next book promotion will even get seen.
Stable, Predictable Revenue: The income from direct sales is often far more stable than what you’d earn through KDP Select, where payouts depend on the whims of Amazon’s shifting algorithms and fluctuating royalty pools.

How to Build Your Own Indie Publishing Empire

Here’s where the fun begins. You might be thinking, “Okay, sounds great, but how do I actually start?” Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here are a few strategies for transitioning from dependent publishing to independent publishing like a pro:

Step 1: Build Your Own Author Website

Your author website is the cornerstone of your independent publishing empire. Think of it as your digital storefront—it’s where your readers will go to buy your books, connect with you, and stay updated on new releases. Use a platform like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace to create a sleek, professional site. Add an online store (using WooCommerce or Shopify) where people can buy your books directly.

Step 2: Diversify Your Distribution Channels

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. While Amazon KDP is still a major player, there are other platforms where you can list your book, such as Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. You can even use aggregators like Draft2Digital or PublishDrive to get your books into even more stores.

Step 3: Build an Email List

You’ve heard it a million times, and it’s true: your email list is your most valuable asset. With direct access to your readers, you can promote new books, offer exclusive content, and create a loyal fanbase that will follow you no matter what platform you’re on. Use tools like ConvertKit, Mailchimp, or MailerLite to manage your list and create beautiful, engaging newsletters.

Step 4: Leverage Print-On-Demand Services

Don’t limit yourself to just eBooks. Print-on-demand services like IngramSpark and BookVault allow you to offer physical copies of your books without having to keep inventory. Plus, they’ll handle shipping, so you can focus on what you do best—writing!

Step 5: Master Direct Sales

It’s all about cutting out the middleman. By selling directly through your website, you keep a larger percentage of profits and build a stronger relationship with your audience. Offer limited-time discounts, exclusive signed copies, and bonus content to incentivize direct sales.

The Final Question: Who Controls Your Publishing Business?

This is the crucial question every self-published author needs to ask themselves: Who controls my business? If you’re relying on Amazon (or any other platform) to distribute your books and manage your income, the answer might not be you. And if that’s the case, it’s time to rethink your strategy.

While dependent publishing might seem like an easy road to take, the truth is, it’s fraught with risks. On the other hand, independent publishing offers the control, stability, and freedom to build a lasting business that works for you.

So, if you want to be your own boss, take charge of your career, and have more fun along the way, it’s time to embrace independent publishing. You’ve got this!

Now, go ahead and take control of your publishing career—you’re the boss! Ready to build your independent empire? It’s time to take charge and let your voice be heard on your own terms!