Dependent vs. Independent Publishing: Who’s Really in Control of Your Author Journey?

Self-publishing has revolutionized the way authors share their work with the world. But here’s the catch: while self-publishing sounds like total freedom, many authors find themselves caught in the web of dependent publishing, where they’re relying on someone else’s platform to carry their books to readers.

The big question: Who’s in control?

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why certain authors seem to be winning the self-publishing game while others struggle, it often boils down to this one simple (but very important) factor: control. It’s the difference between publishing in a space you own versus publishing on someone else’s platform where you are ultimately at their mercy.

Let’s break it down, shall we?

What’s the Deal with Dependent vs. Independent Publishing?

Here’s the long and short of it: dependent publishing means relying on third-party platforms like Amazon, Draft2Digital, or even Facebook to host and distribute your work. You get access to a massive audience, but you’re playing by their rules. Your success depends on their algorithms, their policies, and their mood.

On the flip side, independent publishing is the author equivalent of buying the land, building the house, and making your own rules. It’s about taking complete control over how your content is distributed, how it’s marketed, and how much you earn from it.

This might sound intimidating to some, but believe me—independent publishing is the way to go if you want to build a sustainable, long-term business.

The Illusion of Control in Dependent Publishing

So, you’ve published your book on Amazon or Draft2Digital, and you’re thinking, “Great, I’m in control! I own my content!” Yes, you own the manuscript, but when you’re using a platform that you don’t control, your ownership is kind of like owning a car that someone else gets to park in their garage. Sure, the car is yours, but they get to decide where it goes, how fast it goes, and when it gets washed.

Let me paint a picture: imagine you’re a soccer ball lying on the pitch. You’re enjoying the sunshine, minding your own business, and then—wham!—someone kicks you across the field. That’s the risk you run when you publish on a platform you don’t control. You could wake up one day to find that the platform you’ve trusted has decided to change the rules or, worse, shut down entirely.

In the case of Draft2Digital, an eBook distributor, I was one of the unlucky authors who got a rude awakening. After a company sale, I found myself locked out of my account with no warning and no explanation. The royalties I had earned vanished. Email after email went unanswered. And in the end, I was just one of many authors who got the boot from their platform without a single apology.

Why? Because it’s their platform, not mine. They’re the ones in control.

The Hidden Dangers of Playing the Dependent Publisher Game

It’s easy to think that you’re in the driver’s seat when you’re publishing your book online through an established platform. But the truth is, you’re a passenger, not the driver. Sure, you might have the wheel for a bit, but someone else is calling the shots.

Let’s talk about some of the hidden dangers of dependent publishing that often don’t hit authors until it’s too late:

Account Suspensions: Your account could be suspended or deleted without notice. That’s not a theory, that’s happened to countless authors. One day, you’re enjoying the success of your book, and the next, poof—it’s gone.
Policy Changes: These platforms can change their terms at any time. One day, the platform might be your best friend, and the next, they might decide that your content no longer fits with their rules. Welcome to the world of ever-changing algorithms and policies.
Payment Delays and Discrepancies: You’ve worked hard to write, market, and promote your book, only to have your hard-earned royalties delayed or mysteriously deducted. When you don’t control the platform, you’re at their mercy when it comes to payment terms.
No Ownership of Customer Data: This one is huge! When you publish through a third-party platform, you don’t own your reader data. That means you can’t directly market to your audience, build relationships, or grow your email list without going through the platform’s restrictions.

Why Independent Publishing is the Real Deal

Now, let’s talk about the good stuff: independent publishing. It’s a game-changer, and it’s the key to creating a business that lasts. But here’s the catch—it requires work. It’s not the easy path where you just upload your book and wait for the sales to roll in. No, no, no—independent publishing is about building something real from the ground up. And that, my friends, is where the magic happens.

So, what does it take to be an independent publisher? A lot more than just having a book and a website. Here are some steps to make sure you’re not just another dependent publisher hoping for the best.

1. Build Your Own Digital Real Estate

Forget renting space on Amazon or Facebook. Buy your own domain and create a website that becomes your home base for all things author-related. That’s where you can sell your books directly to readers, showcase your work, and build a brand. Think of it like your own private corner of the internet.

2. Start an Email List

An email list is gold. Sure, social media might give you a big following, but at the end of the day, you don’t own those followers. Email, however, is something you control. You get direct access to your readers, and you can build relationships that last.

3. Control Your Sales and Distribution

With independent publishing, you’re in charge of where your books are sold and how they get there. Whether you’re using print-on-demand services or direct sales through your website, you have the flexibility to set your prices, control your royalties, and decide who gets access to your content.

4. Embrace the Seven Controls of Publishing

In my book, Own Your Book Press, I break down the seven key controls every independent publisher should have. These controls are your ticket to freedom and success in the publishing world. From content control to customer data control, if you own all seven, you’re in the driver’s seat.

Why Now is the Best Time to Go Independent

The future of publishing is shifting, and more and more authors are realizing that true success comes from independence. The digital world has made it easier than ever to become your own boss and run your own publishing business. You don’t need to wait for a traditional publisher to notice you. You just need the right tools and the willingness to take control of your own destiny.

Remember, dependent publishers are the ones at the mercy of changing platform rules, account suspensions, and unpredictable revenue. Independent publishers are the ones building their own businesses, creating long-term success, and writing their own rules.

Take Control of Your Publishing Future Today!

So, what’s it going to be? Do you want to keep playing the guessing game with platforms that can change their mind any minute? Or do you want to take charge, learn the ropes of independent publishing, and build a business that you own and control?

The choice is yours. And let me tell you, independent publishing is the future. Start today, and take full control of your author journey!