WHY I CHOSE INDIE PUBLISHING (it's not for the $$$)

What's up, my friend? Today we're talking all about PUBLISHING. More specifically, why I chose to indie publish my debut novel 100 Days of Sunlight and why I would never EVER traditionally publish. I also talk about the pros and cons of indie publishing and answer that frequently asked question "is indie publishing for everyone??"
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[@woozleproductions9760]

I didn't think anyone could convince me to self-publish, but you did. I originally wanted to go traditional as I felt more people would read my book. I don't want money from this. I want people to read and enjoy my stories. I want my characters to be loved. I care about my characters, how they're handled and my control over them. I don't want another company to see them as just money-making potential and ruin them. They’re mine. It may sound weird, but they’re like a family to me(Obviously not as much of a family as my real family). Thank you for helping me make this decision. Thank you for saving my characters, stories and ideas.

[@CGAuthor]

Same here. I self publish because I want ppl to enjoy my books, as for money-it doesn’t matter.

[@judithhope8970]

Thoroughly agree. I love my characters. I think we all become quite protective of them. Good luck xx

[@ceinwenchandler4716]

Yeah, of course. Your characters are your special creations. They're not your children exactly, but something like that. And watching someone else officially mess them up would be infuriating.

[@josephkoester3217]

My fear with indie publishing, if I ever do manage to get my book written, is it has little chance of getting big. My fear with traditional is losing the rights.

[@syberyah]

But see, if you indie publish, you can learn how to market it well, and if it doesn't sell well the first time and you learn afterward how to market it better, you can likely re-publish it or hype it up for an anniversary to help get it sold. If you traditionally publish, that book is *gone.*

[@ButterCookie1984]

@@syberyah Right. And there is NO GUARANTEE that traditional publishing will make your book "go big", or even sell AT ALL.

[@nikkjcrespo]

@@syberyah this is some good discussion, thanks for sharing!

[@cynthiaking5308]

I guess the labor is the love. I want the words I write to be the words in the book. Becoming the next Steven King doesn’t validate me. Selling enough to cover my costs would be a win for me.

[@antaequeJ]

@@cynthiaking5308 beautifully said

[@bookishwriter9460]

A "meet the characters of 100 days of sunlight" would be really exciting!

[@Victoria-vy7gm]

“And not selling MY CHILD” I can’t😂😂😂

[@AbbieEmmons]

😂😂😂

[@syenite]

I've been an indie author since 2017 and I very briefly chatted with an agent at a webinar a few month back who told me that publishers are sneaking in clauses now that allow them use the book to train their own AI, and the right to use AI art for covers. That sealed it for me, I am never gonna attempt traditional publishing. I started indie publishing because I was tired of being on sub and being told "we already have our two lgbtq books for the season, sorry." I'm staying indie because lol I am not letting a publisher within an inch of a word I write when they are trying to make me obsolete.

[@ButterCookie1984]

"Full control is PRICELESS". Yes!! I did not realize that it is a ONE TIME SELL. If you sign with a publisher, and it doesn't sell, you cannot then go and try to self-publish it, unless you are willing to BUY YOUR BOOK AND RIGHTS BACK. Self-publish ALL THE WAY👍💖

[@nealabbott6520]

100% amen, sister! i went selfpub only for the control. i went to a writers conference and after a panel of publishers i almost cried. the trade off is all the control means all the responsibility. that's what keep me up at nights

[@meharbrar3132]

long story short, I can’t do indie yet because I don’t have the time yet for full commitment ( a student ) so I did it traditional. I had control, but will try it.

[@katej3277]

I worry that I won’t be able to advertise enough on my own....but I worry a publisher wouldn’t do that either. Well. Thanks for giving me something to think about!

[@AbbieEmmons]

Very true, publishing houses look for authors who have a platform and expect said author to do a lot of self-promo. So really, either route you take you'll have to do promotion yourself.

[@Mana_Ski]

I've decided to indie publish the series I'm working on. The deciding factor was fear that one book could be picked up ans the rest droppes, meaning my full story would never be told as I'd lose the rights to thr world, the characters etc. But there are many other influencing factors too, and I feel like one which is often overlooked by aspiring authors is the uncertainty of trad pub. You can't decide to go trad pub. You can decide to query agents, you can decide to try, you can throw your life into the process, but nothing is ever guaranteed. Having been raised by a traditionally published parent, I've had first hand experience of how gruelling this process can be. With indie, you can make that decision. You can say "I'm going to publish my book" rather than "I'm going to try and publish my book" and as an Autistic person (and someone with severe RSD) that definitive end result is important to me. I struggle with the not knowing. I struggle with the anticipation of waiting for a response. Whether my books attain an audience or not is another matter, but it's the same with trad. At least I'll know I'll one day have a book to speak of, so long as I'm ready to put in the work to bring it into fruition :) I have the utmost respect for anyone prepared to go through the gauntlet that is the trad pub process, but I'd get a rejection and be like "Fine. It's not like I wanted to be published or anything. Hmph." 😂

[@josiebethamon2615]

Your book is coming out on my 16th birthday :D I think that's a sign I need to buy it!

[@AbbieEmmons]

OMG HOW COOL!

[@syberyah]

The characters are 16, too (which you've probably figured out by now since this is a year old.) ;D

[@shivamkhandelwal96]

I love the way you shoot at all the problems that all aspiring writers face.

[@hazeltug]

I've indie-pubbed my very first book 💕 and got so much love and support from even people I don't know (how?) so with good advertising and a lot of people who support you can actually make self-publishing a wonderful experience. Do you know how many bloggers just throw out e-books on their blog for like three bucks...we literally have the world at our fingertips.

[@sftv1bes]

Congratulations on indie publishing your book! If you don’t mind me asking what is the name of your book?

[@hazeltug]

@@sftv1bes Sure! It's called the adventures and conquests of Ellie the Elephant Shrew

[@AbbieEmmons]

I agree Hazel!! It's so amazing to have this kind of control with our art. 👏✨ YOU ROCK.

[@sarahg4613]

I was so curious about your decision! Makes me think about going indie if I ever finish my books 🤔

[@AbbieEmmons]

So happy you liked this video, Sarah!

[@RKGold]

I'm indie, ive only published novellas. I've had back to back good months royalty wise (that's rare for me but I'm happy maybe it's the start of a big change) and my biggest obstacle is the stigma of being an indie.

[@melvinhathorn4988]

I couldn’t agree more. I have a friend who wrote a mystery titled “Death in The Garden.” The premise of the story was that the reader had to figure out the cause of death and didn’t discover until the end that the death was really murder. Her publisher wanted to change the title to “murder in the garden” because he thought it would sell better. Of course this title change would have destroyed the whole point of the book.

[@LiteraryLuminals]

Hi, I totally see your point on everything about indie pub. However, I am planning on going traditional for many reasons. Of course as I am ready to query my novel, my opinions might change. Pretty much all of the reasons why you want to go indie is the reason why I don't want to go indie. I really have a HUGE respect for indie authors because they do everything in their own way and honestly, I love that. However, I do not trust myself. I guess I'm a bit of a perfectionist to the point where if I do something (ex. cover), I will not be sure of it. For example, I could never decide what style of a book cover I want. I feel I'd be too stressed with having to make all of those decisions myself. Also, I don't want to stress too much about things. I'm glad that some of the pressure has been taken off of me with the publisher. Does that make sense? Also, I do not have the funds for things like cover designs and such. To finish this off, I have a lot of respect for any kind of author. Indie or traditional. Just make sure you don't get scammed with vanity presses. I could never do indie because of the control thing. I'll be okay if I get rejected. I'm also okay with the fact that they see it as a product. I'm okay with marketing my novel. Also I like the fact that I have a better chance of seeing my book at bookstores (even though it might not be there, I like the thought of it at barnes & noble just on the shelf lol) Anyway, no one really cares but I'm bored stuck in quarantine. Even though you don't care about this comment. Stay safe and make sure to read and write!

[@anikawalkes8172]

I've always had kinda the mindset that going indie is way too hard and that I should just take the "easier" road and sell my book to a publisher, but after watching this I actually really want to indie publish all my books because it sounds so much better!

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so happy this video inspired you, Anika! I think you'll love indie publishing 😊

[@rowan404]

This is EXACTLY why I want to be an indie author! I draw so much from myself and my experiences that I feel like I used a piece of my soul to create my story, so, to me, by selling my book, I would be selling my soul. Not just that, but I’m a huge control freak to the point that, if I had to do a group project in school, especially if it was a writing project, I would sometimes just sit at my desk and refuse to join the group until the teacher let me work alone, after which I would have the best project out of everyone. I’m not too worried about having to promote my book all by myself because my KZbin channel recently passed 1k subscribers and I’ve already introduced some of the characters through short animations. I would love to design my own cover; I would also be advertising my art commissions in the process. And, as for follow-up content, I plan to post oneshots on Patreon, meaning even more profit, as well as official art on social media, again circling back to my commissions!

[@aceymichaelis9254]

I don't usually comment but I'm so glad to hear you're indie publishing! So will I~ :D It's so heartwarming to find others in the industry. New to your channel but your content is already super freaking amazing. Loved this!

[@AbbieEmmons]

Welcome!! 💛✨ I'm so glad this video inspired you! Thank you so much I love meeting fellow Indies 😊

[@chloeharris6460]

Hi, this is the first video of yours that I've watched but I just wanted to say that I just finished an arc of 100 Days of Sunlight and I loved it so much! It was adorable, the characters were great and it celebrated disability in a way I really appreciated! I'm so happy it directed me to your channel 😊😊 xxx

[@AbbieEmmons]

THANK YOU SO MUCH CHLOE!! 💛💛💛 This comment brightened my day!! I'm so happy you enjoyed the book and that you're here on my channel! ✨

[@dedicatedfelineenthusiast2211]

If I can get the book done I’m definitely going indie. The horror stories that I’ve heard about regular publishing is that if someone comes to them and the book you have a similar to somebody they’re really trying to promote it they will buy the book and then never publish it because they buy the rights. And there’s no competition for the book they’re trying to promote. Thank you for all your videos.

[@oddeyes9413]

I'm making preparations for indie publishing, but will query to see what will happen. Also, writing mantra: *SLEEP IS FOR THE WEAK!*

[@qamarmasri9331]

I'm thinking of going indie, when I finish my first novel. I learned a lot from that video. 👏

[@AbbieEmmons]

YAY! That's so awesome, Kamar! I'm so glad you liked this video 💛

[@BeingBackAgain]

LOVE your firmly planted roots in Indie !!!! The hoop jumping by Traditional is NutZ!

[@authorallysonkennedy]

Great video, Abbie! I loved your book, by the way! ❤️ I’ve been a self-published author for two years using Createspace/KDP, and I’m glad I took that route; however, I’ve also tried and failed for two years to get my books *out there* no matter what I try to do to market them. My sales are almost nonexistent. It’s extremely depressing at times. I wouldn’t trade having control over my book babies for the world, but indie publishing has caused me a lot more stress than payback, unfortunately. 😞

[@AbbieEmmons]

Thank you so much, Allyson!! I'm so happy you loved the book! 💛✨ And omg yes I totally understand what you mean - marketing is huge and post-launch strategies are even more important than pre-launch ones. I'm definitely going to be talking about this more in the future, so stay tuned!! I hope to demystify some of the trickier areas of self-publishing that can be super daunting at first glance.

[@seanlocke9568]

Indie publishing here! I published my debut last year and I'm working on the first draft of the sequel now. Honestly I wouldn't have it any other way.

[@lonepanther27]

I swear this video speaks to me on a spiritual level. As i have the same views and my first novel will be self published

[@riverbright]

I'm still thinking about going traditional. The lack of control is scary, but at the same time one of the issues with indie published books is that they often get a bad rap. I mean, published authors have some questionable stuff out there, but they're still seen as 'better quality' than indie published books. I don't know, do you struggle with that? Because a lot of indie books are amazing as well.

[@AbbieEmmons]

I can totally understand this concern, Germaine! Most indie authors don't put in 110% of the effort to make their book super professional, and thus end up representing "indie" as lower-quality, rushed works of fiction that feel "not good enough to be published." Because this is a commonality in the indie pub world, it is a bit of a struggle for us authors who are breaking into the publishing world.. but there has been a shift lately with indie presses sprouting up who kind of become the "middle ground" for a lot of authors - the press' job is basically to create and distribute the book in a professional way to booksellers so that an indie author doesn't have to figure all this out on her own. (Gatekeeper Press is a good example of this) but as I said in this video, I'm a bit of a control freak and so I'm very interested in doing it all on my own. 😂 And teaching others the tricky parts that can be quite daunting without a press or publisher to help you! but props to your decision and I wish you the best of luck with your future published works, however you send them out into the world! :D

[@riverbright]

@@AbbieEmmons Thank you! I look forward to hearing more about indie pub from you - there's still time for me to make a decision.

[@N.Traveler]

Well, let's not forget about Veronica Roth's Divergent series and the Twilight series. Those started off well but ended up being some of the most disappointing books. I don't think traditional publishing is a guarantee for bestsellers. Especially because publishers tend to play it safe and constantly buy the same stuff over and over with a different title. Indie publishing has a lot more potential in terms of finding hidden gems that might become the next Harry Potter. :) I think it comes down to how much work you're willing/able to do and time you're willing/able to invest in marketing your own book. Of course, you'll need a lot of skills in different branches (editing, graphic design, marketing) too depending on how much you'd like to delegate. I see your point though! Good luck! :)

[@b.d.walters9402]

@@N.Traveler Hi....I wanted to comment on your statement on Abbie Emmon's video about Indie Publishing. You said: " I don't think traditional publishing is a guarantee for bestsellers. Especially because publishers tend to play it safe and constantly buy the same stuff over and over with a different title." I'd simply like to add my take on this sentiment: Trad Pub-Houses are all about supply and demand...they do survey's on what's selling, what the consumer is demanding with their dollars. They then "supply" the demand...that's what drives Capitalism and Consumerism. It's the numbers that matter. I' don't dis Capitalism...that's the system that also allows for Indie Authors, Publishers, and Presses to function in the same arena. The difference is that as Independents...we may or may not hit the "TOP 10" list...but our motive and mission is the driver of our work...not the numbers specifically; although the numbers may come as well. Just wanted to add to the conversation....

[@chryscreates6151]

Indie only, a starting my own publishing company to publish my books. I heard an author story where her book was all set to be released then something happened regarding the book cover, she did not reveal what that was, but the book release was canceled. Yikes! This was in an interview with Joanna Penn on The Creative Penn podcast & KZbin video several years ago. Not letting that happen to me. I also don't want to beg a literary agent to represent me. No begging here. I am writing a Cozy Mystery series. Thank you for these videos!

[@AbbieEmmons]

I agree 1000% Chrysann! I've heard stories about that exact thing happening too… so scary. I love The Creative Penn podcast!! Joanna is an inspiration. 👏✨ that's so awesome you want to start your own publishing company - I can see myself doing that eventually too!

[@EmilynWood]

This is my second video of yours that I've seen and I realized after looking up your book that I've heard about it from someone on Goodreads who read it and reviewed it! Whoever did your book cover did a GREAT job!

[@Literaturajuvenilescritores]

I feel you, sis. I'm Indie and traditional writer in my country and i can tell you that i never been only traditional publisher. I LOVE SO MUCH THE SELF PUBLISHING. So Thanks for make this video ♥

[@R.S.4672]

I agree with this 1,000%! It's about retaining ALL rights to your work and maintaining complete CONTROL over your work.

[@madelyn932]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!! I'm writing an essay for school on this, and I needed some topics to write about.

[@JasonFalter]

Interesting thing I see from people who are writing their first book: "I'm not sure if I want to go indie or traditional." Here's the thing... YOU... Yourself, can go indie and release your book. On the flip, it's not up to you if you can "go traditional" at all. You have to get the subjective interest of an agent. Then the agent has to get the subjective interest of a publisher. That's a lot of subjectivity to get through. Meanwhile you could have released your book already. You can go indie, and then a publisher may find it that way (Hugh Howey anyone??? The indie sci-fi author that blew the shackles off going indie). He was then able to keep his rights and negotiate deals with publishers to just release his books in book stores. He maintained all rights and all digital rights. He wouldn't have been able to do that if he had gone the submission route with the Wool series. I like that the days of the middle man do not hold all the power to getting good stories released now.

[@crystaleefyffe1230]

Romance author Raven Kennedy who indie publishes recently had a UK publisher buy her recent hit series. The last book is coming this year. Another author Emily McIntire just got a deal from Sourcebooks/Bloom Books. So it can happen and I think there has been a shift with how indie authors are preceive. But as usual some people will still be smobs.

[@authorivyljames]

I'm so excited for your indie pub series! It's the route I'm considering myself

[@AbbieEmmons]

Awesome!! 👏 so excited to talk more about this in the future 😊

[@MikaylaWhitaker]

I'm planning on self publishing my novel as well! Congrats on getting your novel published!

[@AbbieEmmons]

Yay!! that's so awesome 👏 thank you so much!

[@authork.shafer1444]

Okay, I just found your videos today and I am DEVOURING them. I'm indie publishing my debut this winter and I have found so much support and information through SPF, the 20booksto50K Facebook group and the Instagram writing community. So glad to see another soon-to-be indie author being open about her decision to indie publish. Good luck on your launch and I can't wait to see what new videos you come up with.

[@authork.shafer1444]

Also, I'm 100% in the same boat as you are. I chose indie because I'm not willing to give someone else control over my art. It's my second baby and I'm going to work my butt off to make sure that it gets to where I want it to be.

[@AbbieEmmons]

WOOO! *high fives * so great to meet you!! I'm so glad you're on the indie train too 😊💛 I agree 10000% -- I couldn't possibly hand over my baby to someone else's control!! it's so awesome to see the indie author community growing

[@kanashiiookami6537]

Everything you said is the same conclusion I came to that sealed the deal on why I want to be self pubbed rather than trad. I don't want someone to change my story because they have literally zero clue why it matters that it is the way it is.

[@sftv1bes]

Amazing video as always. I’m so excited for your indie publishing series!

[@AbbieEmmons]

Thank you, Vivi! I'm super excited to talk about it 😊

[@lalatheia]

My book, my world, my baby..I will definitely go indie! Great video, Abbie. :)

[@jamescarvey2133]

Hello, my friend-like you-I enjoy staying at the helm at all times. This video was just inspirational-magic. Thanks, and rock on!🙏

[@SpottedBananaPeel]

Honestly I don’t know which one I want to go with. They each have their pros and cons. If you go indie you also have to foot the bill for everything so if you don’t have extra money to spend you risk cutting corners and ruining a potentially great book. But I also don’t want to sign all my rights away to a publisher that could end up doing jack shit for me either. It’s such a hard choice to make and I keep flip flopping on what I want to do.

[@authorpatrickniel6958]

I'm an Indie Author. I felt like it was the best way to go. Death's Notebook was my first book.

[@lizzymurphy]

I'm self publishing my book. It's in the "final edits" stage. Then after that, well... I'm scared and nervous, but also really excited.

[@diannebdee]

I want to go indie because the subject matter of my book is a little off the beaten path with some controversial elements, and I do not want a traditional publishing house hacking the guts out of my book due to that very subject matter. Will look forward to your publishing videos Abbie. Good luck on "A 100 Days of Summer"..... waffles included.

[@AbbieEmmons]

So glad you're joining the indie side!! I wish you the best success with your books. I'm looking forward to talking a lot more about publishing in the future too!

[@diannebdee]

@@AbbieEmmons Thank you Abbie. I'm looking forward to any future videos you have on the subject and any others you have planned period. Love your positivity and advice. Question though: Could you do a video on sex scenes? I know you largely cover YA topics, but I'm trying not to make mine seem like soft core porn. Yikes!!!!!! 😓❤❤❤

[@ScarlettMusiic]

These videos are so special! thank you abbie!

[@iviebrooks7768]

This. This is why I want to indie publish.

[@AbbieEmmons]

💛💛💛

[@meharbrar3132]

I decided the date, title, made my own cover, designed every thing, the blurb, I can make another version whenever I want, asking for it to be in a specific bookstore? a click away. and a bunch of help with advertising of course. ALL IN TRADITIONAL. to be honest the ONLY REASON I did traditional publishing is because I’m too young for the commitment for indie. when I’m older maybe, not sure tho. ( keep in mind my current author has downsides but it’s mainly because they’re primarily for textbooks and mine is a poem book, not happy with it but my mother decided and I have no, well, not an adult end of story. ) BUT NOW. I know how to format my book and SEND IT to publishers. so I will do that for the next one ( also a poetry book ) the details of self publishing my book ( with paintings ) would be complicated tho so maybe when I publishing the debut novel I’ll go indie? we’ll see.

[@badraven_indieauthor]

I agree, contract means to sell your work. For me it goes further, to me is selling your "Vision." Having said that, Indie Publishing is brutal, is like being the underdog. I still enjoy being in control of every aspect of my books. Thank you for your video 😉

[@emmalewis6436]

Definitely indie 💛 congratulations on your journey to having full control over your beutiful art. I'm writing my own series of witchy memoirs and they are my babies. The thought of giving my work to another is too much lol I'm not fussed about the profit side as long as my art reaches those that need it the most. Weather I sell 50 copies or less, the main purpose is to get my book out there and write more.

[@brietoujours1343]

I am thinking of going indie after years of being convinced I would go traditional. I know writer friends who were heartbroken when their publishing house made them change key aspects of their books and because I have a series I don't want to risk the second book not getting published if the first book doesn't sell. Plus both industries are changing so much. I just need to find an editor.

[@TheAssez]

*Thank you.* 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💕💕💕

[@KnittingmommyArts]

I'm in my second year as an Indie. It's the best decision I ever made. Like you, I like the control I have. I'd be interested in what you've done so far to get ready for your launch. Like...have you written a newsletter magnet yet? how are the ARCs going? do you have an advertising strategy? The usual. Good luck. I don't read YA, but I'm looking forward to reading your book when it comes out because I love your style on the KZbin channel and I want to see what your writing style is like.

[@AbbieEmmons]

That's so awesome!! ✨ I am definitely going to be talking a lot more about all these things in the future! And omg thank you, I can’t wait for you to read the book! :D

[@hannarose166]

“It’s about not selling my child!” Haha yaaass preach

[@kacieross620]

I know this was a couple years ago but I am very new to the indie author scene as I have been writing my debut novel for about 7 months now and just started social media for it about 2 now. Thank you for hyping indies up so much because it can be such a daunting process. I have a 30 min meeting with a brand new indie publishing company tomorrow about my debut project and I'm wondering what you may see the pros and cons with this being. They are called Spellbound Publishing LLC, and they sound amazing, but they are very new, and I'm trying to look at that front ALL perspectives.

[@HorrorBot]

Ive been finding a lot of great authortubers lately... you ma’am are one of them. Your videos are so awesome and I find such inspiration in your videos!

[@AbbieEmmons]

Thank you!! so glad you're here! 💛

[@jesbrimer3096]

I so needed to hear this...along with your other videos lol thank you!!

[@ChrisNeuhahnArt]

I had two how-to books published. The publisher apologized to for not marketing the 2nd book while it was relevant to the current software release. But they didn't offer to have update the book for new versions. They just threw up that hands. My editor didn't even know the book had been translated to Russian until I started getting emails from people there asking me questions. I did eventual get a Russian copy of the book which was cool.

[@krisballard541]

I have self-published five books, and I'm currently writing my sixth book.

[@rau1160]

I finally decided to choose traditional a few days ago but this makes me be choosy once more. On one side i want to focus on writing rather than the technicalities that i could have a traditional do it for me. And that i wont have to promote my book. But the idea that its a one time thing and the chances of my book being waste away makes me want to do indie.

[@danielle9275]

I've thought about both, but ultimately think indie publishing is the best choice for me. Like you said control. I like things done my way that's it 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@AbbieEmmons]

AMEN DANIELLE 👏✨ I can totally relate!

[@MrsSukre07]

I am a traditional published writer but now I'm thinking of switching side to Indie due to the reason stated by Abbie as well. I hate the fact that I can't have some control over my book especially pertaining the book cover. My first book, the cover is so horrible and out of the genre I had to explained myself to the reader *sobs I will most definitely going Indie for my next book.

[@dianasahe8293]

I love this vídeo Abbie! And I would like to know more about this indie experience you had💛💛💛

[@syberyah]

0:17 Abbie: If you don't know anything about my novel, where have you been? Me: They've been living under a rock, and that rock was blocking out the sunlight.

[@thea4676]

I want to be a hybrid one day, but I think I'll start with traditional as i don't have the money to successfully publish indie right now,

[@AbbieEmmons]

best of luck with all of your writing projects!! You've got this!

[@MasDeNadiaEscritora]

I wanna go indie... so your future videos will help me a lot. Thank you 😘

[@AbbieEmmons]

That's so great, Nadia!! I can't wait to see your books out there in the world 😊

[@elizabethdelay9534]

I've been thinking about going Indie!

[@RKGold]

I so needed to hear this again thank you!

[@janetpalmore8363]

Your videos are priceless. Thank you.

[@lollyannaclark]

I'm pulled both ways, so 50/50 for me. Like you say, the control is a big temptation, but that also scares me so much. I have a goodish platform on twitter/instagram, and now I'm trying to build one on here so that if I do indie, I have a way of getting the word out there. Eeep. So scary to think about when my first draft is almost at the end defhkjhkhsqw

[@AbbieEmmons]

I know how you feel, Lauren!! It is SO MUCH to think about and organize… definitely a daunting task. I hope you do go indie! either way, I wish you all the success with your future book(s)!! 💛✨

[@bethanycamille5379]

You should watch Alexa Donne’s “Editors Don’t Ruin Books: A publishing rant” video. It really dispels many myths that indie authors typically have about traditional publishing.

[@SureshKumar-ee9vk]

Very informative. I am at the crossroads- i have a few agents interested but like you I love my story and the characters and would like to have full control. Should I give an agent a try of go all in Indie?

[@spintype4371]

This is so great!!! ... Could we possibly talk about testing a formatting (content and e-book) tool for us and give us your opinion?

[@marcuspowell7042]

I love her....She get to the POINT, and spare the fluff!

[@ULVT]

I am a musician (I want to release books ass well) but I’m releasing my music as Indie. Because it’s my work no one will control and own my work.

[@booksandbrushes4868]

I've always been leaning to self pub. I'm the same, I can't loose that control... I'd rather put in ALL the work. Yes it's an investment... But for me it's worth it. Either way publishing is publishing, both should get respect and it's about whats right for you 💛 indie is quality!

[@abrahamasher3190]

If this video is nothing, then my mindset about indie is just for money (for more profit) Thank you. This video is helpful!

[@JaredEverettBell]

I'm choosing to go indie because my goal is to pitch my books to networks in Hollywood. I want to bring my ideas from book to television.

[@Robeeh2]

Very encouraging to hear, thank you x

[@cassiopeiathew7406]

Obviously this is rather presumptuous but I’m thinking about doing both if I can, creating two stories and selling the less personal and more publishable child to a publishing company while I work getting the other one published using the money I get from publishing it. That way I can do both, see for myself which I prefer doing in the future while also having the funds and time to actually put into perfecting the indie published work.

[@commonsenseamerica1685]

I guest is depends on your specific situation.

[@maaquijano]

I'm INDIE all the way!!!! 🌻🌻🌻

[@idealisticauteur]

I've been offered of a royalty contract and I kinda feel like I wanna turn it down and go self-publish.

[@emmakusmaul8832]

I think you totally just sold me on Indi publishing. I always thought about going traditional but thinking about it now... I feel the same way about the control... I need that when it comes to my baby. Also when will your book be available to buy hard copy’s instead of kindle? I was going to pre order till I found out pre order only got kindle. I’d prefer to own the hard copy.

[@sftv1bes]

She mentioned in one of her videos that if you want a physical copy of her book you have to wait till August 7th to order it.

[@AbbieEmmons]

So glad this video inspired you, Emma!! Yes, the hard copies of the book will be available on August 7th, 2019. They might be available for preorder before that, I will let you know! Still working some things out with the printer. :)

[@elizabethgracefashion]

Isn’t it easier to self publish when you already have a following online?

[@zenebornman7917]

You look like a self-published author Abbie, we already new! 😊

[@alexchandler8476]

Thinking about it...Indie.

[@foxymoxy2003]

I have been trying to decide if I want to go indie or not but I think I will go indie

[@cynthiaking5308]

I am going indie because of a statistic I read. Going indie is very attractive to women over fifty. Why spend a few years querying, then if you get an agent, spending a year or two looking for publisher, then the time spent while the publisher works on getting it to print (maybe never) only to find it a few years later in the clearance bin at the Dollar Store. Can you guess? I’m over 50.

[@christianknickerbocker604]

I remember when I made the choice. It was years ago so I don't remember who wrote it but I read this article that basically said the only things publishers provide are editing, cover design, and distribution. The first two you can buy freelance for a few K and the last is virtually all done online now anyways. You're giving away control and 80+% of your profits for bragging rights and to save a few thousand up front. Don't do it!

[@joshpoi886]

I had a feeling before watching this she would leave out the fact that she has a subscriber base on youtube she can expect to sell her books to, which makes indie publishing easier for her.

[@Alexindiegamedev]

I decided to go indie, though I have yet to sell my 1st commercial work cause I want to own all my original IP

[@adventureaudio1273]

You are sunshine and wildness.

[@katheryn.nicole]

I am 100% going indie.

[@AbbieEmmons]

*HIGH FIVES *

[@dreamcrafters7451]

Is Indie publishing FREE?? I started writing my book a few months ago, and I am looking into using money for little things.... I still have a long way to go... But I think that it will be better if I at least have an idea for publishing my novel....

[@annathiemann1837]

Yes, it essentially is. Kinda. You can go to Amazon kindle publishing and just publish anything as an ebook. But if you really want someone to buy it and want your book to be good quality,you have to put some money in for an editor at least and maybe a cover designer and ads. If you want to indie publish with print books, you can do that with print on demand „for free“. Which means you don‘t have to pay for it, but will earn less royalties.

[@shastajazzy]

What about micro/new publisher?

[@ameenoahmad]

Watching this... changed my views

[@emilyslittlebooknook-8043]

So did you publish through kindle direct or ? How did you get it printed

[@natashadeborah]

please make a video about book marketing!