So recently I was commenting online about Self-Publishing, and a lady commented that Self-Publishing was the term for people who just want to write a book for family and friends, and the correct term for people who want to sell books is Indie Authors. I don’t know if she was being rude or if I should listen to her. Would you prefer Indie Saturday to Self-Published Saturday? I certainly don’t want people to think I’m not serious about promoting these books. Or is she wrong and I should just ignore her? Please vote in the poll and comment below. I want to do the best thing for Self-Published/Indie Authors.
Bonnie Reads and Writes 
I always thought that the term self-published meant that the author chose to not go the traditional route of publishing through a large publishing house and published their work independently. Are self-published and indie the same thing? I’m a writer and have always believed that they meant the same thing.
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So have I until I saw that comment. I may just ignore it. I just want to make sure I’m doing the best thing for authors. Make sure to vote in the poll!
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As a self-published author…both are absolutely fine 😅 There’s some really strange snobbery going on of late 🙃
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Thank you! I was wondering about that.
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I’m fine with either one, but I’m not an expert 🙂
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You could use both terms Self-Published/Indie. I consider myself self-published but that does not mean I write just for friends and family. Indie is a term that is also associated with independent, non-Hollywood movies. Self-published is definitely for books.
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It sounds like the comment I saw on another site was someone practicing some snobbery, as suggested above :). So far, the vote is to keep SPS as it is.
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In my opinion, pot-A-to/pot-AW-to…same meaning:) Politically correctness has gotten out of hand and wasting a whole lot of everyone’s time. Sorry.
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It seems most are saying keep it the same. I will make sure I include the fact that Self-published and Indie authors are welcome.
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I much prefer the alliteration of “Self-Published Sataurday” over anything “Indie”. I see no real difference between being “self-published” and “Indie”, simply snobbery or personal preference.
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For the longest time, I thought “indie” referred to independent publishing, ie, small press publication. (Yes, I’m old.) Self-published is fine with me.
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That’s what I thought too!
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So, it’s not just me, then!
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Bonnie, what a thoughtful question you post here 🙂
To my knowledge, self-published and indie mean the same.
Indie is a term that’s been in use for almost a century, first in connection with cinematography, as ‘unaffiliated”, free-minded, unattached and in full control of one’s work. But after the first self-published book 🙂
A self-published author does exactly this, is in full control of all aspects of his work, from creations to publishing and marketing. Thus he is independent in the decisions he makes. He is an indie. And even if he manages to close a deal with a publisher or goes the vanity publishing route, as long as he keeps full control over the creative process, he is still an indie. Independent to make all decisions regarding his creations.
Self-Published Saturday is a great title to stick with and, as Harold’s Dad said, a great alliteration that fits 🙂
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Thanks so much, Pat! Based on the great feedback here, I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing.
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Intersting post Bonnie. They both mean the same thing to me. I think Self Published is really the most descriptive term for what you’re trying to do. Indie published is good also, but I don’t think it’s as descriptive as Self Published. No matter what you call this, I’ll still follow!
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Thanks Wendy! I’m going to keep the title but make it clear this is for anyone who self publishes, whether they refer to themselves as Indie or Self-published
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I’ve believed for a long time the difference is that “indie” publishing is being published by a non-traditional publishing company or small press (i.e.: “independent” of the large NY publishing houses); “self-publishing” is when authors publish their books themselves by creating their own publishing company and/or using a print-on-demand company such as Lulu to produce their books.
BUT Jane Friedman, who’s very respected in this space of sorting it all out, says they’re pretty much the same. I highly recommend her infographic, which breaks down various publishing paths: https://www.janefriedman.com/key-book-publishing-path/ — PDF download is free 🙂
I’m just glad you want to recognize this segment of publishing, Bonnie!
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Thanks Ellen! I will check that article out!
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