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Not all indie publishing companies operate with integrity, and as an aspiring author, it’s essential to be aware of the red flags that may indicate potential risks or challenges in your publishing journey. In this blog post, I will explore the warning signs in detail to empower you to make informed decisions when selecting an indie publisher for your book. Hence the title,  Indie Publishing: Red Flags & My Story.”

In the vast world of publishing, indie publishing companies have emerged as an alternative route for authors seeking to share their stories with the world. Isn’t that terrific? While the prospect of independently publishing your book may seem enticing, it’s crucial to approach the process with vigilance and discernment.

Indie Publishing: Red Flags & My Story

Before delving into the red flags and my personal experience, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of indie publishing. Unlike traditional publishing, which involves established publishing houses, indie publishing allows authors to bring their books to market without the backing of major publishing companies. Instead, authors collaborate with smaller publishing firms or utilize self-publishing platforms to produce and distribute their works independently.

Indie publishing offers greater creative control and flexibility. However, it also requires authors to navigate various aspects of the publishing process themselves–from editing and formatting to marketing and distribution. Additionally, an indie author may think they’ve found a solution to saving themselves time by hiring an indie publishing company.  They may discover  it takes much more time to publish independently.  At least this was my experience.

Note:  I have published independently two books.  My first experience using CreateSpace (now Amazon KDP) was excellent.

However, my second experience is less so. I wanted someone to publish my book as well as do the marketing.  I think that is where I made my first mistake.

Indie Publishing: Red Flags & My Story

1. Lack of Transparency:

Transparency is paramount in any business relationship, including publishing. A reputable indie publishing company should be forthcoming. They should advertise their processes, fees, and distribution channels. Beware of publishers who are evasive or vague when discussing these critical details. It may indicate a lack of integrity or potential hidden agendas.

When I began the steps to publishing my book, my experiences with my book’s manager were positive. However, over the next seven months our emails and phone calls became progressively more agitated.

Once I declined their additional services for my book (extra press release distribution, podcast interviews, etc.) my book appeared to receive less attention. In fact, there were several weeks when I’d speak to my manager and she’d say she’d get back to me at the end of the week and I’d not hear from her for another week.  No explanation, no apology.

2. Unrealistic Promises:

While every author dreams of achieving success with their book, it’s essential to be wary of publishers who make lofty promises or guarantees of instant fame and fortune. I selected one of three publishing/marketing programs.

I was guaranteed 10,000 followers on my media platforms (Facebook and Instagram). This has not occurred as of this writing. The followers number is stopped growing, especially on Facebook but considering it’s been on Facebook for several months (less than 800 followers). I’d expect higher numbers.

Nevertheless, the company continues to use the exact same hashtags (of which I collected for them) with my Instagram posts. They never changed them.  That’s a sure sign for problems with Instagram, because they’ll consider my page to be a bot. Again, I asked for this to be changed. (As of this updated post, they finally switch them out after three months of my requesting for this to be edited.)

Publishing is a competitive industry, and success is never guaranteed. Be cautious of publishers who promise unrealistic outcomes without providing a solid plan or evidence to support their claims.

3. Poor Editing and Production Quality:

Quality matters when it comes to publishing your book. A reputable publisher should uphold high standards of editing, formatting, and cover design to ensure that your book is polished and professional. You may encounter a publisher that cuts corners on quality or prioritizes quantity over craftsmanship. Trust me, it will diminish the credibility and marketability of your book.

Primarily my problems with this particular company stem from their lack of attention to detail. I did as they asked of me (promptly, I might add).   I sent corrections or editions in the form of an email. They told me they received my instructions.

Time passed. They would send my book back to me with the supposed changes I required–however, nothing had been changed in the book. Or only one issue of several would be fixed. Shockingly, this issue occurred many times. Finally in desperation, I took back the editing and proofreading responsibility from them and made the changes myself. I couldn’t trust them.

4. Hidden Fees and Rights Grab:

Beware of publishers who lure authors in with low upfront costs only to impose hidden fees. Or they may try to mislead you or slip in contractual obligations later on. It’s essential to thoroughly review any publishing contracts and seek clarification on terms related to royalties, rights, and additional charges.

Author’s Rights

Avoid publishers who demand exclusive rights to your work. Especially if the rights do not offer  fair compensation or transparency regarding rights ownership. This particular company did made it clear to me that I owned the book and would received all the royalties. That’s the good part.

Nevertheless, what they failed to make clear to me is that I could beef up the marketing on the book if I paid more money. They’d say, “The press release on your book is doing amazingly! We’d like to place the press release elsewhere. ” First, I’d ask them how they knew that people were reading the release.  There was no answer.  Friend, that is not honest.

Manipulation Tactics

Secondly, I’d ask them if there was a cost for the additional press release coverage. They’d avoid answering me. Only after I agreed to more marketing will they divulge the price.  Interestingly, the cost of this “extra press release” marketing was about the same as what I paid initially. In other words, “Let’s just bump her costs up and get her to pay a higher cost without her actually realizing it.”

Do you see what is going on here?  I want to make this clear to you–they’d say it cost X amount of money for my initial signing with their program, but then they’d try to manipulate me into paying extra. This occurred several times.

Did you know I have the secret to boosting student engagement?  My new book, “We’re Live! Radio Theater #101” explains my journey to implementing this unique tool in the classroom. Check it out here

5. Lack of Author Support and Communication:
A supportive publisher should provide ongoing assistance and communication throughout the publishing process. Consequently,  if you encounter difficulties reaching your publisher or receive inadequate support, it may indicate a lack of commitment to your book’s success.

Generally, I would send an email with an itemized list of what needed to be fixed on the book (such as eliminating a video clip link which was housed on my blog).  I asked for this to be edited for two months.  Nothing changed.  As an author, you deserve to feel supported and informed every step of the way, from manuscript submission to book promotion.

6. Negative Reputation or Reviews:
Before committing to an indie publishing company, conduct thorough research to assess its reputation and track record. Look for reviews and testimonials from other authors who have worked with the publisher in the past. Pay attention to any red flags or warning signs that may indicate a history of unprofessionalism, poor customer service, or unethical business practices.

This was partly my own fault-–I did not check the company as thoroughly as I should have.  I liked their plan of publishing and marketing the book.  I was more interested in saving time than anything else. They looked good, had an excellent track record (or so I thought) and said what I needed to hear. (Isn’t that what all manipulators do?)

Something Else Suspect with This Indie Publisher

I revisited their reviews on their website and reviews elsewhere. Surprisingly, I found that all of them were glowing on their website. Hmmm.  All of them?  Not even one rated lower than 5/5. That’s suspect. Sadly, it was too late for me to request a refund.

I’m sure this is illegal.  They have posted books from other publishers on their website.  Books such as Charlottes Web, Pete the Cat, The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss and many others are listed.  When you check out these “portfolio” books on Amazon, their publishers are not this company but others such as Penguin books. That’s another red flag. 

7. No Clear Marketing Strategy:
Publishing your book is just the beginning.  Additionally, effective marketing and promotion are essential for reaching your target audience and generating sales. A reputable publisher should have a well-defined marketing strategy tailored to your book’s genre.

They should understand your target audience, and distribution channels. If a publisher lacks a clear marketing plan or demonstrates a reluctance to invest in promotional efforts, it may hinder your book’s visibility and commercial success.

Although they may have a clear marketing plan, I was never informed of exactly what that plan would look like.  My book is a guidebook for teachers to teach them how to use a unique tool to boost student engagement in their classroom.

Surprisingly, I spent well over eight months explaining myself to my book managers. Every time they’d send me something to okay for marketing, they chose the slant that was not for teachers.  Every time.  No matter how many times I explained it to them it would be incorrect.

Indie Publishing: Red Flags & My Story

Recently, I saw a reply to a Facebook post asking for names of publishing companies that are best with books by teachers.  In truth, I was unaware that there were companies such as this. Personally, I think the company I used should not have gone into business with me if they truly did not understand education.

For instance, one day my marketing managers (yes there ended up being two working with me) mentioned that they were unfamiliar with education’s standards. “What are benchmarks?”, they ask.  Really?  Another red flag. I’d think if you’d accepted to work with me you’d  have  prior experience with a book of this subject.

Another Negative Review of This Company

I found one person who had written a 1/5 review about this company.  Her review stated that the company had terrible communication with her.  A lot of what I’ve gone through since August could have been abated if only someone had truly listened to me. I was patronized more times than I can count! Friend, if I could sit with you and tell you about the entire experience from August to late February, you would not believe it.

Recently, I  laughingly told my husband that I should have titled this book, “Three Steps Forward and Eight Steps Back. No, Cancel That–Just Eight Steps Back” because that’s been my experience in a nutshell. Please know this–as of the writing as this post, my book has still not been published.

My Advice

Indie publishing is very trendy now.  In fact, I believe that publishing companies all have an arm of their business for indie books.  It didn’t used to be that way. My advice?  Take your time, be thorough in checking out a company and read the fine print.    Remember, your book is a reflection of your passion and dedication as an author. So, choose your publishing partner wisely and embark on your publishing journey with confidence and clarity.

Lastly, you may ask about the quality of the book–it’s excellent.  Why?  Because I basically published it all by myself.

If you’d like to learn about my other book, Bumbling Bea, go to Surprising Bumbling Bea Reviews and a FREE Chapter

Have you published a book independently?  What is your experience?  I’d love to hear about it.  Email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com and I’ll be happy to give you the name of the company.