An individual who publishes literary work independently assumes the roles and responsibilities traditionally held by publishing houses. This encompasses tasks such as editing, cover design, marketing, and distribution. For example, an author who self-publishes a novel through platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or IngramSpark operates as an independent entity within the book industry.
This route to publication offers creators full control over their work and its presentation to the public. It can result in higher royalty rates compared to traditional publishing contracts, allowing for greater financial reward for successful titles. Historically, this model has empowered marginalized voices and niche genres to reach audiences that may have been overlooked by mainstream publishers.
