Why Indie Authors Are Winning the Business Game (and new First Pages!)

In this episode, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk about a recent publishing controversy sparked on Threads regarding the "legitimacy" of indie authors. They break down the evolving landscape of self-publishing, comparing the financial and creative realities of "indie" versus traditional publishing. Later, they critique the opening pages of a middle-grade mystery titled The Ravenspur Mystery, offering actionable advice on voice, world-building, and establishing character motivation.Key Discussion PointsThe hosts react to a social media thread where an agent reportedly claimed indie writers are not "legit" authors.Financial Realities: While the top 10% of traditional authors make significant money, the hosts argue that for most authors, indie publishing offers a better return on value.Royalty Gaps: The difference in what an author pockets can be $5 per book.The Direct Pipeline: Indie authors have built powerful direct-to-reader relationships through email lists that traditional publishers often struggle to replicate.Speed to Market: The traditional pipeline takes about two years, but indie authors are able to release new books every 4 to 6 months to keep their pipeline full.Business Savvy: Successful indie authors often earn between $50,000 as a midlist author.Creative Control & Traditional PitfallsLosing Your Champion: In traditional publishing, an author's original editor may leave, leaving the book in the hands of someone less invested in the project.Full Autonomy: Self-publishing allows the author to retain creative control over everything from the editing process to cover design and formatting.The "Vanity" Myth: The hosts argue that the old idea of self-publishing as mere "vanity publishing" is dead; it is now a highly viable and sophisticated business route.First Pages Critique: The Ravenspur MysteryThe hosts review the opening of a middle-grade mystery, praising its "old-school Nancy Drew" feel.Strengths: They highlight the strong opening hook that drops readers into the action and a voice that is observational, competent, and slightly wry.Critique on Filtering: Beth suggests that descriptive language should be filtered through the protagonist's specific perspective rather than sounding like neutral stage directions.Defining the "Want": A key recommendation is to establish the protagonist's internal "want" early on to ensure the reader is fully invested in her journey.Mentions & ResourcesBooks: Going Ghost (Cozy Mystery Series); Behind the Bookcase by Mark SteenslandBookstores: Bloodstone Books in Sacramento.Upcoming Guest: Award-winning author Amy Trueblood will join the next episode to discuss querying.Lisa's New Website!Send us Fan Mail Support the showVisit the WebsiteFind Full Episodes on YouTube!Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!