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Self-Publishing for Writers: Everything You Need to Know to Launch Your Own Indie Press
by Writing Workshops Staff
A day ago
Self-Publishing for Writers: Everything You Need to Know to Launch Your Own Indie Press
You've written the book. You've revised it until your eyes crossed. You've queried agents for months—maybe years—only to receive form rejections or, worse, complete silence. Or perhaps you landed a traditional publishing deal, only to see your book receive minimal marketing support while you had no say in cover design, pricing, or distribution strategy.
Sound familiar?
If you're nodding your head, you're not alone. Thousands of talented writers are discovering that the traditional publishing path isn't their only option—and for many, it's not even their best option.
The Publishing Landscape Has Changed (And Writers Are Taking Notice)
The publishing industry operates on a model that hasn't fundamentally changed in decades. Literary agents receive hundreds of queries weekly and can only take on a handful of clients. Traditional publishers focus on books they believe will become bestsellers, leaving countless quality manuscripts to languish in slush piles. Even when writers do secure traditional deals, they often discover a harsh reality: publishers expect authors to do most of the marketing work while retaining control over crucial decisions about cover design, pricing, and distribution channels.
But here's what the traditional gatekeepers don't want you to know: everything a publisher does, you can learn to do yourself.
The rise of indie publishing has democratized the entire book industry. Today's self-publishing tools and platforms have become so sophisticated that indie authors can produce books that are indistinguishable from traditionally published works in quality, distribution reach, and professional presentation. Writers who embrace indie publishing gain something invaluable: complete control over their creative vision and business strategy.
What Is Indie Publishing (And How Is It Different from Self-Publishing)?
Let's clarify some terminology that often confuses writers:
Traditional publishing means signing with an established publishing house that handles editing, design, printing, distribution, and (theoretically) marketing in exchange for the majority of your book's revenue and all creative control.
Self-publishing typically refers to using platforms like Amazon KDP or IngramSpark to publish your book yourself, often with minimal upfront investment but also minimal support.
Indie publishing represents a more professional, entrepreneurial approach where you essentially create your own small press—investing in quality editing, design, and marketing while maintaining full creative and financial control.
Think of indie publishing as building your own sustainable publishing business rather than simply uploading a file to Amazon.
The Pain Points Indie Publishing Solves
1. Years Wasted in the Querying Black Hole
Many writers spend 2-3 years querying agents, then another 1-2 years on submission to publishers if they do land representation. By the time your book reaches readers through traditional channels—if it ever does—five years have passed since you finished your manuscript. Your next book is already written, but you're still stuck waiting for gatekeepers to open the door.
Indie publishing lets you move at the speed of your creativity, not at the glacial pace of traditional industry gatekeepers.
2. Zero Control Over Your Book's Destiny
When you sign a traditional publishing contract, you typically surrender control over:
- Your cover design (the single most important factor in whether readers pick up your book)
- Your pricing strategy
- Your distribution channels
- Your marketing timeline
- Even your title in some cases
One traditionally published author described it as "watching someone else raise your child." Indie publishing means you make every decision about your book's future.
3. Terrible Author Economics
Here's the uncomfortable truth about traditional publishing money: authors typically earn $1-3 per hardcover book sold, with advances that must be "earned out" before you see another penny. Most traditionally published authors never earn enough to quit their day jobs.
Indie publishers, by contrast, can earn $3-7 per paperback sold and significantly more on ebooks—all while maintaining ownership of their intellectual property. You're not just making more per unit; you're building a sustainable business asset.
What You'll Actually Learn in "How to Become Your Own Publisher"
WritingWorkshops.com's two-night seminar with Tal and Sanibel Lazar isn't another vague motivational course about "believing in yourself." It's a practical, step-by-step blueprint for understanding the entire publishing workflow and deciding whether indie publishing is right for you.
Night One: Understanding the Publishing Machine
The first session demystifies what actually happens behind the curtain at publishing houses. You'll discover:
- The reality check: How books actually get into bookstores and libraries (hint: it's not what you think), what book tours really look like in 2025, and how press coverage actually works
- Money transparency: Exactly how authors get paid in different publishing models, including advances, royalties, and the hidden costs traditional authors never discuss
- The publishing spectrum: Clear distinctions between traditional, self, and indie publishing so you can make an informed decision
- Pre-publishing essentials: What foundational elements you need in place before you can publish (this alone will save you months of confusion)
- Format options explained: The real differences between ebooks, audiobooks, paperbacks, and hardcovers from a publisher's perspective
Night Two: Building Your Publishing Operation
The second session gets tactical, walking you through the actual work of indie publishing:
- The complete workflow: From cover design to font selection, interior layout, and ISBN registration—every step demystified
- Marketing reality: The uncomfortable truth about book marketing regardless of who publishes you (this section alone is worth the price of admission)
- Tools and platforms: Specific, actionable recommendations for services and step-by-step procedures you can implement immediately
- Budget planning: Real numbers for what indie publishing costs—no surprises, no hidden fees
- A day in the life: What indie publishers actually do on a daily basis to run their publishing businesses
- Live Q&A: Get your specific questions answered
- Decision framework: A guided discussion to help you evaluate whether the indie path is right for your situation
Why Tal and Sanibel Lazar Are Uniquely Qualified to Teach This
Tal Lazar brings over two decades of experience producing and selling feature films to international distributors—an industry remarkably similar to book publishing in its challenges and opportunities. He's taught at prestigious institutions including the American Film Institute, Columbia University, the Sundance Institute, and Berklee College of Music. His unique background in both film production and education means he understands how to package and sell creative work while explaining complex processes clearly.
Sanibel Lazar isn't teaching theory—she's living it. Her debut novel, To Have and Have More, was published by Sad Rich Girl Press, and her writing has appeared in NYmag, ELLE, Air Mail, and Literary Hub. With an MFA from The New School and a growing platform on TikTok and Instagram, she understands both traditional literary credibility and modern author platform-building. She's currently working on a satire about the New York media scene, giving her real-time insight into today's publishing landscape.
Together, Tal and Sanibel offer a rare combination: practical business acumen, creative credibility, and teaching experience that can transform how you think about your writing career.
Who Should Take This Course?
This seminar isn't about your writing experience—it's about your entrepreneurial spirit.
You should take this course if you:
- Have been on submission for years without results
- Are stuck in the querying stage and wondering if there's another way
- Signed a traditional publishing deal but felt frustrated by lack of control or support
- Are curious about indie publishing but overwhelmed by where to start
- Want to understand what publishers actually do (even if you ultimately pursue traditional publishing)
- Are ready to treat your writing as a business, not just a hobby
- Want to connect directly with your readers without intermediaries
This course might NOT be right if you:
- Haven't finished writing your book yet (finish first, then learn to publish)
- Are hoping for a get-rich-quick scheme (indie publishing is a business that requires work)
- Aren't willing to invest time and some money into quality production
- Prefer someone else to handle all business aspects of your writing career
The Investment: Time and Money
The seminar runs two consecutive evenings—January 27-28, 2026—from 7:00-8:30 PM Eastern. That's just three hours of your time for knowledge that could transform your entire writing career.
Tuition is $150, which includes:
- Both live Zoom sessions
- Recordings available after the seminar (perfect if you need to rewatch or miss a session)
- Handouts summarizing all course materials
- Live Q&A access with both instructors
To put that in perspective: many writers spend years and thousands of dollars on MFA programs, writing conferences, and query services trying to break into traditional publishing. This seminar gives you the knowledge to bypass that entire system for less than the cost of a few craft books.
Ready to Take Control of Your Publishing Future?
The traditional publishing model worked well for the 20th century. But today's writers have options that previous generations could only dream of. You don't need permission from gatekeepers to share your work with readers. You don't need to surrender creative control to people who may or may not understand your vision. And you certainly don't need to wait years for someone else to decide your book is "worthy."
Indie publishing isn't easier than traditional publishing—it's just different. It trades the challenge of breaking through gatekeepers for the challenge of building a business. It trades the (often false) promise of publisher support for the reality of complete control. For many writers, that's an excellent trade.
Whether you ultimately choose indie publishing, traditional publishing, or a hybrid approach, understanding what publishers actually do gives you power at every negotiating table and confidence in every career decision.
Reserve your spot in the January seminar here and take the first step toward becoming your own publisher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I've never published anything before. Is this course too advanced for me?
Not at all. The course is designed for writers at every stage—from those who've never published a word to those with traditional publishing experience. The key qualification isn't experience; it's entrepreneurial curiosity and willingness to learn.
Q: What if I can't attend the live sessions?
No problem! Both sessions are recorded and available to watch afterward. You'll have access to all course materials regardless of whether you attend live.
Q: How much does it actually cost to indie-publish a book?
This is one of the key topics covered in Night Two. The short answer: it varies widely depending on your quality standards and which tasks you do yourself versus outsource. Expect to invest anywhere from $500 to $5,000+ for a professional-quality indie book. The course breaks down these costs in detail so you can budget appropriately.
Q: Will this course teach me how to write better?
No. This is not a craft course—it assumes you've already written a manuscript you're proud of. This course teaches you the business of publishing: how to take your completed manuscript and turn it into a professionally published book that readers can actually buy.
Q: Can I really get my indie-published book into physical bookstores and libraries?
Yes—and Night One specifically addresses how this actually works. It's more complicated than simply uploading your book to Amazon, but it's absolutely possible. The course will show you the realistic path to bookstore and library distribution, including which distribution services to use and what bookstores actually look for in indie titles.
Want to explore other professional development opportunities for writers? WritingWorkshops.com offers seminars on everything from craft fundamentals to author platform building, all taught by working professionals who understand today's publishing landscape.
