Creative Control, Speed, and Support: Deciding Between Indie and Traditional Publishing

Join our hosts for a smart, myth-busting exploration of the choices facing modern authors. In this episode, they dive into Tanya Nelestein’s feature from Indie Author Magazine, “Indie vs. Traditional: Navigating the Publishing Choices,” using real-world author stories to go far beyond the basic pros and cons.

You’ll discover:

• What traditional publishers now expect from their authors—and why it surprises most people

• Why marketing muscle and author platforms matter no matter which path you choose

• Where creative control and speed make a crucial difference for indie authors

• Honest, hands-on perspectives from five writers who took very different routes

• How hybrid publishing, business realities, and personal goals shape each author’s decision

Whether you’re passionate about owning every step, tempted by the support of a big house, or curious about blending the two, this discussion offers actionable insight—no one-size-fits-all answers, just what actually matters.

Key Segments:

• [00:00:59] – Framing the Indie vs. Trad debate and what’s changed

• [00:03:06] – The author platform: now a must for everyone

• [00:03:40] – Creative control, marketing, and why authors switch sides

• [00:04:32] – Distribution, speed to market, and the real “bookstore dream”

• [00:05:41] – Five author journeys: indie, trad, hybrid, and everything in between

• [00:09:38] – Blurring boundaries and personalizing your publishing path

Tune in to sharpen your decision-making and start designing the publishing journey that fits you.