If you are a querying author, chances are you’ve poured over agents’ manuscript wish lists. You have probably looked at social media posts and websites hoping to find perfect matches for your manuscript. And while that is what you should be doing, it’s not all you could be doing.

Many querying authors overlook small independent presses. They hope to land a dream agent. They also anticipate a hefty advance from one of the big five. And as a literary agent, I hope that happens for you. But it doesn’t for everyone. It didn’t for me.

Even so, my hope is to see all authors’ publishing dreams come true. I believe success can come through whichever path gets them across that finish line!

My Querying Experience

I started querying my May of 2024 debut WORTH IT in February of 2021. This was long before I became an associate literary agent. Many agents liked the premise. However, they didn’t feel it was a good fit for the current market. Now being on the other side of the aisle. I get it.

Up until this point, I didn’t know small indie presses existed. You don’t know what you don’t know. I thought there were two tracks to publishing—agent to publisher or self-publish.

A friend of mine, author S.E. Reed, had just scored a deal with a newer small press, Wild Ink Publishing. She explained to me that signing with a smaller indie (independent) press was still traditional publishing. This means there was no out-of-pocket expense for the author. She also mentioned that there were additional benefits that publishers, like Wild Ink, offered.

Benefits of Signing With a Small Independent Press

Perfect Path For Debuts

Whether agented or not, sometimes debut authors have a more difficult time crossing the finish line with larger publishers. This happens for a variety of reasons. Publishers may already carry a similar title. The story may not fit the current market landscape, etc. Large publishers are looking to sign market trends. Publishing is a business and it’s understandable. But indie presses often focus on publishing captivating stories they personally believe in. They provide a path forward for debuts struggling to break out in the larger landscape.

Straight to Publication

One of the most notable benefits of going with an indie press is your book will head straight to publication. Agented authors who only sub to larger publishers may wait months or years to get to land across the right editors’ desk. And unfortunately, some never do.

That being said, sometimes agented authors sub to indie presses if the publisher is a perfect fit for the project. Especially for authors who aren’t getting picked up by larger presses. It’s a great option to get that first book into the hands of readers.

Collaboration

With the larger presses, large teams of industry professionals will work hard. They set an author’s book up for success in today’s market through the title, cover, layout, jacket copy, marketing, etc. And that’s GREAT! They know what they are doing.

However, some authors want to be more involved in this part of the process. Indie presses are known for sitting at the creative table with the author and collaborating with their vision.

In Closing

Pick the path that’s right for you! If you want an agent and a traditional publishing deal at a large house, keep going! If you want a boutique experience with more creative input, then an indie press might be right for you.

If you’ve had a great experience with an indie press, comment below and share!

Note: Whichever path to publication you pursue, please do your due diligence and research. We want you in the BEST hands!