There comes a time in every indie author’s life when they must face a defining question. It is, in many ways, a perfect example of the timeless puzzle William Shakespeare so powerfully captured: “To be, or not to be.” For writers, however, the question often becomes: to wait, or not to wait?
Should one patiently endure the long process of sending queries to literary agents and traditional publishers, hoping for that golden “yes”? Or should one take destiny into one’s own hands, cut through the waiting, and publish the book independently?
The traditional route carries with it the promise of prestige, validation, and the support of an established publishing house. Yet, it also demands perseverance in the face of countless rejections, waiting periods that stretch into years, and relinquishing a degree of creative control.
On the other hand, independent publishing offers freedom and immediacy. The author alone decides the cover design, the marketing strategy, the launch date. Indie publishing can be exhilarating, empowering, and financially rewarding, but it also comes with the weight of responsibility—every choice, good or bad, rests solely on the author’s shoulders.
Neither path is inherently superior. Rather, the decision hinges on one’s personal goals, resources, and appetite for risk. Some writers thrive in the traditional system, while others find true liberation in steering their own course.
Ultimately, the indie author’s journey is not about merely choosing between tradition and independence. It is about recognising the essence of why one writes in the first place: to share stories, ideas, and voices that deserve to be heard.
And so, the puzzle remains ever relevant. For every aspiring writer, the question resounds: to wait for the gatekeepers, or to burn the script and chart one’s own way forward?
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As I work on finalising three of my upcoming books, I find myself plagued by the very same question: to be or not to be. Do I persist with the long wait for agents and traditional publishers to respond, or do I embrace the certainty of bringing my work directly to readers through the independent route?
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