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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 Points

The 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 Pitfalls

• Losing 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 Mystery

The 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 & Resources

• Books: Going Ghost (Cozy Mystery Series); Behind the Bookcase by Mark Steensland
• Bookstores: Bloodstone Books in Sacramento.
• Upcoming Guest: Award-winning author Amy Trueblood will join the next episode to discuss querying.
• Lisa's New Website!

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