This is a re-post of an article I wrote for the Indie Author Rockstar website a couple of months ago.

This time last year, I was sending Darklands around to agents and the few publishers that would look at unagented work. It was an encouraging process—I received some requests and even spoke to a couple of known agents over the phone. Still, in the end, there was no contract and no prospects on the horizon.
So, I took the plunge and uploaded Darklands to KDP, Pubit!, and Smashwords. The rest wasn’t exactly history, as they say, but it has made for an interesting year.
As I celebrate my first anniversary as an “Indie” ( “shudder” ;-P), I thought I would take a look back at how my views on publishing have changed.
• I now realize that Indie publishing is an alternative, not a last resort. I hate the term “failed author” when referring to Indies. There’s no failure in gaining readers who enjoy your work, seeing a paycheck at the end of the month, and knowing you’ve done something by yourself, for yourself.
• There is definite “us” and “them” attitude between traditionally published authors and Indies. I used to think it was envy on our part, but I now think growing number of “them” wish they were “us.”
• Writing is no longer a hobby, it’s a business.
• I’m no longer shy about telling people I am a horror writer—a self-published horror writer. Yes, I still get those looks (you know the look I’m talking about), and the little “So, you’re self-published,” comment. Lately, I tend to respond with “So, you’re still a cashier (waitress, Realtor, teller, etc.).” They have no shame in what they do, so why should I apologize for what I do?
• Things are no longer one-sided with the legacy authors enjoying the upper hand. An Indie product can be interchangeable with those from the “big guys.” Lately, I’ve noticed some backlash toward Indies, but people are allowed to make sweeping generalizations, no matter how misinformed those generalizations are. There will always be ignorant people who will try to avoid us, so it is up to us to “trick” them. We’re out to sell books, not Indie books. Traditional publishers wrap up a lot of crap in the guise of a pretty cover and a blurb from a known author. They often get away with it. We don’t have that luxury. We have to set a new standard. We are beyond the point of uploading just anything and crossing our fingers. Intelligent readers are after a good story, first and foremost, but we can’t stop there. Editing, good cover design, and proper ebook formatting are readily available, even those of us on a budget.
• Finally, I’ve found the Indie community is one built on mutual respect, encouragement and sharing information. I’m not sure traditional publishing can claim this.