The Independent Publishing Magazine

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The Independent Publishing Magazine The Independent Publishing Magazine was an online magazine for independent authors and publishers. Our readership is both authors and industry professionals.

The Independent Publishing Magazine (TIPM) launched in late 2007 by Mick Rooney. TIPM covers many aspects of independent publishing, including: self-publishing, hybrid publishing, traditional publishing, book marketing, technology and news. TIPM provides an objective view on global publishing from the perspective of authors who want to publish their books outside mainstream channels. Over the past 20 years, the stigma and limitations of self-publishing have eroded, evening the playing field, so that savvy independent authors and publishers have opportunities to attract readers. Readers’ access to good books is no longer controlled by a few gatekeepers. TIPM was purchased by Mark Levine in late 2024. TIPM will continue to cover the individuals and companies in the independent publishing space that are creating opportunities for authors to succeed.

Making your books accessible isn’t just about reaching more readers-it’s about creating a better reading experience for ...
13/07/2026

Making your books accessible isn’t just about reaching more readers-it’s about creating a better reading experience for everyone. 📚✨

In this article, Eleanor Hecks of Designerly explains why accessibility formats matter for self-published authors and how they can help expand your audience.

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For many authors, the journey of self-publishing is about creative control and reader engagement. Yet, a common oversight in this process is treating accessibility as an afterthought. This perspective overlooks the fact that true success should be measured by your ability to reach every potential re...

Print books or ebooks-which should you publish? 📚In this article, Mark explores the key differences between print books ...
15/06/2026

Print books or ebooks-which should you publish? 📚

In this article, Mark explores the key differences between print books and ebooks, helping independent publishers decide which format best fits their goals and audience.

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As an independent author, one of the most important publishing decisions you will make is whether to release your book in print, ebook format or both. Each option offers unique advantages and the right choice depends on your audience, genre, budget and long-term publishing goals. When Print Books Ma...

Black-and-white book covers can still make a strong impact when done right. 📚In this article, Eleanor Hecks from Designe...
08/05/2026

Black-and-white book covers can still make a strong impact when done right. 📚

In this article, Eleanor Hecks from Designerly shares how indie authors can use contrast, typography, and simple design choices to create eye-catching covers without relying on lots of color.

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Black-and-white book cover design is a compelling choice for independent authors seeking a polished and professional aesthetic. Without relying on color, each design element carries more weight, which results in covers that feel deliberate and cohesive. This simplicity often translates into stronger...

Designing a book cover that appeals to different age groups isn’t easy—but it can make a huge difference in how your boo...
15/04/2026

Designing a book cover that appeals to different age groups isn’t easy—but it can make a huge difference in how your book performs. 📚

In this article, Eleanor Hecks from Designerly shares practical tips on creating covers that connect across generations without losing clarity or style. A helpful read if you want your book to reach a wider audience.

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How can you make a book cover that appeals to people of all ages? When your audience spans different generations, their visual tastes can vary widely, from bold, current styles to more traditional layouts. The good news is that making smart design choices can fill in those gaps and make a cover that...

Your book cover has about a split second to grab a reader’s attention-especially as a tiny thumbnail online. 📚 Eleanor H...
17/03/2026

Your book cover has about a split second to grab a reader’s attention-especially as a tiny thumbnail online. 📚 Eleanor Hecks from Designerly magazine shares 4 smart book design considerations indie authors should keep in mind before publishing. Small design choices can make a big difference in whether readers click or scroll past.

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Do you want people to read your book outside of your own native language one day? For many self-published writers, translation lets them reach new readers and markets. However, getting a book ready for that kind of reach frequently starts earlier than you think, like when you are designing it. These...

If you’re gearing up to hire a book editor, Part Two of Developmental Editing for Indie Authors, dives into where to fin...
13/02/2026

If you’re gearing up to hire a book editor, Part Two of Developmental Editing for Indie Authors, dives into where to find great developmental editors and how to vet them.

In [Part One](https://independentpublishing.com/developmental-editing-part-one), I broke down what developmental editing is, what a professional edit should include, and how to sanity-check pricing and scope. That part is comforting because it is mostly definitions and math. This part is different.....

Thinking of hiring a developmental editor? 🤔 Before you sign on the dotted line, Mark Levine lays out key red flags to w...
13/02/2026

Thinking of hiring a developmental editor? 🤔 Before you sign on the dotted line, Mark Levine lays out key red flags to watch for, what contracts should include, and what to do if the edit you paid for isn’t up to scratch.

A smart read for indie publishers who want to protect their work (and their wallet). 👇

By the time you are ready to pay for a developmental edit, you have already invested a lot. Time. Money. Ego. Hope. You are also about to hand your draft to someone new and wire them a four-figure check. Even if you vet carefully, mismatches happen. Sometimes the editor is competent, but the scope i...

Thinking about skipping developmental editing? 🤔 Indie authors often do - until they see what they miss. In Part One of ...
13/02/2026

Thinking about skipping developmental editing? 🤔 Indie authors often do - until they see what they miss. In Part One of this guide, Mark Levine breaks down what developmental editing really is, why it matters before you pay for polishing, and what you should actually get for your money. A smart read for anyone serious about indie publishing. 👇

Writing a book takes forever. Publishing it costs real money. Then some authors make one quick decision that puts the investment of both time and money at risk: they skip developmental editing. Sometimes they assume spellcheck, Grammarly, or AI tools will catch the big stuff. Sometimes they hire the...

Thinking about how to market a sequel 📚 Eleanor Hecks of Designerly Magazine breaks down smart strategies that reward lo...
11/02/2026

Thinking about how to market a sequel 📚
Eleanor Hecks of Designerly Magazine breaks down smart strategies that reward loyal readers and attract new ones - from visual continuity to perks for fans and even using your first book as a gateway. Worth a read if you’re planning book 2️⃣ and beyond. 👇
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Marketing a sequel is quite different than promoting a stand-alone novel. The marketing plans must reward readers who have stuck with the series while still being accessible to readers who pick it up in the middle. Existing fans want continuity, reassurance and forward motion. New readers want clari...

Struggling with noisy book covers that don’t pop in a feed full of thumbnails? 🙃 This piece from Independent Publishing ...
20/01/2026

Struggling with noisy book covers that don’t pop in a feed full of thumbnails? 🙃 This piece from Independent Publishing breaks down how a minimalist cover can help your book communicate instantly-without all the clutter. 📚✨
Read more: https://independentpublishing.com/book-cover-minimalism/

🖋️ Author - Eleanor Hecks of Designerly Magazine

Both physical bookstores and their digital counterparts display thousands of titles on a few screens. Covers first appear as thumbnails, similar in size to a postage stamp. In this environment, visual noise can make your cover disappear. Busy designs become indistinguishable, while simple covers gra...

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