Is Self-Publishing Still the “Wild West,” or Has It Matured?

[drewbinsky]

Over the last decade, self-publishing has completely changed the landscape of the book world. What once carried a stigma is now a respected (and sometimes highly profitable) path for authors. With platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing, IngramSpark, and even new subscription models, writers have more control than ever over their work.

From my own experience as both a reader and someone who’s dipped a toe into publishing, I’ve noticed a strange balance. On one hand, I’ve read indie books that were so polished, I would have sworn they came from a Big Five publisher. On the other hand, I’ve stumbled onto books that felt rushed—brilliant ideas, but they clearly needed more editing and design work.

That duality makes me wonder: has self-publishing truly matured, or are we still living in a “Wild West” of mixed quality and discoverability challenges? Personally, I love that self-publishing gives authors freedom, but I also see how overwhelming it can be to stand out in such a crowded market.

A few questions I’d love to hear your thoughts on:

Do you think self-publishing has matured into a professional alternative, or is it still mostly uncharted territory?

For those who’ve self-published, what’s been your biggest challenge—editing, marketing, or simply being seen?

And as readers, do you check if a book is indie or traditionally published before deciding to buy it?

I’d love to hear your perspectives. For me, self-publishing feels like one of the most exciting—and unpredictable—shifts happening in the publishing world today.

By Space Waves