Why small presses offer authors the best of both worlds

Printing: men working at a printing press, proofing copy, inking, and setting type. Wood engraving after a woodcut. Source: Wellcome Collection.

In recent years, self-publishing has experienced remarkable growth, with many proclaiming it as the start of a golden age for authors. Indeed, self-publishing offers writers the allure of complete creative control and freedom from the traditional gatekeepers of publishing. But it also places a heavy responsibility on authors, requiring them to navigate marketing, distribution, design and promotion entirely on their own.

At the other end of the spectrum, traditional publishing houses offer authors considerable reach, market presence and professional support, but often at the cost of creative autonomy and genuine collaboration. At larger houses, authors might find themselves feeling more like passengers than active participants in the publishing journey, their voices sometimes lost amidst corporate strategies and commercial imperatives.

At P-Wave Press and other small independent publishers, we believe we offer authors the best of both worlds—an ideal middle ground between traditional publishing and going it alone. Here, authors are deeply involved and genuinely heard throughout the publishing process. Creative discussions are exactly that—discussions—where authors’ voices carry real weight, shaping everything from editorial direction and design to marketing strategies.

Yet, unlike self-publishing, authors who choose to partner with a small press don’t have to shoulder every responsibility alone. They benefit from professional editing, cover design, typesetting, distribution and marketing support, enabling them to focus more fully on the craft of writing itself. We handle the crucial yet time-consuming tasks of producing and promoting books, meaning authors can avoid the potential stress and distraction of becoming their own publishers.

Working with a small independent press means joining a collaborative, supportive community. It means having the freedom to explore ideas authentically and creatively, while still receiving professional support and guidance. It’s a model that respects and champions the voice of the author, offering a partnership built on genuine collaboration and mutual respect.

As we move forward in this evolving publishing landscape, we believe small independent publishers like P-Wave Press offer something truly valuable. By bridging the gap between traditional and self-publishing, we’re providing authors with an alternative that combines creative freedom with meaningful support—a genuine golden age for collaboration and creativity.

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