I’m really excited about this new part of the forum.
I love helping out with publishing and sharing things I’ve found in my research, and I'd especially love to help fellow HWers.Basically, I’ve been an indie publisher for four years. I started out with my first book using Pleasant Word and their self-publishing services. They are a nice Christian company, although I wouldn’t really recommend that route (extremely pricey). But I did learn a lot through that experience that I use now. Since then, I’ve re-published my first book and the three following books using Create Space. It’s been perfect for me, and unless something new and better comes along, I’m sticking with them, though I think I will eventually use Lightning Source as well for better distribution.
I’ve gone through some times where I’ve considered traditional publishing. I even tried once for an agent, but my query was rejected (Yay! I’ve officially been rejected.
). But almost immediately after I sent the letter I knew that wasn’t what I wanted or the path God had planned for me. I love the freedom in indie publishing. I’ve always been a very do-it-yourself kind of person (I think it comes from being homeschooled). I can’t imagine working for so long, pouring so much into a story, and then giving it up to someone else and not having a say on things like the cover, not to mention basically selling your rights to the story. 
I also just don’t agree with the whole publishing system in general. I’m not sure how else it could be done, but it doesn’t seem right for one person to decide what’s worth publishing and can be sold. Look at how many bestsellers are rejected before someone finally picks them up. How many more great stories never do get picked up? Indie/self-publishing leaves it to the readers to decide what they want to read, and I’m all for that.
I’ve pretty much done it all: interior formatting, cover design, ebook formatting, and marketing. Still working on the marketing bit, but I’m a lot further along than I was four years ago. I have two websites and a blog I promote from, plus various other social sites. I also make a lot of marketing materials with Photoshop like bookmarks, business cards, and posters that I have printed for book signings and other events.
So I’m open to any questions about indie publishing or things I’ve learned in researching traditional publishing.
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