Self-publishing has opened doors for thousands of authors to share their voices, tell their stories, and build successful careers on their own terms. But even with its growing legitimacy, self-published authors still face criticism, dismissal, and outright insults—often from readers, gatekeepers, or even traditionally published peers.
Whether it's someone implying you're "not a real writer" or attacking your book’s quality before reading a page, the hate can be disheartening. But you don’t have to internalize it.
This guide covers the most common insults thrown at self-published authors, explains where they come from, and offers smart, empowered ways to shut them down without losing your cool.
Why the Hate Exists: A Brief Reality Check
Before addressing the insults, it's important to understand the roots of the bias against self-publishing:
- Historical stigma: For years, self-publishing was associated with vanity presses and unvetted content. That reputation still lingers, even though the landscape has changed dramatically.
- Gatekeeping mindset: Some critics believe that without traditional publishers' approval, a book has no merit.
- Oversaturation fears: With millions of books on Amazon, some believe indie books flood the market with "low-quality content," affecting discoverability and perceived value.
- Snobbery and insecurity: Let’s be honest—some people hate what they don't understand or feel threatened by indie authors' freedom and control.
The good news? You don’t need validation from haters to be successful. But you can still arm yourself with facts, confidence, and strategy.
Insult #1: “You’re Not a Real Author”
The Attack:
This insult is often thrown casually—as if only traditionally published authors deserve the title “author.”
How to Defeat It:
- Facts matter: If you’ve written a book, published it, and people are reading it—you’re an author. Period.
- Point to success stories: Mention indie giants like Colleen Hoover, Andy Weir, or Hugh Howey—authors who started self-published and built massive audiences.
- Define yourself: “I’m a professional indie author. I write, publish, and sell my books—just like any other business owner.”
Insult #2: “Self-Published Books Are Low Quality”
The Attack:
Critics assume indie books are riddled with typos, bad covers, and poor formatting.
How to Defeat It:
- Let your work speak: A professionally edited book with a strong cover and layout shuts down this myth immediately.
- Highlight your team: Mention your editor, designer, and beta readers—just like a traditional publisher would.
- Recommend well-done indie books: Help shift the conversation by showcasing great examples.
Insult #3: “You Self-Published Because You Couldn’t Get a Book Deal”
The Attack:
This jab assumes you were rejected and turned to self-publishing as a “last resort.”
How to Defeat It:
- Flip the narrative: “I chose self-publishing because I wanted creative control, faster timelines, and better royalties.”
- Share your strategy: Talk about your long-term publishing goals—maybe you want a hybrid career or full indie control.
- Highlight the upside: Self-published authors can earn 70% royalties, control their release schedule, and pivot quickly—things traditional authors often can't do.
Insult #4: “Anyone Can Self-Publish”
The Attack:
This isn’t always meant as an insult, but the implication is that self-publishing is too easy to be valuable.
How to Defeat It:
- Acknowledge the truth—and the challenge: “Yes, anyone can publish, but few do it well. I treat my books like a business, not a hobby.”
- Educate: “Self-publishing involves writing, editing, cover design, marketing, and budgeting—every hat a traditional publisher wears.”
- Invite curiosity: “Want to see what goes into publishing a professional indie book? I’d be happy to show you.”
Insult #5: “Indie Authors Can’t Make Real Money”
The Attack:
Many people believe self-published authors only sell a few copies to friends and family.
How to Defeat It:
- Point to industry stats: Thousands of self-published authors earn full-time incomes. In fact, many earn more than traditionally published peers.
- Be transparent if you're comfortable: Share sales numbers, royalty earnings, or reader growth to back up your success.
- Talk business: “I run a publishing business with real revenue. I own my rights, my royalties, and my future.”
Insult #6: “Self-Published Books Don’t Win Awards or Get Recognition”
The Attack:
This criticism suggests indie books don’t matter because they’re overlooked by the literary world.
How to Defeat It:
- Name the awards: Many indie authors win Readers' Favorite, Indie Book Awards, IPPY, and more.
- Talk visibility: Self-published authors have landed on bestseller lists, been adapted for film, and built global fanbases.
- Redefine success: “My goal is to reach readers, build a brand, and write books I love—not just to win prizes.”
Insult #7: “You Must Not Be Good Enough for a Publisher”
The Attack:
This is a deeply personal insult aimed at your talent.
How to Defeat It:
- Take control of the narrative: “I’m good enough to publish, market, and profit from my own work—on my own terms.”
- Turn it around: “Traditional publishers are businesses. They pass on books for market reasons, not just writing quality.”
- Show your readers: The best response to this insult is reader reviews, fan messages, and growing sales.
Final Thoughts: Keep Writing, Keep Publishing, Keep Rising
Being a self-published author takes guts, persistence, and a whole lot of belief in yourself. When critics come for you, it’s rarely about your work—it’s about their assumptions.
But you can break stereotypes by:
- Publishing high-quality books
- Running your author career like a business
- Educating others about the value and viability of self-publishing
- Standing confidently in your choice
You don’t need permission to be an author. You already are. Let the haters talk while you keep building your legacy—one book at a time.