There is a difference between being a writer and being an author. Anyone can write, but every writer is not an author. When a writer wants to be an author, they will have to write query letters to literary agents. And for anyone who hasn't done this, it is an excruciating process. You have to follow different guidelines for different agents. Finding an editor was less tasking than finding an agent. That is the traditional route; find an agent, find a publishing house, get a six-figure deal.
Yeah, can't say that's the route I took. I decided I was done with collecting rejection letters. So, I decided to publish as an independent author. This meant that I was on my own. I designed my book covers, I used the KDP program to format my manuscript into paperbacks, hardcovers, and Kindle, and I got the word out. I was my own manager, publicist, and agent. You also have to be on the lookout for scams. There are all the types of scammers scattered throughout social media. There are people offering publishing/ghostwriting services under names such as "B&N Publishers" or "Amazon Kindle Books". Then there are those who want to "promote your book" on their platform for a generous fee.
Some of us like to be independent by choice. There's nothing wrong with choosing to have creative input from designing the cover to designing the website. Just be prepared to for the hard work and hardships that follow. It's a packaged deal.
When you want to be an author, whether traditionally or as an independent, writing is only half the work. A writer is a storyteller; an author is a brand.
