Why “Indie Publisher” Is a Contradiction in Terms: Updated
This week, controversy broke out on X of the sort that GamerGate and Sad Puppies veterans thought were far behind them.
In a statement posted to their X account, retro gaming book publisher Bitmap Books announced that all royalties for an upcoming book would go to charity instead of the author.
Which sounds generous until you read the statement and find out that this charitable giving was occasioned by the author getting tattled on for “historical comments” deemed “insensitive” and “offensive.”
Just who determines what constitutes an offense of sufficient insensitivity to justify stripping an author of his royalties is left unexplained.
Internet sleuths did turn up screen shots of a 2022 exchange on X between Moses Norton, who goes by the handle the Well-Red Mage, and an anonymous heckler.
The following image is said to document the infraction that has allegedly cost Norton all royalties for his new book:
Source: @meijin3_ on X
Whatever the nature of Norton’s comments, the publisher’s response incited a swift backlash from supporters of free speech and authors’ and workers’ rights.
Legendary Diablo II and World of Warcraft dev Mark Kern weighed in, subjecting Bitmap Books to a weighty ratio:
Fox opinion editor Dan Gainor also issued a scathing rebuke:
As of this writing, it is unknown if Bitmap Books will reverse their decision.
What is known, and has been well-established for years, is that the neologism “indie publisher” is a contradiction in terms.
“Indie” has been synonymous with self-publishing from the start. Because indie authors control the whole of their creative process, all of their rights, and 100 percent of their money.
That said, it is not the aim of this piece to dissuade all authors from ever working with any publisher. Just as with individuals, there are publishing houses with integrity and fortitude, as well as those without these virtues.
It is to point out that when deciding with whom to do business, authors are well-advised to research any prospective partner, distributor, or vendor to be as sure as possible that their values align.
Update
A loyal reader has called attention to this follow up statement issued by Bitmap Books:
It is good that Norton is getting his royalties back. Everyone who stood up for him should pat themselves on the back.
What’s less encouraging is that the author only received justice when “the whole thing blew up and was made much bigger than it needed to be.”
The principles laid out above still apply: Keep as much control as possible. Know who you’re doing business with.
And a perennial rule merits repeating: Never apologize to the cancel mob.
Praise God for victory.
One publisher you know has been tested in fire is Kairos Publications, whose executive editor Brian Niemeier survived the hate mob to bring you gripping adventure not found anywhere else!
Read his mind-bending debut novel Nethereal now:
Brian Niemeier is a best-selling novelist, editor, and Dragon Award winner with over a decade in newpub. For direct, in-person writing and editing insights, join his Patreon.