Excellent article, Meira.

I've been an indie author for about a year and have been able to sell over 60,000 books through this non-traditional venue. I'm also able to get "closer" to my readers through various social networking platforms - like Facebook and Twitter - so, I receive feedback daily. The great thing I've been seeing lately is just recently traditional publishing is starting to take us seriously. :) From the attitudes only last year when agents wouldn't look at you if you self-published, to this year when New York agents are asking to set up meetings with you. We've come a LONG WAY baby :) and we don't have to play the political games.

I've published through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords - and I'm grateful they all took the chance on the indie author movement. And, you're right, there are a lot of excellent indie writers out there.

Thanks again for your thoughtful essay!

Terri Reid