Our Code of Standards

Our pledge to elevating independent publishing

Unifying and elevating independent publishing

Our Code of Standards

The self-publishing industry can feel like the Wild West; a law onto itself and a minefield of information and quality. Part of where self and independent publishing gets stigmatised and belittled by the traditional publishing industry and society at large is this lack of organisation, cohesion and quality.

While we love the fact that publishing has become so accessible to so many, we at the Women’s Independent Publishing Network realise that if we, be that women or anyone in independent publishing, ever want to be taken seriously, we need to up our game.

We promote high standards of quality through our code of standards and ask that all our members adhere to this code in order to demonstrate that self and independent publishing is not just a second-best option if you can’t secure a publishing deal.

We’re here to show that not only is independent publishing full of successful authors and indie publishers but that they produce high-quality works that are a valuable contribution to society and are entitled to receive the same treatment, accolades and acclaim as traditionally published works.

We want to close the gap between traditional publishing and other modes of publishing. We want to be afforded the same opportunities within awards, media coverage and bestseller lists as well as demonstrate a seamless high quality that stands up against traditionally published design.

No longer will self-publishing stick out like a sore thumb or be seen as the traditional publishing industry’s poor cousin. We are a viable, accessible, inclusive, beneficial and profitable route allowing all voices a chance to be heard.

High Quality

Authors and publishers commit themselves to producing a work of the high quality they can. Authors and publishers will outsource and work with service providers to ensure quality cover design, typesetting, writing, editing and marketing where they cannot complete such actions to the highest quality themselves.

Authors and publishers will familiarise themselves with the current standards being produced within their genre by traditional publishers and look to attain similar quality wherever possible.

Commitment To Improvement

Members are committed to improving their craft and produced work. They spend time researching their target market, competitors and gaining feedback to ensure their work is the best it can be before publication.

Members continue their learning and growth to gain relevant skills to uplevel their publishing company or produced works or seek to outsource and employ expert service providers wherever possible to elevate their book business.

Accepting and Supportive

Members are accepting and supportive of all routes into and models of publishing. We do not aim to eliminate traditional publishing but seek to create a more level playing field that rewards authors fairly and provides more opportunities for everyone's voices to be heard.

Members seek to support, celebrate and champion their fellow members to create a community that benefits and improves the publishing industry for everyone regardless of their business model, publishing route or goals.

Vetted Submissions

Publisher Specific: To differentiate from vanity presses, all submissions are vetted for quality and alignment to the publisher's vision and mission.

For paid opportunities there is an application system in place to ensure that the submission meets the quality level of the publisher and aligns with the publisher's mission and publishing vision.

Contracts and Royalties

Publisher Specific: Publishers provide authors with a contract that clearly states terms. There is total transparency and and all specific of the publishing package including fees, costs and royalties are clearly stated in contracts, brochures and sign up web pages.

The contract presents a much fairer deal than that of traditional publishing with high royalties offered and clear terms of both author and publisher responsibilities.

Adhere To Industry Standards

Publisher Specific: Publishers ensure that books reflect common industry practices such as including relevant front and back matter, high quality cover design and professional typesetting.

Publishers secure their own ISBNs for their company and any imprints and organise distribution through common book channels as well as providing marketing support to ensure books sell.

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