Tips for Independent Authors
As you begin your journey into the world of the “indie author,” there are certain things that are important to know. Learning as much as you can before joining the game, so to speak, will start to build confidence from the beginning. Gathering your information will prepare you for when it’s time to step out into the arena.
Critique Your Work
Something helpful for an independent author to have is the availability of a group of people who will critique their work. A critique group could be a support group of friends or family. Many critique groups can be found online on social media, like Reddit. This is a place where writers can read and criticize each other’s work and learn from each other. There are any number of these groups who are looking for the support and the valuable input of other writers.
Another important tip: before publishing your book, hire an editor. Because you are the one who will keep total control of your work, you will need to shell out the money for copy or line editing and proofing. Indie authors will look around for editors who are professional but charge reasonable rates. The cost can be high. However, if you do some searching, you may find there are sometimes flexible ways to cover it. Many people put the charge on a credit card. That way the editor is paid, and the card is paid in time. Sometimes the editor will agree to take payments.
Have a professional create the artwork for your book cover. Again, as an independent, all this falls to you. A publishing house would be the one to take responsibility for this if you were to decide to go that route; but, as an indie author, every detail is up to you.
Support other indie authors. They will get to know you, your work, and your name. In this way you will strengthen your community together. Also, take advantage of the self-publishing resources that are out there like Write, Publish, Repeat. They offer a wealth of valuable information.
Marketing Your Book
Marketing is essential for an independent author to learn. Taking a course is one way you can learn the steps that it takes to market your book. There are courses on general marketing and there are courses specifically on book marketing. Either one would be helpful.
You will want to develop your own strategy for marketing your book. Eventually, you will use this strategy for all your books. Your strategy will present you to the world as an author. You will create your “author branding” this way and your author platform will be built from that.
You will use your strategy to attract and grow your audience. Independent authors typically don’t let time go by between finishing their first book and beginning their next. They might continue their books as a series or as a prolongation along the same subject line. Getting subsequent books out there will keep your readers interested and looking for more.
Of course, your first book will take some time to find its footing out in the world, so don’t allow discouragement to creep in. Keep moving ahead and view your indie writing career as your own investment in your future. Build an email list and offer perspective readers a prequel of your book to pique their interest. This will keep them looking for more.
Helpful Steps
Thankfully there are many resources for indie authors. The problem is that there is nothing out there that is put together in an organized way that can simply be picked up and followed. There are certain things that are essential to know but are often forgotten about because they seem so simple.
Regarding reviews. Read them all, including those that are negative. This is how you learn and grow.
Use a P.O. Box so you don’t advertise your home address. If you do this from the beginning, you will never need to wonder.
When publishing, use a DBA or an LLC. This will help you look more professional.
Change your signature when it comes to signing books. Do not use the signature with which you sign anything legally.
Look online for discussions and forums where indie authors talk about the steps they’ve taken in their travels to success. The steps that have worked for them and those that haven’t. Real life experience is an irreplaceable teacher!
Selling Your Book
When the time comes to begin the actual sale of your book, there are a number of platforms that will reach readers far and wide. For your first book you may prefer to use just one in order to get your feet wet. Amazon is a top platform because of its global consumer base.
Other networks are available that have also brought success in sales to indie authors. LeanPub, Applebooks, and Google Play Books are also widely used by self-publishing authors to market and sell their work.
Keep Writing
As you continue through your journey as an independent author, you will uncover a plethora of resources that are available to you. Keep in contact with your critique group as you grow for the priceless information you will all continue to share. There is always something new to learn in the business of writing, marketing, and selling, so be open to soak in all the knowledge you can.
To be a success as an independent author, you will want to be on top of every change that happens in the industry. The internet will be your “go-to” when it comes to gathering information from the first sentence you write until your book is published and out there selling.
Be encouraged that there are many of you out there who are consistently writing, searching, and growing in your field. Continuing to communicate with like-minded people will strengthen your ability to keep moving ahead. Have you found enjoyment in writing and publishing your work? Keep moving on!