Last week I posted on my Instagram story asking you guys what topic you would like me to cover on...
I committed to reading only self-published titles in April. This is what I learned.
The term “indie author” is short for independent author, someone who writes and publishes their works on their own apart from a traditional publishing house while retaining rights to all of their works. An indie author is the chief creative officer of their books and publishing business. An indie author holds all the power and all the receipts. Whew! I am an indie author. Alicia Kennedy, independent author, with her book, You Are GiftedI knew pursuing a traditional publishing house would be a
Increase your book discoverability and sales via libraries. Discover tips on how you can get your books onto library shelves worldwide.
Want to know how to self-publish a book? From writing advice to marketing strategy, we’ve compiled tips from authors who have aced self-publishing.
As a self-published author, I believe it is essential to promote your book on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to reach a wider audience and boost your book sales. With millions of books avail…
What do you need to know before publishing a book? A few things actually. In this post, we'll give you a list of items to consider before you publish.
5 Key Tips for Getting Book Reviews. Ask other authors you know who reviewed their book? Start reviewing other authors' books so they can return the favor.
You love self-publishing, but dislike marketing. Can you sell your books without doing any marketing at all? You can: try some sneaky marketing.
Are you looking for ways to support indie and self-published authors? From buying self-published books to leaving reviews and scheduling indie authors on your podcast, here are 10 ways you can support independent authors.
Self-publishing provides indie authors with the autonomy to shape their publishing journey. Here are 12 tips to get started.
Developmental edit or manuscript critique? Sometimes it's hard to decide which is best for your needs as a writer. Check out pros and cons.
Check out the top resources for indie authors! Get writing tips, publishing strategies, book marketing ideas from writing blogs, authors' forums and more.
No more writing book proposals and dealing with literary agents. Amazon’s suite of services for authors makes it possible to bypass traditional publishing companies -- and prosper.
Travel around the world with a good book. Take the Uncorked Reading Challenge to read more diversely. Explore the best new books.
Reading Time: 6 minutes If you thought writing your book was the hard part about being an indie author, what about developing your self-publishing career? The challenge escalates as you try to separate fact from fiction amidst the onslaught of information out there about self-publishing. I’d love to chat with you about this, to ensure you fully understand your…
Thinkyou want to self-publihs a children's book? Why not learn from other indie authors who've done it in the KidLit Indie Publishing Summit.
Shelf Unbound indie book review magazine features the best of small press and self-published books. In this issue: winners of the 2014 Shelf Unbound Competition for Best Indie Book.
Wondering how to create an audiobook as a self published author? I'm so excited to interview fantasy indie author, Renee Dugan, as she shares her process of working with ACX, finding and working with an audiobook narrator, and more!Timestamps and Links Mentioned in this video can be found down below!PREPTOBER Writer Plan With Me | October 2020 GoalsWATCH VIDEO ON YOUTUBE// LINKS MENTIONED //Check out my YA Fantasy books // ABOUT RENEE DUGAN //Official Website Starchaser Saga Books Instagram Find
How to choose the best print on demand service for your self-published paperback books, and how to use Createspace and Ingram Spark together to best effect
The year 2022 has been a very up and down year. I’ve had many challenges and read many books. I’ve not read one that I disliked this year, but these are some of the few that stood out the most. From the way they were written, edited, and to their covers, these books left an impression on me. I look forward to reading more that plan to be published next year. Speaking of which, if you're an author reading this, let me know if you have one coming out in the future and I'll add it to my list to rea
If you have written a book and you’re planning to self-publish, finding a trustworthy editor can be daunting. This guide will help you to know what to look for in an editor, where to find one, and some of the red flags to be aware of.
The purpose of the following book list is to add to the theme of the week; to determine what is really required to be a successful indie writer and publisher. It has everything to do with success…
Thinking about self-publishing your book? These are the 4 types of people who should self-publish a book. Watch this before you make any publishing decisions.
If you want to learn how to make an audiobook, our 10 step guide explains what equipment you need and the nuts and bolts of audiobook production.
This article was first published on bookworks.co.uk, a hub for indie authors run by Publishers Weekly. Unfortunately, the site has now closed so I'm republishing my guide to bookstagram for indie authors here. If you’re
If you're an indie author, chances are you're a lone wolf. You barely having time to market your books, let alone anything else. You need tools. Here are some excellent self-publishing tools to save time and hassle.
Over the last six years since founding Smashwords, I've witnessed a dramatic change in attitudes regarding self publishing. I'm pleased that much of this transformation has been led by the professional example of Smashwords authors. Where once self publishing was viewed as the option of last resort - the option for failed writers and an option marked by stigma and shame - self publishing is increasingly viewed as the option of first choice for many writers. Over the next couple years I think we'll reach a point where more first-time writers aspire to indie-publish than traditionally publish. Indie authors are the cool kids club. All writers possess unrealized potential, and indie authors understand that. Ebook self publishing provides the mechanism by which every writer's true potential can be realized. At writers conferences I've met numerous Smashwords authors who are moved to happy tears when they describe how self publishing has transformed their lives. I've lost track of the number of times I've felt a lump grow in my throat as I hear their inspiring stories. These encounters are deeply moving to me, and I trust that you too have experienced the same. Outside observers might counter that of course the bestsellers feel this way. Yes, that's true, but as any indie author will tell you, the joy of self publishing cannot be distilled to dollar metrics alone. How does one describe the importance of independence, freedom and self-determination? Critics say self publishing is causing a tsunami of drek that will destroy book culture and render the best books undiscoverable. Not true. Yes, self publishing will enable more horrible books to be published than ever before, but it will also enable more better books to be published, discoverable and enjoyable than ever before. There's a yin and yang to this. It's not an exaggeration to describe the indie author revolution as a global cultural movement. I think we're witnessing something profound here as we transition from a publisher-centric world to an author-centric world. The rise of indie authorship as a global cultural movement is driven by profound changes in social norms, ethical values, customs, belief systems, technology and business practices. With this radical change in mind, today I attempt to describe the movement and motivations of its drivers - the indie authors - in the form of my Indie Author Manifesto. I attempt to answer a simple question: What does it mean to be an indie author? I've distilled the movement down to ten principles that I think capture the mindset of indie authors. I tip my hat to the many great manifestos that have come before my own meager attempt, including the US Declaration of Independence, the 10 Commandments and Martin Luther's 95 Thesis among others. THE INDIE AUTHOR MANIFESTO We indie authors believe all writers are created equal, that all writers are endowed with natural creative potential, and that writers have an unalienable right to exercise, explore and realize their potential through the freedom of publication. I hold these truths to be self-evident: I am an indie author I have experienced the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from self-publishing I have a right to publish My creative control is important to me. I decide when, where and how my writing graduates to become a published book. Indie does not mean “alone.” I choose my partners. I shall not bow beholden or subservient to any publisher. In my business relationships, I seek partnership, fairness, equity and mutually aligned interests. We indie authors comprise diverse writers unified by a common purpose to advance, empower and celebrate writers everywhere. I am a professional. I take pride in my work, and I strive to improve my craft to better serve my readers, myself, my fellow indie authors and the culture of books My writing is valuable and important. This value and importance cannot be measured by commercial sales alone. I celebrate the success of my fellow indie authors, for their success is mine, and mine theirs. Together we are pioneering a better future for books marked by greater quality, creativity, diversity, choice, availability, affordability and accessibility. Derek Murphy (@creativindie / www.creativindie.com www.creativindiecovers.com) graciously created this infographic of the manifesto. Click to download, print or share! I also wrote a version of the Indie Author Manifesto over at the Huffington Post.
The possibilities for indie authors are limitless, and that includes getting your book into the bookstores you know and love…
If the cover intrigues potential readers, they'll read the product description and the sample pages. And that's where you'll hook them. From there, if your book lives up to the promise the cover made, your reader will make the journey from interested stranger to avid fan.
One of the biggest questions I hear working with indie authors is “How much does it cost to publish a book?” The second biggest question? “Do I really need [insert production cost here].” I get it. It’s rare that an indie author is someone supported by a sizeable trust fund with no financial obligations. More
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Here are some key components to building your press kit. You should consider creating a press kit for the media as an author.
How much does it cost to publish a book? Here are the steps and range of costs that you can expect to spend on your self published book.
Is self-publishing right for you? Are you ready to self-publish? Stop asking yourself that. And find out exactly what you need to be an indie author.
At Books and Bao, you'll find recommendations for diverse literature — from queer writers to books in translation — as well as unique travel guides, delicious culinary experiences, tattoo guides, and manga recommendations.
