I love being an indie author.
Some people may look down on books that aren’t ‘traditionally published’, but I think that it’s fair to say we’ve moved on a long way from just self-publishing.
Self-publishing used to have a reputation for books that were badly written and badly produced. However, things have moved on in leaps and bounds since then and there are many, many indie authors out there whose work is exceptionally professional. In fact, I bet you couldn’t tell the difference between an indie published book and a traditionally published book.
I’m determined to make my books as good as I can possibly make them. I owe it to my readers to do that. So, I work with an editor, a proof-reader, a cover designer and a professional narrator to make sure that the content is the best it can be.
Being an indie means that I can choose what I want to write. I’ve had some good compliments about my work from a few small publishers – carefully realised characters, plenty of suspense and intrigue – but the problem is that they wanted police procedurals or private investigators. At present, that isn’t what I want to write and it doesn’t necessarily mean that there aren’t readers out there who would love my work.
I also have full control of how my books look. It’s my choice whether to accept the changes suggested by my proofreader. (I usually do because they help to make the book better!) My cover designer will give me suggested covers and I get to choose and make changes until it’s how I want it. I can check my audio books until my ears fall off for any issues and my narrator will correct them.
Deadlines are in my gift. I can choose when I do the work and if something goes wrong and I don’t finish something on time, there’s usually no problem. I can simply adjust the schedule. And I can choose my publication date; it isn’t dependent on who else is being published that week/day.
Most importantly I’m in charge of my career. I decide what books I’m going to write and publish. If something doesn’t sell as well as it should, I know that my publisher (me) or agent won’t fire me. I can just write something else. I can choose how many books I put out. If I have two ready to go in the same year I can get them out on the bookshelves – virtual or otherwise.
In essence, indie author means freedom. The freedom to create what I want, when I want and sell it however I want. The freedom to create is why I love writing – and long may it continue!
Are you an indie author? Did you choose to do it? What benefits have you felt from choosing the indie path? Do chat to me in the comments below.
June 13, 2020 at 10:03 AM
Awesome way of taking the power back into your own hands. I myself am just in the writing phase now (am on my third novel), but haven’t really thought of the various publishing routes. Great to see you doing well in indie publishing. Thanks for sharing!
June 13, 2020 at 12:14 PM
Thanks Stuart. It’s worth having a think about what you want to achieve with your books. I did approach agents and publishers with my work, but it didn’t fit in with what they wanted. Going it alone lets me write what I want, which suits me fine at the moment.
June 13, 2020 at 12:37 PM
I’m in that difficult submitting to agents phase. Actually I’m not sure if they do want police procedurals at the moment as lots of no’s coming my way. Wondering at what point I take back control & look into self-publishing. Thanks for your encouraging post.
June 13, 2020 at 1:28 PM
It was something I heard from a couple of publishers but I’m sure the market changes quickly depending on what’s selling. Sure you’ll do brilliantly!