Going Indie As an Author

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Why I Joined the Indie Book rebellion.

I first noticed it with films. Indie was a new way of making films, and struggled to find acceptance in the beginning. Some were good, even great. Some were forgettable at best, awful at worst. But for the actors and talent producing independent films it was an experience that freed them from the controls of major studios. Then I started to enjoy indie music. Bands and recording artists saw the advantage and began their break away from the control of major labels, often pushing talent to their view of conformity. The result was some good musical talent, even great recording. But, there was some not so good as well.

Starting with films and spreading to recording, and the indie movement has given us outstanding results, great films and wonderful music The list of famous, critically acclaimed indie films and music is impressive indeed.

Both have benefited from rapidly developing technology and have gained market acceptance under the Indie banner.

Indie films and music took time to gain a foothold and find acceptance, and they had to overcome resistance by funders and audiences. But films and music is now judged on their individual merit, not the reputation and name of a film studio or record label.

Why is there still reluctance to accept indie authors?

The reputation of Vanity Press has hurt the move to indie publishing. For starters it is still held that supported self-publishing is the same as vanity press. Anybody with a computer can churn out a manuscript. The technically challenged might choose a typewriter or write in long hand and have a friend type it out. But once a writer has a manuscript it’s easy to find a printer willing to create a book, although it might be necessary to buy a print run in quantity to keep the cost manageable. Many writers followed that path, paid good money, only to end with a garage full of books and no access to retail or online channels.

To be fair, there a lot of personal stories, family memories and community histories that has used the vanity press method to enrich our lives. But we also suffer when compared to books that look shoddy and are poorly written, an unfortunate outcome that may occur when books are printed using the vanity method. Often the books are poorly designed, lack an editor’s touch, and the author has little reach beyond family, friends and acquaintances. I cringe at the thought that someone is lumping one of my books in with some of them.

That is one of the reasons libraries are reluctant to consider indie published work, and newspapers equally unenthusiastic about reviewing them.

Supported Self-Publishing

Supported self-publishing is different. This is the method that gives me, as author, a menu of services providing me with a toehold in the retail distribution chain. ISBN numbers mean my books are available for order through companies like Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. In fact Amazon took things a step further and developed Createspace, a service for indie authors, providing a full menu of resources up to and including the print-on-demand part.

The technology of on-demand printing means a newly emerging author, like me, isn’t committed to purchasing an unrealistic supply of books. My warehouse is a virtual warehouse, actually a computer in Charleston, SC. When there is a demand for one of my books the computer goes to work for me, it’s handed over for delivery, and I have a new reader enjoying one of my novels.

That said, I also make sure I have copies in my closet and car trunk, just in case.

The benefits of self-published are clear as day to me. I maintain control over my books. I wrote them and it’s my sweat and vision in each of them. I had the good sense to realize I needed the steady hand and eye of a good editor. I quickly realized that putting my words between the front and back of amateurish covers was a mistake. But I learned, and took control and made sure I now have cover designs I can be proud of. Now, all of my novels have the book-look.

It took indie films time to gain acceptance. There were some clunkers, and poor attempts at film making. But outstanding films taught audiences a valuable lesson. Judge films on their individual merit.

Any garage band with access to a recording device can turn out DVDs and publish their work online. Unfortunately, that means some bad music is turned out. But the discerning listener has learned to judge a recording on individual merit.

Read my book and you be the judge

Why not judge my books on their individual merit? I say, let the reader’s have a vote. I have limited money to invest, but I am committed to books that look good, are enjoyable to read, and get the stamp of approval from my readers. If I can publish such a book, keep my price low, and still make some money (or not lose a lot of money), it’s a no-brainer for me. It was clear that the odds are stacked against my stories being accepted by a traditional publisher, regardless of how convinced I am that I have written a good story. They aren’t going to be quick to take a chance on an unknown.

My choice was clear.

So I chose to become an indie author, and it was the right decision. I have three novels, each different in story and style. There are readers who will like all three, and other readers who will prefer one over another. What I have ended up with is taking pride in my accomplishments as a writer. I had no idea the journey would end up here, with more yet to come.

Best of all is the growing list of reviews that count, the comments from readers who tell me they kept turning the page.

MARKETING IS NOT A DIRTY WORD

What about marketing as an indie author? It ain’t easy folks.

I watch well-known authors advertising their latest work, urgently staring at me from the television screen and asking me to buy. The reality of today’s publishing environment means that there is a dwindling pool of dollars for marketing, especially for an unknown. Why would publishers take a chance and spend money marketing me?

I have to look to my own marketing needs. I came from a career in non-profit management. It actually provided good training for marketing as an indie author. Non-profit organizations are always cash-strapped with little or no money for marketing. That meant facing the challenge of marketing on a shoe-string.

My marketing and reach is severely limited. I don’t have a huge budget. I have to make sure that every penny spent for marketing counts. That may sound restrictive, but it means I am challenged to be creative in ways of spreading the word about my novels. It’s hard work. I have to screw up my courage in talking to bookstore managers. It’s not that I’m not proud of my work; it’s my fear of the unknown in making cold calls. I suffer the dread of rejection, like a lot of people.

But years into the process I have a portfolio of marketing ideas that work, and a long list of things that didn’t work.

Finally, I am convinced it is time for the indie author to step into the spotlight? To take that step we have to make sure we create quality written product. Then let our work be judged on merit. No more, no less.

There are ‘rookie’ mistakes, and I made mine. One glaring example was trying to economize, make that go cheap, led me to use a template cover for my first two novels. They looked just like they were template, nothing to make a potential reader consider reaching for them.

We’ve all heard the saying that you can’t judge a book by the cover. A well-designed cover can give a potential buyer a glimpse of the story within. In fact, a good design can act like a magnet, causing someone to pick up a book and look at it. That is, after all, the first step in selling.

Send me an email to chuck@writebyme.ca and I will be glad to send you before and after covers. You will know what I mean just by looking at them.

Once past the cover design, you need a book that has been professionally edited. I just love getting emails and comments from readers pointing out the missed commas, misspelled words, and other glitches we miss.

A good cover, a good interior, and you have a marketable product, one you can be proud of. All you need then is a buyer standing at your table, waiting for the author’s signature.

Chuck Waldron

As an independent author and publisher, I have learned some valuable lessons through trial and error. If you are considering self-publishing I hope you find the encouragement you need to take control of your publishing destiny. Welcome to the Indie Book Rebellion.

Chuck Waldron
http://www.writebyme.ca

Author: Chuck Waldron
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Expanding Your Reach Through Digital Publishing

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The recent unveiling of Apple’s iPad set the social networks ablaze with commentary. While many oohed and ahhed over the device’s shiny appearance and capability for making life and work run more smoothly, others wondered aloud (and on Twitter) if the gadget would only serve users as an expensive, tricked out Kindle-type monitor. To be certain, if Apple succeeded in anything with its initial push, they added fuel to already animated discussions on the future of publishing in the digital age. For the business using the Internet to strengthen brand visibility and customer reach, this represents progress worth watching, even if you don’t work in publishing.

Experts may debate whether or not print is dead, but it can be agreed upon that digital production of books and documents won’t fade anytime soon. Amazon.com reported a record high for Kindle eBook sales late in 2009, while document sharing sites Wattpad and Scribd boast thousands of available works – everything from novels to dissertations to poetry and plays – for download to laptops and smart phone reader applications.

Amateur writers are not the only ones making use of this exposure, either. Scribd, for one, distributes works by major corporations and publishers, including Ford and Simon and Schuster. Recently, self-publishing platform Smashwords, which allows authors to make content available for sale or free, signed agreements to allow the works of registered users to be distributed to Barnes and Noble’s website. Not to be outdone, Amazon cooperates with authors directly to sell their books via their Kindle store.

Bottom line: if you have written something worth sharing, and wide distribution can benefit your business, it should be seriously considered. All you need to do, once the writing and editing is completed, is plan accordingly. As you ponder this type of marketing strategy, ask yourself these questions:

1) What can I write about my company/products/services that people may want to read?

What is your main line of business? If you work in construction, perhaps you have extensive original material on home repairs and tips that can be collected in a digital booklet and distributed. If you deal in antique, you can lend your expertise to a pricing guide or series of articles on properly buying and selling items. For everything you do, you can provide instructions and insight.

When you do prepare work for distribution, take care to make certain your work is original, with attributions to other sources made where needed, and that your website and business information is provided. Cover art is not necessary, but if you feel it would help readership you can easily find royalty-free artwork online to use.

2) How do I format my book/lets?

Common formats of electronic documents include HTML and PDF, which may be created easily through the proper software or freeware. Other formats, readable on proprietary readers like Kindle or Sony’s reader, can be translated through free publishing services like Smashwords.

3) Where do I offer my book/lets?

For marketing purposes, it is beneficial to make any complimentary digital downloads easily attainable. Offer the files on your site’s server, and take advantage of free distribution channels like Wattpad, Scribd, Smashwords, and similar sites. Advertise links on your blog and social profiles for maximum exposure.

Similar to article marketing, creating digital downloads can work to lend authoritative value to your brand and increase awareness of your business. As people turn more toward sharing free content via social media and smart phones, so you have the opportunity to raise exposure of your work, products and services.

Kathryn Lively is a social media specialist assisting clients with social media writing and travel social media services.

Author: Kathryn Lively
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A Strategy For Getting Your Self-Published Book Into Stores

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I’ve spoken to self-publishers who are quick to say that they don’t need brick and mortar bookstores. This is usually expressed after they realize that, even though their books are listed in Books in Print or are in the Ingram catalog, not even one bookstore has ordered a copy.

If you are actively promoting your book off-line as well as on-line, you will find that it is possible to break into bookstores, even if you have to do it one store at a time.

The key is local events. Start in your local community when your book is launched. Send out press releases to local daily and weekly papers. Contact local radio and TV stations. Offer to do readings at local libraries, and then hit the bookstores.

Start with a chain bookstore. I love independent bookstores, but if you want to make a big push to get your books into stores nation-wide, you’re going to have to aim for the chains.

Go to the manager or buyer at your store, and explain that you’re doing a local media push. Let her know what speaking engagements and interviews you’ve already lined up, and the press you’re expecting to receive.

Explain that you want to point all those readers to one particular store to buy the book, and ask if she can help you out by ordering a quantity of books.

If she says no, move on to the next largest chain, or if there’s only one chain in your local area, the largest independent store.

Keep going until a bookstore says yes. Usually your largest independent bookstore will agree to stock the book, and host a reading.

But don’t be discouraged if all of them refuse you. It’s not likely, but it can happen.

In that instance, push the book through your own website. You want to be able to track sales through your promotions, so set up a page where people can enter their Amazon receipt number to get a bonus directly from you.

Do your media blitz in your city, and document the sales it generated.

Now you can begin a blitz in a neighboring city, following the exact same steps, but this time when you approach bookstores, you’ve got documented information about how many books are likely to sell. Use that information to try to get into a chain this time.

Once you do get your book accepted, even if it’s on a limited basis, into a chain. Do a big, big push. Use everyone you know, and every contact you have to sell as many copies of that book as possible.

Once your book has a sales history in a chain, it’s easier to get restocked, and to get your books into other stores in your state.

The more you sell, the more likely it is that someone at head office will see a ‘trend’ and give you a call, as the publisher of record, to find out what the appeal is, and get your books throughout the region, or even the country.

Most importantly, never give up on off-line promotion. Seek out radio interviews, send out press releases, and market your book for all it’s worth.

You’ll sell more books, and realize that dream of seeing your book, face out, at a brick and mortar store.

Wendy Woudstra has been writing about publishing and book marketing for more than a decade. Learn more about book promotion at her website, http://PublishingCentral.com

Author: Wendy Woudstra
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The Interest in E-Readers and Digital Publishing

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E-Readers and Ebooks have been gaining a great deal of popularity in recent years. Publishing and the way we take in and absorb media is changing all the time. One of the most notable areas that this is becoming evident is the rise of e- readers and digital books. With many newspapers and magazines around the world closing down and many others moving to more online content there was a huge demand for electronic books and magazines that can easily be read on a handheld device such as an iPod touch, a Sony E-reader, the Amazon Kindle or any of the other devices that have been coming onto the market lately.

Digital books aren’t a new concept though. E-books have been around a good long while now, and while traditional publishing is still the major driving force in the industry, there is a notable and consistent increase in interest in reading on handheld devices. Many globally renowned newspapers, magazines and websites are syndicated to handheld devices every day, offering the same content as in their print editions without the detriment to the environment that printing physical copies can have.

In addition, e-book readers are capable of storing a great deal more content than you would normally be able to carry in its physical form. Buying ebooks has also never been simpler as you can find them from all the major outlets such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones and of course the Apple iTunes app store.

Some colleges and universities are also turning to E-books to solve the problem of constantly updating textbooks for students. This is something that is proving to be very beneficial to education, as it compacts the massive amounts of text a student needs to take in, onto one handy device instead of huge reams of paper.

E-book readers are also wonderful for travelling, as you can have a variety of novels, books, magazines, newspapers, blog posts and more in the palm of your hand. In addition, devices such as the iPod touch and the Amazon Kindle offer wireless connectivity all over the world, meaning you are able to update your publications and download more to enjoy.

The digital publishing industry is something that will grow in importance over the coming years, as paper stocks dwindle and production costs rise, many publishers and readers are turning to digital handheld devices over the traditional paper publications in order to maintain great output without having to skimp on quality. No matter what you want to read, there are e-books for you, and there is also a range of superb gadgets available to help you do just that. Check out the best eBook readers that are available online and see which one will best fit your needs.

Andrew is a widely read pop culture blogger, music journalist and SF author. You too can get the hi-tech gadget lifestyle you want with the best home entertainment gadgets around!

Author: Andrew Hawnt
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A Good Book Marketing Plan

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A good book marketing plan aims to accomplish two main objectives. Promoting you as a credible, likeable author and selling copies of your newly published book. Therefore it’s important to know how to market a book. Once you have perfected the art of successfully promoting both, you will see increase in your book sales.

You will also find it a bit easier to schedule appearances at bookstores, speaking engagements, radio interviews and even television programs. The irony of this goal is that you must first tackle all the above mentioned sources before you can climb to higher heights. Here are four elements to focus on when creating learning to market a book that will help promote your name and your book.

Physical appearances at local or national events are a great way to be seen and heard. You want your readers to get to know you and your name. Once readers are familiar with you it will be easier for them to associate your name with your book. This is called an author platform and it’s a necessary way to market a book. Many writers think selling their books will make them famous, but making yourself famous will sell your book.

I’m not suggesting you do anything radical or irresponsible. You want to create a respectful reputation. Booking appearances will get you in front of your local and national readers. Simply attending festivals, charity events, book signings and other activities will build your author platform and help market a book.

Creating buzz can be tricky but worth the while. The term marketing buzz derives from the definition of buzz combined with advertising efforts. Simply put, it means word of mouth advertising. This form of advertising has been and continues to be the most effective and least costly way to market a book. When a person, product, or service receives positive feedback that is shared amongst consumers there is usually an increase in profits.

As more people share their satisfaction with an experience, it encourages others to want similar results. When a friend tells you how great her shampoo is, aren’t you curious to try the same brand? If a co-worker sings the praises of his favorite television program at the water cooler, don’t you consider watching an episode yourself? Now imagine a reader sharing a heartfelt review of your book to her sister. Chances are her sister will want to read the book herself. Yet another reliable way to market a book.

Targeting your audience is a very important part of any good book marketing plan. Without knowing who would be likely to read your book, your marketing efforts will be costly and filled with trial and error setbacks. You don’t want to send your marketing efforts into the world amiss. This is an area that requires specific, diligent and accurate preparation in order to effectively market a book.

Once you have identified your targeted audience, you can then better formulate methods and strategies aimed at this particular group or groups in order to optimize the most sales for the least amount of money. As in any other promotion, efforts to market a book require careful planning. You can use many varied ways of promotion, but you must know to whom you are promoting.

Media advertising whether press releases, online and offline advertisements or email generated leads will propel your book sales to amazing heights. The media reaches readers you will not be able to reach physically. Newspapers, emails, radio and television find their way into the homes, offices, ears and eyes of the world. Not only will it help to market a book, but it will increase the chances of success.

I read once that someone in a small village who knows nothing of world events could know the name of Paris Hilton. This is because Ms. Hilton has been plastered all over the media. Be it good news or bad news, she is well promoted. Keep this concept in mind when incorporating the media to market a book. Knowing what, where and how to advertise in the media can successfully launch your career as a writer.

Take a look at our additional book marketing ideas to help sell more copies of your book.

Author: Alana C. Johnson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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