Two Reasons Why I Enjoy Being an #IndieAuthor #PoweredByIndie #Giveaway

This October, we are celebrating the achievements of indie authors. I starting publishing my stories in 2014 after waiting for the process to become easier. My first published books were written three decades earlier. At this point in 2016, I have published 7 novels, 2 novellas and 3 short stories. See the full list at http://auroraspringer.blogspot.com/p/my-books.html. No, I am not a best-seller and I am still learning. My stories often cross genres and might be less desirable to a traditional publisher.
What do I like about being an indie author?
1. The major benefit is I have control of the whole process of writing, publishing and marketing. There are several steps from inventing a plot, creating characters and setting, writing the story, editing the story, making a book cover, publishing, and experimenting with different social media and marketing tools. I can choose an editor and cover artist, where to publish, what format (ebook and/or paperback) and the cost of the book. Clearly, many of these choices should be guided by the marketplace. For example, I cannot expect to sell a book priced at $10.99 when my competitors’ books cost $3.99. As an indie author, I must research into the best choices. These are likely to depend on factors, such as the genre of the story. The market varies over time.
On the negative side, all these steps and choices take work and time.
2. In one unexpected benefit of participating in social media, I meet wonderful authors from all over the world. Many of my virtual friends offer excellent advice, criticism and help with cross-promotion. Indie authors are inventive and willing to test different methods to promote their books. I have learned a tremendous amount in two and a half years of publishing as an indie author.
Social MediaYou are welcome to join me on Facebook   Twitter   Google+ You can explore my Blog for background and excerpts of my stories, including snippets every Sunday.
This month, I am offering books in several cross-promotion efforts with other indie authors.
Oct 1-15th FREE in Kindle Unlimited 26 eBooks in Urban Fantasy / Paranormal / Science Fiction Romance rozmarshall.co.uk/romance
Running All October
Spooktacular Halloween Giveaway 100+ prizes from >30 authors in all genres, Grand prize $100. Enter HERE http://bit.ly/2cdFFpP


Samhain Giveaway - Enter to Win a Mythic Fiction Book http://www.mythographystudios.com/promo/samhain/