How I Became an Indie Author

I often get asked how I became an Independent Author/Indie Author, and why I chose to pursue self-publishing instead of going the traditional publishing route. My answer is, there is no exact Science to it all, but I decided long ago that I wanted to be in the driver’s seat in my writing career. I didn’t want a publisher to tell me when, why, and how I could publish my work. I wanted creative expression, and I didn’t want to be muzzled to suit any “big wigs”. I didn’t want to be signed up for interviews or talk shows that I didn’t approve of. I wanted the freedom to pick and choose where I wanted to be, and how I wanted to be viewed by the public.

Although creative freedom may sound awesome to you at the moment, it does come at a price. It typically generates much less money than the noted authors that sell at big box stores do. But, it is what works for me and my lifestyle. By no means does that mean that you have to follow what I’ve done. It’s your choice and it’s entirely up to you.

I often hear other writers complaining that they can’t get an agent because the agent wants the writer to already be published, and then I hear publishers won’t hire someone because they’re not already represented by agents! WHAT? That’s a double edge sword, in my opinion. It’s a “Which came first–?” type of situation. In the end, what matters is that the work is released to readers. The song and dance of traditional publishing is just not something I wanted to pursue, so I didn’t. I am also curious and independent by nature. I love to learn new things and figure out how to do nearly everything on my own.

The truth is, I’m still a small fish in a sea of other writers, but I’m working hard to get my name out there. I’m slowly, but surely, getting more attention and becoming somewhat recognized on social media.

I had been writing for several years on the side, as well as teaching, being a student, raising a family, and so much more. I didn’t really have much time to invest in writing, but I picked it up as often as I could. Along the way, I saw an opportunity to change things in the lives of my family members, so I decided to refocus myself and spend more time on writing to pursue publishing. My first piece was published via Conceit Magazine (out of California), in 2010. I had written a horror short story that was featured in the magazine. I received no money for this, but I was excited to be featured in a notable magazine. This small magazine allowed me to make the giant leap from aimless writer to published writer, and I was stoked!

A little while after that, I began mulling over ideas about publishing books for kids. I knew that my 10+ years of experience as a teacher in elementary schools would make it possible to get into the mindset of writing for 8-12 year olds. I started researching, quite often. I created Author social media pages all over the internet, I joined writing groups, I spoke with everyone I could, and I even private messaged some well known authors for feedback. I stuck my neck out and ignored the people who discouraged the attempt. What I had gathered from my research was that in order for people to find me and my books, I needed to be everywhere. There’s nothing worse than reading a book you like, and searching for the author on social media, but finding them nowhere. It tells the reader that the author didn’t invest enough time or effort into their brand, so maybe they were just a one-hit-wonder and aren’t worth following. NO! I didn’t want that!

My husband volunteered his expertise and knowledge by developing my website and using special software to make my book covers (with some input from me, of course). Once all of those details were in place, and I felt like I was ready to go, I published my first ebook. The kids’ mystery series is called the Morelle Code Detectives (available via Amazon Kindle). I wrote 6 books in that kid series, in a relatively short amount of time. All 6 books were published at the tail end of 2015 and periodically throughout 2016. It was very important to me to have my work speak for itself, so after several self-edits and self-revisions, I always passed it along to a professional editor. My editor has worked with me on each book, and he’s excellent at what he does. I can rely on him to catch the mistakes that I skipped over and haven’t even noticed (even though I’ve had many years of experience editing work for students). For some odd reason, most people don’t recognize their own mistakes (in writing), but they can for others. Such an interesting phenomenon!

I currently have over 2,000 followers on social media, that I have gained within the last few months by only self-marketing. I have not spent a penny on promotions through any service. This may change at some point, but for now, I feel like I am chiseling out a marble pedestal for myself, with strong footings. Overall, I’m very proud of my work.

I’m most excited about my newest book series. This series will be completely unlike the other 6 books (in a series) that I have published. WHY, you ask? Because these books are geared for an older age group, adults. I feel “ready” to write for adults again, and my newest series will fulfill that wish. I am in the final editing stages of my latest book, after several previous edits. I will be passing along my book to the editor, shortly. I have plans to publish this book via Amazon Kindle and to also hopefully publish it via paperback, for all of those people who still prefer owning a paperback book.

To the writers out there hoping to make it, I suggest: write, write, write, and focus on finishing your work. Then, go back to edit multiple times before passing it along to a good editor. Simultaneously, promote your current work in progress (WIP) and let it be known that a masterpiece is about to be birthed into the world. You’ll create a buzz before the book is even published.

And as always, best wishes!