The future of Indie authors…
*** Just recently, I listened to someone I really trust explain her thoughts about the future of Indie authors on Amazon.
She said that today we’re still able to create magic through social media such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs and by paid advertising spots like E-Reader News and Pixel of Ink. People like Amanda Hocking and John Locke showed us that it could be done and we’ve all been led to believe it can happen for us also. That just maybe our work can be brought to the attention of the readers by group efforts and building a strong fan base. And our sales will reflect the efforts we make.
The bad news is the bourgeoning amount of competition. Amazon no longer needs to give special treatment to anyone in order to fill their bookcases. The algorithms are spinning with so many choices that the cutthroat era will be soon upon us if it hasn’t already started. Example – I remember not too long ago when for every few books given away free, Amazon credited us with one book sold and increased the book’s ranking to reflect that sale. Today that number has changed and the difference is more like fifty free books equal one sold.
And those free days we all wanted so badly that we joined their select program, will they continue? Does it make sense when you think about it? Most of us are willing to pay for our reading material, especially when the cost is so low that a book for a buck is common. Will this promotional tactic go the same way as tags and likes?
No too long ago, we had a lot of sites where we were able to list those same free books. Recently, Amazon has shown their dissent with this routine and things have now changed. Those more popular places will not be promoting free books and so we won’t have the same ability to let readers know about our giveaways.
I know that progress is inevitable. We all understand things don’t remain constant. What worries me is how will Indie authors continue to find consumers? I know a large back list has always been important and will continue to be even more so in the future. I also suspect that we’ll have to spend a lot more money on promotion and that marketing experts will become as crucial as good editors.
As an Indie author, what keeps me hopeful is that I feel victory will happen for those who can write wonderful books—ones that the readers love so much that their reviews and support will ensure that author’s continuing success. What do you think?
INDIEBOOK BLOWOUT!!! Today is your last chance to get wonderful books marked down for the sale price of 99cents.
She said that today we’re still able to create magic through social media such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs and by paid advertising spots like E-Reader News and Pixel of Ink. People like Amanda Hocking and John Locke showed us that it could be done and we’ve all been led to believe it can happen for us also. That just maybe our work can be brought to the attention of the readers by group efforts and building a strong fan base. And our sales will reflect the efforts we make.
The bad news is the bourgeoning amount of competition. Amazon no longer needs to give special treatment to anyone in order to fill their bookcases. The algorithms are spinning with so many choices that the cutthroat era will be soon upon us if it hasn’t already started. Example – I remember not too long ago when for every few books given away free, Amazon credited us with one book sold and increased the book’s ranking to reflect that sale. Today that number has changed and the difference is more like fifty free books equal one sold.
And those free days we all wanted so badly that we joined their select program, will they continue? Does it make sense when you think about it? Most of us are willing to pay for our reading material, especially when the cost is so low that a book for a buck is common. Will this promotional tactic go the same way as tags and likes?
No too long ago, we had a lot of sites where we were able to list those same free books. Recently, Amazon has shown their dissent with this routine and things have now changed. Those more popular places will not be promoting free books and so we won’t have the same ability to let readers know about our giveaways.
I know that progress is inevitable. We all understand things don’t remain constant. What worries me is how will Indie authors continue to find consumers? I know a large back list has always been important and will continue to be even more so in the future. I also suspect that we’ll have to spend a lot more money on promotion and that marketing experts will become as crucial as good editors.
As an Indie author, what keeps me hopeful is that I feel victory will happen for those who can write wonderful books—ones that the readers love so much that their reviews and support will ensure that author’s continuing success. What do you think?
INDIEBOOK BLOWOUT!!! Today is your last chance to get wonderful books marked down for the sale price of 99cents. 
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This is not only a blog for authors, it's for anyone who's interested in what goes into writing a good book and then getting it published. Questions and comments are very much appreciated.
Hugs,
Mimi ...more
Hugs,
Mimi ...more
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