Going Indie--Why and How
With my first independently published book creeping ever closer to the digital bookstore, I figured I'd address a few things.
Like why I decided to do it.
I've been writing professionally for awhile now (since 2007). Since then, I've managed to place my work with some quality publishers (i.e. Shroud Magazine and Permuted Press), and generally, the people I've encountered in the industry are a pretty awesome bunch. I placed my first full-length work with an up and coming publisher in 2010. Things were looking pretty good.
Then, to drag out an overused saying, shit happened.
The person heading the press ran into a number of personal problems right around the time of my book's release. As the issues got worse, his ability to run the operation quickly eroded, and before long, my book was dead in the water. No advertising/marketing muscle put into selling it. No effort to send the book to review sites. No publicity. Nada.
Now, I am really not blaming the guy. Because, well, shit happens, and one man can only do so much and handle so much before something has to give. That said, I knew then as I know now that the one person who wouldn't let my book be that "something" was me. But then, I was a writer. What the hell did I know about production or promotion? Soon, many of the small publishers I knew had closed their doors. The large publishers remained virtually untouchable without name recognition or an agent. Increasingly uncomfortable with the small press, I started putting all my work in the trunk.
While I was out of the game, I watched more and more of the writers (and publishers) in my circle slowly shift their attention to ebooks. I couldn't help but pay attention. Several of them were showing some pretty good numbers. A few people in my circle were even making a full-time job out of it and getting by. And they had control, real control, over what happened to their books.
I studied. As it turns out, ebook production isn't as hard as it looks. What it comes down to is editing, formatting, and cover art. I taught myself how to format my work (with a little extra tutelage from a friend and beta reader of mine). In the end, it turned out to be more tedious than difficult. One down. The other two weren't so easy. Editing and cover art frequently make or break a book. Half-assing is not allowed. I didn't (and don't) have a lot of money to spend. But I did know people. And I knew how to shop. When all was said and done, my expenses ran between $150.00 and $200.00. Not easy on my wallet, but hardly a monstrous bill by any means. And I was getting top-tier talent for what I spent.
While waiting on the people I'd hired, I researched and accumulated a list of review sites, in addition to ones that offered free promotions. I joined Twitter, made new pages, and started putting my new book online to drum up interest before its release. All things my old publisher never even suggested.
I can't say with certainty my first indie book will be a success. The market is incredibly fickle and there's a lot of competition from other people, just like me, who decided to take the reigns. But at least I'll be able to say that yes, my book is out there, and I tried my damnedest to give it the shot it deserved. And I'm still searching for new ways to do that even now.
Like why I decided to do it.
I've been writing professionally for awhile now (since 2007). Since then, I've managed to place my work with some quality publishers (i.e. Shroud Magazine and Permuted Press), and generally, the people I've encountered in the industry are a pretty awesome bunch. I placed my first full-length work with an up and coming publisher in 2010. Things were looking pretty good.
Then, to drag out an overused saying, shit happened.
The person heading the press ran into a number of personal problems right around the time of my book's release. As the issues got worse, his ability to run the operation quickly eroded, and before long, my book was dead in the water. No advertising/marketing muscle put into selling it. No effort to send the book to review sites. No publicity. Nada.
Now, I am really not blaming the guy. Because, well, shit happens, and one man can only do so much and handle so much before something has to give. That said, I knew then as I know now that the one person who wouldn't let my book be that "something" was me. But then, I was a writer. What the hell did I know about production or promotion? Soon, many of the small publishers I knew had closed their doors. The large publishers remained virtually untouchable without name recognition or an agent. Increasingly uncomfortable with the small press, I started putting all my work in the trunk.
While I was out of the game, I watched more and more of the writers (and publishers) in my circle slowly shift their attention to ebooks. I couldn't help but pay attention. Several of them were showing some pretty good numbers. A few people in my circle were even making a full-time job out of it and getting by. And they had control, real control, over what happened to their books.
I studied. As it turns out, ebook production isn't as hard as it looks. What it comes down to is editing, formatting, and cover art. I taught myself how to format my work (with a little extra tutelage from a friend and beta reader of mine). In the end, it turned out to be more tedious than difficult. One down. The other two weren't so easy. Editing and cover art frequently make or break a book. Half-assing is not allowed. I didn't (and don't) have a lot of money to spend. But I did know people. And I knew how to shop. When all was said and done, my expenses ran between $150.00 and $200.00. Not easy on my wallet, but hardly a monstrous bill by any means. And I was getting top-tier talent for what I spent.
While waiting on the people I'd hired, I researched and accumulated a list of review sites, in addition to ones that offered free promotions. I joined Twitter, made new pages, and started putting my new book online to drum up interest before its release. All things my old publisher never even suggested.
I can't say with certainty my first indie book will be a success. The market is incredibly fickle and there's a lot of competition from other people, just like me, who decided to take the reigns. But at least I'll be able to say that yes, my book is out there, and I tried my damnedest to give it the shot it deserved. And I'm still searching for new ways to do that even now.
No comments have been added yet.
