What Kind of Loser Indie Publishes, and How Can I Be One, Too?

by Pamela Fagan Hutchins

Who knew indie publishing could be this much fun? Pamela Fagan Hutchins makes an overwhelming field manageable by presenting tried and true how-tos and a myriad of resources, including the marketing plan that got her debut novel national distribution - all with her tongue firmly planted in her cheek.

What people are saying about What Kind of Loser Indie Publishes, and How Can I Be One, Too?

“Sharp, practical, and a pleasure to read, this is an indispensable tool for indie writers. Hutchins maps the shortest distance between you and your readers. You need this book!” - Mark Moore, writer and editor

“Sassy, brassy, can-do voice. It’s very inspiring.” - Martin Turnbull, author of The Garden of Allah novels

“Fabulous! Dozens and dozens of great suggestions and resources. Indie writers are going to LOVE this book, not only for its insights, but for Pamela’s witty personality.” - Jennifer Meils, writer, editor, and journalism teacher

“Loser is so packed full of useful, important information, it will become the Bible of indie publishing. As always, Pamela's wit and humor shines throughout. Definitely a must-have for any author.” - Rhonda Erb, writer and editor

“Awesome information; very well written.” - Fernanda Brady, writer and English teacher

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Business

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2013

About the author

I’m a USA Today bestselling crime fiction author and a big horse and sled dog enthusiast. I'm published by Bookouture and independently, and my books are translated into ten languages.

Free starter library with THE NEXT CHAPTER newsletter at my website: https://pamelafaganhutchins.com/pages...

Are you a library patron? Be sure to ask your library to carry my ebooks, audiobooks, and print books for all patrons to enjoy. It may help them if you circle the titles you're interested in on this printable booklist.

You can read my series in any order or as standalones, but they’re a lot of fun if you do them like this—and if you click the title, you'll get a copy of the book club questions for that book, too:

* The Deputy Delaney Pace Series, Books 1-5 (R): Her Silent Bones, Her Hidden Grave, Her Last Cry, Her Forgotten Shadow, Untitled (2025)

* Patrick Flint Wyoming-based series (PG): Switchback, Snake Oil, Sawbones, Scapegoat, Snaggle Tooth, Stag Party, Sitting Duck, Skin & Bones, Untitled (2025)

* The Jenn Herrington Wyoming Mysteries (PG-13): BIG HORN, WALKER PRAIRIE, RED GRADE (2026)

* The What Doesn’t Kill You Super Series:

1.Caribben-based Katie Connell (PG-13): Saving Grace, Leaving Annalise, Finding Harmony, and Seeking Felicity

2. Texas-based Emily Bernal (PG-13): Heaven to Betsy, Earth to Emily, Hell to Pay

3. Texas-based Michele Lopez Hanson (PG-13): Going for Kona, Fighting for Anna, Searching for Dime Box

4. Wyoming-based Maggie Killian (R, language): Live Wire, Sick Puppy, Dead Pile (plus shorts Buckle Bunny and Shock Jock)

5. Caribbean-based Ava Butler (R, sexual situations): Bombshell, Stunner, Knockout

I also have a children’s book featuring Poppy, the world’s best grandfather, and Petey, his blind Boston terrier. It's called Poppy Needs a Puppy. And another called George Finds a Friend about a sad little red dragon. And I have nonfiction books about ... me... my family... parenting... pets... marriage... and more.

My hunky husband and I ride our beloved draft cross horses way up in the frozen north of Snowheresville, WY, where we run an off-the-grid lodge on the face of the Bighorn Mountains. We split time between there and our rustic cabin on Mooselookmeguntic (not a typo) Lake in Maine. When I’m not writing or riding, I’m passionate about wilderness sports (dog sledding, skijoring, bikejoring, hiking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, and... well, everything), always with bear spray, a mountain lion knife, and my Judge. NO ANIMALS HAVE BEEN HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS LIFE ADVENTURE (but don’t sneak up on me).

I host the world-famous (possibly an overstatement) show, Crime & Wine, where I fangirl my favorite authors and interview them for your listening and viewing pleasure.

I’ve made some lists and won some awards, yada yada. Amazon Charts Top 25 bestseller. USA Today Bestseller. Amazon All Star. The Silver Falchion for Best Adult Mystery WINNER (Fighting for Anna), the WINNERS for USA Best Books Fiction: Cross Genre (Hell to Pay, Heaven to Betsy), and others. With books “in print” of over 3,000,000, readers seem to enjoy the books—I think they have exceptionally good taste. {insert goofy grin here} Lots of them follow my Crime & Wine show, too. Subscribe free at Crime & Wine: Novelist Chats with Pamela Fagan Hutchins

If after all that you still want to learn more about my books, my podcast, or me, then God Bless Ya. There are many ways: This website and its blog. The aforementioned newsletter. Email me: Pamela at PamelaFaganHutchins dot com. And you can follow me around the web:

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pamel...

Facebook http://facebook.com/pamela.fagan.hutc...

Pamela's Posse for Readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pamel...

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/pamelafa...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_faga...

X fka Twitter http:/

Reviews

[Martin Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you're starting out on the self-publishing road, the choices and options can be overwhelming. Cover artwork, ebook formatting, website building, social media networking -- every step along the way holds endless choices and you don't want to waste precious time making the wrong one, or worse - not knowing that the right solution for you even exists. There are a number of guides to self publishing out there and I've read a few and, in my estimation, this is one of the better ones. Hutchins writes in a relatable, shoot-from-the-hip way that makes it sound like she's sitting across from you, coffee in one hand, pumpkin pie in the other and laying it all out. The thing that sets Hutchins apart is the that she's the proof of her own pudding. Hutchins is a great self-publishing success story and this book tells you how she achieved her enviable success.

[Reka Beezy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and funny, that's a rare combination in a non-fiction book.

[Samuel Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest, clear-eyed, hype-free exploration of what it takes to achieve success as a self-published author. Interweaving her own personal experience with valuable tips and advice, non-fiction writer-turned-novelist Pamela Fagan Hutchins begins by stressing that publishing success cannot happen without quality writing—the more the better. Yeah, we all know that. But really, you need to read this section. You need to hear these truths—and maybe you’ll pick up some pointers on the way. I know I did. I was pausing here and there as I read the book to check out some of the suggestions and even implement them on the spot. Hutchins then moves on to the meat and potatoes of the publishing business: how to promote and market a book and yourself as an author. Again, a lot of valuable and highly credible stuff here, from an indie author whose success includes getting her books into real bookstores with chains like Barnes and Noble. If you’re an unserious dabbler or looking for easy shortcuts, this book might not be for you. It contains too many hard truths—like how there really aren’t any easy shortcuts; and how churning out junk books will only serve to alienate readers and give you a bad name; and how selling books—yes, even good books—is hard. If you’re serious about building an indie career, however, and are prepared to invest the time, the energy and perhaps even some money to achieve it—like any business, successful indie publishing requires at least a modicum of investment—then you will find "What Kind of Loser Indie Publishers?" a valuable guidebook and source of inspiration. Read it all the way through. And then read it again.

[Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It's a great resource for writers of all stripes.

I tell this story sometimes about Christopher Columbus, old and at his table, where someone remarked that his accomplishment seemed smaller now that so many others had sailed to the Americas. Chris tells the man to bring him an egg and then asks him if he can make it stand on end. The man cannot and the egg rolls on to its side over and over. Chris takes the egg and with a violent jerk breaks the yolk inside the shell, leaving the bottom-heavy egg to stand on end. Then he says, "Now you can do it. It's easy once you've been shown how."

I don't know if that story is actually true, but I like what it says about trailblazing types.

Pamela explores the world of indie publishing and invites you along for the ride. You can take inspiration from her adventures and success and bring them to bear on your own work, book plans, and timidity. Her voice and style are charming, so readable that I finished this book in just three sittings. And when I was done, I was juiced up, strong with idea that I can do it too. Now, back to writing.

[Matthew Arkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been my constant companion as, for the past 8 months, I have traversed the often frightening and uncertain terrain of self-publishing. Pamela Fagan Hutchins has been there, and done that, and succeeded tremendously. This book gives us the benefit of all of her experience and makes sense of the often overwhelming morass of information that is out there in the rapidly changing publishing landscape. One of the problems that I have faced during the publication of my first novel has been trying to parse which tasks to tackle when, because truly, you could work 48 hours a day and still find more to do to promote your work. Ms. Hutchins fine guidance has helped me prioritize, use my time more effectively, and find so many creative ways to approach this work than I could have ever thought of on my own. Self-publishing is a jungle. Don't go in there without this book. It's a machete for the indie author.

[Cory Barclay · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best, most comprehensive and educational books on the art of self-publishing out there. Ms. Hutchins shows how much work goes in after the writing stages, and though it can seem daunting, she's got your back. She's funny, too--this isn't one of your dry On Writing books, though it can seem as technical. Ms. Hutchins, as she says time and time again, doesn't guarantee your success with her formula, but it's certainly worked for her, and I'm sure it will work for many, many others (and I hope that includes me, too).

[Glenn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loaded with tips both practical and inspirational. Pamela's generosity with this book paves the way for plenty of authors to follow, especially considering the slippery landscape of publishing these days. The material here is both timely and timeless. I'm glad she wrote the book and I'm glad I found it.

Plus, she's funny. I like funny.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful. I highlighted so many things that I need to go back and make notes! I think some things are out of date such as how useful ACX might be considering the drop in royalty rate. That's to be expected though considering how fast the industry changes.

[GK Stritch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Write on, Pam. Writers, read on, twist and shout, and tell your friends.

[Jennifer Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really great tips and a clear path to being a successfully self-published author.

Nice, light-hearted take on the subject with clearly written, easy-to-digest information.

[C.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great source for anyone who wants to self published.

[Melissa Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was late to the party in reading this book. My book released in October 2021 and I read the book in November 2021. I recommend new authors read this book before you publish so you can take full advantage of the ideas presented in the book. Pamela speaks to the reader as if you are sitting right next to her. Very easy to read. Clear instructions. I learned a lot of what to do and not to do. I don't think I could ride around the country in an RV with a banner for months on end losing money at every venue to get my book B & N but I understand why she did it, she got into their stores. Excellent read. I worried I might be getting out-dated information since it was published in 2013 but I kept reading anyway.

[Rebecca Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. A lot to think about for authors considering self-publishing or indie publishing. As both a former bookseller and long-time librarian, as well as a non-prolific writer who has only occasionally published poetry and a little non-fiction, I can fully appreciate the work that goes into promoting authors and their books. I have helped a number of authors polish their prose as an editor but when it comes to promoting their work, that's a whole 'nuther animal!

(While this book was published more than ten years ago and a lot has changed, it's still valuable concept-wise).

[Brooke May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been an indie author for several years now and still have a lot to learn. Picking up this book and carefully reading through it while making notes has helped me a great deal.
The voice of this nonfiction is as if the author is having a conversation with you, making it a delight to read and go back to reference.
I highly recommend this book no matter where you are in your author career.

[E.L. Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great voice and great advice. Quick read. Recommend.

[Dan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it was published in 2013 it is still very relevant

[T. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book, full of valuable real-world information, delivered with wisdom and humor. Pamela Fagan Hutchins has done what she teaches. I will read this one again and again.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think cheesecake.

This book is a roadmap for indie writers and it is paved with cheesecake.

Why cheesecake?

It is rich, filling, should be savored. The true complexity of a cheesecake can't be truly known or appreciated unless it is consumed slowly and with contemplation. It is the highs and lows of indie writing/publishing, just how much work there is to be done AFTER the book(s) is(are) written. More to the point, it is like having someone who is willing to hold your hand while you dither about deciding if you can do this on your own.

This book is just like a good piece of cheesecake.

Except, well, you see, this is so much more important than cheesecake. (I blaspheme, I know.)

I have been part of countless writing groups. The kind where we are willing to critique everything from the color and size of a font someone used to how many times adverbs were used, but not really getting out there and do the other three-quarters of the work.

So, I am going to clean off my glasses, get a notebook (because I've pretty much highlighted the heck out of my Kindle copy) and take notes. Then I am going to ask, and hopefully answer, questions about what I want to do now that I really know what to do. And then ...

Then?

I think I'll have a piece of cheesecake.

[Jasna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essential for authors on the road to self-publishing, because it will serve more than just a good reference throughout the process. Pamela covered many grounds in this book, from technicality, and social media advice, to marketing side of the publishing business. She provides great examples, supplements it with does and don’ts, and also gives the reader alternative information to choose from.

Pamela paints a clear picture about book publishing with her awesome style of writing: honesty, humor, and the wisdom. She quickly brought my awareness to a higher level, with a need to change the strategy in order to achieve my goals. I could not put the book down because I was captured with a pure reading pleasure.

She makes evident how difficult this journey can be by sharing with the reader her personal story, including associated risk. One can only conclude that Pamela worked hard in overcoming the obstacles in publishing many books. Her work shines in many disciplines, and I am not surprised that information in this book is just a wonderful addition to her superb library

[Darrin Haslem · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a couple dozen books on self-publishing over the past few months, and Pamela’s is the best so far. It’s an easy read filled with solid practical advice, all of which is presented in a light-hearted way. It was fun and educational all in one, not to mention highly motivational.

From my perspective, the motivational aspects don’t just emanate from the success Pamela has achieved in following her plan, but also from the healthy dose of pragmatism she injects throughout the book. Success isn’t going to be handed to anyone. It takes the same hard work, perseverance, and smart choices Pamela demonstrated, not to mention a realistic well-developed business plan. It’s a genuine reflection of the challenges of Indie publishing, and she supports the reader by providing by exceptional tips, insights, and examples regarding the best way to overcome each obstacle.

Well done. I’m glad I picked it up, and I will definitely recommend it to others.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a lucky recipient of this book from the Goodreads' program! The author was even kind enough to autograph the book for me! I loved Hutchins' frank and direct writing. Her background in publishing definitely gave her the experience needed to write this book. She provided many examples of how to break into the publishing industry, which would be helpful to any would be writer. I appreciated that she provided specific things to do, and even went as far as giving the addresses of websites that would be helpful. I liked the personal examples she included throughout the book, and enjoyed learning about her own publishing experience as well. There was so much information contained in the pages, that I imagine I will read this book multiple times. Ms. Hutchins- Thank you for sharing your insight!

[Karen Douglass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about mixed emotions: the content is invaluable for anyone considering self-publishing. I have pages and pages of notes on how to follow Hutchins' path, and at some point soon I will buy this book. I found it at my libarary. However, (you knew there was a turn here, didn't you?) as a friend and editor pointed out, the book itself tattles on her. The interior formatting is not good throughout. The cover has a hard to read title. Hutchins boasts about formatting the ebook version herself and it looks like she did the print version without complete control over the text. Oh, sigh, I want perfection. In a world that is still torn about the value of independent publishing, we need to be on our best bookish behavior. Do read the book, although I had to return it before I finished, and follow her advice, but not her example.

[R.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read the other reviews because I know I'm going to be repeating some stuff here.

I'm an indie published author and I have found this book so full of useful information, I'm kicking myself I didn't read it before I began the process. But here's the real kicker, folks, I still need this book. Need book marks? Page 127. Need to know how to format for Kindle? page 115. It's all there from developing a plan, to implementing the plan, to making it work, to learning how to sell. Don't waste your money on long complicated missives, and don't get a book for every step.

This is a one-stop-shop for all your self-publishing needs (with attitude to make you smile).

It's a keeper.

[Ken Oder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best how-to book I've read. The author takes you by the hand and guides you through the confusing and complicated options available to the author who wants to pursue indie publishing. It's perfect for beginners but valuable for experienced writers, too. Written with wit and great expertise, Loser makes you laugh out loud while you learn everything you need to know to take your book to market successfully. There is a lot of brain-power behind this book, but it is also written from the heart. It's a great read for all writers, even those who don't pursue the indie alternative

[Mark Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Pamela speak at a writer's conference in Houston and was so impressed with her presentation that I bought her book there. I read it cover to cover that evening. It is a breeze to read, and yet is chock-full of useful information. She not only maps out the difficulties of the path to publishing as an indie, but she identifies the specific path, including the dead-ends and roundabouts, that she took. I recommend this for anyone considering publishing with the indie path, or anyone already on it who wants to improve their sales.

[L. Fabry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not a book, it's an investment

I'd like to think I know a thing or two about indie publishing but was surprised at how much I could still learn. Pamela hits everything from the entire book market to neat tricks for promoting your indie book with an expert ease you don't have to be an expert to understand. Also included are tips for KDP, CreateSpace, Print on Demand, software, and much more. You can't learn this on Google...

[F.E. Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in becoming an indie publisher, this book is a treasure trove. It's chronological. It's thorough. It's easy to read. AND it's laugh-out-loud funny! "Loser" (as Hutchins herself nicknames it) feels more like a conversation with a generous friend who has "been there, done that" than a typical "how-to" book. Plus the added information at the back is solid gold. Even if you're not sure that "indie" is the publishing path for you, this book will help you decide.

[Rhonda Erb · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're an indie "loser," don't walk, RUN to the bookstore to buy this book. It is so packed full of useful, important information, I believe it will become the Bible of indie publishing. I devoured it, and didn't get bored or glassy-eyed even once (how many how-to books can you say that about?). And as always, Pamela's wit and humor shines throughout. Definitely a must-have for any author."

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably is the funniest how-to book you will ever read. I loved this book. It has an incredible amount of useful information in it. Cuts through all the blah blah and gets right to the things you need to know. And does it in a way that you cant believe you are learning something because you are having so much fun doing it.

[Marcy McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read A LOT about indie publishing -- books, blogs, endless articles. In my opinion, Loser is the BEST ONE out there because it's loaded with practical, step-by-step, how-to advice, examples and great information. I plan to return to this book again and again.