How do you guys feel with regards to published vs. self published

[Lynda]

Thanks for the kind words. Like I said, it's taken me 4 years and 8 books to get this far (and 2 of those are kid's books which sell diddly squat, so they don't count).

I don't write Literature, but then I never intended to - I don't read it, either.

But I do believe that SP has opened up opportunities that may no longer be there if you go via the traditional route.

So, at the risk of teaching my grandmother(s) to suck eggs, if you want to make money as an indie, here's what you do:
Write a lot of good and well-edited books - preferably in a series
Have great covers and blurbs
Publish often - every 3-4 months, if possible
Market (but don't spam) often
Advertise occasionally - unless you've got thousands of dollars to throw at Bookbub! ;)

Now, if only I did all that then I might make my next goal (4 figure royalties every month, yeah lol) a darned sight sooner.

[Lynda]

Umm... sorry, just wanted to say that I didn't tell you that in order to brag, but just to show what is possible in this SP world we find ourselves in. Cos, if I can do it, anyone can.

[Kath]

I imagine a wodge of the royalties cheque is offset against covers and editing costs?

[Lynda]

Oh, yes, Kath. Strictly Murder, for example, cost over $400 dollars for editing and cover.

[Tim]

Fortunately my covers have been pretty cheap. But I'm still a long way from paying off the editing costs.

[S.]

Lynda wrote: "Oh, yes, Kath. Strictly Murder, for example, cost over $400 dollars for editing and cover."

Oww ok..got to find me a model for my book cover then..

[S.]

Anybody up to be an amateur model here? lol..

[Gingerlily - The Full Wild]

I would volunteer, but it would have to be for a book with a 'cuddly' heroine.

[Will]

Lynda - that's a brilliant post, thank you!

[S.]

Gingerlily - Elephant Philosopher wrote: "I would volunteer, but it would have to be for a book with a 'cuddly' heroine."

Cuddly heroine? Well may be I'll get a story on that to go with the book cover then :)

[Lynda]

Thanks, Will. Glad you liked it.

[S.]

Lynda wrote: "Thanks, Will. Glad you liked it."

Great! Ive added your book to my TBR.

[David]

Lynda wrote: "Long story short? I'm a very happy indie published author and don't want to be otherwise. Two months ago, for the first time ever (and not to be repeated in the foreseeable future, I suspect) I earned dollar royalties that just scraped into 4 figures.

So, yay for indie publishing. Go indies! "

Congratulations and well done. Great post.

[Lorraine]

Really inspiring story, Lynda :)