I've been doing this for a couple of years now and I guess I have learned quite a lot along the way. When I first started out with my first book, Raven, I didn't really know what to do with it, to be honest. After I'd tried the traditional route and had come up against a brick wall, I was lucky enough to be told about Amazon's KDP programme. And then shortly afterwards I was introduced to Smashwords. Both sites have proved to be so valuable to me, enabling me to self publish my books and reach a vast audience.
What's also proved to be just as valuable is the wonderful network of fellow authors and book bloggers I've met along the way. Without them, I probably wouldn't be where I am today, having sold literally thousands and thousands of copies of my books. They are always on hand to offer an opinion, some to critique my work or to beta read my work. I just love 'em!
If you're a newbie indie author and looking for a few other words of wisdom, I would suggest that one of the most important things for you to do is to write, write, write but also to read, read, read... in particular the genre in which you're writing. Not only is it a totally awesome way to spend time (!), but you're also learning as well. I believe I've learned so much from reading other people's work. It has undoubtedly allowed me to hone my skills as a writer... and the more I write, the better I become.
Something one of my author pals told me recently was 'never lose sight of your audience'. She is so right with this... if you're writing for the young adult audience, make sure you constantly keep them in mind when you're penning your masterpiece. Otherwise you risk losing their attention and you certainly don't want that to happen!
For more words of wisdom from the carnival, check out my awesome fellow carnis...
1. Laura A. H. Elliott author of Winnemucca & 13 on Halloween, Book 1 in the Teen Halloween Series
2. Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3. Heather Self
6. Cheri Schmidt, author of the Fateful Trilogy
7. Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog
7. Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog
8. K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed
9. Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series
9. Patti Larsen, The Hunted series and The Hayle Coven series
13. Melissa Pearl, Author of The Time Spirit Trilogy
14. Heather M. White, author of The Destiny Saga
14. Heather M. White, author of The Destiny Saga
My words of wisdom - Don't burn out :-D
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Suzy. I agree that the more you write the better you come and I also think I have made some of the best connections in the indie world. It's a very supportive place to hang out.
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