One Successful Author Shares Why She Decided to Try Self-Publishing

Today I'm excited to introduce you to one of my critique partners, Jessica Keller Koschnitzky. Beyond being an incredible writer, she's also willing to step out of her comfort zone to follow the stories God has laid on her heart. I think we'll be seeing more and more writers taking the path she and others like her are blazing. 

Her first self-published book, Saving Yesterday, debuted yesterday. I've already had the opportunity to read it and I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. 

Why I Went Indie as an Author

by Jess Keller

"I love every aspect of this industry."

After writing more than one hundred magazine and newspaper articles, having short stories published in multiple anthologies, celebrating a debut novel release, and signing another three book contract with my publisher—I can honestly say I love every aspect of this industry. I love writing proposals. I love getting feedback as ideas go to pub board. And I love the process of polishing a book with an editor.

And yet today I’m launching my first of many planned indie books.

While I enjoy the trade industry and have found a niche within it, that niche doesn’t line up with all the story ideas God has placed in my heart. My trade books are all sweet contemporary romances, but I’ve always been most passionate about working with and writing for young adults.

"What would people think when I chose to go indie?"

Like many, I was skeptical about books published in the indie world. What measures if they are good or not? Can’t just anyone toss their stuff online? Doesn’t that cheapen the value of books? But most of all I wondered what people would think of me if I “went indie.” I know many trade published authors that don’t think highly of indies. Would making the move jeopardize all the years of work I’d put into gaining a standing in the industry? 

Would people still take me seriously as an author?

It’s a lot to process, but through a series of circumstances it became very clear to me that God was leading me to indie publish my young adult novels. I just had to decide I was brave enough to take that step. After that, I had to let go of the worry I’d been holding on to. Will some people think I’ve jumped the proverbial shark? Probably. But I’m secure in the truth that I’m following God in this.

Has God called you to take a step
in your writing career that scares you?

That’s what it comes down to a lot in many parts of life. The more I dig into the Bible, the more I see that when God places a calling on someone that calling isn’t going to be all roses and cheers. Look at all the patriarchs. Not one had an easy time of it. Many probably even though their choices were crazy at the time (I can only imagine the gossip between Noah’s neighbors as he started building that boat). In the same way, we shouldn’t ever expect an easy time just because we’re doing what God’s asked.

Has God called you to take a step in your writing career that scares you? To build a boat that others can see? Perhaps it’s to send the proposal to that agent that terrifies you a little bit. Or maybe enter a large writing contest. Have you been holding out on signing up for a conference because you don’t think you’re a real author yet?  Whatever it is, I challenge you to take that scary step.

Remember, when the rains came it was the man listening to God (and looking silly in the process) that rode the waves safely.

Dream big.

Her blood holds secrets she never knew existed.

Despite the fact that she acts as a parent to her alcoholic father, Gabby Creed feels pretty normal. But her life is turned upside-down on her seventeenth birthday when a bracelet appears on her wrist and sucks her back through time. 

Turns out she’s not even a little bit normal. She’s a Shifter—a protector of humans and of history itself. And she’s not alone. The other Shifters believe Gabby is special, even more special than the mysterious Michael Pace. Oh, and the Shades—seriously creepy creatures who feed off of human despair—are determined to capture her.

It’s all a lot to absorb. So Gabby’s grateful to have Michael as her Trainer—or she would be if she could get her rebellious heart under control. Then again, if the rumors about her blood are true, saving yesterday will be the least of her worries.

Jessica Keller holds degrees in both Communications and Biblical Studies. She is multi-published in both Young Adult Fiction and Romance. 

You can find her at www.JessicaKellerBooks.com, on Twitter @AuthorKeller, or on her Facebook author page (www.facebook.com/jessicakellerauthor). 

TWEETABLES

Has God called you to something scary in your writing career? Jessica Keller @AuthorKeller offers encouragement. (Click to Tweet)

Traditionally published author Jessica Keller, @authorkeller shares why she took a chance on self-publishing. (Click to Tweet)