Indie Tuesday—A Year Learned

by Jessica Keller @AuthorKeller

In the past year I’ve tried to share as much as I could about the life of an indie author. I hope someone out there has found Indie Tuesday useful. I’ve really enjoyed my time on The Write Conversation and appreciate the interactions I’ve had with so many of you. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and today marks my final day as a regular contributor to this blog.

So what have I learned this year?

Indie Tuesday—Dealing with Burnout

by Jessica Keller @AuthorKeller

It happens to every writer at some point. It can strike at any time and can derail any project—no matter how much we love what we’re working on. Outside stress comes. We’ve taken on too much. Publishers, editors, agents, and readers are depending on us. We’ve been at it for too long without recharging.

Burnout.

Indie Tuesday—Using the Kindle App to Edit

Jessica @AuthorKeller here: A few weeks ago I shared Easy Ways to Reach Word Count and part of that is "stealing time" where you write and edit in short chunks of free time. One thing I mentioned was that there are ways to do that even if you don't want to lug around a computer. I invited my friend Dawn Crandall to stop by today to share how she edits her work using the Kindle App (on a Kindle, IPad, or even on a phone).

Using the Kindle App to Edit

by Dawn Crandall @DawnWritesFirst

Did you know there’s a way to self-edit your WIP without using ink or paper? 

Indie Tuesday—Tips to Survive the Rapid Release Model for Indie Publishing

Jessica @AuthorKeller here: There are two schools of thought within the indie world when it comes to book release strategies. The first is to follow the same pattern that the traditional industry has, which is about a book a year—causing a series to span for 3-4 years on a release schedule. This strategy follows the slow-and-steady-wins-the-race model. It's the strategy I'm using, not because I picked it, but because it fit best with my career plan (and sanity) as a hybrid. The second model is a rapid release model. That can span days to a few months maximum between book releases. Many of my author friends are doing this release strategy with excellent results. Author Carol Moncado is one of those friends and she's here today to talk about why she chose the rapid release plan.

Indie Tuesday—Easy Ways to Reach Word Count

By: Jessica Keller @AuthorKeller

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo? Then word count is probably on your mind right now. One of the main traits of a successful indie/hybrid author is the ability to write prolifically. Most research shows that indie authors don’t start making decent money until they have at least three books out (and usually a series). In most cases, it’s suggested to have the first three books out within a six month time period. This feeds the Amazon algorithms, therefore sparking more sales and more discoverability for your books.

Indie Tuesday—Crafting the Perfect First Line

by: Jessica Keller @AuthorKeller

Have you ever shaken hands with someone only for them to offer a cold, limp, awkward greeting? A book with a week first line leaves a reader with the same feeling. Avoid that at all costs.

In fiction, the first line has to pull the reader in. Make them wonder or grip them enough to walk to the register and by the book. Grabbing them doesn’t have to mean giving your reader a total shock because that doesn’t fit the tone of many books, but it must make a reader want more. Spark enough curiosity to continue.

Indie Tuesday—Writing Out of the Box

@AuthorKeller here: today I've ask my friend, fellow indie author, and two time Genesis award finalist, Sally Bradley to talk about her journey to self publishing and how writing an out of the box story helped her decide to become an indie author.

Also I need to announce who won the signed paperback copy of Searching for Home that was up for grabs last week: Gwendolyn Gage! Congratulations, I'll be sending you an email today.

Back to the subject at hand, please welcome Sally and her take on the freedom found in indie publishing.

Writing Out of the Box

by Sally Bradley @SallyBWrites

Earlier this year, I emailed an editor who had my proposal somewhere in her inbox and let her know I was withdrawing it to go indie. A week before the book debuted, an acquisitions editor at a small press asked to see it, based on the recommendation of a friend. I turned that request down too.

Indie Tuesday—Let’s Celebrate!

by: Jessica Keller @AuthorKeller

Today I'm handing out party hats and slicing the cake (oh, it's totally okay to eat cake at before noon!) to celebrate my latest indie book which released today! Well I wouldn't be able to be a part of Indie Tuesday if I wasn't indie publishing more books, would I? Also, anyone who comments on today's post will be entered to win a signed, paperback copy of Searching for Home.

Part of the strategy for being a successful indie author is putting out multiple books a year. Today's book will be my third (one of those was a traditionally published book) for 2014 and there is one more releasing before the end of the year. In a future post I'll go over the different strategies there are when it comes to publishing timetables in the indie industry. I'll also do a post on how to write a book blurb that hooks a reader...but not today. Today is all about cake.

Indie Tuesday—How to Become an Indie Author’s Best Friend

by Jessica Keller @AuthorKeller

Kermit the Frog would have you believe that being green is the hardest thing to be, but I’m guessing he hasn’t tried going it alone as an indie author. He just might change his tune if he did.

There are many perks to self-publishing—You can write the story of your heart without trying to make it fit into what a publisher is currently buying or into a certain set of rules. You don’t have to follow trends. You can publish books at any speed you wish. You can work in multiple genres, set your prices, and decide when your books will go on sale so they can be used to bolster your new releases.

Being an indie author has so many positives, but it has its many downsides as well. Probably the most difficult one to overcome is the lack of marketing power behind your book (other than you and your one author revolution) which makes discoverability sometimes almost impossible—or at least some days it feels that way.

Conquering Six Enemies of Deep Point of View

Jessica (@AuthorKeller) here: Today my friend and critique partner Amanda is here to share some tips on writing in Deep POV. Amanda's debut novel Seek and Hide released YESTERDAY **tosses confetti** and let me just tell you, this book is amazing friends. Amazing.

Conquering Six Enemies of Deep Point of View

by @AmandaGStevens



 

So you know the rules of point of view (POV), the difference between first and third person. You understand what writers refer to as “deep POV.” You’ve decided you want to write that way, offering your reader an immersive experience in the thoughts and senses of your character. But when looking at your scenes, how do you know you’re writing deep? And if you’re not, how do you start?

Indie Tuesday—Do Indie Books Need Endorsements?

by @AuthorKeller

Endorsements. The word sends shivers down even the most seasoned author’s back. No one likes feeing like a door-to-door salesman, asking their friends or other authors that they don’t know all that well if they’ll please read your book, write something eloquent you can use with their name for promo, and help hawk your book on social media.

This might sound revolutionary to anyone who has spent time in the publishing industry, but if you’re going to self publish you can take a deep sigh of relief right now. An indie never has to seek out endorsements. Not unless you want them for some personal reason.

Indie Tuesday—The Positive Side to Receiving a One Star Review

by: @AuthorKeller

Most of us dream of that elusive publishing contract. Of having deadlines and planning a release party. Soon after our books launch we start checking our reviews. They tell you not to, but believe me, somehow, when you least expect it—you find yourself reading over some reviews. The first ones are great. Friend and family write sweet five star reviews that you want to share with the world. But one day you go back and look and there it is: the one star monster, staring you right in the eyes.

Now…take a deep breath and say this with me. Ready? A one star review is a good thing.

Indie Tuesday—Why Quality Matters (A Reader's Perspective)

Charity Tinnin @CharityTinnin: Long-term success as an indie or hybrid author depends on a number of factors. Some of which you can't control. However, one you can absolutely control is the quality of the product you introduce into the market. This fall, Jessica and I will focus on giving you resources to help you put out a great book. But first, our YA friend, Kim Vandel makes the case for why quality matters from a reader's perspective.

Indie Tuesday—Making Sense of a Bad Critique

by Jessica Keller @AuthorKeller

Conference season is upon us. Some people have recently returned home from the RWA Conference and many are gearing up for the ACFW Conference. These events bring a whirlwind of emotions. Elation from finding people who completely understand you to holding in tears as you glance over a hurtful paid critique or after feeling like you totally bombed an agent/editor appointment.

I’m here to offer encouragement for the latter.

Indie Tuesday—Characteristics of a Successful Hybrid Author

by Jessica Keller @AuthorKeller

A few weeks ago Edie shared the Characteristics of a Successful Indie Author which got me thinking about what it takes to flourish as a hybrid author. Like Edie pointed out in her post, some of the things I’m going to share today probably apply to more than just the hybrid author—but they are hats a hybrid must be able to wear—and wear well.

The term hybrid describes an author who is published in both the traditional market and self-publishes in the indie market. They produce new content for both markets, simultaneously. To do this successfully an author has to morph into different personalities. Thankfully, we’re good at using our imaginations!

Indie Tuesday— Getting in the Write Zone: Simple Strategies for Creating Productive Writing Time

Jessica Keller @AuthorKeller here: I first met author Kristen Ethridge because our books debuted in the same month. We’ve been kindred ever since. Not only did we launch into the trade publishing world at the same time, but we both decided to dive head first into indie publishing right next to each other too. Like me, Kristen juggles a full-time job, kids, a writing career and managing her household (did I mention she makes AMAZING dinners?) so we often commiserate about how to find writing time. Today she’s agreed to stop by and offer pointers for getting in the write zone: simple strategies for creating productive writing time.

Getting in the Write Zone:

Simple Strategies for Creating Productive Writing Time

by Kristen Ethridge @KristenEthridge

 

When Jessica asked me to join her here, I jumped at the opportunity because there’s so much great information and conversation on this blog.

Indie Tuesday—What To Do With Goodreads

Jessica Keller @AuthorKeller here: Confession time. Goodreads used to terrify me. Especially as an author. I couldn’t figure out how to interact on it and felt overwhelmed the first time I signed in. Avid Goodreads users have told me that authors can really get themselves into trouble by using Goodreads incorrectly for promo—which made me shy away from it even more. But no longer. My friend, critique partner, and David C. Cook author, Amanda , taught me what to do with Goodreads and now I’m loving my time there. You can too!

What to Do With Goodreads 

Indie Tuesday—Characteristics of a Successful Indie Writer

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Anyone can self-publish, but not everyone is comfortable the skill-set required to do it with excellence. Today, I’m going to highlight some of the things that prove you’ve got what it takes to be an indie writer. Some of these things apply to any publishing endeavor, but they’re an absolute must for self-publishing.

Indie Tuesday—Ten Easy Ways To Show Tumblr Love

by Jessica Keller @AuthorKeller

I'm switching gears today. Still talking about Social Media, but instead of only talking about how an author can use Tumblr, I'm going to share about how we as people who love to read and support other authors can do so in this medium. I've broken it down into ten easy ways to show Tumblr love to your favorite book/author. This is a repost from when I guest posted on the wonderful Kim Vandel's blog*

Tumblr is a place for microblogging amazingness. Not just a place—it’s THE place. One of the best things about Tumblr is that it has outlets for everyone. The blog platform includes photo sharing, written entries, video uploads, music sharing, a platform just for quotes, and the ability to post links. The best part of Tumblr is that it attracts creative people so books and stories are always welcome and reblogged. Unlike Twitter, you aren’t limited by a certain number of characters and you can use as many tags as you want. The latest Tumblr data shows that they host 187.0 million blogs. Don’t miss out on the fun we’re having over there!

Indie Tuesday—Using YouTube As An Author

Charity Tinnin @CharityTinnin: 

I must confess, YouTube is the one social media platform that terrifies me. Don't get me wrong, I love watching the original series, book reviews, interviews, and casting videos on it. But ask me to create content for my own channel and watch me squirm. Luckily, my indie mentor Susan Kaye Quinn is a YouTube pro. 

Sue is the best kind of successful indie author - the kind that drops breadcrumbs (or whole pieces of toast!) for those coming behind her. I followed Sue's indie journey years before I considered becoming an indie myself, and when I decided to take the plunge, I devoured her Indie Author Survival Guide. So, let's all grab a cup of chai, take a deep breath, and maybe, just maybe, lose the fear of using YouTube as an author.