Starbound Lovers: Indie Publish or Traditional Publish why I chose Indie

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Indie Publish or Traditional Publish why I chose Indie

12:01 AM | Posted by woolfcindy | | Edit Post

How do you decide to change your life path when it comes to your writing? Is it an easy decision? Actually, after 20 years of rejections, it was a very easy decision. When my friend, Michele Callahan, told me I could publish with her, I had no idea what she was talking about. I’d never heard of self publishing and knew nothing about Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing.

I had a Kindle, had only gotten it a few months before so I was still in the throes of new love with it. All these books I could get. I thought they were all put out by regular, traditional publishers, as I found some of my favorites that I could buy for it. And buy I did. I hadn’t discovered freebies yet. Then my brother told me about all the free classics you could download. When I put “free” into the search line, it brought up a lot more than just the classics. It brought up all kinds of books of all varieties. It was a great way to try new genres and new authors.

But I digress. I tend to do that a lot. Anyway, I prepared my manuscript, got an editor, did my own cover (not recommended by the way, get a professional cover done. Your sales will show the difference) and put my book up there for the world to see. I’ve since gotten the book re-edited and a new cover. The sales increased 10 fold with the new cover.

Would I ever go back and publish with a traditional publisher? Probably, if they offered me a good enough deal. Would I take the deal they usually offer a new or midlist author? NO WAY!! I’ve made twenty times more money than the usual advance and I’m still making money. My books will be available forever if I choose them to be. That doesn’t happen with a traditional publisher. They are available a few months at the very best, unless you are a big time author like Nora Roberts.

So, my recommendation to all of you out there who are contemplating self-publishing is to go for it. You won’t regret your decision.

12 comments:

Allison Merritt said...: Great post, Cynthia. I love hearing indie stories and what pushed authors into making the decision.; January 23, 2013 at 11:14 AM
woolfcindy said...: Thanks Allison. I'm glad you stopped by.; January 23, 2013 at 8:30 PM
E. Ayers said...: Being a true independent publisher is a little different from self publishing. As indies we take our job seriously. We do everything the big publishers do including hiring editors. In some ways, it's tougher than going with an established publishing house, but the rewards of indie publishing are so much greater! Indie publishing is evolving and we're learning to keep up.

I love the cover for The Swords of Gregara.; January 23, 2013 at 10:14 PM
Marlie Bridges said...: Cindy, I love hearing indie stories, too, especially successful ones! It is hard work and those of us who are also going that route can appreciate what you've done to make it happen.; January 23, 2013 at 10:51 PM
Angela Adams said...: Great post! Best wishes.; January 24, 2013 at 3:53 AM
Norah Wilson said...: Loved reading your story, Cynthia. I couldn't agree more. Self-publishing is not just viable, for most of us, it's the most desirable model.; January 24, 2013 at 4:51 AM
PJ Sharon said...: So glad you took the plunge, Cynthia. The thing I like about Indie published books is that you have so much more variety to choose from--a dilemma with such limited reading time these days. I love all genres and many times, the reason stories haven't been picked up by NY Editors is because they are so limited in how much they can produce and they have to buy what they know they can sell. It doesn't mean there isn't a readership for what others are writing.

It's a win for everyone (except for the big Publishers)when there is good quality product coming out of the Indie world. As you said, you can find some fabulous new authors and some really unique, well-written, well-edited books. You get your stinkers, but I read crap from NY now and then, too. And you are so right about the covers. A captivating cover is the biggest tool we have to market our books and there is some stiff competition out there, so you have to stand out in the crowd and look professional. I noticed a bump in my sales as well since I put new covers on a couple of my books. It's worth the investment to hire professionals.

I'm happy that it has worked out for you and so many others. The opportunities are endless...but so is the work. After Indie publishing four YA novels last year, with two more slated for this year, I can tell you, I've never worked so hard in my life.

Most authors do what we do while working other jobs, raising a family, and trying to take care of our health while adjusting to a life of 6-10 hours a day at a computer.The lifestyle of any published author, but especially Indies, is not for the faint of heart or those who don't want to run a business. But if you love to write, and you want to be published, there's no more guardian at the door to refuse you passage. The sky really is the limit! But watch out for that learning curve--because it is a very fluid endeavor.

Thanks for sharing your experience:-); January 24, 2013 at 4:57 AM
Ana Morgan said...: Great post, Cynthia! Thanks for the comment about hiring a cover artist. Such an increase in sales!; January 24, 2013 at 5:47 AM
John Klawitter said...: Yes one must get the work to the reading public any possible way.; January 24, 2013 at 7:10 AM
woolfcindy said...: I have to agree PJ. I've never worked so hard in my life. Between writing and promo, I work 18 hours a day which means I spend only a couple of hours with my husband, usually watching TV. I have insomnia and get about 4 hours sleep per night. It's a tough business and I can't imagine what I'd do if I had an outside job too. There literally aren't enough hours in the day.; January 24, 2013 at 7:33 AM
Dawn Marie Hamilron said...: Wishing you continued success, Cindy!; January 24, 2013 at 9:38 AM
woolfcindy said...: Thanks Dawn Marie.; January 24, 2013 at 9:55 AM

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