Today we welcome Jill A Harris, indie author of both fiction and non fiction to talk about the pleasures, perils and peculiarities of becoming a self published writer.
Of course, indie publishing has existed as long as 'traditional' publishing and many literary greats, including EE Cummings, Stephen King and Beatrix Potter were all self published.
With more than 99% of all submissions to a traditional publisher rejected for a host of reasons, it's easy to see why writers are choosing to take matters - and manuscripts - into their own hands!
So here's Jill to tell us why she quit her job to become an indie author, and provide advice for anyone thinking of going down this route:
When I tell people I quit my job to pursue a career as a self-published writer of science fiction & fantasy they have one of two reactions. Either they completely ignore it and change the subject, shaking their heads as if I had just been released from some kind of institution. Or they ask me how many copies I’ve sold so far, because they can’t believe people buy ebooks.
A digital anomaly
Mostly, they don’t want to know the titles of my books, or what kind of a thing they are. I don’t mind either reaction. I completely understand it. I’m what’s called an anomaly. A digitally creative anomaly. Someone who wants to play the long game with the odds stacked against them.
The truth is, self-published authors have a greater earning potential nowadays than many well-known traditionally published writers. As for gatekeepers - let the readers be the gatekeepers.
"Self publishing still has a bad rep in some quarters. An independently published writer sounds like someone you might find living in your shed."
And here’s the kicker. An indie writer is so busy writing, blogging, launching books, marketing, formatting, organising cover designs, brainstorming novel ideas, learning how to produce her own audio books that she probably wouldn’t mind living in your shed as long as it had an internet connection. That’s what frightens people.
"I don’t intend to scare people in real life. As an introvert, the idea of having such an effect on others makes me dizzy and a bit queasy with embarrassment."
In my novels - I can do anything I want. It’s delicious. And the more I confront the darker side of myself in my writing, the more courage becomes available to me. Because it takes a lot of courage to take the leap into becoming an authopreneur. Because that’s essentially what this work is. Writing and marketing your books. In equal amounts.
So, the main way to tell you’re an indie author, is think about how important writing and/or storytelling is to you.
"Do you want to make books, shape stories, entertain, amaze, horrify, uplift and inspire your readers? Do you have a deep yearning to plan your life around writing, no matter what?"
The second test of the true indie author is to consider how important freedom is to you. Do you like the idea of being location independent? Do you like to control every aspect of your work? Are you the sort of person who would give up whatever it took to make a living from your writing?
Get on the ride
If you answer yes to all the questions above, then it’s time to get on the ride. Indie publishing is a huge subject. Writing novels is difficult - and indie authors have to train ourselves to produce two - four or more novels a year. We also have to learn how to run a business - not a natural talent for most creatives.
It takes hard work, discipline and dedication. There’s so much to learn. At times, the craziness, the sheer precariousness of how you intend to make a living will hit you and it will make you cry.
And now a final word from Jill, which I think is sage advice to all writers, bloggers and creatives:
"If you write what moves you, write about the things which fascinate and possess you - readers will find you, they will love you and they will buy your books."
Jill Harris taught Creative Writing at the Open University. Since then she's developed and run many novel writing courses. She writes science fiction and fantasy novels as well as books on the art and craft of novel writing and loves reaching out to other writers in the indie authorsphere. You can find out more about being a self-published writer at www.narrativebeats.com
So, do you feel inspired to explore the potential of indie publishing? Have you self published a book and want to tell the world more about it? What would your concerns be about indie publishing? Join the conversation!
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