… And, what really goes on…..

I’ve had a lot of writing/publishing help and advice over the years (thanks Rachel Amphlett). Recently I’ve been asked to provide a copy of some notes that I scribbled. They are a brief detail of my process, as an Indie Author.

Coupled with reading a disheartening quote this week, ‘The book market is awash now anyone can publish, and most of those are misses…’ (Well, it went something like that). I am compelled to write this blog about what I love doing.

It maybe so, that many books are misses, and some authors may not put the time, effort, money, love and soul into their book – but I can’t imagine why you’d write something and not give it your all. Many authors lose a little of themselves in each book. Writing and publishing a book is not for wimps!

I also read another quote, which went along the lines of, ‘When you view an artist’s work, you are not just viewing a picture you are viewing their life, their dreams, their soul.’ It is the same for author’s, in fact, anyone creative.

I have so many ideas, voices, characters, and stories in my head, it is a relief to get them out! So, for me, the ‘writing’ part is relatively easy… compared with what follows.

• Months and months of editing
• Months and months of reading
• Months and months of researching
• Asking friends to be my Beta readers to help with the next level
• Re-writing their comments where necessary
• Employing a good editor and taking their comments on board
• Re-writing where necessary
• Reading again
• Checking again
• Reading again
• Checking again

Don’t let any of these short bullet points fool you – it is hard work, it is a slog, it’s a marathon.

Add to this:

• Marketing
• Marketing
• Marketing
• And then some more

And then:

Working with a printing & distributing company to reach that marvellous, unbelievable day when you hold your very own book. (Then, you read it, check it, make amendments and ensure it is perfect!)

Then, the real marketing starts!….

Launching

At last, you are ready to launch and my goodness you’d better be brave; the time has come to put YOU on show. While terrifically exciting, it is extremely terrifying too.

But to get back to my point; Authors work hard, they help each other, they support, they learn they share. What you pay for a book is significantly minuscule compared to the blood, sweat, tears and time that has been poured into those pages (literally!).

Your choice as a reader is incredible. But if a book doesn’t ‘fit’ you, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t loved by someone else – even if it is ‘just’ the author…

More information:

Editing Process: Beta Readers

Distribution (paperback): Lightning Source

Professional editing: Narrative Ink Editing

My books: Look up the top and click on ‘our books

Marketing opportunities (I have used some of these);

Ebooks Soda

Books Go Social

Author Page – Amazon

Cover Wars – this is driving traffic to my website – you can vote for Of Foreign Build until 16th Nov!

Author Shout

Authors Den

Book Goodies

Book Buzz

Choosy Book Worm

Ebook corner

Good Kindle

GoodReads

Indie Author

The Kindle Book Review

As well as relevant FB groups that you intend to take part in!

Profiles wherever possible

Helping other authors, commenting, sharing what works/does not work