I think the most challenging aspect of Independent Publishing is staying with it. Remaining faithful in the face of uncertainty, whether that refers to actual skills or wondering when the monetary rewards will kick in.
I have memories of my earlier publishing experiences with a small royalty press. Although I had a say in a few things (very few), I left the details to my publisher and continued writing the next novel.
However, all the expectations of my previous publishing experiences have been turned upside down with indie publishing. Not only do I have a say in crucial decisions, I am the final word. It’s an entirely new portfolio, one for which I was not prepared. Wet behind the ears. Green. Unreasonably optimistic.
But we don’t give up just because of challenges. There are many avenues to learning what we need to know to persevere in indie publishing.
We can google. We can search for books and blogs and articles that can help us in our journey. We can talk with people who are on the same journey, receiving encouragement from those ahead of us and giving encouragement to those a step or two behind.
The key is perseverance. That and faith in the One who gives gifts and the will to use them.
Verse for the day: II Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
I still struggle to accept that indie publishing will work for me. Without a fan base, I struggle to get views on my website. My titles are lost in the obscurity of millions of books available from Amazon. But I continue to write the next thing. I appreciate the opportunity to get exposure through the small royalty press I have three short stories with. I write on, praying the Lord will open the doors He wants opened.
I’m starting to pursue a different genre avenue, hoping I will be able to reach the readers in this demographic more easily.
Thanks for the reminder that I have gifts and a calling from God to use those gifts for His glory (not my own) and He will work things for my good.
I feel your pain, Sharon. Like a minnow in the ocean, albeit a very special minnow! You can also be hybrid. Try something independently and see how it goes, but don’t cut ties with the royalty press you are with. I do love the freedom of indie, but yes, readership is difficult to build. I’m still looking for that magic bullet, but I don’t think it’s there. Writing the next book is probably the most important thing you can do. And keep learning as opportunities arise. And remember that the God who called you to write knows what you’re going through and He has a plan.
Prayers,
Jan
Sharon, one of my writing friends suggested this link to me. I haven’t studied it yet, but maybe it has something for you and for me: http://books.noisetrade.com/info/about
Jan