By Heather Day Gilbert
When I decided to indie (independently) publish
my first historical novel, God's Daughter, in 2013, I knew there
was a steep learning curve ahead of me. I can't tell you how much information I
crammed into my head in the space of the half-year I spent gearing up for my
debut release. I followed blogs like The
Creative Penn, worked on platform building, and searched for
endorsers for my book.
But the learning wasn't complete when I
successfully published—not by a long shot. After publication, I had to
reconfigure my blog to highlight my product. I had to find reviewers for my
book. Most importantly, I had to market.
2014 was a busy year for me as an indie author.
I published three more books (one of those my great aunt’s memoir). I worked
with my narrator, Becky Doughty, to produce an audiobook version of God's Daughter (more here in my earlier
Suite T guest post).
In the meantime, so many authors approached me
with questions on indie publishing: traditionally published authors, new
authors, and various levels in-between. I enjoyed sharing with them, but my
time was increasingly taxed as I wrote, edited, and produced my own books. I am
also very active in a 650+-member Christian indie author group on Facebook.
At the suggestion of several author friends, I
decided to publish an easy-to-understand guidebook that would walk authors
through the four key elements of indie book production: (1) editing, (2) creating cover art and blurbs, (3)
formatting and uploading books, and (4) marketing. This handbook is titled Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher.
I was thrilled when many author
friends agreed to share quotes for a special last chapter that would bring
added value to readers—tips from seasoned indie authors. I know I have learned
so much from those who have gone before and hope to bring some of those tips to
just-starting-out indie publishers.
I'm so pleased with reviews
that are coming in, such as these:
"You won’t be disappointed
with Indie Publishing Handbook, and will refer to it time and again as you
begin your writing and publishing venture.” Review by Author Robin E. Mason
"This little handbook is
packed with information and won't go out-of-date. “ Review by author Valerie
Comer.
"If you're a writer
debating between pursuing traditional publishing or going indie, this little
handbook tells you what you need to know about being your own publisher. You
won't be overwhelmed, because Heather sticks to the basics and keeps it simple
and concise." Review by Barbara Hartzler
I have always wanted to mentor others, just as
other authors have mentored me in this writing journey. I sometimes think God
allowed me to indie publish "at such a time as this" so I could
encourage other authors that independent publishing is a wonderful option
authors have now. It is a way to get stories that don't quite fit the mold out
to hungry readers.
Today, I'm happy to offer a Kindle gift of the Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher to one
commenter. I will choose a winner next week and post in the comments. Please
leave your email address and tell me why you are interested in indie publishing
below! Thank you so much.
_______________________________________________________________________
HEATHER DAY GILBERT has independently
published four books. Her debut novel, God's Daughter, has remained
on the Amazon Norse Bestseller list and Amazon Norse Top-Ranked list for over
one year. Her contemporary mystery, Miranda Warning, is the
successful start to the Murder in the Mountains series. Her Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher is
available on Amazon. You can find Heather at her author website, heatherdaygilbert.com,
or on Facebook here. She is also active on twitter here.
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