Let’s talk about the life of an indie author. I love that the indie market exists, and that it’s as extensive as it has become. If we still had to rely on traditional publishers, we would miss out on so many wonderful stories that were deemed not “fit” for publication. The not “fit” part can be misleading. The trad avenue might disregard stories because of genre blending/bending, characters who don’t make the cut, stories falling too far outside the boxes that the publishers created to streamline their marketable products. Or any number of other reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with the quality of the story, cover or blurbs. Maybe when indies first started publishing decades ago their books might not have been at the same level of quality as traditional publishers, but those days are long gone.
There are a number of services now available to indies to help produce high quality products for hungry readers. Of course, that means that indie publishing is not cheap or easy. It’s becoming quite the opposite. I’ve heard within the indie author community that indie publishing has become a pay to play game. Even if the indie author is talented enough to do everything to publish their book, there’s marketing after the books are live. There are some avenues of “free” marketing, but not many. Unless the indie author has way more time on their hands than most, those avenues are extremely time consuming, and a hit or miss. Again, depending on the skill set of the indie author.
The hats we indies wear are not single jobs, but entire departments, even if said indie has the money to hire out those departments. We are first the creative, the writer, the first round editors (and for newbies without funds, 2nd…3rd…etc. to final or have a large sum of cash for the different editors necessary), the proof readers (some create advance reader teams from existing readers – once they have enough readers), the cover artists (which most are not, in my opinion – myself included, and must purchase premade or hire talented illustrators/artists), the legal department (unless they can afford an attorney or have skills/knowledge or skip this all together), the administrative assistants (meaning any other admin job not yet mentioned), the promoters for launch (marketers for on going), the complaint department (the compliment department seems to do okay without monitoring), and any other job/department I am forgetting while writing this week’s words from this author. Oh, let’s add quality control department to the list. LOL!
AND on top of all that, indies must still balance life/work like every other working individual in this world. Which means maintaining family/friend relationships. Or maybe even working another job just to have a source of income while they write, publish, cross fingers and hope that one day enough readers will join them on their journey to support this burning need inside them to tell/share their stories.
When I was simply a reader, I would move from one author to another when I’d read their catalog without thought to the livelihood my purchase provided to them and their family. I focused on traditional authors because of misconceptions I once held. Now, I still read (when I have time), but with intention and awareness of the authors I am supporting with my purchase or page reads. I find myself a little more forgiving of minor imperfections in stories. I have accumulated many online author friends on my Facebook, and I see their struggle and successes. It helps me feel better about my own struggles and successes. This is not a business for the faint of heart, but for the tenacious, passionate ones who will write and share stories no matter how difficult the path becomes. This is the life of an indie! So, when I say thank you for joining me on this journey, it is with a full heart of gratitude. You, my reader, make this difficult path most rewarding! Thank you! You are appreciated!