Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Reflections on a Year of Indie Publishing



Hard to believe, but it's already been a year since I took the indie plunge. Since then, I've published two books: The Boy Who Loved Fire and The Summer of Crossing Lines.

I thought it would be fun to reflect on the past year--what I've learned, what I've loved, and what I'm thankful for. Here are some thoughts as I round out year one.

  • Indie publishing is fun. Yes, it's also hard. And yes, it keeps authors very busy. But it sure is fun. The creative control is intoxicating. Editing the manuscript until it's ready for readers is such a worthy challenge. And cover design? Such a thrilling, collaborative experience. Heck, I even loved formatting the manuscripts and uploading them to distributors. For me, the whole process is fun, fun, fun.
  • Zero pressure (except the pressure we place on ourselves). No pressure to sell a certain number of copies before the book is yanked off the shelves. No pressure to become a media darling. Sure, I placed pressure on myself to create quality books with eye-catching covers, and I pressured myself to hit deadlines, but those were self imposed. 
  • I'm not a bestselling author...yet! (and that's ok). I've experienced so much joy from simply writing stories and preparing them for market. This may sound crazy, but I don't check sales numbers, rank, or lists. Maybe some day I will, but not right now. I'm just busy preparing the next book.
  • Time management is a constant battle. I'm a slow writer. For me, my best work comes through time and reflection--not a meat grinder. Other indies release several books a year, but I can't focus on their timelines or I'd be tempted to release my books before they're ready. I do what I can when I can, in a way that makes me proud. You can't ask for much more than that.
  • I'm grateful. For every single reader, for every single review, and for every kind word. I'm grateful for Amazon, and Apple, and every distributor who made indie publishing so darn easy. Each time someone downloads my book or orders a print copy, they're placing faith in me. I'm truly thankful for that. These books were labors of love, and it's satisfying to see them out in the world.
  • The indie community rocks. I've been blown away by the amount of resources out there. Podcasts, blog posts and resources shared by Joanna Penn, Susan Kaye Quinn, Simon Whistler, and more. Everyone shares what they've learned, which helps other indies. It's awesome.
It's been a fun, exciting year. I've conquered massive fears and learned a heck of a lot. Moving forward, I will continue to write books, improve my craft, and send stories into the world. Indie life suits me!

Have you taken the indie plunge? What was 2014 like for you as a writer? Did you achieve goals? Surpass them? Re-align your priorities? Please share!

33 comments:

  1. I'm also a slow writer and am amazed by those who can produce several books a year. I just can't keep that pace. But like you, I'm all right with that.

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    1. Alex, the only reason I was able to put out two books this year was because they were already well edited!

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  2. I'm glad you find it fun fun fun. I have 26 out there now. Wow. I have to say that again to myself. I don't know what I expected. Ain't this. It ain't the acclaim and riches that keeps me doing it. It is the characters I create. I love every one of them. From Morgan, Ike, Bob, Cait...every single character is flawed out the wazoo, but still kick butt. I love them. I write because of them. They are my heroes.

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    1. Just checked out your site. Wow!

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    2. 26? Wow, wow, wow, that is so cool! I am so impressed that you have that many books out there.

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  3. You are one of my most favorite indie inspirations, Julie. I remember meeting you a few years back and the discussions we had on whether to continue to seek out an agent or take the plunge on our own. I'm so happy this has worked out for you. Thanks for sharing this bullet point with us. Great stuff!

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    1. Sheri, it's such a joy to share this experience with writer friends like you! Thanks for always being such a positive influence on this community.

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  4. You are such an inspiration to me, Julie!

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    1. Laurisa, thanks so much! I've loved watching your writing career, and all the cool risks you take.

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  5. I'm glad you're having fun with it. Finding our preferred career path makes all the difference.

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    1. Susan, it's so true...we all have different paths, and finding the right path is half the fun!

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  6. You are an inspiration, Julie. Congrats on your success.

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  7. Congratulations, Julie. I think it's very important for one indie author to avoid comparing themselves to any other, especially those that release 5 books a year. An indie has to set their own pace.

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    1. Donna, that is SO true. I swear, I'm blown away by the progress of other indies. But I don't let it stress me out.

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  8. You've clearly learned a lot in the last year, and that's going to come in handy. Keep going. Always writing. :)

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    1. David, thanks! Yep, always writing, always learning :)

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  9. I'm a slow writer too. Glad you've found being an Indie writer so much fun.

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    1. Natalie, it's nice to know I'm not the only slow poke out there!

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  10. 2014 was my first year to publish as well, and I love and appreciate every point in this post. Thank you for putting everything I've felt and continue to feel into words.

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    1. Ainsley, congratulations to you! What a crazy year, right?

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  11. I love this article Julie! You captured exactly how I feel about being an Indie author. Congrats on your fun filled Indie year!

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    1. Loraine, it's so liberating, right? We're so lucky to be writing in this day and age. Congratulations on your own indie journey.

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  12. This is a great list of reasons to indie publish. I've been scared to jump in, but feel like I finally have a polished manuscript I can publish. You are an inspiration to me to just go for it.

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    1. Shell, I totally know how you feel. I sat on the fence for a long time before I finally took the plunge. If you visit Susan Kaye Quinn's blog and read her post "taking the leap" or something along those lines, you'll be excited! Good luck to you

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  13. I love your attitude here, especially about not obsessing with numbers! I need to learn that myself. Not that I've published anything yet, just resisting the urge to compare or validate through numbers.

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  14. This is so positive. Kudos to you for knowing what works for you!

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  15. 2014 was a tough year. But 2015 I declare as The Year Of Steve. I'm looking forward to balancing out the universe with the best year yet.

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  16. Being a hybrid has made me very aware of both sides of this publishing business, and each one has it's pressures and rewards. I'm slow with the words, too.

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  17. It is nice to have complete control of your work as an Indie publisher.

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  18. Hmm....you may have just ignited a new goal for me!

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  19. I give slow writing a whole new meaning. I'm so happy that you found the niche that works for you. It's all about that contentment.

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  20. It's been a YEAR?!?!? Wow… that went crazy fast, Julie… and I'm so proud of you… you're such a beautiful person and I'm so happy for all your success!!! :)

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