Indie publishing has become a lucrative business for many authors, and those authors mostly say the same thing--we must invest in our books in order to put the best product on the market. That initial investment can gobble up hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars.
What's a broke writer to do?
I have a few ideas. Before I get started, let's keep in mind that writers can throw unlimited dollars at marketing (swag, blog tours, ads, etc.), but I'm going to focus on the two areas where I think the initial investment is crucial: editing and cover design.
I also want to point out that publishing on all the ebook retailers is FREE. There is no cost at all to upload our manuscripts to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, Apple iTunes, and CreateSpace. Zilch. The main costs involved with indie publishing are related to getting your manuscript worthy of publication, in order to put your best foot forward in a crowded market. Let's focus on a polished manuscript with a striking cover.
Now that we've established all of that, here are some ideas for penniless writers who wish to indie publish:
Trade Manuscripts With Writers in the Same Position
We hear this all the time, right? That's because it's the best (and cheapest) way to improve your work. There is no sense in paying for a freelance editor before your manuscript has been vetted by other authors. You'd just be paying for work that should've been done before the professional editor put eyes to paper. So why not use multiple rounds of beta readers?
You may be thinking, "How can I beta read or edit when I need so much help myself?" or, "All the other authors out there are higher in their skill level than me." First of all, that's not true. And even if it were true, so what? You're a reader, aren't you? That means you know what to expect in a story. You know what does and doesn't look right when it comes to grammar.
Join a writer's group on Facebook, or join a forum, and inquire about exchanging beta reads. Read the other writer's work as if you've borrowed that book from a library. Make note of anything that stands out to you.
Offer Your Services to Freelance Editors or Cover Designers
We all have unique skills. Are you great at math? Does an editor's son or daughter need tutoring? Trade services. Are you a plumber, and a cover designer needs a new faucet installed? Trade services. Is there a local editor or cover designer who has small children and would do anything for a date night? Offer to babysit for a few nights. You do have something to offer. Think about how you can help someone else.
Contact Local High Schools and Colleges
Are there students who are looking to practice their intended vocation or expand on a hobby? Beauty schools and massage schools do this sort of thing...they practice their craft on people who are willing to give them a chance. Is there an English major who'd be willing to edit your manuscript? Or a would-be graphics designer who'd like to dabble in cover design, and needs a launch project?
Free Software
Canva.com is an excellent tool for free cover designs. There's also free manuscript editing software, such as AutoCrit.com. I haven't used AutoCrit yet, but I plan on playing with it before sending my next manuscript off to the freelance editor.
If your low bank balance is what's keeping you from indie publishing, think creatively about how you can use your own time and skills to take that leap.
The help is out there...for free. The resources are out there...for free. Know what else is free? Determination. If you have the will, there's a way--even if you're broke.
Do you have other ideas for how penniless writers can move forward in their writing journeys? Please share!
The trading services is a great idea. Those two items are really important because you want both the outside and the inside to rock.
ReplyDeleteAlex, exactly! Then at least we have a quality product out there...something we can be proud of.
DeleteExcellent ideas Julie! I agree with how important those 2 items are!
ReplyDeleteJemi, in my opinion, they are THE most crucial parts of indie publishing. Marketing is important, but marketing a quality product makes us feel proud.
DeleteThank you for sharing your ideas. I know I can always use help with great free resources, because I am one of those broke writers that wish to indie publish. Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteMurees, you CAN do it! You're already creative, so now you can put your creativity behind your indie project. Good luck!
DeleteThank you :)
DeleteThese are great ideas, Julie! It's great when you can trade beta reads with other experienced writers.
ReplyDeleteNatalie, I swear, my beta readers make the editing process so much more effective...cost effective too!
DeleteGreat post, Julie. And important. Trading services and tapping young people in college or just starting out are great points. Thanks for blogging about this!
ReplyDeleteSusan, it was my pleasure! I'm sure there are SO many other solutions that I haven't thought about :)
Deletecaveat...eh...there are so many hacks out there claiming to be editors...most of them because they taught English in HS for twenty-five years...that know nothing about the rules of fiction...and have no clue which grammar rules were meant to be broken. Have no idea about style.
ReplyDeleteNow....if I just had some gumption to market a little.
R. Mac, you're so right about that...plenty of folks out there who aren't quite what they represent. When choosing my editor, I went off of referrals and had a sample edit. But if you're trading services with someone, I think those same rules can apply.
DeleteMarketing...ugh...don't get me started!
Have a super day :)
I really appreciated your post, Julie. I have gotten free editing help from friends & paid $1,500+ for such services. I've found that the end results can be equally effective. And I spent months learning how to format and design for myself. However, I always hire a professional cover designer, but I don't pay outrageous fees for it. And a completely "free" self published book often looks like it. There are some elements of book publishing that definitely need monetary investment.
ReplyDeleteLaurisa, you are a one woman machine! I'm blown away by all that you do.
DeleteYour covers are really cool. I also love my covers, and my designer wasn't outrageous. There are definitely ways to indie publish without going broke.
Editors can be very expensive and it's difficult to know the quality you're getting but that's where I would invest first. Designing covers is getting easier and easier.
ReplyDeleteSusan, you're right on both counts. Editing CAN be expensive. I used referrals and a sample edit before choosing my editor. It's definitely my biggest investment.
DeleteJulie, this post is awesome!! I'm one of those broke writers. I didn't think it was possible for me to self-publish. Now, I see there is hope if I choose to go that way. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteTraci, there are definitely ways to make it happen! So many tools and options out there :)
DeleteAwesomesauce advice. You are my indie guru.
ReplyDeleteYou said some really good things here. If you're not having your ms vetted before hiring an editor imo you're not ready to publish. (Freelance editors aren't miracle workers, and if you give them unproofed junk they're going to miss things catching stuff you could have done on your own). That being said, don't skip an editor because you have a CP.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% that cover design is crucial. If you have only $200 for marketing put at least half if not all of that into your cover. Blog tours are ineffective these days. Covers matter. But I would caution against using a student unless they have an impressive portfolio and are able to pitch you a concept(s).
You have lots of good ideas, Julie. Love asking high schoolers to take a look at a manuscript!
ReplyDeleteIt's an important topic to post that sits at the back of every writers mind. It can be expensive when you have so many varied mss. I guess I shall need a few beta readers in the future. Thanks for sharing, Julie. Nice list.
ReplyDelete