Wednesday 13 February 2013

Indie Life Bloghop

This is my first post for the Indie Life bloghop, which is designed to foster camaraderie within the self-publishing community. Here's the details courtesy of organiser Susan Kaye Quinn:


Starting January 2013, the Indelibles will be hosting a monthly feature called INDIE LIFE. Modeled after Alex Cavanaugh's awesome Insecure Writer's Group, this will be a chance for indie authors to post about indie life, find each other, offer support, encouragement, news, helpful hints, and anything else that makes life as an indie author a little easier.

What is Indie Life?
How: Sign up on the Linky at the bottom of this page
When: Post on the second Wednesday of the month (starting 1/9/2013)
What: Write anything indie related: something that will inspire or help a fellow indie; something that celebrates a release or a milestone; something that talks about the ups and downs, joys and heartaches of Being Indie.
Grab: The banner above to include in your posts!

Because being Indie doesn't have to mean going it alone.
JOIN US FOR INDIE LIFE!



I'd been thinking about going indie for a while. I'd always been attracted to the idea of doing things off my own bat. It takes such a long time to write a book, something that you're so personally invested in, that it would make sense to retain that sense of control and take command of its destiny rather than throw it out there and take a chance on getting it picked up. (Not that I've ruled out traditional publishing, it's still something I may pursue in the future. But I've decided to focus on self-publishing this year.)

Being indie means instant results. Of course, that's just the act of publishing. Your story still has to be the best it can possibly be, and it's entirely down to you to spread the word. Or is it?

That's where this awesome community comes into play. I recently organised a bloghop with the aim of compiling an anthology on the theme of overcoming adversity. Participants would post either a real-life story, flash fiction, or poem. I am currently compiling these entries and the finished result will go towards fundraising  for my stepson, who has cerebral palsy, to attend a specialist college that will provide incredible opportunities.

If the indie option wasn't available then this project couldn't happen. Certainly not within the timescale I need: the course is set to start in September, and I don't think many traditional publishers take on anthologies unless they feature very well-known authors. (Correct me if I'm wrong on this.) And I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support and kindness that has come our way. During the lead-up to the bloghop, I had a massive smile whenever I came across a blog post or tweet mentioning it, and a good few have already signed up to help out on launch day, announced a couple of days ago.

So being indie is not just a great avenue to get your own work out there - although I aim to do that before the end of the year too. It also allows for all sorts of other possibilities to do good things. I'm thankful for that, and I'm thankful for all the amazing friends I've made.

What do you think about self-publishing? Have you already done it, or thinking about it? Any great experiences you'd like to share?

15 comments:

J.L. Murphey said...

Since I write Wednesday Writerly Way every week this is a perfect fit. :)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Very cool you have an option for that book! Can't wait to get it.

Stina said...

I might have to sign up for this. I, too, am focusing on SPing this year.

Christine Rains said...

Great post. Self-publishing is a big decision. It's a lot of work, but you also get to be your own boss. I like having control over everything and doing things in my own time. It's difficult to market, especially when I'd rather be writing, but it's neat to see the results of what you.

Anonymous said...

I love your vision and determination to make this happen. It seems like this faith is the very foundation that will help the anthology be greatly successful.

Gwen Gardner said...

Just like you said, it takes so long to write a book. That's why I went Indie. By the time I finished my first book and went through a million edits, I didn't want to wait any longer. It's been great being my own boss and having control over what I'm doing.

Luanne G. Smith said...

Wow, seventy entries! That's amazing. And, no, a project like this never would have been an option without self-publishing and the internet.

I'm going to give traditional publishing one more shot when I'm done with my WIP, but if I don't find a home for my novels I'm going to self-publish. I'm already leaning that way, to be honest. I love the idea of getting the work out there on my own schedule and being in control of the creative aspects of the cover and promotion.

Claudia Lefeve said...

Indie really does open opportunities. Your upcoming anthology and the purpose behind it is inspiring! Good luck to you and your son!!

Al Diaz said...

It is great that you can go Indie and be a step closer to your goal. Your determination is inspiring. :) And talking of which, I chose you to get the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Congrats!

Mark Means said...

I'm still debating the pros and cons of self publishing, but it's great that there are options to just publishing traditionally.

Best of luck whichever you choose!

Lisa Regan said...

I think self-publishing is becoming the norm and I'm really glad that the stigma associated with it is practically gone. There are so many incredible writers out there who were never given a chance to share their stories. I think it's awesome that now, as readers, we have access to their brilliance and don't have large corporations telling us what we are supposed to like.

heidigarrett said...

I decided to go indie in january 2012, and haven't looked back since, i haven't had time, lol

Anonymous said...

Indie publishing has greatly improved over the years and I've read many great books from indie authors.

I signed up for your March 4th launch.

Nick Wilford said...

J.L. - Glad to bring it to your attention!

Alex - Thanks pal!

Stina - It's growing all the time.

Christine - Yeah, it must be all the more satisfying knowing how much work you put in to get results.

Julie - Thanks! But it will only be successful because of all of you. :)

Gwen - I know - and it's the uncertainty too.

Luanne - I think you have a great chance of being picked up traditionally. Good luck with whatever choice you make!

Claudia - Thank you very much!

Al - Thanks, that's very kind of you, Father Dragon!

Mark - Thanks. You too!

Lisa - That's true. It's opened the way to so many great stories that might not have otherwise had a chance.

Heidi - Lol, I hear it does keep you busy!

Medeia - Thanks! I've read some great SPed books too.

Melissa said...

Great post.

SP? I haven't made a final decision yet, but I'm seriously considering it.