Lately, I've been asked about my choice of "going Indie." But the best question was, "are you happy?"
Simply put, I'm always happy. Can't help it. To answer the question though, "Yes, I'm very happy with the choices I've made with becoming and Independent Writer." Who wouldn't be? I set my own writing schedule, don't have to compete with anyone else, and certainly don't have to put up a "publisher's list of favorites" which ticks me off. For Pete's sake, this is a business, not a competition at being the teacher's pet. Too much drama.
Like I've said in the past, I'm a writer, always wanted to be since I was a child--now my career choices are settled and I'm doing exactly what I should be doing. It isn't a mystical dream that materialized. This is what was supposed to happen. It took work. A goal was set into motion at an early age and I'm fulfilling it. It's not magic people, it's sweat, tears, and research.
Am I successful? Success can be measured in many ways. Not just monetary. Yeah, I consider myself extremely successful. I wake up every day doing what I love to do--Making up stories in my head! LOL!
As time goes on and life extends itself to an older age, I'll look back and can honestly say, "I've lived my dream."
Smilin' and keeping it simple, and sippin' on my coffee with Cheyenne at my side----
Cherri
The benefits of being an Indie Writer do involve more than money, but for me, money and sales are the proof that this is the right road to take. I just went Indie in January of this year and my sales keep increasing. At first, I was selling only to friends and family, but now I know for sure that I'm reaching readers I've never networked with and who don't know me personally. The Indie World has opened up for me in an incredible way.
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud. For years I've seen money go out of the house as I bought print books from my publisher to hand sell at different venues like craft fairs (per my publisher's advice! What a crock!) and I NEVER made back my expenses. Now, finally, my writing is paying off and I'm not spending any money on books, tables, transportation, food, or hotel rooms.
I take a nap and make sales. I talk on the phone and make sales. I go on vacation and don't get on the computer for over a week and make sales.
It's the magic of Amazon and being an Indie Author. :-)
Cherri, I wish you the best of luck with Indie publishing! I've been thinking about this kind of move for a few months now and it's certainly exciting to read comments like yours and Diana's.
ReplyDeleteEven with juggling all the balls to go Indie, it's satisfying to watch a project come together and know that it will be done right. What do they say? If you want something done right, do it yourself.
ReplyDeleteMind if I join you at the Indie water cooler?
Diana, It's not just being Indie (although that's a great plus), it's all about control. Getting the writing done and knowing when "I" want to publish it. Timing is crucial. And for me knowing there isn't any waiting period for me to ponder and wonder anymore. I say when. I say what looks best for my fonts and formatting. I have control over my sweet covers by working with Donna Casey (she's great!). But also, it's the pricing. If a title needs a boost, I just go in and change the price--without any interruption to my sales. Need to fix an error? Just go in and *fix* it--without any interruption to my sales. Want a fresher look? Just upload a different cover--voila! (without interruption to my sales) Control...yeah, I like it.
ReplyDeleteI really want to thank you for your friendship, your rally, your enthusiasm. You are priceless!:-)
Cherri
Jackie, I think you're going to find there aren't nearly as many balls to juggle as we've been led to believe from publishers. Matter of fact, I know so. What you will find is a community of writers who will lift you up when down, help you with more information than you would have ever been told about with a trad pub, and Indies have the TOOLS to make it work. Yes, getting a job done right is doing it yourself, however, it doesn't mean you are ever alone. :>)
ReplyDeleteOH! And the water cooler's been moved over next to the big pool--the temperature's wonderful. Come on in!
(and congrats on "Among Women" ;)
Cherri
Therese, Thank you for chiming in! So glad you did!!
ReplyDeleteMany a day I worried to the point of being ill with the way my books weren't being handled. Those days are long behind me. As I keep telling Diana, "Let the past go...we've moved on and are doing so much better!"
Right now is best time in our lives to be Indie Authors. Want to know what made me take the leap (not a toe in, but a full body leap)? When I realized that READERS don't give two cents who published the books they want to read!
Keep up the good work and keep writing!
Cherri
I have a magnet on my fridge that embodies what you're doing, Cherri. It says:
ReplyDeleteFOLLOW YOUR BLISS
Wishing you much happiness...
xx
Hi Vicki...That's a thought filled with wisdom and thank you for sharing it with me. This is what we should ALL do. ALL of us, FOLLOW OUR BLISS. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vicki,
Cherri xx