What to Expect from Indie Publishing – Cynthia Griffith | Guest Post

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So youve finally finished that novel youve been talking about writing for years, or maybe youve just finally started talking about writing it. If youve investigated the indie publishing scene, you might have encountered some rather unpleasant rants about the downside of the process. Before you write off the idea, bear in mind the fact that 90% of those ranters have no experience in the indie publishing market and are merely speculating based on rants they read that scared them out of taking the indie plunge.

Independently publishingyour novel isnt nearly the sophisticated rocket science its been made out to be, nor is it the best way to get rich quick, but it is definitely a beneficial experience for the aspiring author in you. Here are a few things you can expect from independently publishing your creative work.
Number One: Speed
The hurry up and wait book industry picked up lightning speed when indie publishing was introduced. Landing an agent can take years and youll probably wait even longer to see your novel in print if you forge through using the traditional route. To give you some insight on this, I sent out 12 query letters in 2012 and sparked the interest of two high profile agents. Both agents reviewed my work for approximately six months and at the end of the six months they both declined me representation. I considered repeating the process, but I didnt want to spend another six months in limbo and another year and a half trying to land a publishing deal. With Amazon Kindles ebook service, my novel was online in just under three days, fully complete with cover art and author bio. Presto.
Number Two: An Agent
Now that indie publishing has been cleared of the negative stigma that once made credible authors cringe, many agents are scouring the indie section in search of up and coming talent. This process gets the agents coming to you.
Number Three: A Sales Pitch
Amazon is arguably the best indie publishing platform around, but Amazon is also a business. Expect to witness sales pitches the instant your novels been uploaded. The kindle service is free but the upgrades, such as book trailer packages and distribution, can be incredibly pricey.
Number Four: Strange Fonts
Had I known this ahead of time, I might have been tempted to write the whole novel on the Kindle website rather than using the copy/paste method. Strange fonts make their appearance in the Kindle version if you copy and paste.
Number Five: A Pen Name
Its just too tempting not to try a pen name on for size at least once in a lifetime. Choosing a name that is easy to spell but not extremely common can also boost sales. If you opt for a pen name, make sure to register it with the copyright office and to include your name on the book as the publisher.
Number Six: A Lesson in Marketing
Marketing your own novel will inadvertently change your perspective on the trade. You will pick up on little tidbits like colors that stimulate people to buy things and selling spiels that seem campy but totally work.
Number Seven: A Million Dollars
Just because I didnt make a million dollars (yet!) doesnt mean you wont. Somebody will and the only way to rule yourself out of the equation is to not step up to the plate. If you dont make a million dollars, you might make a few thousand in profit and your life as an author could transition into a rather unexpected blogging career. That was my personal experience, and I found it so rewarding that Im indie publishing a sequel!

About the Author: Cynthia Griffith has been juggling music, fashion and literature for almost a decade. In 2012, Cynthia went on to publish her debut novel, The Sun Village Project, which broke into the Amazon Top 100 at number 92. Today, Cynthia is an avid blogger for the Live, Work, Play Wilmington community. She enjoys blogging about events, shops and restaurants in her community and proudly supports all local non-profit organizations. Cynthia Griffith is also the great, great, granddaughter of James Fennimore Cooper, author of The Last of the Mohicans and many other classic American tales.


Mick Rooney – Publishing Consultant
If you found this review or article helpful, but you’re still looking for a suitable self-publishing provider to fit your needs as an author, then I’m sure I can help. As a publishing consultant and editor of this magazine, I’ve reviewed and examined in detail more than 150 providers throughout the world like the one above. As a self-published and traditionally published author of nine books, I understand your needs on the path to publication and beyond. So, before you spend hundreds or thousands, and a great deal of your time, why not book one of my personally tailored and affordable consultation sessions today? Click here for more details.
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