But for right now, in this moment, I am loving being indie in today's world. It was much harder a year and 1/2 ago when I started publishing, but now things are changing and becoming more acceptable in the industry and it's exciting.
The top 10 reasons I love being indie:
1) The control. Yes for those who don't know, I am a control freak by nature. So creating my own book and releasing it - no matter how hard - is awesome and rewarding.
2) The way-smart business people - esp women. I love hanging out with some serious smart women who know how to run a business as well as have kick ass writing (Just to name a few out of all the awesome: All of the Indelibles like Rashelle Workman & Susan Quinn doing interesting things, Heidi MacLaughlin, Addison Moore, and M. Leighton) Again, this is just to name a few! It's a world of awesomeness.
3) I can write what I want when I want. Branding is important in books but so is passion. If I want to write a sci fi series, I can. If I want to put out a marketing nonfiction, I can. I love the freedom of writing what is in me at the time.
4) My book is what I envision. I know when I put my book out it is the best it can be and it is all me. The cover, the editing, the story. It's like having a baby. You know it's a direct product of you.
5) The community rocks. Every indie author is so helpful and I love that we all support each other. Whether it is Hugh Howey giving shout outs or M. Leighton giving a pep talk. The indie authors are so approachable no matter what status they hold because they have all been there. And they know how hard it really is.
6) Seeing people rise to the top. I love seeing indie bust their bum for years and then see them finally break through the glass ceiling. Hugh Howey, Abbi Glines, Addison Moore, M. Leighton, Samantha Young, Chelsea Cameron. Gosh, I could name so many others. They get there on their own and they work hard for it. It is never handed to an indie author to come out on top.
7) Some stability options. With the state of flux in the publishing world, I feel this gives me ANOTHER avenue for my writing. Not always the only one but another one.
8) A paycheck. I like getting paid every month, knowing my writing is bringing in income for my family and that people see value in what I do.
9) Reaching readers (I had touching readers but it felt creepy :). I get mail from readers, librarians, and parents about how they love my book. That makes me feel like I'm making a small difference in someone's life.
10). I love this business. No matter the ups and downs. I love publishing industry. I love both sides. I think both have things to offer that they other may not. And I'm honored to be a part of it in any way.
Here are more thoughts today on the INdie Life
What do you love?
25 comments:
I love your list! Number 3 is especially true for me. I don't want to be stuck with one genre. :)
Hooray for your top 10 list! I couldn't agree with you more! I LOVE this life :)
The community does rock but so does the desert.
Great list, it's all true! Especially the part about being able to write whatever genre strikes your fancy. I like owning what I write and being able to release it when I think it's the right time... which I suppose comes back to control, too.
What a great list! I agree with them all. Indie Publishing is both a totally engaging profession and an incredible opportunity. I LOVE IT, too!
Yes, the support is awesome and like you, I enjoy being in control and seeing my books providing an extra source of income.
I also love the control and the ability to bring out your book the way you envision it. It's not just better for the authors, but the readers as well.
Awesome list.
Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly
Found you thru Indie Life.
I absolutely love point number one. I love that what I say goes when it comes to my writing. Thanks for a great post.
It's exciting feeling like there are choices out there. So glad this is working for you. And so many other people who are happy with this.
Love this list--so true!!!
Ten reasons you make me want to jump in feet first!
Thanks guys!
sounds like we all agree on the 10 :) control and freedom seem to be popular -
kinda of funny huh considering they are opposites :)
Agreed on all ten! Since my work is crossgenre, it's damn hard to get a traditional contract. Another plus for going indie!
Thanks for the shout-out! :) I love being indie too - can't imagine it any other way, honestly. And yay for joining Indie Life!
Loved this ... it was helpful, positive, and hopeful. I'm wavering between the two right now, and would love to experience both, but have been hesitating! Thank you for this post with its perfect timing. :-)
Awesome! Agree with all of them!
I definitely agree with #3. I only want to write science fiction, and if I'm ever branded as a science fiction-only writer, I'll be okay with that. But the freedom to write whatever kind of science fiction I want, not necessarily the kind that's selling well at the moment, means a lot to me.
The control is what sucks me in... but your whole list is why I love it, too.
Great list, and nice to meet you! Have a great month. :)
I write fantasy, with forays into sci-fi, contemporary, urban fantasy and paranormal. Crossing genres! :)
Lauren
What a great list! I'm on cloud 9 just thinking about all these possibilities. :)
Some great points! I love indie publishing for many of those reasons too! And getting my book out there more quickly. And being able to see the stats of how I'm doing in real time. And so many others!
Rinelle Grey
You've pretty much covered what a lot of writers like about being indie. I like the flexibility of not having to write to a formula. It makes for more interesting stories, I think.
Yes, I love getting to know all of the smart, witty women authors--and hey, some guys too! I just joined an author collective, which is helpful and fun. Your #9 comment made me laugh.
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