I'll say it again...

​Coming up on year four in indie publishing, I’ve learned so many lessons (the hard way). They are really pretty simple lessons and ones I should have known based on real life experiences. Yet, because of who I am, I’ve fallen for many of these (or witnessed it) time and time again. Don’t let that be you. Daily, I am asked my best tips for surviving in the publishing industry. Here are my top ten takeaways in no particular order:
 

1. Talk is cheap. Pay attention to actions. Every writer knows the best way to hook a reader is to show, not tell. Same thing applies here. Only, sadly, many authors and publishers in the indie community don’t seem to honor their word.  For me, integrity is everything but it’s not something you can assume others have too. Just because you honor and keep commitments, it doesn’t mean other people do. That said, don’t believe the words until they appear on the actual page in finished, polished form. Until then? It’s just words. Always consider this before joining other authors on joint projects including co-writes, series or groups. You don’t want to be the one stuck carrying the team financially or time-wise every time. (And you will if you don’t take this into consideration). People’s actions speak volumes. And history matters. If they have a history of changing their mind, blowing off commitments, not paying royalties, or missing deadlines, they will do it again.
2. Red flag expression: TBH. People who regularly use the expression TBH (to be honest) are either lying or about to offer a critical opinion you haven’t asked for. Ignore them. ‘To be honest,’ what they think of your work doesn’t matter. (Lol). But really: What matters is how you view your work and what your personal goals are. No one can define them for you. There is a way of being honest with a real friend that doesn’t involve mind f@cks. Recognize the difference.
3. Think you have drama? Go to the source. Triangulation is the best way I know to cause and stir drama. “He said,” “she said” games are for middle school telephone tag. I can’t count the misunderstandings, misrepresentations and just needless time wasting I’ve seen and experienced over people speaking for others or making assumptions that are entirely unnecessary if people were to go directly to the source. Sadly, this doesn’t always happen and can cause for unneeded drama. Avoid it at all costs. If a person can’t speak for them self, it’s not your problem. Another note on drama: Avoid vague posts. Don’t assume. Don’t read into them. Hell, don’t even engage.  I can’t count the number of times people have assumed I was talking about them when that was not the case and I’m not one to vague book anyway. It’s not worth it. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and stand by it. Be clear with your words and the drama will stay (mostly) away. Consistency matters. Think they are talking about you? Again – go to the source. Making assumptions only hurts you.
4. Relationships should be mutual. No one likes a user. Don’t cling to an author because you think they can get you somewhere. They can’t. Your work has to stand on its own. And don’t let a “bigger” author blindly tell you how to build your brand, write, etc. either. Take their advice when it makes sense to you but ignore the rest. We are all just people and there aren’t any black or white answers. Be open minded. Experiment. Find your own way and build your own brand. We all want to hear from you! The industry is fluid and there are readers for all of us. At the same time, it’s important to have other author friends and/or mentors. Take the (solicited) advice you like and leave the rest. But always ask yourself, what are you giving back? What do you have to offer? Like any friendship, the relationship should be mutual. If it isn’t? It’s toxic. You deserve better than that. Your ‘friend’ does too. Too many times I have invested in people only to realize a year later that the relationship was entirely one way. Don’t be me. Reassess this often.
5. Ignore the rude. I realize this is easier said than done and am still working on it too. It always amazes me how rude people can be. From readers who don’t say thank you for giveaways to authors who don’t honor giveaways, it’s everywhere. Rude also comes in with unsolicited opinions. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say it at all. It’s just plain tacky. What one person loves another will hate and visa versa. That’s okay! Scroll on past the stuff you don’t like but don’t hurt someone for no reason. Art is subjective. I read somewhere that HATERS stands for Having Anger Toward Everyone Reaching Success. It’s so true. I am nowhere near where I want to be with my writing but I can tell you that each step I make closer toward it, I experience more hate. It’s sad that people can’t be happy for ‘friends’ as they succeed. Sadly, jealousy gets in the way and you will experience this as you outgrow author friends. All you can do is shrug this off and realize that new friends who celebrate your successes are on the way. Pay attention to those who have been with you along the way too – they are your true tribe.
6. Know your block and ignore functions. Social media has opened us up to more reader and author interactions and feedback than ever before. While this is a great thing, it can also work against us. From wasting time on social media verses perfecting our art to being drawn into unnecessary drama, being told what and when to write, and even reader demands, knowing when to hit block and walk away is a godsend. Don’t feel bad about it either. Boundaries are healthy. Own yours. You have a right to create as only you see fit.
7. Weigh consequences. I have seen some pretty obscene acts of either temper tantrums or just plain bullying. Don’t do it. Don’t engage. Report it.  If you do engage, speak up for the person being hurt. Why? It’s the right thing to do. Online doesn’t mean an inability to hurt people. It means a cowardly way for bullies to be at their worst. It’s not okay. Readers see mean. Readers don’t like it. Hell, no one does that I know of. I can’t count the number of authors I have stopped supporting (and I do buy other authors’ books) because of ways I’ve seen them treat others in the indie community. On the other side of it, I have bought books from and supported authors simply because they are kind to others. Think before you decide to go public with the hate. If you can’t walk away, vent to a trusted friend but don’t attack other people unless you are prepared to suffer the consequences. Remember: Trust and respect are earned. Just like readers.
8. Pay attention to details. This is a big one for me. As reader, author and publisher, things like self-editing matter. Readers can see when an author has put the time and effort into research, writing, rewriting, and multiple layers of edits. Quality matters. Sloppy writing will make for low sales and eventually none at all. Don’t skip steps. I release books monthly but that does not mean I skip steps. I have twenty years of stories waiting to hit the press. This is not a race, it’s a marathon. The way to have both quantity and quality is to write early. Get a year ahead of deadlines so you aren’t chasing them. By writing daily and focused even when you don’t want to, you will have room for details and multiple revisions. Time management is everything and a must in indie publishing. If you can’t do it, consider taking a year off just to get ahead. With a backlog of things to print you won’t have to skip the steps and can stay on top of things.
9. Don’t chase trends in excess. Write what you know to an extent. Yes, play with it. I’m all for that. As a multi genre author, I can’t express how much fun it is to take on the challenge of a new genre. But know your limits too. There comes a point where you have to be honest about your work and see where your talents are and aren’t. Reassess these things often to tweak your brand and overall goals.
10. Plan ahead. I’ve heard every excuse. Life getting in the way is not a good one for people who are serious about writing as a career. Hobby? Fair enough. But don’t expect to get anywhere. This industry is hard. Serious? Then treat it like a job. Don’t wait until the last month or weeks before a deadline to start a project. Start the project as soon as you commit to it. That will avoid problems with meeting deadlines and being known as an author with integrity. This matters with readers too – have the giveaway ready to mail, etc. so that you are known as on who honors their word.

 
Indie is more good than bad. But indie can be brutal too. Find the people who support and celebrate you and remember to support and celebrate them too. Pay attention, give back, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there too. Together, we can blanket readers with amazing stories and art. Don’t let negative interactions, feedback or even relationships stain your love for writing. Your passion is yours and yours alone. Happy writing of all the words and happy reading too!

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