New to indie? Here's some advice for rookie authors...

​After five years as an indie author (almost 100 books) and two in publishing (300 books), I’ve learned a thing or two about the community. Just like in life, there are the sunny spots and the darker ones. For newbies, it can all be pretty complicated. Here is a collection of lessons (I’ll continue to post as time permits) I’ve learned the hard way in indie by making exactly all the mistakes. A lot of my beliefs and take-aways are against popular opinion. That’s okay. This is just MY take on what I’ve learned and the stories behind the how and whys. You know what they say advice, everyone has some. But here is mine:
 

• I had a reader in my reader group emerge out of nowhere and become very “interested” in my books. Turns out she was very “interested” in winning a $100 amazon card I had up for grabs. Never heard from her again. I’m sure I’ll see her next time there’s a big giveaway. This time, Mr. Random won’t be so random.
• Reader groups are KEY to success in indie. Keeping your group active and engaged is one of the best things you can do as a rookie author. One mistake I made was making it too much about my books and not about my readers. Get to know your readers. You will learn fascinating things, find some great characters for future works, and even make some great friends.
• PAs and other “staff” – Let’s face it, none of us are getting rich in indie any time soon unless we are that rare needle in the proverbial haystack. As for the rest of us? We will inevitably come to a point where we need help spreading our works and words. That’s when hiring a reliable, trustworthy PA comes in. Seems easy, right? Wrong. Finding a PA who understands your needs and can adapt to your preferred way of doing things is one of the hardest parts of indie if you ask me. After going through five PAs, I finally thought outside the box to find the perfect fit for me. I had a reader who wanted to help for the right reasons (not money) and really KNEW my work. I befriended her, encouraged her, and conned the poor girl (now my best friend) into joining me on this crazy adventure. I could not ask for a better PA because I trained her to help me the way I need. Basically? It’s hard to fit in other people’s shoes. If you can’t find a PA who works for you, grow one. You’d be surprised who you can find out there. KEYWORD: RIGHT REASONS.
• Readers do and will lose interest. I can’t tell you how much time I have invested in readers on a personal level. Yet, when a big release comes, it’s the stranger readers showing the most support. That’s okay. It’s not personal and taking it that way is only going to give you doubts. Don’t do it. Just keep writing and let the hardcore readers find you – they WILL come.
• Don’t let reviews get to you. I don’t even read them unless someone points something out to me specifically. Reviews are opinions. While constructive ones can help your work and are great, most of the reviews I find in indie are one or two sentences and often not detailed enough for that constructive criticism.
• Family support is epic for a debut. After that? Don’t expect much. The few who do stick with you are true supporters and earn those dedications. The rest? Well, maybe they make good casseroles at family functions or something. Don’t let it get to you.
• Author “friends” are fickle. One minute a best friend is all about supporting you. The next minute they “hate” you because you have succeeded or somehow offended them. This is the nature of social media. The true friends show their colors in other ways. Pay attention and actions will tell you all you need to know. Those indie awards? The most TELLING way to know who REALLY has your back and who is working against you. #JustSaying
• Respect runs both ways. For me, this is huge in co writing. If a co writer blows off your project and doesn’t make it a priority? Whelp. Stop writing with them. I once had a co writer write exactly two chapters and expect me to finish a book in three days. While I was able to pull it off, I got sick doing it. Anyone who would do that to you is not someone who respects you. Steer clear.
• There’s a saying about people not changing spots. Or Leopards. Something.  Indie is just a microcosm of the real world. If a person lies to you once, they will do it again. If they miss a deadline once? Have a back up plan. If they disappear on a release day? You get the idea. Actions, not words. Excuses are lovely but I’ve heard them all. In the future, my plan is to steer clear of those who are full of them. #JustWatch
• Loyalty goes a long way with peers. I admire the indie friendships that stand the test of time. I notice them too. #NoughSaid
• Cross promo is life in indie. Authors who do it sell more and are more successful. Authors who are “me, me” vrs “team” will not last.
• Egos are the biggest career killer out there. It never fails to surprise me just how many “new” authors will “joke” with a bigger author about “beating” them. When a bigger author is offering help or assistance, be humble. Yes, you might beat them someday. But spitting in the faces of those who help you is just, well, rude.
• Manners are a thing only if they are in real life. I am often shocked by the lack of manners in indie. I am old af and was raised to say please, thank you and you’re welcome. Apparently, this is not done often. I refuse to change that about myself and wish others would pick up that cue. I’m not holding my breath.
• You will get ripped off and scammed. DO YOUR RESEARCH. Let’s review my losses:

 

• Box set buy in that never happened while said coordinator is currently collecting money for other “charity” projects - $175
• Anthology buy in that never happened and coordinator legit faked her death - $100
• Seven charity anthologies where zero proofs of donations were ever made.
• Fifteen anthologies where no royalties were ever paid.
• Seven projects where contracted author copies were never sent
• $233 in promo that was never refunded
• Six covers that were never made/sized/completed

 

• Appreciate your legit service providers. When you find one who does their job with integrity (even if it not the way you would do it) recommend them and get the word out. There are so many people in this to make a quick buck. But there are many more who are here for the right reasons. Get the word out about them.

 
Anyway, there are a few thoughts for now. I’ll come back with more soon. Meantime? Happy writing! Remember – every lesson is a win. There are no mistakes – you either succeed or learn. #CarryOn #IndieHard