Indie Author Resources
Sad to say, but I actually dove into independent authoring around 2012? I wish I could say that my journey is much further than where it is right now. My one time claim-to-fame is that I did hit an Amazon Best Seller category on one occasion. But, that was a very short and fleeting experience.
Seriously, the status was there and gone within a day, if that. Thank goodness, I took a screenshot while I had the little orange banner. LOL! I have proof! You would think that after 10 years I’d know what I was doing. While I have some knowledge about independent publishing and the theories on what needs to happen to make best seller again, I horridly lack the practice.
My biggest obstacle is inconsistency. I’ve been hot and cold about the business side of being an author. I love the creative process (yes, even while in a terrible writing block slump), but I don’t love the business side of it. Never have, and probably never will. The thought of marketing and what to do to reach out to people doesn’t come naturally to me. In fact, it is a bit of a mystery like math. I know it’s necessary. I understand the basics, but that’s about it.
To me, marketing, building an audience, getting sales, is like trigonometry. It’s a foreign language that makes my brain hurt. I don’t get it! But, I’m in a different place in my life 10 years later. I need to re-look at this hobby of mine and see if I can grow it into a true business.
I’ve been wishing for a mentor to tell me what to do and show me the ropes. But after 10 years, I don’t think one is coming. If you have one, consider yourself blessed.
But absent a mentor who can hold our hands in person, the web is my next best option. As you know, there are tons of resources on the web. It is just up to us to find the right one for our style and goals as an indie author.
The thing I’ve come to realize is that just about any system will likely work if you’re also willing to put in the work. In the last 10 years, I have bought lots of products about authoring. There are lots of folks out there that are marketing geniuses and great at selling who happen to write a book or two. But then, there are folks who are actual successful authors who have figured out marketing and willing to share their knowledge.
There’s lots of gurus out there. But, here’s my short list of the experts I’ve found to be consistent. I’m not an affiliate of any of these experts. I just like their platforms and what they have to say and share. Up to you to decide for yourself. But start here and see what you think. Did I mention that all of these sites offer TONS of free material and resources? Yes, they do!
