TO DIE FOR

Eight writers met, many for the first time, on a windy day at an all-inclusive hotel in Cancun, Mexico on February 22, 2013 in a big a** hot tub. What began as a mere spark of an idea to join together to promote and market literally exploded into plans for yearly meetings in faraway lands, including a castle in Ireland. To read more go to http://theindievoice.com/

To celebrate the official launch, the authors of The Indie Voice are giving one lucky newsletter subscriber a Mac Air or $1,000. Don't miss your chance to enter. Subscribe to the newsletter now!

We're also offering, for a limited time only, EIGHT novels in one boxed set for the ridiculously low price of $.99. That's a $33.92 savings!

Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CA
Kobo
Apple

B&N

 

Helpful Links, Just Write, Be Happy

Christiana Miller has put together a wonderful list of helpful links for anyone thinking about self-publishing and also for those who have already taken the plunge. You'll find lists of formatters and cover artists...lists of sites where you can let readers know that your book is free. Links if you are interested in making audiobooks and links for editing software and much more! Click HERE to see what Christiana has put together!

The BEST promotion/marketing you can do for yourself if you're a writer is to WRITE.

Say NO to writer's block. Write your first draft from beginning to end without censorship. Don't worry about grammar or writing rules until the second draft. Write with abandon. Let it all out. Become your characters and go deep into their minds. Don't waste precious white space showing your characters showering and getting dressed and eating lunch. Get to the good stuff. Show readers what your characters are made of. Heroine gets into her car and it won't start. Does your heroine get angry? Does she ask her sexy neighbor for help? Does she walk to work and then get fired for being late? Does she say the heck with it and take the day off, go to the beach and find a dead body? Meet the man of her dreams? Find an abandoned dog that changes her life forever!? Once you get to the end, you can revise and cut and make the writing tight. Great writers know how to cut the crap. If you're bored with chapter two of your book, readers will be bored, too. Great writing is in the revisions.

Don't forget to enjoy life! Be grateful for what you have.

Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times

~Aeschylus

 

 

Book 3 in the Lizzy Gardner Series
Available for Pre-order!

 

Steps to Self-Publishing

Happy 2013. Since self-publishing in March 2011, many exciting things have happened to me. If you learn your craft and put in the hard work, exciting things can happen for you, too! 
 

After you self-publish your first book, I recommend spending most of your time on writing your next book. It's by far the best promotion you can do.

 

Listed below are the steps I used when I first began my journey to self-publishing in March, 2011. Things are changing fast, including the way books are formatted, but this easy to follow list should get you started. There are many cover artists out there and many copy editors and proofreaders. If you write romance, I suggest you join Indie Romance Ink to see what other authors are doing. If you don't write romance, no worries, WG2E has lots of tips for writers who are thinking about self-publishing. EMS for Authors also offers lots of advice and helpful tips. These are truly great sites that can help you, but if you're new to self-publishing, you have a lot of reading to do.

For the first three months of my journey, I was learning everything I could...reading blogs and soaking in any and all information I could find. I suggest you do the same. Use your instincts when making a decision about when or where to advertise. If ten people tell you not to go FREE, you should try it for yourself before you decide if it works for you. There is no one-step process to self-publishing. Every writer will have their own journey. I know plenty of successful Indie authors who don't spend a dime on advertising.

When it comes to self-publishing, what do you have to lose? Maybe you won't sell hundreds of books right away...you need to be patient. If you're passionate about writing, write another book while you let readers discover your first book. Nobody is going to believe in your stories more than YOU.

Becoming an independent author has been life-changing for me. I now get to write every day. For the first time in 20 years, I am making money doing what I love best. If you want to succeed, you must work hard. Never stop learning and growing. Good luck!

Here are the steps I took:

1.Write a great book.

2.Hire a proofreader. I use Faith Williams at Theatwatergroup. Send her an email and get a quote. More editors and proofreaders are listed below.

3.Find a cover artist. LFD Designs for Authors has done all of my covers. She offers premade covers from $20 to $60 and custom covers now start at $100.

4.Hire a formatter. For $40 you can hire Lucinda Campbell at LK-E-Book Formatting Services to format your manuscript for Amazon (KDP), Barnes & Noble (Pubit), Smashwords, and Kobo (Writing Life). Go to Lucinda's website and email her to get a quote and get started. In a matter of weeks, depending on her schedule, she can have your manuscript ready for download.

5.Register at AMAZON (KDP) by going to KDP.AMAZON.COM and download the prc file that your formatter sends you. KDP = Kindle Direct Publishing

6.Register at BARNES & NOBLE (PUBIT) by going to PUBIT.BARNESANDNOBLE.COM and download the epub file that your formatter sends you. Before the end of 2013, PUBIT will become NOOK PRESS, so you might as well register on NOOKPRESS.COM to download your books to Barnes & Noble.

7.Register at SMASHWORDS.COM and download the word doc file that your formatter sends you.

8. Once you have published, you can copyright your book for a fee of $35. Go HERE.

9.You can also buy ISBN'S FROM BOWKER if you want.
Go HERE to learn about International ISBN’s.

I did buy the $10 Smashword ISBN for Smashwords. And I let B&N and Amazon assign an ISIN #. When I used CreateSpace for my print on demand books, I used their FREE ISBN. The reason I spent $10 for the ISBN at Smashwords is because I wanted my name to show up as the publisher…not smashwords.

10.If you want a print book, it's easy and free if you do it yourself. Register at CreateSpace.com. Use CreateSpace to help you with book covers, formatting, and editing for a fee, or you can go to the site, register for free, download a FREE template and then copy and paste your manuscript into the template one chapter at a time. CreateSpace will provide you with a FREE ISBN number.

TIPS FOR PUBLISHING A PRINT BOOK (provided by Dana Delamar)
If you need help, Bob Sanchez walks you through the process HERE. Ignore the part about the Pro Plan, since that is no longer available.

11. Start a Twitter Account

12. Start a Facebook Account

13. Make a FREE website using Blogger or WordPress. Talk about whatever makes you happy!

14.Once I began to make money, I used Pixel of Ink (no longer available for authors to buy sponsorships), The Romance Reviews, Cents-ible eReads, The Frugal eReaders, Digital Book Today, and EYE ON ROMANCE and JUST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE to advertise. To see more about how I spent my advertising dollars go HERE to see an article I wrote for WG2E.

MISCELLANEOUS

SUSAN KAY QUINN'S SELF PUB-BASICS (4 parts)
ISBN FAQ
Author E.M.S. Sites where you can PROMOTE
Copyright your work
Joan Reeves Archives - Lots of info
Quick guide to HTML for Kindle

Bob Sanchez walks you through making a print book using STEP BY STEP SELF-PUBLISHING

Kimberly Killion - Writer Resources
iStock Photos - pictures and music for covers and/or making book trailers
Brenda Hiatt - Show Me the Money
The Book Deal - An inside view on publishing - lots of great articles
Tools For Writers - Pam Roller
Joe Konrath's A Newbie's Guide to Publishing
Jennifer on Writing - print vs. Epub Article Review sites: tips, resources, What's new in e-publishing
Author EMS - Writer's Resource for EVERYTHING.
The Writer's Guide to Epublishing - One of my favorite places!

EDITORS
Proofread and More, Alicia Street
Proofreader, Faith Williams @ The Atwater Group
Freelance Editor, Pat Thomas
Freelance Editor - Glen Krisch
Victory Editing
Laura Morrigan
Copyeditingsaveslives.com - Vickie Taylor
Annie Seaton

FORMATTING
Lucinda Campbell
Formatting4U - Judi Fennell
Brett Battles
Formatting - Rik Hall
Guido Henkel talks about formatting for kindle on your own
Take Pride in Formatting your Ebook by Guido Henkel

COVER ARTISTS
LFD for Authors - My cover artist!
Kimberly Van Meter
Kim Killion
EarthlyCharms
WickedSmartDesigns


REVIEW SITES
Tracy Riva Reviews
Journey of a Bookseller
We Write Romance Everybody Needs a Little Romance
The Indie Book Review - Huge list of MANY reviewers!

Caroline Clemmons

Sales Update

Sales #'s as of August, 2012

ebooks sold thru Amazon                                    345,253        
borrows thru Amazon                                           19,855
Free books thru Amazon                                       301,344

ebooks sold thru B&N                                            16,555

ebooks sold thru Smashwords                                 1,052

total ebooks sold in 18 months:               360,860


I have not offered freebies since June, 2012, and have no plans to do so in the future

Abducted and Dead Weight were sold to Thomas & Mercer on March 27, 2012

Abducted alone has sold over 151,000 books

The most books sold in one month: 50,000 books in February 2012

I plan to release four books a year

Will be released: December 2012

At this time, I plan to focus on writing contemporary romance and thrillers

I just finished writing Book 3 of the Lizzy Gardner series, which is to be released early 2013

I am working on a collaboration with DD Scott (a short christmas story) to be released in 2012

I have two contemporary romances (cover art above and below) that I will be releasing in 2012

I plan to release Book 2 and 3 in the Baylor Family series in 2013 (sequels to Having My Baby)


Although I continue to experiment and try new things, I do feel a need to focus. In 2013, I plan to spend more time writing and less time speaking and attending conferences.

Advice to writers thinking about self-publishing. Give it a try! What do you have to lose? It's only overwhelming if you allow it to be. Take it one step at a time. Don't spend all of your time worrying about what other writers are doing. Try different things and see what works for you. If you don't want to spend time learning about formatting and making cover art, hire someone. Go to my LINKS tab to see who I use for cover art and formatting. Be professional. Spend money on an editor/proof reader. Most of all...HAVE FUN! You can do it!

Coming soon!

Thanks to all my readers. None of this would or could have happened without you!

My Indie Journey So Far

Since March of 2011 I have sold over 350,000 e-books. Hopefully I will have an exact number by the time my two-year anniversary rolls around. I love making lists and so I thought I would share some of the highlights since I published Return of the Rose last year:

I began to receive incredible emails from wonderful readers
A Knight in Central Park was selected by Pixel of Ink as one of their Top 10 bestsellers in 2011
A Knight in Central Park was mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, print and e-edition
A Knight in Central Park hit the Top 100 All Kindle Best Sellers List twice
Abducted hit the Top 100 All Kindle Best Sellers List twice, making it as high as #5
Taming Mad Max and Dead Weight hit the All Kindle Top 100 List
I was interviewed on USA Today's HEA blog
I was approached by some wonderful agents, foreign sales people, and two movie producers
I received mentions in Amazon's Press Release and KDP Newsletter
I was mentioned in PC Magazine on February 29, 2012 among others
Return of the Rose and A Knight in Central Park remained in the Top 20 in Time Travel Romance for over a year
Abducted received a wonderful review from Kirkus Revews.
Abducted was given 4 1/2 Top Pick in the April 2012 Romantic Times magazine.
Abducted was selected as one of the BEST for 2011 in Suspense Magazine.

Kaylee Beyea from Nebraska picked ME as an America Author to write about

I signed my first Publishing Agreement with Amazon

I love working with my editor, Alan Turkus, with Thomas & Mercer

I attended my first BEA (Book Expo in New York) and I spoke on my first panel

I was interviewed by Bernard Starr at the Huffington Post

Having My Baby hit the All Kindle Top 100 List and hit #48 at B&N

I signed a seven-book contract with Audible

I will be speaking at the Idaho Book Extravaganza on November 10, 2012

I was invited to attend Amazon's Press Conference in Santa Monica where I was lucky enough to be one of three featured authors on the video shown 

I was invited by D.D. Scott to post once a month on the incredible WG2E blog.

I am working on my first collaboration, a short Christmas story, with D.D. Scott

I have met so many wonderful authors and professionals in the industry 

 

Although I have moments of feeling overwhelmed, I have never had so much fun! I am also learning to make more time for writing. That's my priority. I have four finished novels I could release, but as far as I'm concerned, they need more work. I refuse to publish a book until I feel it's the best it can be. More than anything, I want to work on my craft and become a better storyteller and a better writer because there is always room for improvement. I recently finished book 3 in the Lizzy Gardner series and I'll be sending the book to my editor next week! yay! 

 

If you're a new writer just starting out, don't look too far ahead into the future. Don't write for money or fame, write because you have a story to tell. Live in the moment and write that book one page at a time. You can do it!

 

Got Book?

If you are thinking about self-publishing, here are a few great places to start.

AUTHOR E.M.S. - ENTREPRENEUER.MANAGEMENT.SOLUTIONS

BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR AUTHORS

Authors today are faced with a changing industry, evolving technology and growing competition. Tired of trying to find all the answers on your own? We're here to help. Author E.M.S. is a growing online community designed to help you streamline your business time without sacrificing the creative artist within.

~~~

INDIE ROMANCE INK

New members must be ***ROMANCE WRITERS*** who have self-published or are indie-curious. We're a genre-focused group by and for romance authors, and we do not allow self-promo. Author service providers and other industry professionals are welcome as long as they are ALSO romance writers.

If you are not a romance writer, consider the Indie Authors Forum The IAF admits writers of all genres as well as industry professionals.

~~~

WG2E - TIPS, RESOURCES, REAL NUMBERS AND NEWS

E-Publishing is here to stay. We’re here to provide answers to all your E-Publishing questions. We’re using real numbers, real data, and real examples from our experiences. Sit down, settle in, and breathe in the future.

~~~

If you want to see what I did when I first self-published click on the LINKS tab on the top of my site or click HERE.

I first self-published in March of 2011. Not every writer who self-publishes is going to sell a million books. They might not even sell a hundred books. If you are serious about being a writer, though, and you put in the hours and the time and you refuse to release any book that isn't the best it can be, then I believe you have as good a chance as anyone of being a success. 

Be a positive force. Enjoy your journey. Believe in yourself.  

MONEY TALK

For nearly two decades I wrote nearly every day, but I didn't make one dime. Self-publishing has changed all that. Come join me on WG2E today where we're talking about money!

"The very best thing I ever did was realizing that my books are a PRODUCT and I am BUSINESS WOMAN. Last December I made a twenty-three page business plan. I realized that I could actually make real money selling my books. I came up with an amount of money I wanted to make each month ($6000) and how many books I had to sell to make that happen. Instead of just putting out books whenever I got them done, I planned release dates. I have my editors booked through the end of 2012. I have firm, hard dates that I hand my manuscripts over. I work very, very hard. I have high expectations for myself and my work output. My business comes before a lot of things in my life, but I've never been happier."

--Denise Grover Swank, bestselling author of The Chosen series.