5 Tips for Indie Authors

Having control of the entire publishing process is one of the many benefits of being an indie author. You get to make the important decisions that impact your book. From writing and editing, to printing and marketing, the power is in your hands to reflect your vision for your story. But the downside of being an indie author is that there are an awful lot of decisions to be made and strategies to develop. You have to know when to do something for yourself and when to hire a professional. If you’re an indie author at the beginning of the publishing process for your knew book, then this blog may offer some helpful tips for your journey. 
 

• The Power of a Series 
  If you’ve decided you are going to write and self-publish a novel, consider making it into a series. As an indie author, gaining a following is a really helpful way to sell your books. Releasing a book with the promise of one or two more to follow will get people excited and interested in following your work. It’s also an easy way to save money for marketing your next book. Putting lots of time, energy and money into marketing the first book will gain attention for your series. If the first book is a success, its readership will be eager for the next in the series. 
  
  
  
• Know When to Go Pro 
  There are some things which are possible for an indie author to do for themselves, such as marketing, distribution and a few rounds of editing. However, some aspects of the process must be left to the professionals. Cover design, editing and formatting are all processes which make your book stand out and give it a professional feel. Without professional expertise in these areas, your book could seem unprofessional, or even unreadable! 
  
  
  
• Reviews are Gold Dust 
  Having online reviews for your book just after its release is key to seeing growth in sales as an indie author. Book reviews, as with all other product reviews, let the reader know that the book is worth their time and money. Having reviews early on takes preparation in advance. Find as many people as you can to receive Advanced Reader Copies of your book in exchange for leaving a review. These can be friends, family and book reviewers! If you’re interested in finding motivated readers to review your book, check out our ARC and Book Review Service for more information! 
   
• Nail the Email/Newsletter Lists 
  As a smaller indie author, these lists are essential for building your readership. Having your marketing emails in someone’s inbox is a lot more personal and direct than a post on Facebook or Instagram. Invest time into making your emails and newsletters cohesive and purposeful and you will see results! 
  
  
  
• Amazon  
  As another marketing point for self-publishing authors, Amazon will probably be your biggest source of revenue. Make sure you have relevant keywords and choose the correct categories for your book to make sure it stands out to target audiences. 
  
  

It is entirely possible, and even incredibly rewarding, to self-publish your book. If you would like any help or guidance for any step in the process, have a look at Rowanvale’s wide range of services. Our company is dedicated to helping you along in your self-publishing journey!