Writing and publishing a book can be scary for multiple reasons, but it most often means frustration, self-doubt, tears, and lots of hard work—unpaid work.
For an indie author, it also means filling every position needed to publish a book: editor, proofreader, copy editor, PR, etc.
Can't you just pay someone to do that for you, you ask?
Yes, you could, but how many Indie Authors can afford it? Every Euro, Pound, or Dollar you have to pay for cover art, merchandise, and anything else is an investment that doesn't guarantee a return.
You may wonder why anyone would still want to be an author.
The answer is simple:
We are storytellers, and stories need to be shared so they can live.
All the hard work, the pulled-out hair, and the sleepless nights are worth it for that magical moment when you hold your book in your own hands for the first time or when a reader tells you how much they loved your book, your characters, and the world you've created.
Indie literature is a treasure trove of originality, creativity, and diversity. Still, existing in the shadow of traditionally published literature is quite a challenge, especially since we are completely on our own for the most part.
But we don't have to be. In fact, you, the reader, the bookdragon* - eagerly adding to their hoard - can help us.
I promise it's easy and won't cost you anything:
Read the book – The first and most crucial step, and yes, all right, that does cost you some money, but if you are venturing onto a book hunt, why not pick up a book by an indie author? Give it a chance; you might be pleasantly surprised!
Leave a review – Indie authors, even more than traditionally published authors, live by word of mouth, and reviews are among the most effective promotion tools.
Talk about the book—Share it wide: post and make reels about it, or create mood board; whatever you want.
Pre-order books, even without a pre-order incentive—Pre-orders, like reviews, help promote the book. For instance, pre-orders on Amazon help with book visibility and, therefore, attract more potential readers.
Follow the author on social media and engage with them - This way you help with the fickle "socials" algorithm and stay in the know with new or continuing projects, giveaways or even access to ARCs**.
Check whether the indie author also has a website where you can buy their books directly from them.
Give it a try, and most importantly, give indie authors a chance. You have no idea what incredible hidden gems you may find.
About the Author
Iris, known on Instagram as @fendassor, is the author of the Happily Maybe After trilogy and Moon's Lament, her most recent book.
Read more about Iris here, on our Indie Craftsmenship page!
Footnotes
*A book dragon is a person who collects books in the same way a dragon hoards gold and jewels.
*ARC - Advance Reader Copy, is a free, unpublished version of a book that a publisher sends to a select group of readers before the book's official release
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