September 17, 2015

Being an Indie-Author!


Being an Indie-Author has its benefits, but is also a struggle! 

I like to share my own journey and experience of becoming an Indie-Author and I hope it will inspire new young Indie-Authors, but also make readers realize how important it is to support us.

I’m pretty sure that many; if not most readers have no clue of what it means to be an Independent Author! Do you have any idea how hard it is to be a writer without the financial security and support of a professional and serious Publishing Company behind you?

Not every author who lives by social welfare like Joanne K. Rowling (writer of the Harry Potter books) is fortunate to be signed off by a Publishing company that then invests Millions of Dollars in marketing her books and Merchandising.

I can’t talk for all the Indie-Author, but I can talk for myself and I assure you that I have not only invested my time, energy, belief, and hope in writing but also all of my savings to fulfill my dream of hopefully one day becoming a successful and independent writer. I sacrificed a lot for every single of my books. By now I have managed to publish several books in English, German, Italian and Spanish. Please check out my official website: www.LilyAmis.com and my Amazon Author page for more information about my babies.

Next time when you spend your money on unhealthy products such as buying a package of cigarettes or drinking a glass of beer or wine, remember that you can support and change an Indie-Authors life by buying a book instead of poisoning your body. Also buying a book of your interest from an Indie-Author is something that will companion you for more than just a few minutes like a cigarette or a glass of Alcohol.

A book can also be an ideal gift for someone special to you and the stories you read will inspire you in your daily life and decisions. Regardless of what you’re reading, whether it is fiction or non-fiction reading is educating yourself. Like music is a loving way to heal your soul. You can escape from the reality of life for a while from whatever is bothering you by reading an inspiring story daily.

FYI: It takes thousands of readers until an Indie-Author actually makes any profits. Because the invested money in the books itself for proofreading, editing, polishing, the book cover design, translating, formatting, etc. can cost a fortune. It can take years until an author sees any profit for each of its book releases.

As an Indie-Author it is also a daily struggle to manage your writing and everything else that comes with it all by yourself. Being an Indie-Author myself for the last two years basically means I’m not only a writer but also an Illustrator, web publisher, and social media Agent! But hey I love it and I will continue this journey, regardless of sale numbers! 

I 2012 I flew to London to meet with a publisher, who as he said publishes books around the globe. He was introduced to me through a Literary Agent in London. So I was very hopeful. But he seriously asked for a cost-sharing fee for entering my book onto their list for £4,500, to be refunded in full after the sale of 2,000 copies. And as for the royalties, a standard royalty at 10% on the retail price for all copies sold through the book was the deal.

As if that was not shocking enough, the time for producing my first book “Destination: Freedom” (Which I have to mention was already professionally polished and ready for print) in its completed form for booksellers was estimated between 12 to 18 months. I still have the contract and cannot believe how some writers agree to work with these "Want-2-b" publishing companies.

So last year when I found out about Amazons Publishing program for Independent writers, I thought these days with the possibilities that we have through Internet (professional Manuscript Services, professional online marketing services, Translation service, and Social media) why on earth should I even consider working with a publishing company, when I can do everything on my own?

Yes, it is a lot of work. And yes you have to put a lot of time and energy into it. But hey… you’re doing it for yourself and you don’t have to wait until someday, someone, maybe finally sees the potential in your writing and your stories! So I would recommend to any new writer Go for it. Don't waste your time, you won’t regret it!  Good luck!