OLD POST ALERT! This is an older post and although you might find some useful tips, any technical or publishing information is likely to be out of date. Please click on Start Here on the menu bar above to find links to my most useful articles, videos and podcast. Thanks and happy writing! – Joanna Penn
Podcast: Download (Duration: 36:18 — 8.3MB)
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This interview was such fun! Zoe and I laugh our way through the serious but fun topic of being an indie author.
Zoe Winters is an independent paranormal romance author and has written the Bloodlust trilogy of novellas which have sold over 22,000 copies. She is also a passionate advocate of ‘indie authors' and blogs at IndieReader.com on this topic.
In this podcast you will learn:
- How writing inspiration can come from your obsessions and loves – whether that is Buffy or the Bible! How Zoe created a world of vampires and shape-shifters and other paranormal creatures. Write the books you want to read, don't get hung up on what you “should” write.
- What is an indie author anyway? Indie authors are self-publishing but they are reclaiming the word. It's more like indie bands and indie film-makers. It's about control and understanding how it all works, as well as self-esteem. Most indie authors do most of the work themselves. They pay for some services in order to make a professional book like editing and cover design, but use technologies like Print on demand and ebooks for distribution.
- Main distribution method for indie authors is online. The costs are down, you can reach an audience more easily. You can still do print as well as ebooks.
- Once you're selling well on Amazon, you're in the system and the more you sell as you get recommended. Selling on Kindle and Amazon is the best way to sell. Use dtp.amazon.com
- Get a professional editor for your work. Polish your writing and work with critique partners before you send it to the editor. Then they can improve it from there.
- If you can, learn to do your own formatting.
- If you outsource, make sure you understand the contract.
- Being an indie author is not for everybody. You need to be into keeping creative control. You also need to have a thick skin as there are many nay-sayers. You need to treat it as a real business.
- How Zoe balances her time between writing and marketing after 2 years into indie authorship. It is difficult but you do need to focus on your writing as well as marketing. It's good to build up a list of people who want your books and support you. There is a good community of people who are out there, doing their thing. Social networking is more about connection, not hardcore sales. If people like you, they are more likely to buy your book.
- On the Zoe Who? videos. Zoe wanted to take advantage of a video audience but didn't want a book trailer or to put herself on the video. So she used XTRANormal.com to make some funny videos on self-publishing and being an indie author.
- On writing for the market or writing what you love. As an indie you can respond to the market quicker as the lead times are shorter. You can get a book to market much faster. We talk about Joe Konrath who is making 6 figures from selling ebooks.
- How we feel about our first drafts and sending to editors. Zoe talks about “Save my Soul” and I talk about “Pentecost”. Most writers start with rough drafts and then it gets better with each revision. On putting the book out there when you have an audience already.
You can find Zoe at her website ZoeWinters.org
Belinda Kroll says
Great interview, Zoe! You weren’t kidding about your accent. 😉
You gave some really good tips for people to keep abreast of contracting and saving money. You always give such valuable information.
Zoe Winters says
LOL, thanks, Belinda! Everybody comments on the twang when they first hear it. The first time I talked to my cover artist on the phone, there was this long pause while she tried to assimilate my accent. haha.
Glad you found the podcast helpful!
Lee Davy says
I really enjoyed this Podcast. One of my favourite today. Sooooo much enthusiasm. Go Zoe go!
Lee
Zoe Winters says
Thanks, Lee!
Bryan J Zimmerman says
Joanna and Zoe,
This was without a doubt the most informative and entertaining podcast to date!
I am using CreateSpace, so it was nice to hear Zoe mention it as an alternative to LightningSource. I had not heard of LightningSource until this podcast and plan on doing some research,
Thanks again for your time and knowledge!
Kind Regard,
Bryan
Joanna Penn says
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Bryan. I think this was one of the best podcasts as well as I learnt a lot and you can tell Zoe and I had a laugh. We are hopefully going to have a repeat performance early in 2011. Thanks, Joanna
Zoe Winters says
I can’t wait to come back! It was a lot of fun! Probably the most enjoyable podcast interview I’ve done as well!
Zoe Winters says
Hey Bryan, thanks so much! I’m so glad you found it helpful and entertaining!
Brooks J. Young says
Great podcast. VERY informative! I have 3 pages of notes and ideas. Tonight, I also purchased Zoe’s book, Smart Self-Publishing: Becoming an Indie Author. I am planning to read and post a review on my blog.
Thanks Joanna and Zoe for the information!
Joanna Penn says
Zoe definitely rocks! She’ll be back on the show next month for another catch up, so expect another fun ride 🙂