New Book by Claire Ridgway-Great Self Publishing Advice!

Today I have the pleasure of featuring a guest post by Claire Ridgway. She has written a nonfiction book that features tips from indie authors that both new and seasoned indies can benefit from. If you fall into either category, I hope you pick up their book.


The Rather Steep Learning Curve of Writing and Self-Publishing

by Claire Ridgway

Self-publishing is an incredibly steep learning curve and Tim and I should know. We've only been self-publishing since February 2012, but we have learned an incredible amount in that time, enough to make our brains explode!

I've been a writer since I can remember, but self-publishing is not just about writing, it's about running a publishing business and being responsible for very bit of it. Author Sue Grafton got herself in hot water recently when she accused self-published authors of being “lazy”. Understandably, self-published authors were angry and hit back. Successful thriller author Adam Croft pointed out that self-published authors are anything but lazy because they have to find a proofreader, editor and cover designer, and then they have to do their own marketing. They don't have a publisher or agent to help them through the minefield that is publishing, they have to do it by ourselves. It can be costly, both in terms of money and time, but it's worth it and I believe that authors learn from the mistakes they make on the journey.

Aspiring authors and new indie authors have to be willing to ride this learning curve and to keep their minds open. Don't ever think that you know it all, you don't. You should never stop learning in this business, particularly as it's an industry that's in such a period of change at the moment. Here are some tips to help you ride this rollercoaster of a learning curve:

· Be willing to learn from others who have gone before you and made a success of their writing careers – read their stories, keep up with their blogs and try what they have done.

· Teach yourself about sales and marketing, and test out different ways of connecting with readers.

· Look for ways to improve yourself as a writer – Read books on writing, take a course and listen to the feedback of your readers.

· Use beta-readers to give you feedback on your work before you publish.

· Treat your writing and publishing as a business and always be professional.

· Take advice – Listen to your readers, to your editor and other authors. Don't be proud, everyone needs help.

· Give self-publishing a good name by creating a quality book – Don't cut corners.

· Hire professionals – If you're struggling to format your ebook, for example, then hire a formatter, don't settle for second best.

· Keep up to date with what's going on in the world of publishing.

There is no secret, quick fix or magic recipe for success in self-publishing, it's about education and hard work. Tim and I learned from other authors' stories and experiences, and that's why we interviewed top indie authors for Interviews with Indie Authors: Top Tips from Successful Self-Published Authors, because we knew it would help others too. Those authors were so giving of their time and information, and that's what is so wonderful about the world of self-publishing; it's a real community of people who are willing to help others. Just never be afraid to ask and learn.

Buy Now @ Amazon

Genre - NonFiction

Rating - G

More details about the authors & the book

Connect with Claire Ridgway & Tim Ridgway on Twitter & Facebook

Website http://www.interviewswithindieauthors.com/