#indieauthors
Are you a lifelong learner? Continual learning is good for our brains!
Publishing with a hybrid publisher taught me a lot. ✍️Authors I know who have traditional publishers sacrifice control over how their book looks; how they’re marketed & positioned; & they give up a lot of control over the content they create. For example, if a traditional author decides they want an audiobook, they can’t go off & create one on their own—It goes through the publisher.
I spent months learning how to write a book. I didn’t know there was a process. Each week, besides writing, fellow authors spent hours in live workshops & met with editors & coaches. ️ It was harder than the math class I was required to take last summer, which nearly killed me.
In my weekly meeting with my editor, I told him NDP reminded me of the quote, “Give a man a fish, & you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, & you feed him for a lifetime.”
The authors in my cohort were empowered because we had the support to learn how to do everything. Our books perform better than the average first-time indie author. NDP showed us how to avoid the mistakes inexperienced authors make. NDP taught us to publish like a second-time author.
If you think you have a book in you, maybe consider checking out New Degree Press (or something like it). The winter cohort has begun, ❄️but maybe it’s something to think about for spring. Authors are international , & workshops & meetings are scheduled across 19 time zones. It’s amazing.
I’m not saying the experience was perfect, but it was perfect enough to get my book published & perform well!
This post is what marketers call “UGC,” or user-generated content. UGC is powerful because it’s unpaid, authentic & trustworthy. If your friends share products or services because they like them, it’s likely UGC. (I learned that at Bellevue College!)
Happy weekends to you all & thank you again for your support!
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Photos: #summerflowers #echinacea #echinaceaflowers #chrysanthemums #lavenderlove #seattlegardens #RainierValley #firsttimeauthor #NDP #newdegreepress #indieauthors #indieauthorsofig #UGC
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(at Rainier Valley, Seattle)
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Reading and Refunding
More authors are dealing with the issue of people reading and returning books on Amazon for full refunds. Here’s why indie authors are heated about it. #reading #writingcommunity #books #bookrefunds #bookstealing
You read that title right. I’ve been seeing talks of this more and more from fellow indie authors on instagram, tiktok, blogs, and twitter. Among us authors, this argument doesn’t seem very controversial, but when you add in the readers who see nothing wrong with this…well, let’s just say things are getting heated. And that’s why I’m here with my two cents.
I haven’t had any personal experience…
Vanity vs. Hybrid
Depending on what you’ve heard in the past, these words either inspire hope or fear. That’s why I’m here to break down what they mean in the #publishing industry and shed some light on the stigma behind both. #vanity #hybrid #indieauthors #writing
Depending on what you’ve heard in the past, these words either inspire hope or fear. That’s why I’m here to break down what they mean in the publishing industry and shed some light on the stigma behind both.
Let’s start off with the word that started it all. The dread. The frustration. The tears. The vanity publisher.
Most definitions that have spawned from this term all agree that vanity…
Don’t Sleep on Indie Publishers
Nothing feels better than holding a finished manuscript in your hand other than seeing it on a bookshelf. And I’m here to tell you there are alternatives to traditional publishing you may want to check out. #writingcommunity #indiepublishing #books
Nothing feels better than holding a finished manuscript in your hand…or on your computer. You feel accomplished, like your life has purpose, and then you remember that no one will ever see your hard work unless it’s published. You try the traditional route or even query agents trying to convince them why your book is so special. You spend hours tirelessly scouring the internet for tips on how to…
The Heir of Drymote
While honeymooning on my cruise, I had some time to sit back and relax with a shiny new #book and, of course, it had to be a #historicalromance. Check out my review of Beth Fuller’s novel, The Heir of Drymote. #romance #mystery #indiebookclub #bookreview
I’m a sucker for historical fantasy. Just take a look at my Netflix suggested titles list and it’ll tell you all you need to know. While honeymooning on my cruise, I had some time to sit back and relax with a shiny new book and, of course, it had to be a historical romance. Check out my review of Beth Fuller’s novel, The Heir of Drymote.
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
This is a beautifully written…
Family Secrets
Looking for a book with a lot of shocking twists? What about an antagonist that is true to the word and makes you want to reach through the pages to strangle them yourself? Look no further than Ellie Jay’s Family Secrets. #bookreview #indiebookclub
Looking for a book with a lot of shocking twists? What about an antagonist that is true to the word and makes you want to reach through the pages to strangle them yourself? Look no further than Ellie Jay‘s Family Secrets.
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
I went into this story blind. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, and boy, was I surprised. The story follows Nadezhda, a teenage girl who’s been…
Life Interrupted
I had the pleasure of reading a powerful #book of #poems dedicated to the battle of a virtually invisible disease known as #endometriosis. Check out my review of Life Interrupted by D. L. Heather. #bookreview #writingcommunity #indiebookclub #poetry
I had the pleasure of reading a powerful book of poems dedicated to the battle of a virtually invisible disease known as endometriosis. This disease attacks at random and with a vengeance and my heart goes out to those affected by it. As someone who also battles an invisible disease, I can relate to the author’s words on a personal level. This book is called Life Interrupted by D. L.…
Oh, Baubles
This #book is called Oh, Baubles by Harmony Kent. It’s technically a novella which makes it a quick and easy read for anyone traveling for the #holidays. #bookreview #indiebookclub #romance #christmasstory #writingcommunity
I meant to post this book review a little sooner since it’s a Christmas read. However, I’ve been a little occupied listening to another audiobook for a future book review. This one is called Oh, Baubles by Harmony Kent. It’s technically a novella which makes it a quick and easy read for anyone traveling for the holidays.
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
This is a short, sweet Christmas story about a…
A Paladin’s Sin
After a short hiatus, I’m back with another #bookreview over at my #indiebookclub. Check it out this #epicfantasy and support #indieauthors for the #holidays! #WritingCommunity #bookblog #bookclub #indie
After a short hiatus for the holidays, I’m back with a new book review! This one goes to author Jessica Kemery and her book titled, A Paladin’s Sin. This is the first book in the Paladin Sin Series and a lot of wholesome epic fantasy along the way.
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
Let me start off this review by first saying that I thoroughly enjoyed the story as a whole. I loved the simplistic…
Navigating Negative Feedback
Have you ever gotten a less than great review on one of your stories? Well, I have, and let me tell you it’s not the best feeling in the world. However, it doesn’t mean we can’t learn from them! #writingcommunity #writingtips #blogpost
Have you ever gotten a less than great review on one of your stories? Well, I have, and let me tell you it’s not the best feeling in the world. After the initial shock of wondering how someone could find your story confusing, or with characters that lack growth, it turns into asking yourself if what they say is true.
There’s a distinct difference between critiquing a story with constructive…
The Visionary: A Tion Story
The newest addition to my indie book club is J.C. Gemmell’s book, The Visionary. This is a story that goes along with the author’s Tion series and had a lot of things to unpack. #indiebookclub #BookTwitter #writingcommunity #sciencefiction #dystopian
The newest addition to my indie book club is J.C. Gemmell’s book, The Visionary. This is a story that goes along with the author’s Tion series and had a lot of things to unpack.
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
For a book with so few pages, it definitely had a lot to say! In fact, I thought this book could do a little better with being longer as there was so much happening.
The story follows a woman…
NaNoWriMo: Tips and Tricks for Success
While many writers start new novels during this period, some writers (like myself) choose to use this as motivation to finish their WIP or work-in-progress. Whatever your fancy, the goal is still the same - to write! #NaNoWriMo #writingtips #blog
NaNoWriMo is upon us! And for those of you scratching your heads thinking that’s a super weird word, you’re not alone. NaNoWriMo is shorthand for National Novel Writing Month which takes place during the month of November. It’s where writers across the globe accept the challenge to write 50K words over the course of 30 days.
Image courtesy of NaNoWriMo
While many writers start new novels during…
Rose-Coloured Houses
Rose-Coloured Houses by Cathy Lynn Brooks was a big surprise in a good way. I love historical books and this one didn’t disappoint. Check out my review below! #LaurensIndieBookClub #bookreview #indieauthor #historicalfiction #bookblog #indiebookclub
Rose-Coloured Houses by Cathy Lynn Brooks was a big surprise in a good way. I love historical books and this one didn’t disappoint. Check out my review below!
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Rating: 5 out of 5.
This was an amazing book! I couldn’t put it down and ended up reading the book in a day. It inspired many emotions and it did a great job of making me emotionally invested in each of the characters.
The story…
Follow to Unfollow: A Community Issue
If you’re an author with a platform on #Instagram, also known as #Bookstagram to some, then you’ve probably had this happen to you. It happens more often than you think. #WritingCommunity #BookBlog #Awareness #SupportAuthors
If you’re an author with a platform on Instagram, also known as Bookstagram to some, then you’ve probably had this happen to you. You make a new post, or join a Follow Train (more on these in Part 2), and you gain some followers. Being the nice person that you are, you see that they’re fellow authors and follow them back because hey, we all need some support, right?
Fast forward a few minutes…
Amy’s Rebellion
Author Julia Goldhirsh weaves a fantastical tale about old wars and magic in her book titled Amy’s Rebellion. Check out my review of this high stakes story. #indiebookclub #bookreview #writingcommunity #indieauthor #urbanfantasy
Author Julia Goldhirsh weaves a fantastical tale about old wars and magic in her book titled Amy’s Rebellion. Check out my review of this high stakes story.
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
This book flowed well and gave us a lot of insight into different point of views by utilizing third person omniscient which I’m a fan of. I think it’s a lot easier to follow storylines when you’re not stuck in the…
Podcast Feature: Short Holiday Stories
I’ll be featuring short stories submitted by new and seasoned authors to be featured on my Author Podcast Show. Keep reading for more information on how to submit your story! #writingcommunity #podcast #shortstories #submissions #holidayfun
With the holidays right around the corner, I want to hear your stories! For November and December, I’ll be featuring short stories submitted by new and seasoned authors to be featured on my Author Podcast Show. This is my way of showing support to indie authors and the work they put into their craft. Keep reading for more information on how to submit your story!
Submission Criteria:
All…
Keeping in the theme of Spooky Season, we have Jaime Munn’s book, Between Tricks: A Dixie Tricks Novel. This story has a lot more than just vampires and has an interesting premise.
“The book was generally fast-paced with a lot of quips and snarky banter between characters. It’s written from Dixie Trick’s point of view as if it’s a journal - sometimes she’s talking to the audience, and other times she’s simply telling her story. She’s down to jump your bones at night and turn you into bones during the day, if you’re a monster of course!”
Read the full review on my blog! http://laureneason.com/2021/10/18/between-tricks/
#bookblog #indiebookclub #indieauthors #bookreview #bloggersofinstagram
#writersofinstagram
#indieauthorsofinstagram #bookblogger #bookclubofinstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #vampirenovels #monsters #horror
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Between Tricks: A Dixie Tricks Novel
Keeping in the theme of Spooky Season, we have Jaime Munn’s book, Between Tricks: A Dixie Tricks Novel. This story has a lot more than just vampires and has an interesting premise. #bookreview #BookTwitter #bookblog #mystery #indieauthor #indiebookclub
Keeping in the theme of Spooky Season, we have Jaime Munn‘s book, Between Tricks: A Dixie Tricks Novel. This story has a lot more than just vampires and has an interesting premise. Check out my review below.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
The book was generally fast-paced with a lot of quips and snarky banter between characters. It’s written from Dixie Trick’s point of view as if it’s a journal –…
we got to the stretch goal!! everyone who pledged will now get a postcard (vote on the design on kickstarter) and you can get yourself a wonderful limited Ruusandra the Unicorn resin figurine only 10 will ever be made!!
#kickstagram #kickstartercomics #comicstrip #comicbooks #comics #komiksy #indieauthors #reading #read #figurine #figure #resinart #resin #toy #toymaking #selfpublisher #selfpublish #art #artprint #printmaking #graphicdesign #graphicnovel #3d #3dart #illustration #design #postcard #3dprinting #resinartwork #wild
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last part if the Reading Hour by @barefootbobo for his and @batabing_bataboom The Forutunate Isle comic book!! kickstarter still at the cursed 90% with ONLY a week left. if you already pledged, please share the project! tell your friends, family, greatest enemy… we are so closeee, every kind of help counts ️
#fight #showdown #show #shaolinshowdown #comic #comicstrip #read #readingisfundamental #libraryisopen #dog #puppy #unicorn #fantasy #art #indieauthors #publishing #raining #callofduty #pledge #manga #animation #illustration #tiktok #wheresmy10percent #kaytranada #dojacat #kickstagram #yeezus #plsstopmymisery
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