My article “Back to Basics: Priorities for new Authors” was part of London Book Fair Indie Author Fringe, an online author conference that showcases the best self-publishing advice and education for authors across the world — harnessing the global reach of the Alliance of Independent Authors’s network.
These self-publishing conferences feature well-known indie authors and self-publishing experts and advisors, during a 24-hour one-day indie author virtual conference, and it was fabulous to be part of this event.
Here’s the link to my Speaker Bio Page
My Article for Indie Author Fringe included how authors can learn to identify their priorities and focus on getting their book to market by putting the nice-to-haves on the back burner. It’s aimed at new indie authors fearful of drowning in information overload. I shared the three critical elements needed to self-publish.
Self-publishing can be overwhelming. Not just for newbie authors, but for established authors as well. The problem is that self-publishing isn’t a static industry, it’s in constant flux and motion, and if you take your eye off the ball, just for a moment, the playing field and rules of the game changes. Another challenge is that there’s more than one path to market.
Here’s an excerpt from my Priorities for new Authors IAF article:
If you’re a new author exploring self-publishing, you may feel that the more you learn the less you understand, because you’re just engulfed by the wealth of information available.
I’m also guessing that the more Indie Author Fringe sessions you’ve watched, listened to, or read; the more you’re starting to feel guilty about all the activities you feel you should be doing, and aren’t. So by now the fear of failure is beginning to creep into the mix.
It’s a lethal cocktail of emotions that could entice new authors to put their first draft back in the bottom drawer, and shelve their dreams of ever achieving their writing aspirations.
If you’re overwhelmed, you’re not alone. The problem is that the self-publishing industry isn’t static. It’s in constant flux and motion, and if you take your eyes off the ball, just for a moment, the tools of the game seem to change.
Another challenge for new authors is that there’s more than one path to market. What works well for one author in a specific niche could be ineffective to another. In actuality, there really isn’t just one “right” answer – it’s “what’s right for you.” And the only way you’ll discover your own special secret sauce is though a your own journey of discovery.
So what’s the solution? Well first, let’s look at the problem:
You’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.
