Indie Publishing

Time to celebrate my a 5th Indie-versary. Five years ago today I published my first indie book. Huzzah! In the Widow’s Bed was a steamy older woman / younger man romance novella. At the time of publication I had low expectations of success, but I had been hearing about self-publishing for a while from the amazing Jordan Castillo Price podcast and loved what she had achieved. I was pretty disillusioned by my experience with a digital publisher and I thought it worth the effort to try on my own, regardless of having writing friends who cautioned against going the indie route.

Did I have doubts I was doing the right thing? Of course I did. I had very little by way of readership at that time with the very real fear of hearing crickets when I did hit publish. It was a test of my faith in my own writing ability and resiliance because at that time indie publishing was frowned upon by a great many authors. Being the recipient of the modern day ‘cut direct’ because I went the indie route was NOT NICE. The writer friends that have supported me from day one are the best and kindest people.

Regardless of the local distain, I published and the first month I sold more copies than I’d ever hoped to sell without the support of a publisher. I published Chills and Broken (book 1 and 2 of the Distinguished Rogues series) a few months later and I’ve not stopped putting out new books on my own. Over the last five years I’ve published a total of 29 titles, designed and redesigned my book covers, mastered print on demand and have never enjoyed an occupation more.

Indie publishing is often hard work, the currency conversions needed for lodging my taxes are the biggest headache of all, but its a rewarding career and business a great to run. I’m the one in charge of publishing to a schedule that I hope is frequent enough for readers although of course you can’t please everyone. I’m the one both responsible and occasionally irresponsible (Pajama Work Days) and I’ve only myself to complain to when I fail to live up to my own expectations.

Luckily for me the work involved in indie publishing is something I want to do and learn more of, which I think makes all the difference to my happiness. I don’t stand about flailing and waiting for someone to rescue me or tell me what to do. I get stuck in and find out how to do it myself.

Writing began as fun and that hasn’t changed for me. I wear a few too many hats some days, but I love the thrill of creating a new romance and getting my characters into tight spots. Delivering the story to readers is the work side of the business. Honest freelance editors are the one thing every author needs to have in their tool box. I could not have published without the help of great editors cleaning up my mistakes – Anne Victory, Kelli Collins, Sandra Sookoo, Mindy Moore. Thanks ladies for working with me and making my stories shine.

I will always be grateful for the indie publishing author community for their openness and incredible support. The inspiring stories from other authors facing the same challenges keep me sane and focussed on the work that needs to be done. I may lurk a lot in the forums, but I am cheering for everyone there. I am so grateful for the change that came to publishing that allow my writing to be shared with the world.

But the biggest thank you must go to a whole bunch of people, most that have never contacted to me directly.

Thank you Dear Reader whichever place or way you buy my books. Thank you for being interested in an author from down under who writes steamy english set regency romance and keep coming back for more. A big thank you to the readers who write reviews – the good and the bad and to the readers who email me direct. I have loved hearing from you these past years and I hope you’ll continue to share your reactions to my work with me.

I feel blessed to have such incredible life as a writer and I hope you’ll stick with me in the years to come.

Cheers

Heather