So you’ve got a great idea …
So you’ve got an idea for a story (or a partial/full draft).
Congrats! It is a super thrilling sensation to have a developing idea that is so strong in your mind you find yourself driven to put it down in words. Rather like realising a sudden overwhelming desire to compete in a marathon, (*laughs* not that that’s ever occurred to me, but I assume this must be a similar desire given the outcome is a very tedious slog until the delicious sensation of passing the finish line), you are in for a journey. You need to pace yourself and be kind to yourself to complete this journey in a way that won’t leave you swearing off it for life.
When I began writing I didn’t intend on sharing it. It was simply an interesting experience to see if I could write a story. About half-way through said story, I began to think others might enjoy it too.
You may be debating whether or not you should share your tale. And this really is an important question to consider. Once you’ve written and published your work it is then out there for all to see. In a later post I’ll discuss reviews, but right now you just need to think “would I be upset if Joe Blog from next door read my book?”
Keep in mind, that your story is a part of you. And people may read your tale and see you through very different eyes after that. This is not intended to put you off publishing, merely to remind you of the very real PUBLIC reality of book publishing. Sure, maybe only three people will read it. But maybe, just maybe, thousands or even millions will read it. It may not be fame aka Kim Kardashian style, but it still can amount to a massive audience of strangers clinging to words you’ve created.
SO the very first question in this Indie Author journey is: do you want to share your story with the world?
If yes, then watch out for the next article. Below is the list of the posts I will be sharing.
- The basics – you’ve got an idea (or even a partial/full draft) and you’re thinking of publishing it
- The basics – plotting
- The basics – how to plan a trilogy, or serial
- The basics – editing
- The basics – covers (ebook & paperback) and all that jazz
- The basics – copyrights, do you have one/need one/want one?
- Why self-publishing is preferable (for some) over traditional routes
- How to format an ebook, including: ISBN’s – what they are and where to find them – Mobi/Epub and Smashwords – future thinking (i.e paperback)
- Exclusivity – what does that mean for an indie author, and should you do it?
- Print books – what are your options, and why consider one?
- How to – formatting for Print, tips, tricks, and great links!
- Audio – should you? Shouldn’t you? And if you want to, some great tips and links
- Book Marketing – the basics
- Book Marketing – 52 sites in 52 weeks, an experiment
- Book Marketing – the email list
- Book Marketing – Instagram
- Book Marketing – Pinstagram
- Book Marketing – Facebook
- Book Marketing – Those author “courses” every writer and their dog is selling
- Book Marketing – reviews: the good, the bad, and the ugly
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