So what’s it take to succeed as an indie author?

So what’s it take to succeed as an indie author?


[note: this article first appeared as part of the How to be a Good Writer series on the C.P. White Media Blog.]

Sales. God help us. My good friend Aaron Patterson once posted up a comment on Facebook about this: what’s it take to sell your book (basically)? I mean, some of us are selling and some of are not, and it’s not as if it’s cut and dried that the nonsellers are shitty writers. Pardon me, but come on. And there’s plenty of hot-selling total crapola out there. So it’s not simple.

Adding to the complexity is the free market, which I adore. The rise of the eBook has been confounding the Big Six publishers today in the same way that Napster and iTunes changed just about everything in regard to the music business a while back. Well…when I say everything…the point is that Bob Dylan was right about how times change, but only insofar as they don’t really, which was King Solomon’s counterbalancing bit of sagacity.

Aaron and I secretly agree that for the business-minded author, the entrepreneurial, the indie author…pssst: there’s really no need for a publisher. The dirty little secret is that the Big Six will expect you to work just as hard for them as if you were going it alone, and in exchange for that gigantic favor they will be taking about 85% of the pot, thanks. At least. I personally don’t want to shove against that wall. Someone else can shove it, if you get my meaning.

The facts, therefore, have been distilled down to these: editing, cover design, publishing, and marketing strategy. Those are the things that matter most, and the things that any competent publisher (even if he’s just a one-man operation, i.e. an indie writer) will spend the bucks on. Let’s have a look at ‘em one at a time.

Editing is the process, often painful, whereby you as the author pay large amounts of cash so that your work can be pulled apart by someone wiser than thou. It’s also so that you can be emotionally abused about it. Okay, I’m (mostly) kidding. A great editor will do that so nicely that you’ll catch yourself saying, “Thank you, sir, may I have another.” Remember that editing isn’t just spelling and grammar; it’s content, the creative bits, pacing, character development, plot, and so on. It’s my personal opinion that the best editors are a one-stop shop. Spelling and grammar are fixed pretty easily, either by Word itself or by the conscientious author. Anyway, editors who only do spelling and grammar are called proofreaders, not editors. And if you’d like to get in touch with me aboutediting your work, please do.

Okay, covers. Cover design is something at which I suck. Okay, that’s not fair, but let’s say that a guy struggles when he lacks tools and experience sometimes. Just being honest. So few authors are double-edged swords; able to produce literary and graphic excellence. I once posted on Facebook a cover I did for my novella The Marsburg Diary, alongside another cover that was professionally done, and asked people to vote. It was something on the order of 20:1 against mine. Not to say that I can’t learn eventually, but for now, I’ll be leaving it to the professionals. I’d counsel you to do the same. It’s almost impossible to spend too much on a good cover. Don’t be afraid to “focus group” it with your friends, either.

Get yourself out there

Get yourself out there

 

[note: this article first appeared as part of the How to be a Good Writer series on the C.P. White Media Blog.]

Unless you have tried and failed at something, you might not get it. If you’ve never stood your ground even once and told people exactly what you’re thinking, you probably can’t relate to what I’m about to say. If you’ve never tried to create something truly personal, and then taken the huge risk of allowing people to see it, read it, experience it…then you can’t know how it feels. If you can’t look yourself in the mirror and say, “I have something to say,” and mean it, well, you probably don’t know what I’m talking about.

I’m talking about putting yourself out there; in this case as a writer. It might seem difficult to write a book, especially for those who never have, and it is. But it’s even more difficult to finish it and let it go. Out into the wild. Where people are free to love it or hate it. But I gotta tell you: it’s worth the risk. It is totally worth the risk.

Aaron Patterson and I released Airel a couple of springs ago. And then we re-released it last November, with a few improvements. And we have more improvements in store. That first release was the result of about a year’s worth of work. Yep. That much. and like I said, work on that series is ongoing. And as hard as the writing and editing and revising process sometimes is, it doesn’t compare to how difficult it can be emotionally to publish the Work—and allow people into what amounts to a very private inner sanctum: the imagination of the author.

How to submit for publication (or do it yourself, thanks very much)

How to submit for publication (or do it yourself, thanks very much)


[note: this article first appeared as part of the How to be a Good Writer series on the C.P. White Media Blog.]

How to submit for publication: it’s the question you probably wonder about when you turn out the lights and you’re trying to get to sleep. But it’s not one very many authors are asking out loud these days, and for good reason. It’s because of self-publishing. It’s because of technology. We might assume the world has changed for good. But publishers aren’t going anywhere. After all, Sony Music weathered the rise of Napster and iTunes; Harper Collins and Penguin aren’t just going to roll over and die. So then… you might want to know, after all, “How do I submit for publication?”

My best answer to the question? Don’t. You’re going to work your keester off whether you’re independent or traditionally published. The rate of pay, though, is wildly different. I’ve said it before: You don’t need a publisher. Not these days. And not, certainly, for what you’ll get out of making a deal with the Devil, which amounts to about 15% on the high end, and that’s if Beelzebub likes you. Or if you drive a harder bargain than Faust. See, publishers used to be able to justify their gargantuan takes. After all, there was the cost of print, the risk they were taking, the rent on their palatial Manhattan offices; the whole enterprise of publishing to begin with. Plus they were the gatekeepers of the industry. Without a competitive alternative, monopolies tend to do as they see fit, and to hell not only with the consequences but with everyone else as well.

Plot, and how awesome it is, especially in stories (duh)

Plot, and how awesome it is, especially in stories (duh)
 

[note: this article first appeared as part of the How to be a Good Writer series on the C.P. White Media Blog.]

I want to feature plot in this post. I’ve posted other things about this subject (Archetypes), and that’s because it bears study. A good writer is one who understands at least the basic elements of plot. For me, plot = characters in a lot of ways. But for now, plot.

A good story has a skeleton in good order. If you break out the major events in any well-written story, you can build an outline around them (whether the author intended you to do so or not). Sometimes we get a look at it in disjunct ways, a la LOST or The Prestige, which are great stories that keep us guessing—but they’re organized quite well in the final analysis. In other words, whatever happens in the storyline has a reason for happening (the fictional past) and a consequence as well (the fictional future). That’s what I mean by a skeleton in good order.

Good stories have certain elements that are universal, too. It’s been that way since the dawn of time. If a crowd can relate to part of the story, they buy in. That’s what Heathcock bangs on about, and with good reason. It’s called empathy, and you should cultivate the hell out of it. If your book has it, people buy it. That’s the goal here, folks, and it doesn’t require selling out or ignoring/forgetting your principles, contrary to popular belief.

Take a look at any Sherlock Holmes story. I still stand in awe of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s knack for this. I always wonder which part of the story he wrote first; as if he wrote it inside out and backwards, because how can anyone write such mysteries? It’s crazy good writing, with lots of layers, lots of interdependencies; like a combination lock on a safe.

Writing a story with a freakin purpose

Writing a story with a freakin’ purpose


[note: this article first appeared as part of the How to be a Good Writer series on the C.P. White Media Blog.]

Good writing has certain elements that cause it to be compelling, realistic, successful. And savvy authors wield these elements like a skilled craftsman uses his tools. I'm talking about good fiction. Today we're going beyond the nuts-and-bolts talk, beyond subject-verb agreement, tense, and even the difference between present participle and gerunds (which is extremely important stuff), and we're dealing with high-level, meta-picture kinds of things. Following are a few things Good Writers know.

Disasters: Every scene must end with some kind of disaster for the protagonist. More importantly, when it does not, the story is over. Why? Because the thing that drives Story is conflict. Coincidentally, that's the same thing that keeps readers turning pages. And it's the same reason reality TV has been so successful. Why do you think Survivor was such a hit? And why do you think The Office, with its truly cringe-worthy moments, kept people enthralled for so long? You're right; it's because everybody likes a good train wreck. Which explains NASCAR, mostly.
I suppose I should mention here a little about consequence. Truth is indeed stranger than fiction, and if you look to life for symmetry in cause and effect, you'll rarely find it. Evil prospers and good often suffers. Cf. the books of Job and Ecclesiastes. In the best fiction, I think authors are hypersensitive to all the potentialities of the scenes they're writing and how they want them to play out in the lives of their characters. The best authors just flat out notice things, and all the time. Read Klinkenborg for more on noticing.

Just remember, too, that when you're writing a scene, it won't necessarily feel natural to keep your hero from the One Thing (the Story Goal) she's striving toward. But you must be cruel. And realistic too, and that goes for all you scifi and fantasy nerds out there as much as it goes for all you family saga bow tie-wearing spendthrifts, because no matter where, people are people, whether it's just outside of Alpha Centauri or somewhere in Yorkshire. Yes, people will be total jerks—or completely selfless (rarely)—to each other no matter where they are. And that means there'll be arguments. Sometimes, those arguments are big enough to produce a story, which segues nicely into my next point.

Being thin is not a good thing as an author... not at all.

In a world where being thin, thinner or thinnest is the motivating factor to breathe I love saying that "Being too thin is indeed a negative if not detrimental thing to an author."


How was this discovery made...that's as sweet as the statement. So I'm having conversation with bff G. G is probably more aware of my daily life than my husband is. It went a little something like this.

G:"Bri I've been praying about you and thinking about you lately..." (Yes my friend really prays for me. Believe me much prayer is needed to be my friend.)

B:"So what are you getting at?"

G: "I think you may be spreading yourself a little too thin with all these projects your taking on."

B: "Who me... no way!"

G: "No really sweetie..(when she dropped the "s word indicating that she is indeed older and so much more smarter and wiser than me not to mention cuter I knew she was serious) you want so much to be successful in your writing career I think you are taking on too much. Somewhere something is going to end up being neglected."

B: "But I can do it! I'm super!"

G. Yes sweetie I know (insert coddling voice like she is talking to a child) OK. Humor me and name everything you did yesterday.


B: (I was super excited to do this because I considered yesterday to be a very productive day compared to my others.) 5 AM...Walked 3 miles, yoga, social networking,read, editing 2 chapters of ms, taught daughter 5 letter sounds, set up calendar for to do lists, book reviews and writing obligations, social networking, blog, blog, blog, emailed, emailed, emailed, Lunch, set up meeting for next day where I'm helping a friend by doing some collaboration work, contacted three people to feature on my Examiner article, laundry, 3 loads of dishes in the dishwasher, social networking, skype call, email, email, email, blog, blog, blog, laundry, snack for kids, dinner for kids, piano, cookie run to local store because Lord knows I'm not baking, social media, church meeting, visit with friend, saw my husband just before bed and one of my kids. Sleep by 11pm.

G: "So you see what I'm talking about!"

B:"You"re right I should have never got those cookies. LOL"

Seriously people that was a totally everything fell into place awesome kind of day. That's not going to be the norm. My every actually really Super friend G put it to me like it is. I'm going to have to not take on more than I can chew. I honestly think I can make the commitments I've made work. Just a word of advice to other authors. Be selective and tactile in your projects. Remember you can't market crap no matter how pretty the package.

So have you ever been spread too thin?

The Drama Pheromone

Poster credit:Ricky Ross

Most men would say we as women we are born with drama in our blood, like it's some sort of instinct. As the mother of two daughters, I would have to agree.

But if so at what age does it actually kick in? For me it would probably be at around two. I have been reminded most of my life of my abuse of the f-bomb at an early age.

One particular incident happened at the local Walmart, where from the front of a cart, I dropped that curse word on my dear grandmother in a tantrum. She promptly "slap my jaws" as she described it. I slapped her back. The slapping game went on until another shopper chastised my grandmother. But before she could respond I dropped the f-grenade on that good Samaritan. She just walked away.

That small scenario is a lifetime of dramatrix that I have cultivated. However, as an adult I have really tried to avoid and not instigate drama. It seems to find me no matter the efforts I employ. It's as if I have some sort of pheromone that people with drama are attracted to. They seek me out then feel the need to share the most intimate and astounding problems with me.

I've developed a theory that my addiction to Diet Pepsi may be a contributing factor. You know like if you smell sweet bees fly around you. Taking this theory and applying it to my life was a short lived experiment. After day three without soda I was sitting in a parking lot drinking it straight from the 2 liter...at room temperature. Yeah I said room temperature.


So I've come to the harsh but rational conclusion that drama and I... well we are a package deal. Oddly I'm at peace with it. Unfortunately I can't say the same thing for my other half. Since he's the one that suffers the most from her wrath. For example...there was that time he fell out of tree was briefly blinded and lifelighted to a hospital, or that time he broke his wrist then six months later had surgery on the opposite arm, oh and that time he totaled the car and hurt his back....well you get the point. Luckily the head injuries have worked to my benefit. He is still around.

One day a close friend and I were recounting the story of my dramatic life--laughing as usual. She suggested that I would make a great reality show. At first I thought she was right then I quickly reconsidered. The first time I dropped that f-bomb on TV would warrant a trip to the clergy's office and I don't want that.  Old habits die hard especially when one possesses the Drama Pheromone.

Do you have the drama pheromone?If so explain why.

The Power of Senses

I had the great privilege of attending a talk by the multitalented Jason F Wright in November of 2008. He was speaking on the power of the hand written letter. While his words were poignant and true...and I agree with him in every way...the same potential for power hold true in other sources I believe.


Here are some examples for me...




 Music: The careful combination of strings by the guitarist, the skillful ambidextrous movement of the drummer, the tickling of the black and white ivories of the pianist coupled with the lyrics that a talented vocalist harmonized together to create music has the potential to enrage, sadden, empower, impassion or calm me. As an author I find music in the background to be a necessity for writing.

Pictures: Photographs, book covers and art any kind of sight enjoying piece is a picture for me. Pictures are the physical ability to conjure up recollections of memories, joys, triumphs or defeats. The power of sight is so strong, as strong as hearing, that once spotted the thoughts can appear without warning. As an author a book jacket is essential. While I often don't even have anything in mind for a novel I am confident that I will know what the dressing is that I require for my book when I see it.


Words: Awww...just the letters of word make me sigh with pleasure. As an author this is my euphoria on earth. Words can do what music and pictures do and more. Here is what words have done for me tonight. Lately I have been dealing with personal struggles, doubts and frustrations. I believe that for every situation that there are appropriate people that are in your life to help you. Most times this is a spouse, but other times it could be a colleague, a close friend or a relative, perhaps even a professional...it all depends on the situation. Really don't you want someone who is qualified to help you?


My friend that I find myself turning to for sometimes even just a distraction from the doubts in the form of a laugh or even advice on a problem they are qualified for, hasn't had much time for me. And as the large silence of their nonreplies pile up the doubts intensify and the sadness creeps in. Are they ok? (I always start with this worry.) Am I bothering them? There are plenty more because I am neurotic like that.

Once I asked that question Am I bothering you? The response was one that brought me great comfort. It was simplistic and honest...probably not even something they thought much of as they typed. For me it's message and it's delivery are an ongoing comfort...stored away safely to call upon as needed.

What is it that does it for you Dear Reader?


Bri

Authors Can't Be With A Bubba

As an author relationships for me are more in depth. I analyze body language and speech long after the conversation ends. It's a bit of a chance being an author's friend. You never know if you will be the inspiration for a character or not. It's even harder to be in a relationship with an author. Because you are always competing for their attention.

It has been my great opportunity to befriend several authors over the years. In that process I have come to a conclusion about those in our field. They are either in a rock solid, love you for life relationship or they are not. There is no in between. Well let me rephrase that they may date a lot, that does not constitute a relationship.

I'll use my relationship for example. My husband at one point was a primary caregiver for our children while I wrote for hours and hours a day. That was in the initial stages of my writing. I have a better balance now. However, when there are deadlines to meet and people depending on your words other responsibilities fall to the wayside. As an author's significant other you have to accept that...and as an author you need to do everything you can to make up for it.

Being an author in today's world means you are more accessible to the people in your life. Unlike if you were a executive who goes to the office and then comes home. It is understood that they are not to be bothered unless on breaks or in emergencies between the hours of 9-5. As an author you won't get that...unless you set up those boundaries.

Here are some examples of what some of my colleagues do. J. actually has an office in the little town he lives in and does most of his writing there. He has been known to stay there for days when a deadline loomed or to travel to a friends cabin and steal away until done. V. actually goes to another country for one month every year. (Yeah I know what you are thinking JEALOUS) Then there is J she has a pretty good schedule with her kids where she either works in her home office or goes to the library. I think on most Saturdays you will find her at the local library.

Now both of the J's in that scenario are married with supportive and understanding spouses. (Sorry V no offense) One of the J's actually travels extensively on book tours and speaking engagements. Here's the true point to this post. Those same spouses had the supportive mindset BEFORE success.

I have met so many writers online, in groups or at a conference that have a drive and a passion to pursue a writing career. When I ask them why they haven't they all say, "I don't have time."or "When the kids are older." However, the one that infuriated me the most was from one woman. She told me her husband said she could use "her time" for writing and that when she was successful and making money she could devote more time to it.(I swear when I picture this man he hasn't bathed in a month, one of his overall snaps is broke, has chew hanging from his greasy too long beard and his name is Bubba.)

What really did it for me though was the look on her face. It was the same look I saw so many times for other writers who gave different excuses. I considered that they may all have something in common there, an unsupportive partner.

I'm not usually one who doesn't speak my mind...so the guilt of quietness was a foreign concept to me. It's like an ulcer to my mind to be silent. So in an effort to relive myself of emotional heartburn I will say what I should have to her and several other authors.

If you are in a relationship with a "Bubba" right now and they say things like "when you are successful" you need to decide what you really want. Because there will never be any success because your will never get the support that you need. If sharing your knowledge opinion and imagination is something you dream about at night, something that hounds you like a bookie does a debted gambler....Bubba's gotta go.

Bri

PS Cheer up you can always make up the partner you really want. Remember you are an author.

Seclusion can be inspiring...

Poster created by the uber talent of Ricky Ross

Sometimes you simply need to check out. Authors, artists, musicians and even you need to recluse yourself from the world at times. There are mutiple reasons for self induced reclusion. A person may need a break from stress, emotional turmoil or certain people in their lives. An artist may hide themselves away in a studio creating their latest peice of soulful inspiration. The next club stomping hit may be mixing away now as we speak by a muscician within the confines of their studio.



Then there is the author, the writer, the blogger and the poet, whatever you call them, they are all creaters. I remember when I wrote the first draft of my novel, Glazier. My day began at 4:30 AM. I walked 40 miles a week. I would get lost in my novel playlist. (I have a playlist of music for every novel I write.) The music of my iphone played out in my mind like the background music of my own personal movie. The theatre being my mind. I lived off peanut butter crackers and diet pepsi. I wrote close to 8 hours a day. If I wasn't writing I was reading.


The point is I almost completely checked out of my life. My husband became a single parent for a while. My grandparent's thought I had fell off the side of the earth. My friends and aquaintances thought I was a having a breakdown. Or an affair. The rumor kept changing.


I had no deadline except for the desperate need to know how it ended. Imagine what it's like for people with deadlines. When I finally surfaced a few months later I was happy. I had created something uniquely mine. With that being said I was hesitant of who I shared it with. Luckily I got over the nervous novel jitters pretty quick. My desire to share it with others overcame my fear of rejection. Any serious author knows about rejection.

You're not alone. We have all had them. Whether it was from the all too common query reject or a bad review. The sting is still the same. I have several creative friends, mostly other authors. Their silence is the fuel behind this post. It is also a warning for my own friends and family.


If an email is sent and I don't respond. I'm writing. If I post a status update on Facebook or Twitter and I don't respond to your comments. I'm watching my internal movie. If I post a blog and don't respond to your comments or likes. I'm creating. Take note that it's nothing personal. I'm not in a fetal position on the floor of my too small apartment. Niether am I in any other position with another man that isn't my husband. That was for those gossips from last time.



Keep this in mind if you have any friends that fall under this category. I'm sure they are simply creating as well. Have patience. The best part of having a part time reclusive friend is that you are one of the first to see their latest masterpiece. More often than not it's always worth it.I promise.


Bri