Becoming an indie author is often a choice rather than a last resort for authors who can’t get published through mainstream publishing. Unfortunately, some folks still believe the myth that indie authors create terrible fiction and even worse non-fiction. And, I will admit that I’ve read some truly awful works by these authors; work that should have never been printed. But, I can truthfully say the same about some authors whose work was published through traditional publishers. Sometimes, it’s a question of taste, some folks like one thing, some another. Other times, it’s unclear how an author got his/her work published.
I just finished reading the third in a series of books written by Indie author, Scott Pratt and, I have to say, he destroys all the notions that authors choose indie publishing because they can’t get published by traditional publishers.
His series, 9 books in all, features the exploits of defense attorney/ prosecutor, Joe Dillon, a likeable, honest, and intelligent defender of both criminals and victims. He hates a system full of corruption wrought by crooked judges, attorneys on both sides of the law, and criminals bent on using the system to cover up their crimes.
Each book in the series is fast-paced, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader engaged, while introducing characters who are relatable.
Reading Pratt’s blog, you see he bases his characters and events on his own experiences, which is pretty much how I add realism to my books. His wife, just like Joe’s, if fighting breast cancer. He has a daughter and a son, just like Joe, and lives in Tennessee, like Joe, after moving from Michigan, just like his character in Book 3. He is also an attorney, just like Joe, although you’ll have to ask him if the books are based on real cases.
Why be an indie author?
You become and indie author for lots of reasons. Here are just a few:
- You want control over your work — publishers often want to change characters, scenes, and other elements that don’t match your vision for the book
- You give up a lot of money — as an indie author, you get to keep more money than if you go the traditional publishing route, where the publisher takes his cut and your agent some more.
- You want to save time — and, I have to say, this is my main reason for self-publishing. I got started late, after my kids grew up and moved out, after my career was firmly established and I wanted a break. I didn’t want to wait years for my book to be on the shelves. I wanted folks to read what I’m writing and give me feedback that I could use in my next book.
- I felt I could do the marketing myself. Yeah, if you’re a big name author, publishers send you on book signing tours and book you on talk shows. If you’re a new author, you get very little more than a blurb on their blog and maybe a mention in their next catalog.
The future
“Buried Ladies” is available on Amazon and I hope you’ll buy a copy. More important, I’d love to hear what you think of it and, if it’s not too much trouble, please post a review.
I hope to finish “Scares of the Past” by the end of the year, with a release date early next year — I have to allow time for feedback from Beta readers, graphic design for the cover, and proofreading.
The next book in the “Buried Ladies” series follows several characters from the first book, along with a minor character from the second book as they attempt to stop a bioterrorist who released a superbug that’s resistant to existing drugs. I hope I can count on your continued support as I move these projects along.
Reading your fourth book at present. I love your writing style. I am so glad I found you and plan to read every one of your ebooks.