March Indie Life Blog Hop...Where's Heidi?

It's time for our monthly "Indie Life Blog Hop" here at the blog. This is a resources blog for other "Indie" authors. I was asked, "Lisa, is "Indie" your publisher? I don't really get what that word means, but I'm seeing it more often." The answer is yes. I am a writer choosing to take responsibility of the publication of my book.

The "Indie Author News" posted this as a response. For the full article, click on the "Local Authors" photograph to your left. The entire post is valuable information and clearly defines this word "indie" better than I could. I hope you'll pop over to read more. If you are an Indie Author, there are resources here for you too.


What is an Indie Author?
This Blog defines an Indie Author as an Independent Writer who chooses to be an Indie Author.  
Choice and Independence are characterized by...

• controlling the Content of the author's work
• controlling the Cover Design
• assigning the Title of the work
• controlling the Copyright of the work
• controlling the work's Release Date
• determining the Sales Price (...or even give the work away for free)
• controlling the Typesetting and Design of the work
• hiring (and firing) Editor, Cover Designer, Printer
• selecting the Sales and Distribution Channels
• controlling the Marketing for the work

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One reason I chose to self-publish my book and join the ranks of other Indie writers like those below, was the ability to choose the announcement and release dates. I come from a family of people celebrating life.

My submission to traditional publishers lasted a little over a year but after a lot of prayer and feedback, I decided to self-publish because my desired release date was approaching. I announced to the public of the book's publication on my birthday, August 12th.

I revealed the cover a month later, on September 14th, this is my sister's birthday. And the book releases to the public on April 3rd, 2013 - on the 19th anniversary of my sister's kidnapping. Instead of a day of sadness and loss, we will remember and honor Heidi with book signings and release parties for Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey.

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I was raised with a strong work ethic and determination to finish what we start. I've heard, "Anyone can self-publish." This is a true statement but there are many who have yet to publish because they aren't willing to do the work required to self-publish.

I've seen some self-published books that scream, "I published it myself because no one else would." but the majority of Indie authors today have dedicated their life and time to making their book(s) similar to those published by traditional publishing houses. To do this right, requires time, talent, and know-how.

Not everyone is cut out or ready to join the ranks of Indie author. The authors below, myself included, dedicate large amounts of time, money, and heart to make our books the best they can be. We hire editors, organize a lot of the marketing ourselves, and look to others for knowledge and pointers.

Some of my author friends with traditional publishers are doing the same things as me but their splitting the profits with their agents, publishers, and bookstores. Whether you publish through a traditional publisher or self-publish -- be ready to work. No one will do it for you.

Please don't misunderstand, I have nothing against traditional publishing. I would be happy dancing all over town if I accepted any of the offers that were extended to me yet I wanted the book to release on April 3 in memory of my sister. I want to be able to speak where and when I want, for a love offering, if that is the case. These were options some of the contracts blocked.

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I hope this post helps you to understand and respect the rank of Indie Authors in the world today...most strive to give you the best book they can! Visit some other fabulous Indie Authors by clicking on the links below...

Are you glad we chose to self-publish and release on April 3?