Note: gazillion is a technical term, which in this case means something less than a million and more than the average income in my state.
Q: What prompted you to write the Guide?
I resisted a long time in putting this together. I had this silly idea I was a fiction writer (which is also true), in spite of spending the last four years blogging consistently about the industry, and especially the changes wrought by indie publishing. It took the goading of several friends, over a period of time, before I realized that the blog was actually non-fiction writing (I can be excessively slow for Ph.D. engineer sometimes). The trigger for blogging the book – revising and updating old posts as well as organizing the content – was seeing writer friend after writer friend take the leap, often after reading something I had posted. And I realized there wasn’t a book out there that addressed the fears as well as the nuts-and-bolts about going indie. I could have just left the Guide on my rinky-dink blog, but I knew the power of Amazon (and other retailers) to connect people to books, and I figured it would help more people this way.
Q: Why should I read a book about indie publishing by Susan Kaye Quinn? I’m pretty sure she’s not a NY Times Bestseller.
I’m not an indie rockstar. I haven’t made the news as one of those “exceptional” breakout indie authors. I’m a solidly midlist indie author, which means I make a living off my works. I’m one of thousands of invisible indie midlist authors who, I believe, are the core of indie publishing, and why it’s changing the industry. The rockstars of indie publishing can inspire and lead, they can use their leverage to break barriers, but they can’t transform the industry on their own. The true change has to come, as it always has, from the grass-roots. I’m part of that grass-roots movement.
Q: Will this Guide help me get rich quick from ebooks?
No.
Q: Will this Guide help me decide if indie publishing is right for me?
Yes.
Q: What if I’m afraid?
We’re all afraid. Fear is an integral part of being vulnerable in the world by daring to do brave things. Fear stops many people from becoming the full expression of who they are. I won’t tell you not to be afraid in this book – I’ll help you see the fear for what it is, manage it, and not let it stop you from reaching for the amazing things you have ahead of you.
Q: What if I don’t have the first clue how to start with self-publishing?
The Guide is designed to take a first-time-publishing author from the decision to go indie through to writing that second book (and starting the whole process over again). It’s also designed to help indie authors who have already published, but are struggling: either with keeping perspective for the long-term, trying to scale up their businesses from the first book, or just trying not to drown in social media quicksand. My hope is that all my indie author friends will find something worthwhile in it, or pass it on to someone who will. The culture in indie publishing of sharing information is part of what inspired this book in the first place.
| 1. | Michelle Isenhoff | 10. | Lois D. Brown | 19. | Suzanne Warr |
| 2. | Ansha Kotyk | 11. | Stephanie Jefferson | 20. | A.L. Phillips |
| 3. | Cordelia Dinsmore | 12. | Monique Bucheger | 21. | Darlene Foster |
| 4. | Lisa Orchard | 13. | Mikey Brooks | 22. | Katy Pye |
| 5. | Sharon Ledwith | 14. | Susan Kaye Quinn | 23. | LM Preston |
| 6. | Lia London | 15. | Christina Mercer | 24. | C. Lee McKenzie |
| 7. | Lynn Kelley | 16. | D. Robert Pease | 25. | D.M. Cherubim |
| 8. | Elise Stokes | 17. | J.L. Campbell | 26. | Ima Bratt |
| 9. | Alan Tucker | 18. | Alicia Rivoli |
Hello. I was just wondering how I could actually get the full version of this book and read it. It sounds really awesome.
Tez: the Guide is now available on Kindle (http://bit.ly/IASGAmazon) and Nook (http://bit.ly/IASGNook) and Kobo (http://bit.ly/IASGKobo) – thanks!
I haven't quite survived yet, but when I feel I've earned it, I'll be back for that badge:)
The badge will be here when you're ready to claim it! 🙂
I'm grabbing that badge, although survive is a strong word 🙂 . Congrats on putting this together. I look forward to reading it…
Shah X
Thanks! Maybe after you read, you'll feel more confidant about that "survival" word? 🙂 I hope so!
Susan, so excited to see this book! Thinking of taking the plunge and trying the indy thing out. I'm looking forward to reading the book (just bought it) and being less freaked out by the whole process. Thank you!
Hey! I saw your name and was so excited! Thanks so much for getting the book – if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. *hugs*
Well done, Susan. Haven't gone to get my copy yet, but wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!!! Grabbing my copy of the badge.
Thanks so much!!
Thanks SO much for all you've done for indie writers. You've already helped me so much, and I'm only getting started 🙂
You have so much cool stuff ahead, Julie! 🙂
Bravo … and thank you.
Are you going to do a print version as well? I'd like hard copies for myself and several friends 🙂
Yay! Congrats! 🙂
So far, I'm loving this book. I really needed to read it, so the timing of this release was perfect! Indie Authors Unite!
I love the badge and have my copy of I Survived – now I have to make time to read it! Congratulations, Susan!
The bookmark rocks! I'll recommend your book to my writing students.
Thanks Catherine!
Yay! And who better to pen out a guide? You're an inspiration, Sue.
Congrats! I'm sure the book will help many new publishers seeking guidance. I forgot my 'Tween the Weekends' post today. 🙁
grats!!! Love the logo. Very catchy. If anyone can write an awesome indie book it's you!
sounds like something I MUST read!
I'm hearing good things about this book.