I only want to say the information I found there affected drastically the way I see indie publishing. This dragon humbly bows and salutes all indie authors out there who took up the challenge to write, publish and promote their books. I always wanted to be published but I am not sure I have what it takes to be a successful writer/promoter. Probably not, because the more I read, the less appealing the dream looked to me.
The instructive videos in Clickbank kept reminding me over and over again of Alex J. Cavanaugh. Yes, I know he's not an indie author, and he is in no way whatsoever related to Clickbank. However, IF you want people to know who you are and what you do, and additionally care for what you've got to say, it wouldn't hurt you to watch him closely. (Not too close that you get a Shuriken in the eye, though.)
Anyway, my issue with the whole idea (and the fact I'm bowing deeply at those who choose to go indie) is not where to get 1000+ clones that help you with the job. There are many who make it without a cloning machine. My real issue is a Hamlet-like question; To be or Not To Be. Or more exactly, To be AND Not To Be.
How can you be the type of introvert, anti-social, leave-me-alone-with-my-thoughts kind of writer and go around shaking everybody's hands, getting involved, knock doors, talk in public, and so on and so forth? In order for people to listen to what you have to say (mostly if you have a product in your hands), you first have to show them you truly care for them and their needs. So the wise say. (Now you see why I mentioned Alex?) Otherwise you're just another annoying salesman at whom people promptly close their doors.Talon on my heart, I care for people. Sometimes too much. I am just not always willing or able to let them know it. So it seems not everybody has what it takes to go indie. Indie authors, you are one special and brave kind. You have my respect and my admiration.
Dragon Hugs!
Although there is no more dashing, magnificent, impressive dragon than Father Dragon, (remember you're crunchy and good with ketchup), I must confess I absolutely dig this cover.
LAUNCHING DAY!
The head of the dragon Council negotiates separate deals with both David and his father, sowing further discord between them. David's close friend, Lothan, disappears into the caves and doesn't return. A group of dissidents kidnap Wilks, the child empath David is sworn to protect. With no options left, he accepts the Council's demands to help them in their centuries-old conflict, risking a war which might kill them all.
Even if David manages to win, there's no guarantee the dragons will let him leave the region alive. They don't want the Kingdom of Shaylar to rise again and will stop at nothing to see it remain a pile of dust.
Amazon US - Amazon UK - Smashwords - Barnes & Noble - Apple Store
River Fairchild is somewhat odd, brandishes a dry sense of humor, owned by several cats. Lives in a fantasy world. A fabricator of magic. Makes stuff up and spins tales about it. Believes in Faerie crossings and never staying in one place for very long. Speculative Fiction wordsmith. The secret to her stories? Spread lies, blend in truths, add a pinch of snark and a dash of tears. Escape into her world. She left the porch light on so you can find your way down the rabbit hole.
Congratulations, River!
ReplyDeleteI think you hit it - you have to care about others. And that doesn't rely on being an extrovert. Anyone can truly care. They just have to have a giving heart.
Thank you for saying that I do it right.
And I know you have an even greater heart for people.
Dragon size heart, twined with dragon temper. ;)
DeleteAl, I haven't done the sort of research that you mention here, but I am aware that when you publish it yourself you take on everything. And that includes marketing and promotion. What a huge job. I, too, admire anyone who goes this route. It requires wearing many hats.
ReplyDeleteCongrats River!
And dragons don't wear hats, so you see the problem, right?
DeleteYou are such an awesome dragon! My dragon could never compete with you but she is awed by your willingness to share a photo of her on your page! (And she will send you all the crunchy virgin snacks she comes across)
ReplyDeleteYes, Alex does it right. He's one in a million. It's an exhausting job to not only try to promote a book without shoving it in people's faces, but also to establish relationships...and KEEP them. I care for many people in the digital world...but it's so hard to keep up. There are times when I want to sit in my cave and only communicate telepathically. It hasn't worked out too well yet. Might be the tin foil hat is blocking my reception...
Thank you so much for sharing my news, Al! Bolitas!
For crunchy virgin snacks, I would even dance with her. Hahaha.
DeleteDragon telepathy isn't more successful either.
My pleasure, River! Bolitas back at you!
"They don't care how much you know, they just want to know you care." I can't remember where I first heard that, but it certainly applies. Alex is an excellent example.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to River.
Century-distilled wisdom!
DeleteAs someone who self-publishes, I can truly say it is an interesting task to take on. Like you, I believe the Ninja Captain is doing things the right way. I've often wondered how best to follow in such awe-inspiring footsteps. Hmmmm...
ReplyDeleteI love the cover for River's book. The dragon on it grabs my attention. You are, of course, Father Dragon, so I return dragon hugs to you for being the wonderful creature that you are :-)
If I had to summarize Alex in a few words...Find a way to help others within your area of expertise.
DeleteMore dragon hugs to you!
I'm about the join the ranks of the indie writer, and I'm very concerned over my ability to wear all those different hats successfully—I look good in so few hats, you know? But I'm going to jump in with both feet and see what happens.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to River! I love the cover!
I would suggest then you try to keep those hats that fit you better first, so you don't get overwhelmed. I wish you the best of luck!
DeleteI get that bloggers love to be visited (being a blogger myself) but authors shouldn't have to be politicians. But apparently indy authors do? That's why it kind of sucks to be in a community stuffed with indy authors, but that's what we've got here, so there's a learning curve with that as well.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet, it seems they should, Tony. After all there is something in common between them. They both want you to believe in them and the quality of their knowledge and work. I must add I still resist the idea BIG TIME, though.
DeleteIt's easier to be social on social media than in real life. For me, at least.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Al. :)
Congrats, River!
(Are you tired of hearing me say that, yet? LOL :P)
That's true, but it only works if you do it consistently. My challenge is to keep doing something consistently.
DeleteAs a fellow introvert, I feel your pain about promotion. But it's also why I care more about the quality of my online relationships than just seeing an ever expanding increase in the number.
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats to River. Cool cover. :)
Ah! You do know what you want. That's an advantage you have over this dragon.
DeleteYAY RIVER...
ReplyDeleteAll the best with your newest creation!
I agree with AL that Indie publisher do deserve a TON of respect!
Indeed! :)
DeleteLove Dragons. And River. So naturally her cover sang to me.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe at all that Alex does - and does so very well.
And humbled by the talent, the persistence and the sheer hard work which goes into creating books for greedy guzzlers like myself.
Thank you - one and all.
In the name of all dragons, I thank you for your love!!
DeleteIf I had read and understood all that I would be up against doing this, I may not have continued. I have to say that it has been people like Alex and River and so many others I've connected with that have kept me going--you could also include yourself in that list, Mr. Father Dragon-with-Dwarves-to-deal with.
ReplyDeleteI'm very happy for River and I wish her the best.
I'm very happy to know I've helped you to keep going, but I'm the happiest because you've decided to keep going. Dragon Hugs!
DeleteIt's not easy keeping an eye on Alex, he's always sneaking about in the shadows. Ninjas!
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
Tell my dwarves about it!
DeleteI already have River's two books. Ninjas are supposed to be sneaky and invisible to the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel Al, I once thought I would like to write a book until I met all the bloggers who are writers.- when I read their trials and tribulations I think "no thank you".
Grandmother hugs.
That's very similar to what happened to me. When I started to get more involved in the life of writers, I saw the need to make a reassessment of goals.
DeleteRiver your book cover is stunning. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI think we forget that writing is a business. There is a lot of work in building any new business.The product is our books and object is to sell them. But to be a success you have to have a good quality product which is more then slapping a cover on words, calling it a book and putting it up for sale.. What you don't know how to do must be done by someone else to give it the polish needed--in content, words and covers--to create a reader base. That also means being a presence online and promoting it without hard sell tactics--which turn most people off. And fans need to be wooed. You have to show you appreciate them. There are lots of ways to do that. Look at musicians, actors, artists. all have a body of work that depends upon consumers. There has to be a play to consumers. That's done by having a good product but also caring about your fans and showing a persona that attracts. It's work. Not for the faint of heart.
Another thought. When you look at many traditionally pubbed authors, not all make the bestsellers. Some remain steady mid-list authors. They make money and have fans. Indie authors aren't going to be any different. Successful authors I've seen have a personality that draws readers as much as their stories do. They do a lot to show appreciation to their fans. Reader conventions, booksignings, contests. They give back a lot. Most authors I know ARE introverts BUT they put on a public persona in meet and greets. or online. :-)
Sia McKye Over Coffee
I understand and I take your point. I need time to fully digest it, though. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sia. Very enlightening.
DeleteCongrats to River! I love the cover of her book and am so excited for her. Wishing River much success!
ReplyDeleteI definitely watch what Alex does, and I've developed armored glasses to deflect any shurikens. lol
Hahaha, very clever, Lexa! I'm sure you'll get more chance to see his technique clearly.
DeleteThank you all for such wonderful comments and warm wishes! :)
ReplyDeleteMust add all those from the dwarves and the Ninja Muse! I'm very proud to be called your friend and that you keep going in spite of odds. You're one amazing woman!!!
DeleteCongratulations to River - very cool cover! Best of luck to you.
ReplyDeleteI will be checking out Clickbank (bookmarking) although I am miles away from publishing my book. Thank you for writing about it!
Happy week!
Elsie
Hi there,
ReplyDeleteI'm an Indy pawblisher!
So neat to see the adorable human, River Fairchild's latest book get mentioned here. She's one of my favourite humans. That cover is enticing. And no, my comment wont dragon and on and on....
Pawsitive wishes,
Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! :)
Congrats to River I just love that cover.
ReplyDelete