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Indiestructible: Inspiring Stories from the Publishing Jungle
Need motivation and inspiration to self-publish, or sign that contract with an interested small press? Have you done all the research you can, but still feel ambivalent about the idea? " Inspiring Stories from the Publishing Jungle" brings you the experiences of 29 indie authors—their passions, their insights, their successes—to help you make the leap into indie publishing.
This is not a how-to guide. This is the best of the indie tradition of experienced authors paying forward what they’ve learned, giving you information to help you on your journey. The personal essays in this book will leave you itching to get your work into the hands of readers and experience, first-hand, all the rewards indie publishing has to offer.
100% of proceeds from "Indiestructible" purchases will be donated to BUILDON.org
This is not a how-to guide. This is the best of the indie tradition of experienced authors paying forward what they’ve learned, giving you information to help you on your journey. The personal essays in this book will leave you itching to get your work into the hands of readers and experience, first-hand, all the rewards indie publishing has to offer.
100% of proceeds from "Indiestructible" purchases will be donated to BUILDON.org
- GenresWritingNonfiction
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2013
178 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Bell
76 books497 followersJessica Bell is a multi-award-winning author/poet and singer-songwriter who was born in Melbourne, Australia.
In addition to having published a memoir, five novels, three poetry collections, and her bestselling Writing in a Nutshell series, she has been featured in a variety of publications and radio shows such as Writer’s Digest, Publisher’s Weekly, The Guardian, Life Matters, and Poetica.
She is also the Publisher of Vine Leaves Press, and a highly sought-after book cover designer. She currently resides in Athens, Greece, with her partner and son, and a pile of dishes that still don’t know how to wash themselves despite her consistently teaching by example.
For more information visit: iamjessicabell.com
In addition to having published a memoir, five novels, three poetry collections, and her bestselling Writing in a Nutshell series, she has been featured in a variety of publications and radio shows such as Writer’s Digest, Publisher’s Weekly, The Guardian, Life Matters, and Poetica.
She is also the Publisher of Vine Leaves Press, and a highly sought-after book cover designer. She currently resides in Athens, Greece, with her partner and son, and a pile of dishes that still don’t know how to wash themselves despite her consistently teaching by example.
For more information visit: iamjessicabell.com
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 28, 2013
This book wasn't quite what I expected. It was better. The indie authors who contributed did a great job of encouraging and entertaining. Awesome people--all of them.
Hang on...
we need some semicolons. Stat!
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
(If you've read this book,
you're probably laughing right now. :P)
Even if you aren't sure which publishing route you want to take--even if you pub. traditional--there's something in Indiestructable for you. I'm not kidding.
This book is well worth the 99c, and 100% of the proceeds go to a great cause.
Hang on...
we need some semicolons. Stat!
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
(If you've read this book,
you're probably laughing right now. :P)
Even if you aren't sure which publishing route you want to take--even if you pub. traditional--there's something in Indiestructable for you. I'm not kidding.
This book is well worth the 99c, and 100% of the proceeds go to a great cause.
August 16, 2014
Wonderful. Inspiring.
This collection gives me hope.
I've decided to post 29 snippets that captured my attention, one from each author.
"...divide your writing time into short bursts..." ~ Jessica Bell
"Tap into that lifeblood and start thinking outside the box. Look for unique opportunities." ~ Dawn Ius
"... embracing the freedom to write - to freely go where the pain is, where the pleasure is - gives you a map that points to the wellspring where your very best work will be created." ~ Susan Kaye Quinn
"I think it's good to stay flexible, try different things, do what works for you, and hold on!" ~ Leigh Talbert Moore
"... it's important for every author to stay true, not only to who they are, but what they write." ~ Michelle D. Argyle
"I realize no situation, no place, is perfect, even if it appears so from afar. That old adage about growing where you're planted comes to mind. I have a home in the village of independent publishers. It is a good place to be." ~ Karen Bass
"Independent authors struck out on their own like pioneers trekking into new lands. They grabbed the reins of their publishing destiny, braved the unsteady whims of social media, publicity, and marketing, and made their own 'rules'. I realized I didn't need to follow the traditional path - something I was fast learning didn't fit me anyway." ~ Laura Diamond
"We are constantly reevaluating our plans and making adjustments, as well as keeping our eyes open for the next big development to take us to the next level. We push through the obstacles and persevere. And it's paying off." ~ Kristie Cook
"... if writing is your dream then chase it with everything you can chase it with, because some people make it to the top and some people make it to the middle, and some people (me) make it to the spot that's kind of off to the side, over there,... and wherever you want to be, you can get there, but don't make it a miserable trip." ~ Briane F. Pagel, Jr.
"The international online network of writers, readers, reviewers, artists, promoters, bloggers, and more is truly an astounding thing. The support we give and receive for people we've never met is beautiful and humbling, I think we could teach the world a thing or two about collaboration..." ~ Jadie Jones
"Being an author means I write. It's not that I get a big contract. It's not that I find a legion of fans. It's not the fame. It's not the glory. It's the writing." ~ D. Robert Pease
"Entrepreneurial authorship is about grasping one's publishing destiny and treating it like an exciting, new business venture." ~ Laurel Garver
"In the end, isn't being true to yourself one of the greatest freedoms? Embrace what exists within you. Free your creativity. And shove the word 'impossible' to the side." ~ Angela Brown
"Thinking the 'unthinkable' sometimes helps us to cope with our fears. If we can visualize ourselves in a terrifying situation that has a positive outcome, it can help us overcome the terror." ~ Anne R. Allen
"I think indie publishing is as refreshing as the Internet. You can find almost any flavour of story and move away from the cookie-cutter sameness that (for example) graces the shelves of the young adult section of the local Barnes & Noble." ~ Michael Offutt
"Think outside the box when reaching readers by thinking of something related to your book. I've created steampunk jewellery, embossed candles, and pendants which tie into the themes of my works of fiction." ~ Ciara Knight
"... you have to find it in you to be an optimist. I'm not talking about thinking everything will work out. I'm talking about making yourself feel it deep down and hold onto it for the long run." ~ Cindy M. Hogan
"Why doesn't God make me just focus on one genre so I can appear to be a professional, mature writer instead of a lunatic? I don't know. All I know is that I write the books burning in my heart to write." ~ C. S. Lakin
"Self-publishing isn't all about writing the material the way traditional publishing once was; it's also learning your genre's target market and developing strategies to get your work noticed and reviewed." ~ Lori Ann Robinson
"We're treading water in a vast ocean. We can relax and float on our backs, or we can panic and drown." ~ Greg Metcalf
"I decided to strike a balance between writing what I love but also keeping the market in mind. And I decided to be grateful for my small milestones, because who knows what next year will bring?" ~ Laura Pauling
"Perseverance. A writer must be prepared to overcome unforeseen obstacles if they are to succeed with their passion." ~ Stephen Tremp
"Deciding to self-publish and going out there and doing it is an achievement, whole and wonderful all in itself. If you sell one copy or no copies at all, you have still realized your dream." ~ Emily White
"Self-publishing is fun and rewarding. It gives me a sense of control in an industry where control is hard to find." ~ S. R. Johannes
"Are there issues with indie books, since there are no gatekeepers? Maybe. It depends on what you consider quality, and what you classify as an issue." ~ Rick Daley
"Offer support for your fellow author and blogger. Step out on faith and become a leader, whether it's an online event, new website, or teaching others. And through it all, be consistent in your efforts." ~ Alex J. Cavanaugh
"In the soul-searching process that followed, I had to ask myself whether I was willing to let 10 years of hard work languish in a desk drawer, or was I willing to do whatever it took to get my book out into the world?" ~ Karen Walker
"The genie's out of the bottle. Authors know what's possible and that they can have far more control... they're coming together to establish new standards and dictating how they will - and will not - work with the industry." ~ Roz Morris
"I am a firm believer in long-term, constant exposure leading the path. If readers are not aware that your book exists, they cannot purchase it." ~ Melissa Foster
This collection gives me hope.
I've decided to post 29 snippets that captured my attention, one from each author.
"...divide your writing time into short bursts..." ~ Jessica Bell
"Tap into that lifeblood and start thinking outside the box. Look for unique opportunities." ~ Dawn Ius
"... embracing the freedom to write - to freely go where the pain is, where the pleasure is - gives you a map that points to the wellspring where your very best work will be created." ~ Susan Kaye Quinn
"I think it's good to stay flexible, try different things, do what works for you, and hold on!" ~ Leigh Talbert Moore
"... it's important for every author to stay true, not only to who they are, but what they write." ~ Michelle D. Argyle
"I realize no situation, no place, is perfect, even if it appears so from afar. That old adage about growing where you're planted comes to mind. I have a home in the village of independent publishers. It is a good place to be." ~ Karen Bass
"Independent authors struck out on their own like pioneers trekking into new lands. They grabbed the reins of their publishing destiny, braved the unsteady whims of social media, publicity, and marketing, and made their own 'rules'. I realized I didn't need to follow the traditional path - something I was fast learning didn't fit me anyway." ~ Laura Diamond
"We are constantly reevaluating our plans and making adjustments, as well as keeping our eyes open for the next big development to take us to the next level. We push through the obstacles and persevere. And it's paying off." ~ Kristie Cook
"... if writing is your dream then chase it with everything you can chase it with, because some people make it to the top and some people make it to the middle, and some people (me) make it to the spot that's kind of off to the side, over there,... and wherever you want to be, you can get there, but don't make it a miserable trip." ~ Briane F. Pagel, Jr.
"The international online network of writers, readers, reviewers, artists, promoters, bloggers, and more is truly an astounding thing. The support we give and receive for people we've never met is beautiful and humbling, I think we could teach the world a thing or two about collaboration..." ~ Jadie Jones
"Being an author means I write. It's not that I get a big contract. It's not that I find a legion of fans. It's not the fame. It's not the glory. It's the writing." ~ D. Robert Pease
"Entrepreneurial authorship is about grasping one's publishing destiny and treating it like an exciting, new business venture." ~ Laurel Garver
"In the end, isn't being true to yourself one of the greatest freedoms? Embrace what exists within you. Free your creativity. And shove the word 'impossible' to the side." ~ Angela Brown
"Thinking the 'unthinkable' sometimes helps us to cope with our fears. If we can visualize ourselves in a terrifying situation that has a positive outcome, it can help us overcome the terror." ~ Anne R. Allen
"I think indie publishing is as refreshing as the Internet. You can find almost any flavour of story and move away from the cookie-cutter sameness that (for example) graces the shelves of the young adult section of the local Barnes & Noble." ~ Michael Offutt
"Think outside the box when reaching readers by thinking of something related to your book. I've created steampunk jewellery, embossed candles, and pendants which tie into the themes of my works of fiction." ~ Ciara Knight
"... you have to find it in you to be an optimist. I'm not talking about thinking everything will work out. I'm talking about making yourself feel it deep down and hold onto it for the long run." ~ Cindy M. Hogan
"Why doesn't God make me just focus on one genre so I can appear to be a professional, mature writer instead of a lunatic? I don't know. All I know is that I write the books burning in my heart to write." ~ C. S. Lakin
"Self-publishing isn't all about writing the material the way traditional publishing once was; it's also learning your genre's target market and developing strategies to get your work noticed and reviewed." ~ Lori Ann Robinson
"We're treading water in a vast ocean. We can relax and float on our backs, or we can panic and drown." ~ Greg Metcalf
"I decided to strike a balance between writing what I love but also keeping the market in mind. And I decided to be grateful for my small milestones, because who knows what next year will bring?" ~ Laura Pauling
"Perseverance. A writer must be prepared to overcome unforeseen obstacles if they are to succeed with their passion." ~ Stephen Tremp
"Deciding to self-publish and going out there and doing it is an achievement, whole and wonderful all in itself. If you sell one copy or no copies at all, you have still realized your dream." ~ Emily White
"Self-publishing is fun and rewarding. It gives me a sense of control in an industry where control is hard to find." ~ S. R. Johannes
"Are there issues with indie books, since there are no gatekeepers? Maybe. It depends on what you consider quality, and what you classify as an issue." ~ Rick Daley
"Offer support for your fellow author and blogger. Step out on faith and become a leader, whether it's an online event, new website, or teaching others. And through it all, be consistent in your efforts." ~ Alex J. Cavanaugh
"In the soul-searching process that followed, I had to ask myself whether I was willing to let 10 years of hard work languish in a desk drawer, or was I willing to do whatever it took to get my book out into the world?" ~ Karen Walker
"The genie's out of the bottle. Authors know what's possible and that they can have far more control... they're coming together to establish new standards and dictating how they will - and will not - work with the industry." ~ Roz Morris
"I am a firm believer in long-term, constant exposure leading the path. If readers are not aware that your book exists, they cannot purchase it." ~ Melissa Foster
September 17, 2013
I'm already a published indie author. It wasn't a decision I made lightly, but it was one that was right for me at this time. All the pros and cons I've experienced firsthand. One of the cons about choosing this path is that it's a lonely one. It's frustrating, draining, and sometimes seemingly impossible. Doing it all myself makes it even more stressful.
What this book did for me was make me smile and filled me with hope. It reminded me that I'm not alone in this journey. There are other writers out there experiencing the same frustrations and challenges. INDIESTRUCTIBLE holds 29 amazing essays from authors walking an indie or small publisher path. Each is unique, but there's one powerful message: Don't give up on your dreams. You can do it too.
I felt stronger for reading: you're never too old to start writing. You're not a failure if you don't have an agent and you're not published by one of the Big 5. If you don't make a million dollars, it doesn't mean your story isn't loved. The laundry may not get done and you may not get much sleep, but with enough semicolons and proper time management, you can publish your own book. That makes you a success.
Thank you so much to all the contributors. This is a book I will keep on my Kindle and return to when I'm feeling lost and lonely. And even on good days, this is an excellent reaffirmation of why I'm proud to be an indie author.
What this book did for me was make me smile and filled me with hope. It reminded me that I'm not alone in this journey. There are other writers out there experiencing the same frustrations and challenges. INDIESTRUCTIBLE holds 29 amazing essays from authors walking an indie or small publisher path. Each is unique, but there's one powerful message: Don't give up on your dreams. You can do it too.
I felt stronger for reading: you're never too old to start writing. You're not a failure if you don't have an agent and you're not published by one of the Big 5. If you don't make a million dollars, it doesn't mean your story isn't loved. The laundry may not get done and you may not get much sleep, but with enough semicolons and proper time management, you can publish your own book. That makes you a success.
Thank you so much to all the contributors. This is a book I will keep on my Kindle and return to when I'm feeling lost and lonely. And even on good days, this is an excellent reaffirmation of why I'm proud to be an indie author.
September 18, 2014
If you are an aspiring author this book will be a great read for you. Don't expect a step by step I will tell you how to 'show not tell' kind of book. Indiestructible is a collection of inspirational stories from fellow self-published authors who share the pain and joy of their path to becoming a self-published author. Many of them has been published by Big 5 publishers, others have been rejected and later found out that even though an agent does not believe in your story doesn't mean there aren't many readers out there who would love to read it. At the end of the day non of them regretted becoming an 'Indie'. If you finished your novel or already started it and need some encouragement, read this book. It also has many valuable links and contacts to fellow indie authors and various indie pub projects worth to have a look at.
May 21, 2014
This isn't a how-to book and it isn't from just one viewpoint – which is why I love Indiestructible. Jessica Bell has collected a series of essays from authors, in which they share their publishing experiences. Some publish with small houses. Some are completely independent. Some fall somewhere in between. They outline the pros and cons of their choices and, through their own experiences, provide advice, inspiration and hope to authors like myself.
I highly recommend Indiestructible.
I highly recommend Indiestructible.
November 2, 2014
I enjoyed this collection written by more than two dozen indie authors. Their writing journeys are eye-opening and unique. This gives readers a great glimpse into the why’s and how’s of the small press and self-publishing experience.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews