The Indie Author Mindset: How changing your way of thinking can transform your writing career

by Adam L Croft

Do you want to sell more books and earn a good living from your fiction?

Discover how to change your way of thinking and revolutionise your writing career.

Are you struggling to take your author career on to the next stage? Do you wish you could sell huge numbers of books and make a good income for you and your family? Before he learned to change his mindset, Adam Croft's fiction books earned him around $30 a day. But, after developing the indie author mindset, he was earning $3,500 a day within a matter of weeks.

The Indie Author Mindset shows you how simply changing your way of thinking about your writing business can revolutionise your career. Using Adam's personal experiences and examples, you'll be able to think differently about the business side of your writing career and lay down the foundations for long-term success.

In The Indie Author Mindset, you'll

How to decide who to listen to — and who not to listen toHow to unlock the power of residualsHow to create more than half a dozen income streams from one bookLessons and advice from Bryan Cohen, David Gaughran, Brian Meeks and Mark DawsonWhy almost every writer misunderstands profit and is doing advertising wrongAnd much, much more!This life-changing book is the motivational kick-up-the-backside all authors need. If you like a non-fiction book with a personal touch, practical tips you can apply every day and all the motivation you need to kick your career on to the next stage, The Indie Author Mindset is for you.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Business, Adult

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2018

Reviews

[Si Clarke]

There was definitely some good, worthwhile advice in here. But one of the takeaways was that if you can't squeeze an extra hour out of your day to produce multiple novels per year, you're not really committed to being an author. Which is both ableist and unrealistic.

[Miranda Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, aimed at the self-published author, reiterates that it is about the mindset all the way through, despite giving an awful lot of information about the process of marketing and selling your books and how you can go about it. And it is, within the first chapter I realised how I could change my mental approach where my writing was concerned and with it how I approach marketing my book, helping me see the path ahead. He talks through the thought process for both sitting down and writing every day as well treating the marketing side as a business.

Adam Croft provides an outline of how he works to explain the thought process, and is completely transparent about what sort of income he achieves with the approach he uses. I found it refreshing to be able to get a full insight. A lot of authors are closed about this - especially in the traditionally published arena - and it gave me hope that an income was indeed achievable.

Croft's approach also made me feel optimistic about being a self-published author, and that it wasn't unattainable. But he did made me smile when he said it was about content and if I was reading this not having yet prepared 2-5 books to be published, that I was better off putting this book down and going to write them!

I felt this book gave me hope. I didn't feel overwhelmed as I do often when reading a lot of books on self-publishing, with all the details and data analysis and how to work the system. Adam Croft made me feel it was all possible. And how to develop the mindset that you can become a successful self-published author.

[Elizabeth Ducie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Croft has taken his own hugely successful publishing experience and turned it into an extended pep-talk for any writer serious about self-publishing. The writing is clear, concise, quick and easy to read, and humorous. It is also full of common sense ideas for how to take our writing to the next level: where it is a business rather than a hobby. And we all know how rare common sense can be.

Among other things, the book covers development of the professional mindset, the visionary mindset, and the business mindset; reminds us that costs and investment are totally separate things; emphasises that money is not evil; and finishes with a useful list of recommended further reading. Highly recommended for anyone starting out as an indie author/publisher, or for anyone whose publishing career needs a bit of a kickstart.

[Victoria Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's helpful for the beginners or if you are, as a writer, feeling unmotivated: the book is mostly about 'mindset', and not much about 'tools' or How-To. Enjoyed reading!

[Shelley Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I’d burnt myself out on writing books over the years, but it appears I was wrong. Adam’s conversational style of writing meant I had this unpacked and read within a few hours. As a personal development author and blogger, I have a huge affinity to any book that talks about mindset. To discover a book that combines my two favourite topics (writing and the mind) was always going to score points.

The title implies that this book is targeted at independent authors. However, I feel any writer would benefit from the wisdom within these pages. Learning to be more productive, dealing with overwhelm and burnout, and understanding profit and ROI are all vital tools for any author (independent or otherwise).

The section on Encountering Doubt resonated with me the most as I suffer from terrible bouts of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. As I was devouring this chapter, I wondered if Adam had somehow listened in on my counselling sessions!

As with most non-fiction books, I purchased this as a paperback as I have an innate desire to make notes in the margins – there are LOTS of notes in the margins as there are many ideas I want to try thanks to this book.

I’m fortunate to have signed with a medium sized publisher. However, I also have a few titles floating around from my early indie days. This book has given me the kick up the backside I needed to make a plan of action for 2019 and beyond – because it’s all about the long-term.

Any writer (new or old) will find wisdom and insight in The Indie Author Mindset and the desire to change your way of thinking and transform your writing career are incentives enough to buy this book.

[Georgia Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book recently as I felt my writing career, and I, needed a kick up the backside. Who better to turn to for advice than the hugely successful writer, Adam Croft. It wasn't always that way though and Adam makes it clear that a lot of work and time has gone into him becoming what appears to be an overnight success - but isn't that always that way?

This book is easy to read, is written in manageable chapters and is full of common sense and good humour. It covers the professional, visionary and business mindset needed looking at the problems you will face - encountering doubt, overwhelm and burnout - as well as the positives of how, where and when to publish.

The Indie Author Mindset talks about short v long term thinking, when to listen and when not to listen, wide v exclusive and the power of a mailing list. It also covers data, and its importance. This is an area that I have been extremely poor on in the past, barely managing to get a promotion together let alone analysing whether it was effective or not. So I found this section particularly useful and I know I will be returning to it again and again.

I think this book would be useful for writers of all levels of experience because it gives a lot of information to guide those who are starting out as well as being full of useful reminders plus new learning, of that I am sure as things change all the time, for those of us who've been doing this for a while. Highly recommended.

[Lola]

I DNF'd this one at 25%, I just knew this book wasn't going to be one for me. I liked the idea of a mindset book for authors, but as soon as the author started presenting certain strategies like the only right way, I decided to DNF this one. Not everyone is the same and what works for one author might not work for the other.

[Sacha Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be read by every writer, whether aspiring or already published. While the book is aimed at indie authors, I believe any author, be they traditional, indie, or otherwise would benefit from the lessons in this book. There are a lot of aspiring writers out there who never quite make the transition, but it's not for lack of creativity or desire, it's because they don't have the right 'business' oriented mindset. If you want to write full time, you need to view your writing as a business. This book WILL help you do that. It lays down the fundamental principles of the business mindset, as well as giving you genuinely practical tips and advice on how to implement the lessons in the book. I particularly liked the added insights from other well-known authors in the industry and some of the more technical information towards the end. If you've ever been afraid, doubted yourself or are unhappy with where your writing career is currently, stop reading this review and buy the book, NOW!

[Tim Hardie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam Croft's book is a short, easy read aimed at authors looking at self-publishing, although there's plenty of useful stuff in here for authors looking at a traditional publication route. The primary focus is on the importance of adopting a more commercial and professional mindset. This isn't about losing the creative side but ensuring that your books are both professionally produced and marketed. Bearing in mind the career Croft has enjoyed, he's able to talk with some authority on what works and what doesn't and which things to concentrate on, which has given me pause for thought. Offering valuable insights for anyone wanting to turn their writing hobby into a career, I'd thoroughly recommend this book to other fellow writers.

[Lilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good information, some not so great because it completely ignores we are individual people and don't have the same writing process. What has worked for him won't work for everyone. Not every author needs to run ads to be successful. Not every author can rapid release. Not every author works fast. Not every author wants to enter burnout in order to succeed. Etc.

So go into this with the healthy attitude that we are all different and there is no writerly holy grail.

[Natasha Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

If youre thinking this is just another how to book, think again, I opened my kindle and read the whole thing despite being tired and needing my bed desperately.
Unlike any of the other books I keep on my shelf, this one actually came from someone who started out just like myself...or you! Seriously this guy speaks clearly and in a way that if you are not in total denial, will make a heap of sense!
Starting out I knew nothing, still dont really if im totally honest, but there are things you kind of skip over thinking they do not apply to you, of course I knew I needed an editor, but settled mainly due to costs on beta readers. Then there is the issue with covers, yep my first book didnt get star treatment but my second I did invest...but then theres the selling, marketing yourself not just the book...it all applies to any Indie Author. The author Adam Croft is very nice, chatted via his FB page, If you are new to this, or just want to invest and reap any sort of award financially from your books, read this book.

[Zoe Langley-Wathen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A succinct and actionable collection of tips, thoughts, and shifters that should give every independent author the opportunity to rethink their mindset. The author states on numerous occasions that this book is not just for newbies. I am a newbie, so it would be hard for me to confirm either way. However, I know I will benefit from the advice on the business mindset, money, and opportunities for multiple streams of income, which is my likely business model. Adam offers recommendations for two organisations to join as an indie. I'm pleased that one he mentioned, ALLi, I'm already a member (and impressed!) I didn't know about the other organisation, so as soon as my book is published and has sold the key amount, I'm in. Thank you for keeping it short and sweet. I'll definitely dip in and out more than once, as it's been so useful.

[Meg Cowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I expected - which was a book about mindset, as it is labelled - but giving this 4 out of 5 stars despite that as it is a comprehensive book on the ins and outs of running an author business for new authors including many areas for consideration.

If you are looking for a book actually (and wholly) on mindset, I would recommend Joanna Penn's "The Successful Author Mindset". As this is what I was expecting from the title and blurb of The Indie Author Mindset, I am disappointed, as it's not really delivered on that aspect.

If you are seeking a book with some aspects of mindset but more practical ideas and areas to be aware of when starting or developing a new author business, this book would be suitable.

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book for any indie author looking at writing as a serious professional!

My first book just came out on Amazon, and this book is one of the resources that's helping me shape the way I think about how my writing will interact with the world. Like Adam, I believe in long-term approaches as well. Also, like many other creatives, "business" does not come naturally to me. But in order to share our work with the world, we have to learn the foundational principles. This book does an amazing job of doing that. It's clear, concise, gets right to the point and also tells you the "why" behind this approach.

[Adele Marie Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is easy to understand with keywords and phrases repeated at the end of every chapter. A must read for any indie authors. It taught me to look at my career choice in a different way and there were a few jaw-dropping moments. Or "Oh, I hadn't thought of doing that." moments. Adam L. Croft takes us on a path to success with easy to understand ideas and how to achieve them. His style of writing is short and to the point, therefore, stayed in my brain.
A must-have for any indie author. Be prepared for success.

[Aaron Rivett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, will pick up again.

I loved this book, as an inspiring Author, I have put my book on Amazon a couple of times and taken it down. After reading this, I am now in the process of repackaging my book and I am going to be taken a lot of advice from this book. It has opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on how to be an indie author. It is an easy read and I would recommend it to any one who is thinking about being an indie author.

[Karen Dodd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just makes so much sense!

I’ve always believed it’s okay to be a copycat as long as you copy the right cat. Adam Croft is that cat! His easy-to-read formula for adopting the right author/entrepreneurial mindset just makes sense. He gives clear examples and while a tough task-master (isn’t that why you’re reading his book?) he’s often humorous and always encouraging. I WISH I’d read this and taken his príncipes to heart when I first started in the indie writing business!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a boutique publisher, this is exactly the kind of advice I give to my clients. Croft confirms and emphasizes the need for mindset before tactics. He does give some practical guidance (e.g. the importance of data and what to look for), but even that is more an example of how right thinking will lead to right action.

Is recommend this to any author, indie or otherwise, especially those who want to make a living from their writing.

[Stephi Durand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and found it useful as an author-in-progress. The only part I didn’t like was the constant stating of you need to invest money in an editor for the best results. I completely understand that, but at the same time I can’t help but feel bad as in my current situation I am far from affording one, leaving me feeling disheartened due to finances.
Despite that, will return to again for advice in the future.

[Eoin Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick read for me because I really enjoyed it. A nice boost of motivation and it helps get your head in the right place about where you want to be and how having the right mindset can get you there. I put this down and went straight back to writing. I can't wait to read his next book for writers.

[Enya Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Focused, real, action based advice for the authorpreneur - well worth it.

Theres alot of fluffy, unfocused, overcome-that-dark-night-of-the-soul advice out there on mindset, but this is the real deal. If you want focused, real, action-based advice from a successful authorpreneur to build a succesful business or take an existing one to the next level, this is for you.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

concise information

The author fits a lot of information into a quick read. The format was easy to follow. I loved the end of chapter reviews, which helped to reinforce the information. It really is a good novel for all stages of the writing game whether it’s a refresher or new knowledge.

[Kevin Potter · Rating 4 out of 5]

For any new writer, you can't go wrong with this as your first step toward acquiring the best mindset for success.

From your mindset about writing, to social media, so marketing and others, if you follow the advice Adam sets forth in these pages, you'll be on the right path.

[H M Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and clean

Adam has done exactly what he set out to do. The very fact that I've read this book in August and the last date noted inside is July kind of says it all. A must read for all Indie authors.

[Dougie McHale · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

For any Indy author starting out or even with a few books published this book is gold dust. If you’re serious about what it takes to be a success, whatever that means to you, you have to have the right mind set. Adam shows you how to achieve that.

[Gary Ross-Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found everything that's said here to be helpful and true. There's no startling revelations but it is a good jolt to you if you are starting out or having a down phase in your writing career. Certainly worth a read.

[Bonnie Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A change of mindset for me!

This is one (just one!) mindset change: I write for the Publisher Me, so no more procrastinating. Butt in chair. Write the books. Thank you Adam! I’ll need to dig into data, too!

[Rachel McCollin · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're serious about being an indie author you HAVE to read this book. I thought I didn't have much more to learn about mindset but I was so wrong. I'm torn between finishing it and dashing off to analyse my advertising data!

[Cali Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book about self-publishing. I'm currently weighing up my publishing options and I found this to be a very useful read. I particularly liked to hear how Adam leveraged the power of Amazon Ads to his advantage. It's a quick, motivational read.

[Isabella May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

A brilliant and concise read which is like a firework up the backside to treat your author career as a business and to adopt the right mindset to do just that. I can't wait to get started on the principles the author shares.