Indie and Self-Pub Book Corner discussion

Please tell us about yourself and your purpose for joining the group. Are you mainly looking for books to read or are you hoping to find readers for your indie/self published book? Maybe a little of both?

We would love to network on other sites, please add Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, and any other sites you visit!

Hello, my name is Connie and I am a Write-a-holic. I have a large collection of indie works in my Kindle, and I am fully intending to add more.

Hello, my name is Alison, and I am also addicted to story telling. I love reading and writing Indie fiction.

Hello fellow readers and writers!

After being picked up by a indie publisher in April 2011, I have found what a wonderful community it is to work in. Authors are so supportive of each other.

In the past I was always nervous about indie and self published books. I was under the impression: if a major publishing house didn't put their stamp of approval on a book then it SHOULDN'T BE READ. How wrong I was! Yes, you are taking a risk when you try out a book that hasn't gone the traditional route, but many times it is worth it! And if you find that it wasn't for your tastes, what have you lost? At least you broadened your options by trying!

Anyway, a little bit about me. I live in Alabama. I teach. I raise my babies (almost three and 6 months) (both boys). I am pretty spiritual. I am on a no carb, no sugar, no starch diet. And.... I guess that's enough for now.

I love to meet new authors and readers! Thanks for stopping by!

Connie wrote: "Hello, my name is Connie and I am a Write-a-holic. I have a large collection of indie works in my Kindle, and I am fully intending to add more."

hi Connie, welcome to the Indie and Self-Pub Book Corner. I love "Write-a-holic"

Allie wrote: "Hello, my name is Alison, and I am also addicted to story telling. I love reading and writing Indie fiction."

Hi Allie, welcome! And ditto :)

Hi all,

I'm Claire and I'm a total book addict, I love reading and of course writing! I'm new to the ebook world, and loving the indie fiction that's appearing online now.

I'm also known for being a bit silly :)

Hi everyone. I'm Johanna and I love to read and write and then read some more. Feel free to friend me here on goodreads and check out my reading list. My taste in books is all over the map. The only consistency is all my favorite books have amazing writing and engaging stories. Luckily those factors no longer seem to be limited to just the major pubs. In fact, a lot of the freshest, most innovative voices I've read lately have been indie. Looking forward to some fun discussions.

Well said, Johanna! One of the best books I've read this year was Indie : Whatever Became of the Squishies Not only was it fun fantasy, but it also had a message. And the characters were great.

And that is only one of the Indie books I have on my Kindle. I could go on and on.

Hi everyone, I'm André, obviously I love to read and also to tell stories - written or with a camera.
I prefer to hold a book in my hands so I will not go for any kindle or what not reader ever.
Still, I will try to get my first story out as an ebook.
It's called L.A. Trippin' - a crossover fantasy satire. It was almost taken up by a large German publisher once but at the last moment the editor in chief decided against it. It has a lot of humor and doesn't take the genre seriously - ever.

I have no idea how to get the story out and bring it to the world's attention. So there's much to learn.
At least I got a website reserved for it, so the first step is done.

Since then I've written a YA historical novel which takes place in ancient Rome. No humor here, just pure adventure, and a very different writing style.
As of now, I'm busy with research for a next story. A Special Ops in Afghanistan. Also in the works: another Roman story and then some...
Best wishes.

Greetings,
My name is Branch Isole, I am a poet and self published author of 19 books (16 fiction, 3 non fiction). I write for adults, about adult issues and emotions we all experience first hand at one time or another.

I currently have 2 books here at GR as part of the 'Giveaway Program' I invite you to check them out and enter to win a free copy. One is "Pathways To Publishing" (a step-by step guidebook: how to publish your book) and "Postcards from the Line of Demarcation" (part of my poetic prose series).

If any of you have questions regarding poetry, short stories or publishing, feel free to ask.

All the best,
Branch
www.branchisole.com

Rick Here- so happy to be a member of this group- while not an aothor- I am a book manager for BookTrope Publishing- an Indie Publisher -
They allowed me to chose only the books I really believed in- and they believe in quality over "brand name" writers-
my three books I chose (all avaiable doe kindle, nook ect for $2.99)

The books I have chosen are:

DOVE CREEK

Dove Creek is a wise, eloquent, fiercely honest fictional chronicle of a young woman's venturesome journey from her bare-bones Kentucky background to an Indian reservation in the Pacific Northwest. She finds a new life as a much-loved healer--a blonde, female, hillbilly shaman whose self-destruction and dogged perseverance come together in a novel of intimacy that crosses the boundaries of culture and time.

"We don't have enough female quest stories, but this is one of them--lyrical in its language, vivid in its detail, important in its observations of the chaos and confusion that come when a young woman lets go of her identity and strikes out on her own perilous journey of self-discovery."

-Kim Barnes, author of A Country Called Home

"Paula Marie Coomer writes like a house afire, and her richly variegated novel deserves a prominent place in the literature of the modern American west."

-Ed McClanahan, author of Famous People I have Known
and O the Clear Moment.

SKULL DANCE

An atmospheric tale of intrigue, heroism and romance, spanning cultures and continents, against a backdrop of twisted politics and international nuclear espionage.... "Skull Dance is not only a fast-paced suspense thriller but a haunting book rooted in realism....If you plan on reading just one book this year, this should be it." - greatreporter.com "A timely tale of intrigue, terrorism and greed...packed with 'edge of your seat' action and soul searching realism....I highly recommend this book to anyone with a taste for adventure and intrigue." - The Popper Gazette "Gerd Balke brings the customs and culture of India to life, and international intrigue and espionage to magnifi cent proportions. Skull Dance is a diamond of a thriller...." - Patricia Spork, Writer's Graphic Image

FRIENDS OR LOVERS

For every man who has lost love, and every woman who is searching for it.
Penny Leyton is one smart sexy woman on her way to the top. Bridget Jones she certainly is not, but she has the same chaotic approach to romance. Just as she is breaking through the glass ceiling, her boss Dave Stockton hints at a workplace scandal. Ablaze with moral outrage, Penny realizes too late that one of her own friends is implicated and that she herself is part of the problem. Can she untangle herself from a hidden web of intrigue and save herself?

"Anyone who cares about love will give this book to their partner or spouse, sister or brother."

- Dr. Poonam Thapa, Gender, Culture and Sexual Health Expert

I look forward to your response. Wonderful group this is!!!

Sincerely,
Rick Friedman

Hi! My name is Cypher. I somehow feel as if I am introducing myself in a Writer's Anonymous meeting. Anyway, I starting writing seriously about two years ago because of a wonderful professor. After receiving a few rejections from agents I became slightly disheartened with the whole industry. When I discovered that I could self-publish with little out of pocket expense (instead of through those companies that expect hundreds or thousands of dollars to publish for you), I decided to take the chance. My sales trickle in, but at least I know there are some people willing to take the chance on my books. I have written Salt Bowl Death and Darkest Before Dawn which is the first book of the Throughout the Night Series. Now that I have graduated college (finally), I am continuing my work on The Cold of Night which is the second book of the series and should be out sometime this year. I also love to read. A lot. I read just about anything vampire related as well as mystery, horror, and urban fantasy. I'm looking forward to the group discussions and any good book suggestions that fall into my areas of interest.

Just chiming in - I've read Salt Bowl Death and it is great!

Rick, have you got any links? Would love to check out your company....

Hi guys,
I don't have a book but I am a writer. Actually, I'm a book reviewer for Technocrati's online mag Blogcritics, Book Nook, and my own review site Zoltaire Good Books Review. Danielle, good that you started this discussion. A lot of the indie books are being passed over by the media. I just reviewed a little known book called Snakewoman of Little Egypt by Robert Hellenga at Blogcritics. I thought it needed some publicity. http://blogcritics.org/books/article/...
Here's my own review site http://zoltairebookreview.blogspot.com/

Hi. I love to read and write. I self-published my first novel after about two years of querying and wondered if I should just hide my novel away. I don't know much about marketing, but I love to see what's happening on goodreads with my book and LOVE it when people I don't know somehow get my book into their hands.

André wrote: "Hi everyone, I'm André, obviously I love to read and also to tell stories - written or with a camera.
I prefer to hold a book in my hands so I will not go for any kindle or what not reader ever.
St..."

Hey Andre, fab to see you here too! :D

Hi all,

Timely group - there seems to be a lot happening in the Indie Author world these days. I'm a member in good standing; I "published" my book "The Wrong God" last September, through Smashwords. I joined this group to exchange book discussions, but also tales and war stories of the marketing challenge. Because that is what it really comes down to for indie authors, I think; how do you get your work noticed?

I have one story to contribute on that topic. Some months ago I spent $75 to enter a writing contest for indie authors, called the Indie Book Awards. Heard nothing until last week, when I got an email saying my book was a finalist in the sf/f category. I have also been running an experimental ad here on Goodreads that wasn't getting much notice. I changed the ad to mention the award and the response rate for the ad tripled. I have also been working at getting people to write reviews, should anyone here feel so inclined.

I'd be very interested in reading about others' experiences.

Allie wrote: "Just chiming in - I've read Salt Bowl Death and it is great!"

Aww...Thanks Allie! :)

Claire wrote: "Hey Andre, fab to see you here too!..."

Yeah, Claire, we've become hard to miss...

André wrote: "Claire wrote: "Hey Andre, fab to see you here too!..."

Yeah, Claire, we've become hard to miss..."

I blame it on Asterix lol

Paul wrote: "Hi all,

Timely group - there seems to be a lot happening in the Indie Author world these days. I'm a member in good standing; I "published" my book "The Wrong God" last September, through Smashwor..."

Hey Paul, congrats on the competition. So far my only battle scars from indie publishing are that my brain has turned into mush after hours of social media signups. I'm in so many places now I don't know where to type anymore lol.

Overall though, six months in the indie world has given me more satisfaction as a writer than five years of sending out submissions ever did. So I think it's a great thing :)

I am a retired teacher, a goodreads author and reviewer,a Vine reviewer, and a dog lover, book lover, word lover. I live in LA, but we are moving to the Ozarks!

My blog is call "Word Joy." It features one book review, one poem, and etymology of the day.

http://www.eileengranfors.blogspot.com
My novel's web site http://www.marisolsomeriversend.blogs...

Claire wrote: "Hi all,

I'm Claire and I'm a total book addict, I love reading and of course writing! I'm new to the ebook world, and loving the indie fiction that's appearing online now.

I'm also known for bei..."

Hi Claire, welcome. I'm new to the ebook world as well. I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would.

Johanna wrote: "Hi everyone. I'm Johanna and I love to read and write and then read some more. Feel free to friend me here on goodreads and check out my reading list. My taste in books is all over the map. Th..."

Hi Johanna, welcome.

André wrote: "Hi everyone, I'm André, obviously I love to read and also to tell stories - written or with a camera.
I prefer to hold a book in my hands so I will not go for any kindle or what not reader ever.
St..."

I had no idea you were into all that! I was considering writing about war in the Middle East, but from the perspective of a rouge angel determined to prevent the next apocalypse.

Hi everyone. I'm JR. I write mostly historical novels (I have two out right now) and co-write the occasional fantasy.

Danielle wrote: "I had no idea you were into all that!..."

Danielle, we're all mystics...

Hi everyone. I'm Gary and I hate talking about myself.

Gary wrote: "Hi everyone. I'm Gary and I hate talking about myself."
Kind of a handicap in the Indie Author world, but I know what you mean. I tell myself it isn't about me, it's about the book.

Hello to everyone. I'm Pat, an avid reader and a long-time writer. My first fiction book, The Rose Killer, is on Amazon and Smashwords and, after 8 months, is doing well.
I love to (I'm a little behind on my reading right now!)

Hi Everyone, I'm Heather, am in awe of everyone who've written so much! Where do you guys find the time?! I've written two books (one published) and the other, a romance, self published. Just got my first couple of sales on Kindle so feel great!! (Finding Anna). Would love to hear from other authors about how they market their books?

Paul wrote: "Gary wrote: "Hi everyone. I'm Gary and I hate talking about myself."
Kind of a handicap in the Indie Author world, but I know what you mean. I tell myself it isn't about me, it's about the book."

I want to know more about you Gary ;-)

Greetings, all.

My name is Arshad Ahsanuddin, and I self-published two fantasy novels a few months ago, with a third on the way. It has been a quite an education trying to bring the manuscripts up to acceptable standards, as well as learning the ropes of marketing and promotion. I hope the final products are worthy.

The two books are the first of a series, based on on a question I asked in my head a number of years ago: Suppose vampires and vampire slayers were real, and fighting each other in secret all over the world, then what would happen if they were suddenly exposed on national TV? From that premise I created an urban fantasy world set in the near future, and threw in a generous dollop of gay paranormal romance.

Now that the books are complete, I've been working on getting them noticed, and am just starting to generate some interest. I would welcome any advice or reviews if it will make me a better author.

Respectfully,
Arshad Ahsanuddin

Heather, You asked how people were promoting their books.
I put my first book on Smashwords and Amazon in August 2010. Then I got busy on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. I respond to other writers and help them along whenever I can with retweets etc. I post reviews on the books I read. On Amazon, I add tags. I put up a website (hardly anyone visits it). I don't blog.
My book sales started slowly but have really picked up (This morning The Rose Killer was #516 in the Kindle Store and in the top 100 in Kindle/mystery/women sleuths; Books/mystery/women sleuths/ and 78 in Kindle/Mystery&Thrillers/suspense.)

Wow thanks Pat. It's so great to hear from you. I am full of admiration. #516!!!! SHEESH!!!

I have a slightly tricky issue as I don't want any of my friends to know I've written this book (Too shy which I know is COMPLETELY Ridiculous.) So I am trying other avenues. I am useless at twitter and don't even know what a retweet is. Will certainly look into it more.

I am in the UK and see that The Rose Killer has no reviews here. I'll be happy to review it if you'd like?
(I also see that in the states your ranking has now gone up to 490 and 73! (Jealousy, I tell myself is a BAD thing! ;-) Seriously though congratulations!

Heather - (Finding Anna)

I don't know how you're doing it, Pat. I am going through all those avenues myself and I only get a sale here and there. I keep telling myself it's because I'm not a pushy person. But I don't want to become one either. So what's the secret?

Hello everybody.My name is Benjamin.This is my first experience social networking.I am currently writing my first fiction novel with my best friend Raphaella.
I never thought that I would try my hand at fiction but I'm so glad that I did, it is quite liberating. When we realized that we had something special on our hands I began researching like a madman about the best way to get it published. Man was that an eye opener! The decision to go indie wasn't a hard one once we realized how the publishing industry is evolving as I write this. With that said, bear with my newbie questions and be sure that I wish all of you good success in your personal endeavors.

Hi everyone!! I currently work for JournalStone publishing (a semi-new and indie publishing house) and I enjoy working with self pubs as an editor. I also do manuscript conversions for authors looking to provide their book in multiple formats for their audience. This looks like a fun group to be a part of!!

Hi, my name is Ed Marrow. I write under he name E. R. I am newly selfpubbed with my first book 'Love the Sinner'.

I am also new to goodreads. I'm pretty excited about finding good indies to read, sharing experience and maybe finding a reader or two along the way.

Well hello Ed!! Welcome to GoodReads, I spend more time on here than many people spend on FaceBook...This is by far more fun!! :)

Aloha and Salam, y'all.

I'm Anthony Roberts and I'm an indie writer and a story teller. What's the difference? One I do on my laptop, the other I do in a room full of people, but it all comes from the same place.

I spent my teem years living in the Middle East and that experience inspired my first novel, 'Sons of the Great Satan'. It's a coming of age story set against the Iranian revolution of 1979. From 1975 to 1976 I attended Tehran American School and was a member of the senior class that never graduated due to the fall of the Shah. I also have a book of short stories entitled, 'Four Trails: A Quartet of Country Tales', my take on cowboy tales from my time living in East Texas and my home in the paniolo country of Hawaii. During the day I manage the Paniolo Heritage Center @ Pukalani Stables on the Big Island of Hawai'i.

Yes, I read indie books too. I'm currently reading a hard-boiled, supernatural thriller by Harry Stanton called 'The Pressure of Darkness'. It's very good. I love his tight style.

Please feel free to friend me. I twitter @yobigtony and have a Sons of the Great Satan facebook page. Cheers!
SONS OF THE GREAT SATAN
Four Trails: A Quartet of Country Tales

OOHH a Storyteller!! That is so awesome!! That is straight out of the story books we all love so much!! Where do you do this at? (AND Hello to you!!) :)

Aloha Amy. For five years I 'talked-story' at Parker Ranch here on the Big Island. I told a six-generation story of the Parker family, how they married into Hawaiian Royalty and went on to create one the the largest cattle ranches in the world. Two years ago that ended when the ranch closed down its visitor operations due to the recession. But... in the last six months I've joined an organization called the Paniolo Preservation Society. We've taken over a 100 year old historic stables, restored it and are currently setting up a Hawaiian cowboy museum. Starting July 5, I'll be back in the talk-story business. It really goes well with the writing. It's fun to see what strikes a chord with people and what doesn't. And if you can make them cry - BONUS! ;-) My wife tells me I'm an evil man. Bwahahahaha!

I think it is incredible!! I think that would be just so much fun! Congrats on finding something so worthwhile!!

Amy wrote: "I think it is incredible!! I think that would be just so much fun! Congrats on finding something so worthwhile!!"

It was certainly a big switch from 'Information Management Consultant' and a much happier one too! Dreams do come true in Blue Hawaii. :-)

You know, I know exactly how you feel. I went from being an internal auditor to being a DJ to now being an editor...I guess sometimes we really do get to live our dreams!!


I can only imagine having your dream job AND living in Hawaii!! LUCKY GUY!!!

Anthony wrote: "Amy wrote: "I think it is incredible!! I think that would be just so much fun! Congrats on finding something so worthwhile!!"

It was certainly a big switch from 'Information Management Consulta..."

Some of us take longer to find what we want than others. I spent about 20 years working for other people thinking that's what you had to do. Now life is more of a struggle but I'm where I want to be and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Do you still DJ? I'm sure there were some stories in that line of work!

I haven't DJ'ed in a while, but let me tell you, I could probably tell a few interesting stories!! I still have all of my equipment, and I have some private parties that I book and let my other DJs work the parties, but I stepped out of it. I like what I do too much!