Last year, I finally ventured into the world of indie publishing. I had read that writers should make the most of their time before publication and this worried me, for I am not comfortable with change. The biggest change has been the need for a shift in mindset, for now, I am running a business, which is a steep learning curve. Otherwise, I remain a small fish in a big pond.
It is now six months since I took that giant leap. My sales may be low, and although disappointing, I am not overly concerned. I never expected anything different. Right now, I am being realistic, knowing that I am only getting started and that I have a long road ahead of me. I am in this game for the long haul.
Of course, one hears stories of debut authors ‘making waves’, which is great as it gives the rest of us hope, but it also gives us pause for thought. We need to keep in mind that when it comes to writing, everyone’s road is different.
Keeping with that analogy, I haven’t made a ‘big splash’, but I am truly grateful for it. I continue to work in small steps, building up a body of work as well as my platform. I still feel, very much, within my comfort zone, knowing that some things take time. Like writing in general, being an indie author is a learning experience. I’m planning to make the most of it.
This is not to say that some good, and quite unexpected changes haven’t happened. 😉
In February, I decided to try the Kindle Unlimited program. My biggest takeaway from the entire ninety days? My short story, The Ghost at Willow Creek, made the Amazon Top 10 Bestseller list in Australia.
Last month after an awful lot of apprehension, I stepped out of my comfort zone once more and created a Facebook author page. I felt like a pretentious fraud. After all, who am I, and why would anyone be interested? I was pleasantly surprised to watch the numbers go up as people began to like and follow my page, and in a matter of weeks, I have come close to one hundred followers.
It was around this time that I received another pleasant surprise, which completely floored me. I received a request from a fellow blogger for an interview. Soon, I will be having my very first author interview, so watch this space!
I have been experiencing a lot of insecurities these past few months. Stepping out of our comfort zones is not without its challenges, but it also comes with some satisfying results.
Are you happy being a small fish in a big pond as an indie author? Have you had some pleasant surprises when you began self-publishing? What insecurities have you been experiencing lately?
The purpose of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.
Main image courtesy Pixabay
I like your positive attitude! I got another short story rejected today, so I am still unpublished (fiction-wise). I guess I’m not ANY kind of fish in a pond yet.:-) But I’ll send the story out again tomorrow to some place else and keep working on my current project.
Thanks, Priscilla. I’m sorry to hear about your rejection. Good on you for persevering, I know you’ll get published one day! Best of luck with it and your current project. 🙂
A writing career is definitely a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a long road, but one I’m glad to be traveling on. 🙂
Congrats on all the writing successes! Good for you! (And yeh for Minions!)
Thank you, Madeline! Just as well it is a marathon, for there is so much to learn. But it is a good one and I’m glad you’re enjoying the ride as well. 🙂
I’m just now beginning my indie publishing journey. There’s a lot to learn about the business and marketing of writing. It is really intimidating for me right now. Taking small steps definitely feels like the right way to go.
Hi James. I can relate to feeling intimidated. The amount of information out there can be a blessing and a curse. My husband always tells me to just go with what I feel comfortable with, and that’s always a good place to start. Congratulations and good luck! 🙂
What a great piece, Debbie! This is exactly the path I am traveling (a few miles behind you) and I love your attitude about the reality of the journey.
Thank you, Lee! I was worried I was coming across as a bit of a Debbie Downer. 😉 Congratulations! I’m pleased to hear you’re also going down this path. I wish you all the best on your journey. 🙂
It sounds like you’re going through a lot of change, but it also sounds like you have a great attitude about it. Good luck! Great IWSG post!
Thank you, Kim! I keep telling myself to just focus on the things I can control. It’s all I can do and it helps keep me sane. 😉 Thanks for co-hosting this month and for stopping by. It’s nice to meet you.
Yay! Congrats – those are awesome!!
I plan to self pub my first 3 romances together in the summer/fall and I’ve definitely got nice and low expectations 😛 Much better than getting my heart broken. I’ve learned a lot from self pubbing my Dancing With Dementia nonfiction last month!
Thanks, Jemi. Congrats on self-publishing! It sounds like you have a busy time ahead of you, but it’s still very exciting. Well done for having three romances ready to go, I look forward to release day! 🙂
Sounds like you’re on the road to greatness. Don’t forget me when you make it. 😉
Enjoy the ride.
Anna from elements of emaginette
LOL, thanks, Anna. I won’t! 😉
That’s so awesome!! I will say, I’ve like the Kindle Unlimited program. The page read numbers have been super encouraging.
Thank you, Lynda. I thought I’d give KU a go because you don’t know until you try. I figure we’ve all got to learn somehow. I’m glad the program has worked out for you and I hope that continues. 🙂