Five Things “Thou Shalt Not Do” as an Indie Writer
By Kimberly Shursen - Author of Itsy Bitsy Spider, Hush, and Lottery
Oh
the ups and downs in the life of an author. You’ve released your first
book, and finally it reaches 29,000 on the Amazon rankings. Your stomach
is doing continuous somersaults. Suddenly, the novel soars into the top
fifty books in your genre. OMG! Is there any sweeter feeling? And then
wham, it plummets to 298,000. Hang on, my friends, as we all know this
gig is an unending exciting, yet many times torturous roller coaster
ride.
Raise
your hand if you want to give up. I’m waiting … that’s what I thought.
No hands up. Once you’ve given birth to a plot, and created characters
you swear you know better than your own mother, there is no escape.
You’re hooked.
The
pitfalls, however, are many. Starting with your first novel, avoid the
dangers of being what many refer to as ‘just another indie author.’
Believe me, I’ve fallen into the pits, and will go to any length to
avoid that frightening, dark abyss again.
- Do not employ a friend to be your editor. Let me reiterate: Don’t do it! Save a friend, and avoid the reviews that, even if the book is well edited, might come back to drive a wedge between your friendship. Employ someone who has a proven and successful background in editing in the genre you write. Check their references, and ask them to edit at least one chapter before you start. Even after all this, send that edited chapter to someone else to review before you commit.
- Do not tell another author you will trade reviews; a five-star for a five-star. These are easily spotted, and hold absolutely no merit. In fact, I have heard that an overall four-star review holds more merit as readers will believe the reviews are honest.
- Never respond to a bad review. Hit a pillow repeatedly, throw several glasses across the room, or bite down a bullet as it is what it is; even if it isn’t factual or true. Read it once and never read it again.
- Do not underestimate a “street team.” I started a street team a year ago and they are indeed “the wind beneath my wings.” There are only fourteen of us that make up the Hush team. And it is a hush team. No one shares anything we discuss, and the page is totally private. The purpose for starting the Facebook page was duo fold; they shout out news about my books, or book signings, or interviews, and we share what we wouldn’t share with our regular social network friends. We value friendship before my work. We all know, however, that if someone else shouts out our praises, their words hold more merit.
- Do not tell everyone you have written the next greatest American novel; not even your best friend. Humility carries more clout. You write because that’s what you do. Period. Finish your first novel and make the next one even better putting to use comments from reviewers, authors, friends, and even enemies. Find two or three beta readers willing to read your book and then compare notes. Suck in every piece of advice you hear or read and then apply it.
Publish
your book, sit back, draw in a breath, and say, “I’m a damn good
writer. Even if I’m never well known, and at times people nail me to the
cross with reviews, I am a damn good writer.”
Soon after Ann Ferguson and Ben Grable marry, and Ben unseals his adoption papers, their perfect life together is torn apart, sending the couple to opposite sides of the courtroom.
Representing Ann, lawyer Michael J. McConaughey (Mac) feels this is the case that could have far-reaching, judicial effects -- the one he's been waiting for.
Opposing counsel knows this high profile case happens just once in a lifetime.
And when the silent protest known as HUSH sweeps the nation, making international news, the CEO of one of the top ten pharmaceutical companies in the world plots to derail the trial that could cost his company billions.
Critically acclaimed literary thriller HUSH not only questions one of the most controversial laws that has divided the nation for over four decades, but captures a story of the far-reaching ties of family that surpasses time and distance.
***
Hush does not have political or religious content. The story is built
around the emotions and thoughts of two people who differ in their
beliefs.
EDITORIAL REVIEW: "Suspenseful and well-researched, this action-packed legal thriller will take readers on a journey through the trials and tribulations of one of the most controversial subjects in society today."
Katie French author of "The Breeders," "The Believer's," and "Eyes Ever To The Sky."
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre – Thriller
Rating – PG-13
More details about the author
Website http://www.kimberlyshursen.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment