Starting Out Indie Q&A (Part 1)

Oct 6

Oct 6 Starting Out Indie Q&A (Part 1)

Has CoronApocalypse allowed you the boredom to finally finish that manuscript that’s been banging away in your head for the last decade? Thinking about self-publishing? Don’t know where to start? How about I help and answer a few beginner questions. I go into more depth on my IGTV video here.

Sometimes, I forget that I’ve been an indie-published author for quite some time now. By no means do I feel like an expert. I compare myself to indie authors that are slaying it out there all the time, but while I am busy comparing I am also busy learning. I’ve learned a lot in my 6 years of being in this industry and I’d like to start this series and answer some questions that might put someone starting out on the right path.

Question - “I have 120 pages in 12 point font, is my book long enough?”

Answer - That doesn’t matter.

What is your word count? Find your word count and read this article that breaks down what industry standards are for your genre.

Question - What is my book’s genre?

Answer - Taken from Standoutbooks. (Doesn’t include non-fiction.)

Book genres change with the times, and opinions differ on what’s a major genre, but it’s likely a novel is one of the following types of fiction:

Thriller – Fiction built around the fast-paced pursuit of a commonly life-or-death goal.

Fantasy – Fiction typified by fantastic aspects, such as magic.

Sci-fi – Sometimes called ‘speculative’ fiction. Fiction typified by scientific aspects, such as nonexistent technology.

Horror – Fiction built around instilling dread or fear in the reader. Sometimes but not always featuring supernatural aspects.

Mystery – Fiction built around the solving of a mysterious set of circumstances.

Crime – Fiction typified by a focus on criminal activities.

Historical – Fiction typified not just by being set within a defined time period, but drawing context from the cultural understanding of that time.

Western – Fiction typified by aspects of the American frontier.

Romance – Fiction that focuses on a romantic relationship as the source of its drama.

Erotica – Fiction primarily intended to instill arousal in the reader.

Literary – Fiction that focuses on realistic, weighty issues, typified by character-focused writing and a lack of other genre features.

Question: “My best friend said she loved it. I think I am ready for publishing, right?”

Answer: No. Absolutely not. It’s best to get a group of beta readers or people that don’t know you that well to read through your book and give their honest opinion. Your friend, Mama or Auntie is going to say the nicest things to you but you want someone with a more critical eye to test how your book will do in the worldwide industry. I always want to publish a book “expecting the unexpected.” Curious about the right questions to ask when you do get a beta-reader? Read this post.

Question: Where do I find beta-readers? People say they are too busy or I’m to shy to ask.

Answer: First people are nosy. If they hear you are writing a book they will probably think they are in it somewhere. Therefore if you put a quick post on Facebook asking if a few people have time to read through your unedited manuscript you might get one, or two takers. If that doesn’t work, or if that makes you break out into hives, I would suggest hitting up a beta-reading group or other author’s groups in your area or online.

One of my best pieces of advice for a budding author looking for help is to offer to trade and beta-read with another author (in your genre would be best). Not only will you learn a lot by trying to help another author with their manuscript, but you will also gain a writer friend with whom you can confide in on the hardships of the industry.

Question: Where do I find someone to edit my book?

Answer: Google. If you're on a budget contact a local university and ask for a student who might only take $100 to read through and do light edits on your piece. But always run your piece through Grammarly before letting anyone read it. Grammarly is A-MAZ-ING for catching words you never thought you’d miss.

Can I talk to you about my book?

Answer: Of course! I love to talk to authors about their work. I am great a giving advice or helping point your story or plot in the right direction. However, I have three children, books to write and my own business to run. I’m a busy lady but I’d still love to talk shop with you for a small fee. After all, I wouldn’t ask an accountant to do my taxes for free! (Except for mine because I’m sleeping with him) Contact me here and we can set up a time!