Writing, promotion, tips, and opinion. Pour a cuppa your favorite poison and join in.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Writing Tips Week!

This year I entered the world of Indie Authors. It's been a great ride so far, but I've had many conversations the past month that got me thinking.

Why do self-published authors still get a bad rap? 


Let's face it, although there are many out there who work hard and put in the time and effort to make their novels shine, many self-published authors are looking for a "quick fix."

They are too impatient to continue trying the agent or traditional publishing route. Maybe they just haven't learned how to accept constructive criticism to improve their story. Perhaps they don't have the money to hire an editor. Whatever the reason, you can pick up free and cheap books on Amazon all the time that scream SELF PUBLISHED! I've read some wonderful stories and some not so much.

This week we are going to talk about those tell-tail signs and how we can avoid them.

Because you know what?

Being an Indie author is something we should be proud of! It's a lot of work and when done right can produce amazing stories that readers wouldn't get other wise.

Here's what we will cover this week:
  • Bad grammar
  • Typos
  • Plot holes
  • Predictability
  • Author intrusion
  • Poor cover art or interior design
The first 5 are good for every author to work on no matter which publishing route you are working towards. So, come tomorrow ready to jump into a discussion on one of these topics and to share the websites that have helped you in the past. 

7 comments:

Stephen Tremp said...

I've had some offers from smaller publishers but chose to go it alone because in the end I would be doing all the work and promoting and such.

The key to being an Indie writers is hiring a really good editor. Lot's of starving editors to be found at a discounted price these days. An good editor will help avoid these pit falls.

Charity Bradford said...

I completely agree Stephen! After working with a small publisher and now self-publishing, I'm finding my work load in the promotion department to be the same. The only difference was I had to foot the bill for the editor and typesetter. Definitely worth the cost though!

And like you said, there are many great editors out there at affordable costs. If they're worth their salt you end up feeling like you got a deal. I know my editor is worth more than she charges!

Huntress said...

I am ashamed to say cover art turns me away from books faster than anything else. Why ashamed? Because obviously you can't judge a book by its cover. And that makes me feel so shallow.

I've read books with poor grammar or bad formatting, but the storyline kept me turning pages.

One little booger in this conversation is the use of Amazon Unlimited or Prime for readers. I download the free stuff like everyone else. BUT, if the book exceeds my expectations and turns into a fantastic read, I go back and buy the book. Yes, actually put down money for the author to bank. It keeps them writing and providing me with good stuff to read.

Chrys Fey said...

I’m published with a small press and can agree with you and Stephen about promoting. I do all of the work, but I still love my small press. All of the topics you'll be discussing this week are right on point, because those are the things that sometimes go wrong with self-published books, especially the first two.

Liz A. said...

Another author I follow has just started a series on things she looks for when she starts her self-edit. She's independent, and her books are well-done, so lots of good info out there.

Charity Bradford said...

@Huntress we really do make our first impressions from the cover. It determines if I flip it to read the back. ;) And I think you're awesome for going back to buy the book if you liked it!

@Chrys I'm looking forward to hearing your input this week!

@Liz, please share the link to this author!

Charity Bradford said...

Liz shared the links with me along with a disclaimer:

"Ah, a bit of a disclaimer. She writes erotica. I know that might be a turn off for you. She just started this series, and they have some really good tips. Here are the first three (this first one was just posted today):

http://megsilver.com/2015/02/bigger-looks/

http://megsilver.com/2015/02/self-editing-attitude-checklist/

http://megsilver.com/2015/02/lore/


I checked out the links and at a quick scan they are full of great tips for writing any genre. And the tips safe for all ages to read. ;)