influenced me a lot at Seattle’s ECWC Conference.
Her name is Marie Force and her handout says that she has self-published
18 original novels. A lovely young woman who is tremendously proud of her
success, she seemed happy to pass on as much information as possible. Having
hit the New York Times Best-seller list as an Indie Author, she answered all
the questions the audience pelted her with and she didn’t hesitate to give out
personal information – like the facts about the huge income she now enjoys.
of us in the audience who were willing to listen and learn. As you know, many
authors are stuck in the traditional mindset and that’s just fine. Most likely,
they have grown up with certain rules, are happy in their worlds and cling to
those outdated times. She wasn’t. Marie proved there is a new frontier for her and anyone willing to take chances. And she took that dissatisfaction to the RWA
board and fought against the Rita contest guidelines so that we would be
allowed to enter our Indie work. Thumbs up for her spirit and the courage it
must have taken to face down the wall of disapproval and rejection.
Beside myself, there were others willing to admit that changes have
happened, are stil happening and they wanted to get on board. Being that I am an eager learner, I sucked in everything she advised. Some things I’m on
the fence about but most I agreed with one-hundred percent.
Asked what the best promotion is that an author can do, she
answered unequivocally. It’s your next book and the one after that. She believes
that part of her success is the fact that she writes seven (you heard right) –
seven full-length books a year. Well
honey, that ain’t gonna happen with this author! I guess I can get away with a possible five
or six if I throw a few novellas into the mix but anything more and the psych
ward at the local hospital would have a new patient.
Marie also spoke at length about writing a clean
first draft. Since this is something I feel is important, and as you know, have
expounded upon, it was nice to hear a lucrative writer who has the
same opinion. Of course, in her quick turnover world, Marie doesn’t have time
for rewrites and layering revisions. Funny
thing is – she told the audience the more she’d followed this method the easier it
has become… ahhh…yeah! Train the brain!
The handout she passed around was also invaluable, full
of pertinent information about the steps in publishing a professional looking manuscript.
Steps that include how to format your work properly. I’ve listed her website below and I have no
doubt if you wrote to her, she’d send you a copy also. If you go there make
sure and check the Formatting Fairies page. And if you happen to be looking for services
such as editing, formatting or book covers you might find this is the place for
you.
Another thing I found out through this workshop was
that, unlike months ago, authors can upload direct to Kobo and Apple rather than having to use Smashwords only. **A quick
footnote I must add – to upload to Apple, you do need a Mac computer but then
again, if you don’t know anyone who can help you, Formatting Fairie’s charges
are not that high.
link she passed on for a yahoo group called Self Publishing Info Swap. I’ve
just joined and I have no doubt that a person will pick up loads of great
information there about all matters pertaining to the route many of us are
taking as today’s Indie Authors.
