Slanted Ink

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 There are so many things to learn when you decide to become

  an indie author: 

• Deciding which platform to use to print your books

• How to use different platforms

• How to make or buy the best cover

• Learning about marketing

• Building an author platform

 

Best Advice from many experts, for traditional as well as independent authors:

1. Read the kinds of books you want to write.

2. Study the bestsellers.

3. Read books on writing, take webinars, listen to podcasts.

4. Get your books edited.

5. Learn how to market. 

6. Read through all the information on the indie platform you choose (Amazon KDP, Ingram, etc.)

7. Find a good critique group. 

8. Practice, practice, practice. 

9. Consider joining ALLi, the Alliance of Independent Authors. 

10. And if you are successful, give back.

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I’ve put together some solid resources that might be helpful for you. Feel free to email me if you know of any I can add to the list. Authors helping and supporting authors. That’s the key. 

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Author Resource List:

 1. The Ultimate List of Self-Publishing resources for Indie Authors:

https://authorbasics.com/self-publishing-resources/

 

2. Writer’s Digest articles and courses: 

https://www.writersdigest.com

 

3. Resources for Indie Authors: 

https://1106design.com/2018/03/10-resources-indie-authors/

 

4. Books and articles by Jane Friedman: 

https://www.janefriedman.com

 

5. Books and articles by Joanna Penn: 

https://www.thecreativepenn.com

 

6. ALLi Self-Publishing Conference: 

http://selfpublishingadviceconference.com/

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7. Career information: The Business Behind Becoming an Author

https://www.zenbusiness.com/info/writing-careers/

(Special thanks to Amelia for suggesting this article) 

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8. Money-saving Guide for Authors and Writers:

https://couponfollow.com/research/money-saving-guide-authors-writers/

 (Special thanks to Hannah for suggesting this article.)

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 Awards for indie authors:

 

1. Top 10 Self-Published Book Awards for Independent Authors:

https://indiereader.com/2018/01/self-published-book-award/

 

2. Spark Award from Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators(SCBWI): 

https://www.scbwi.org/awards/spark-award/

 

3. Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards: 

http://www.writersdigest.com/writers-digest-competitions/self-published-book-awards

 

4. Next Generation Indie Book Awards: 

http://www.indiebookawards.com/