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This entry today has nothing to do with books or writing or words of advice to Indie authors. It’s Mother’s Day and I am feeling mushy.
One of my babies is a state away, one is half an hour away, and one is on the other side of the world in Denmark. My gifts were jewelry, a card, flowers, and a dinner made just for me (later today). Yesterday, my husband and I spent the entire day with our two-year-old granddaughter. She spent the night. As I write this, I hear her gentle breathing in the baby monitor positioned atop the table close to where I sit.
To say that my children, and now my granddaughter, have filled my life with love and joy is an understatement. As children, they expanded my heart in ways I could never have imagined. For the first time in my life, I not only understood, but received unconditional love. As adults, they are three people that I know I can always count on. They will always be there for me. Just as I will always be there for them.
There used to be a tv show called Fantasy Island. People visited the island and lived out their fantasies – no matter how wild. Not too long ago, my husband and I had a discussion about that old tv show and asked each other – What would your fantasy be? Mine was easy. If I could spend any day in any way that I wanted, I would relive one day with my children. My son would be 10, which would make my daughters 4 and 2. We would spend the day doing whatever they wanted. Going to the park, going to the movies, playing games, baking cookies, or just sitting on the floor playing with Legos or Barbies. I would hug them a lot. And kiss the tops of their heads. And take tons of pictures.
I would watch my son show his younger sisters how to do things, like he always did in his older brother sort of way. I would watch my 2 year-old daughter follow her older sister 4 year-old sister around the room, shadowing her every move. Just as she did, even through college. I would watch the older sister taking care of her younger sister, as if she were her baby. Which is what she called her when she was born – my baby.
I would tuck them in that night, fresh from baths and smelling of shampoo. The girls smelling like baby lotion. My son would hug me goodnight with his long skinny arms and tell me he loves me. And I would feel the truth in that. I would tuck in my girls and tell them it is time to go to sleep. I would take extra care in covering the older girl’s feet, because she always kicked her blankets off during the night. I would kiss the baby and hold her a little longer, because I would know that, as I type this she is in Denmark which makes visiting tough.
And, as I walk down the hall and turn out the lights, I would call out to all of them, as I always did… “Goodnight. Love you. Sweet Dreams. See you in the morning.”
And that would be my fantasy day.
If you have children at home, cherish those simple every-day moments with them. They really will be gone in the blink of an eye – sooner than you can possibly imagine. Get off of your computer. Now. Go sit on the floor and play a game. Pop some popcorn, put on one of their favorite movies, and cuddle up on the couch. Live that “fantasy” right now. You will never be able to recapture these moments again. Enjoy them now. There is no greater gift than the love of your children. Spend your day letting it pour over you. And pour your love right back over them.
And now I hear my granddaughter waking up. I am shutting my computer off now. Her Daddy will be here soon to make me my Mother’s Day Dinner. Right now, I am going to go upstairs and scoop her up from her crib. She will probably wrap her little arms around my neck and ask, “Play blocks, Bomb Bomb?”
And we will play blocks.
Happy Mothers Day!
Read MoreYesterday afternoon, I turned on my computer to check sales for my novel, [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream[/easyazon_link]. The novel was published a little over three months ago, and I am thrilled to write that I have been averaging between 20 and 30 sales per day for this month. So, I was expecting to see about 12 or so sales for the day since it was early in the afternoon. Instead, the numbers indicated that I had already sold 73 copies for that day. My ranking was at 590 for the Kindle Store (all sales out of a million titles on Kindle) and 40 in Kindle Literary Fiction.
I would like to tell you that I pumped my arm into the air and yelled, “Right on!” or “Woo Hoo!” or some other celebratory exclamation. But, honestly, my first thought was – This must be a mistake! I called to my husband (we both work from home) and he ran into the room. We sat together, watching the sales number increase and my ranking drop. Before the day was over, I had sold 152 copies (in a single day!). The next morning I woke up to find my novel listed as #3 on Amazon’s Movers and Shakers list. [easyazon_link asin=”0316133787″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]20 Years Younger: Look Younger, Feel Younger, Be Younger![/easyazon_link], which had just been featured on Oprah, was at #1. And there I was at #3. Actually, I almost expected all of those sales to disappear overnight. Some sort of crazy Amazon accounting error. But, no, there they were. And even more sales happened while I slept!
How do you deal with that? Well, I took screenshots of the Movers and Shakers page and of my rankings (#262 in Kindle Store and #19 in Kindle Literary Fiction) and sent them to my kids and some of my friends. I went to my writer’s group on Facebook (Indie Writers Unite) and shared the news with them. And that just might have been the very best part – all of those writers giving me a virtual slap on the back and sharing the kind of joy that only another writer can understand.
I wish I could tell you exactly what happened to make the sales go crazy, but I just don’t know. I did a guest post the day before on Mark Edward’s site IndieIQ. Mark is the author of [easyazon_link asin=”B005IH01ZE” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Killing Cupid[/easyazon_link] and has a really nice site, but that cannot explain all of these sales. Many of my writer friends are saying the book has just “hit its stride” and maybe that is true. Or maybe God is giving me a little wink. I don’t know.
All I know is that I am grateful. Grateful to all of those readers willing to take a chance on an unknown author. Grateful to my family and friends for putting up with the silly emails and text messages with updates on my rankings. Grateful to Amazon for giving so many new authors a platform to publish on Kindle. Thank you.
Quick update. This blog and website is receiving so much international traffic that we realized we should add Google Translator for our international readers. It is now on the sidebar (to the right) of every page.
Thank you to our readers in United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, France, Germany, Brazil, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, India, South Africa, Bermuda, China, Taiwan, Belgium, Ireland, Romania, Philippines, Belarus, and United Arab Emirates.
Read MoreOne of my primary reasons for starting this blog was to share my journey as an Indie writer with you. If you are an Indie writer, I hope you will find this information to be useful. Today marks my three month anniversary – three months ago today my novel, [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream[/easyazon_link], was first published as an eBook on Kindle. Since then, it has been released as an eBook for Nook and as a paperback available through Amazon. I also just relased my second novel, [easyazon_link asin=”B004V9FPB0″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link]. It has been a wild ride and here is what I have learned so far:
10. Kindleboards is a great source of information and support. If you are an Indie writer and you have not discovered Kindleboards yet, quit reading this article and Google it immediately. It is a free forum where writers (and readers) can discuss books, Kindles, etc. The “Writer’s Café” is a spot within the forum for writers to post questions, encourage each other, and rant about the writing life. I have found it to be an absolutely wonderful source of information and encouragement. Initially, I joined the forum just to promote my book. I figured if readers were there, then I wanted to be there too. But as time went on, I found the camaraderie in the Writer’s Café to be so addictive that I seldom venture outside of that venue to the reader’s boards. When Life is But a Dream broke the 10,000 ranking for books sold in the Kindle store, I went to the boards and announced it. Not long afterward, when it was in the top 2000 of all books sold in the Kindle store, I went to Kindleboards again. There is always someone there ready to give you a “Woo Hoo!” or a virtual pat on the back. And the best part is they are fellow writers (many in the top 100!) who understand the struggles and joy of writing. They instruct, inspire, and encourage me.
9. Indie Writers Unite is a great place to hang out with other writers. Okay, I have to admit it. I am not a big Facebook fan. I use it. I understand the importance of it. And I love looking at all of the photos my kids post on it. But I have never been a big fan. That is, until writer Cheryl Bradshaw started a Facebook group called Indie Writers Unite. Imagine a coffeehouse full of writers talking about writing and how to promote our latest novel or advice on a cover. Imagine a virtual group hug every time you walk in the door. I love this group and find that I now stop in daily for a quick cup of coffee.
8. Formatting is not fun. I publish my books as eBooks on Kindle and Amazon, and I also publish my books as paperbacks through CreateSpace. Which means every time I am ready to publish, I need to convert my word document into three different formats, and all of them have their own quirks. The first time I submitted a novel to Kindle, it had additional indent spaces at the beginning of every paragraph. It was easy enough to fix – after a few hours of research. Formatting for three different venues is not fun.
7. Multiple people need to proofread your work. I am convinced that if you write a book you are also the person least likely to catch typos in that same book. I have edited and rewritten books and articles for other people, but when it comes to my own work, it is impossible for me to catch all of the typos. For you see, I already know what it is supposed to say, so I sometimes see that – even when it isn’t there. Ask a few of your friends to read your manuscript before you begin uploading it for publication. It will save you some headaches.
6. Create great covers. As a writer, I think I often overlook the importance of visual appeal to readers. After all, the words are the most important thing, right? Right! But if the cover of your book is not appealing, you will never get anyone to see the words contained within. If you are not good at graphic design, find someone who is and hire them. Once you have a cover, go to Kindleboards and post it in the Writer’s Café and ask for feedback. The writers there are also readers and often have wonderful suggestions. Although I really like the cover of my first novel, Life is But a Dream, I LOVE the cover of my second novel, Broken Resolutions. I believe that is because I spent more time thinking about what kind of cover would best represent that novel.
5. Create great descriptions. You have just written an entire novel. You would think it would be easy to come up with a simple description for that novel, right? Wrong. As a novelist, I like using lots of words – just the opposite of a good description. While I didn’t realize it at the time, my first description for [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream[/easyazon_link] was about four times the ideal length. I cut it in half. And, eventually, cut it in half again until I had a description that was compelling. For [easyazon_link asin=”B004V9FPB0″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], I created a short description right out of the gate. Live and learn. Look at other descriptions, and think of your description as a mini-ad for your book – not your chance to tell the reader what your book is about.
4. Promoting is necessary. I guess all writers are different, but this writer cringed at the idea of my own website, blog, and using social media to promote my books. There is just something so…uncomfortable about all of that shameless promotion. But as I began to get emails from “fans” (okay – still not used to that!) and other writers, I realized that promotion is necessary, but it is up to me to decide what to promote. I have decided to use those outlets to not only promote my work, but more importantly (for me), to encourage other writers. I never anticipated this, but from the first email I received from another writer, I realized this is even more important to me than selling the books. Of course, it would be great if the books continue to sell, but it is much more exciting for me to hear from someone who tells me that I have inspired them to write. So, that is what I choose to promote – encouragement to other writers.
3. Be Nice. We Indie Authors are all in the same boat. It takes so little to encourage one another. We really are not in competition with one another. There are enough readers for everyone. We might not have the huge budgets of traditional publishers, but we have one resource they do not – each other. Why not use that to our advantage and encourage and instruct one another? If one Indie writer succeeds, we all do. And vice versus.
2. We are in the middle of a revolution. The world of publishing will never be the same. In the history of the written word, there is absolutely no better time to be a writer. Do a quick Google search on Independent Authors or Indie Writers or eBooks or anything to do with the phenomenon known as Independent Publishing and you will be amazed at the results. The combination of the proliferation of eBooks and writers who are willing to take their fate into their own hands is similar to the Gold Rush of the 1800s. Only now we don’t have to pack up and move. And instead of a pick axe, all you need is a computer. (Note – see my article for Independent Publisher Magazine – Independent Publishing: The Wild Wild West!)
1. I really am a writer. For years I dreamed of being a writer. Even though I had written numerous articles and had even ghost written two non-fiction books, I still didn’t really feel like a writer. And I knew that I never would until one of my books was in the hands of a reader. Well, now my books are not only in reader’s hands, they are also on their Kindles and Nooks. I am a writer. I make my living writing words. I wish I could explain how that feels. If you are a writer (especially one who has struggled to be published), maybe you know exactly how I feel. If you are not a writer, I will pull out my weapons – the writer’s vocabulary – and try to explain it to you. It is…way cool.
Read MoreThis is going to be a short entry. For, you see, it is very difficult to write (or even see) when you are alternately crying and laughing. For today, at this very moment, my first novel, [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream[/easyazon_link] is at an overall ranking (of ALL Kindle sales) of 1956. Wow! That means I am in the top 2000 of everything being sold on Kindle right now. Amazing!
And the book has been out for less than three months !!!
But here is the source of all of the laughter and tears – I am in the TOP 100 OF LITERARY FICTION! I am at #99 – right behind my favorite book of all time #98 East of Eden. Come on! Really!?! I am imagining God giving me a little nudge and a wink. “Hey kid. I’m not only going to let you be in the top 100, I’m going to put you right next to John – just as a gift.”
Of course, my ranking may have fallen out of the top 100 in the length of time that it takes me to write this.
But right now….it’s just me and John. 🙂
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
Read MoreI remember when I was a relatively new mother. People often asked me if I planned on having another child. At the time, I was uncertain. I loved my newborn son so much that I was actually afraid that I would never be able to love another child as deeply. I imagined the second child always feeling as if they were unloved. And when I decided to have that second child, many years later, it was still a concern. How could I possibly love another baby as much as my adorable first-born baby boy?
Those of you who are mothers already know how this story ends. My second child was born (a darling little girl) and, of course, I loved her just as much. Apparently the human heart has an endless supply of love.
[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B004V9FPB0″ cloaking=”default” height=”160″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51%2BNxWTtMfL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ width=”101″]My second novel, Broken Resolutions was just released yesterday. It is available through [easyazon_link asin=”B004V9FPB0″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Kindle[/easyazon_link], Nook, and soon to be released in paperback through Amazon. In book terms, this is my second “baby.” [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream[/easyazon_link]
will always hold a special place in my heart, because it was my first. But now Broken Resolutions comes along and it has a gorgeous cover that I am in love with. If books could be identified as having a gender, this one would definitely be a girl. Imagine a little girl spinning in a hot pink dress. That is my new novel.
The second time around was a little easier. I knew what to expect. I knew what to do. I was less nervous. But every bit as excited. I should have the paperback version in my hands within a week – a new little bundle of joy to marvel over. A new piece of myself to kiss goodbye and then release into the world. Ah. They grow up so fast….
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
Read MoreA couple of weeks ago I came across this site called Free Book Friday.
Every Friday they give away autographed copies of books – straight from the author. All the reader has to do is fill out a form and give them your name and email address. No strings attached. No purchases required and they don’t give away your email address to anyone. It is truly legit.
The website was started a few years ago by an author. A truly brilliant move on her part and a great way to call attention to herself and other writers. These are really nice books from “New York Times Bestselling author…” and up until recently included the genres of Fiction, Romance, and Teen. Now here is the REALLY COOL part – they have recently included the category of Indie. So, now Independent Authors have a page too!
And guess who is featured this month? Little ol me! I am sooo happy about this. They are featuring my novel, Life is But a Dream for over a week. They are devoting the Indie page to it and have included an Author Interview with me. How cool is that?
S0 – if you are a reader who loves books (and what’s NOT to love about free!), go check out the website. You will probably want to add it to your “favorites” because there are new books and new authors featured every month.
Love this idea!
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
Read MoreOne of the results of being published is that other women writers and would-be writers are now reaching out to me to tell me their story. Dreams of always wanting to be a writer. Stories of manuscripts hidden away in the bottom desk drawer or under the bed. It is as if seeing my dream come true has given them to voice to express their own. Perhaps to even, finally, take that dream into their own hands and make it come true.
Now, I can appreciate this dream in a way that I never would have in my twenties or thirties. Maybe even my forties. English novelist George Eliot wrote, “It’s never too late to be who you might have been.” My babies are raised, I have succeeded at a variety of careers, and it is now time to reach beyond a career and succeed at a dream.
How about you? Have you got the Great American Novel stored on your hard drive (or under your bed in a box!)? Do you have a great collection of recipes that would make a wonderful recipe book? Have you led a fascinating life that would make a great memoir? Do you have a beautiful collection of short stories or poems? I ask you, from the bottom of my heart, what are you waiting for?
We always hear about how we might reinvent our life, particularly as we age and realize the life we are living isn’t quite the life we had always imagined. For the writer or the poet who is published relatively late in life, it is more of a matter of awakening. A matter of stepping out of the dark cloak of obscurity and boldly stepping into the light of the world to claim your birthright as a weaver of words. Shed that cloak. It is time to shine.
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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Independent authors are the new pioneers. Go West Young Man became the mantra for the Nineteenth Century migration. Adventurous and bold men and women packed all of their belongings into a wagon and headed west with dreams of a better life. The mantra for the Twenty-First Century might well be – Go Independent Young Man. Only now that mantra applies to both young and old, both men and women. The world of Independent Publishing is full of pioneers breaking trails and bushwhacking their way through the wilderness of eBooks and eBook promotion.
Amazon is selling more eBooks than traditional books. Amazon, one of the largest retailers of books, reports since mid-year 2010 they have consistently been selling more eBooks than printed books. While industry analysts predicted that Amazon was likely to sell 2 to 3 million Kindle eBook readers in the year 2010, actual numbers are reported to be over 8 million.
Amazon’s list of Kindle bestsellers is full of Independent Authors. Amazon’s “Bestsellers in the Kindle Store” which lists the top 100 titles (and is updated hourly) is full of independent authors. As of this writing, Amanda Hocking, 26-year-old Indie Author (as Independent Authors are often referred to) has a staggering 5 novels in this top 100 list (#37, #44, #57, #58, #60). Right now, one of her novels is higher in ranking than recent offerings from John Grisham and James Patterson. That fact alone is astounding, but the truly amazing part of the story is that Amanda Hocking’s first published novel appeared April 15, of 2010. She currently has 8 full-length novels and one novella available for purchase. Since April, she has sold over 900,000 copies of those 9 books.
And she’s not the only one. Independent Author Nancy C. Johnson’s novel, Her Last Letter, just appeared at #16 in the New York Times Bestseller Combined Print and eBook Fiction list. Independent Author, Karen McQuestion wrote novels for years and despite some initial encouragement and a few close calls, never made it into traditional print. In 2009 she decided to publish one of her novels as Kindle eBook through Amazon. She currently has 6 eBooks available through Amazon and one of her books has been optioned as a film.
Die-hard book lovers are becoming converts. My husband bought me a Kindle for Christmas. I did not want it. In fact, I was angry when I opened the present. Even with Oprah’s very public endorsement, I had held out. I wanted nothing to do with reading a “book” on an electronic device. You see, I love books – the look of them, the smell of fresh ink and leather-bound books, even the way they feel in my hands. I have a room just for books in my house. My own “library” with a leather couch and a fireplace. Just looking at those books on my bookshelf makes me happy. And in my lean years (pre library, leather couch, and fireplace), I bought used books for 25 cents at garage sales and Goodwill stores.
In less than a month I had over 100 books on that unwanted Christmas present. I bought a purse that would hold my Kindle so it can always be with me, and I normally don’t even carry a purse! And this admission pains me a bit…but I have not bought one “traditional” book since Christmas. Not one. I would also be embarrassed to tell you how many books are on my Kindle now. Books published by traditional publishers and Independent Authors. Because now we are no longer living in a world of “or” but “and.” As more and more Independent Authors find their way into those coveted best-selling spots, the world of publishing will continue to morph.
EBook buyers are often voracious readers. With the ease of buying and the possibility of having a huge library that takes up no more space than your eReader, readers are buying more books than ever before. Classics, often in the public domain, can be downloaded for free. Many other eBooks are available for 99 cents. Three of Amanda Hocking’s novels are available at 99 cents, as is her novella, and the remaining five are available for 2.99. Many authors promote their eBooks through promotions where the price of the book is dropped for a limited time. Such a strategy not only finds the writer a greater audience, but is also a great deal for the reader.
Art without edit. Artwork is not edited. No one stood behind Picasso and said, “You need to tighten up your work. Maybe drop an ear or two.” No one told Monet, “The public just isn’t interested in paintings with water lilies. Try something a little more mainstream.” No one suggested to Michelangelo, “If you made David a little more ripped, you might attract more attention.” Artists work without edit. They create a piece of work and it either stands or falls on its own merit. For the first time in modern history, the writer now has the ability to do the same. The writer no longer has to wait outside the gates of publishing, hoping to be let in by the gatekeepers – agents, editors, and publishers. Like the pioneers who moved west, the Independent Author is striking out and following a bold new path into a new frontier.
Some of our greatest books were rejected multiple times before being published. How many other great books never made it into print because their writers were discouraged and gave up after a few rejections? How long will it be before writers go directly into the route of Independent Publishing and sidestep the traditional publishers altogether? Before you tell me that will never happen, let me ask you how many twenty-somethings have a land line in their home? When you ask them if they have a land line, their answer is liable to be, “What for?” This just might be the same question many young writers begin to ask when considering the often discouraging, and always time-consuming route of submitting manuscripts to traditional publishing houses. “What for?”
As for this writer, I am hitching up my wagon and heading west.
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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From the time I began writing in my early teens I have imagined walking into a bookstore and seeing my book on the shelf. In my fantasy, I pull it from the shelf, hold it lovingly in my hands, and read my name on the cover. I had always imagined myself turning to a customer in the bookstore and saying, “I wrote this! Look. Here is my picture on the cover for proof.”
I never got beyond that part of the fantasy. I never imagined what the customer might say, or how I would react, or even gave thought to the possibility that the customer might actually buy the book. My fantasy has always just centered on walking into the bookstore, pulling it off of the shelf, and then showing it to the customer. The customer was always a woman with a kind face. She would be excited for me. Maybe even get tears in her eyes because she was part of making my dream come true.
Now, that fantasy has shifted. The “bookstore” is a page on Amazon. And my novel, [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream[/easyazon_link], is on Amazon! In both a Kindle edition and a paperback! I can’t walk into that bookstore and I will never see that customer with the kind face, but I can see my book in a virtual bookstore and I can receive emails from customers who go to my website and are kind enough to contact me. And, now, I imagine, as they email me such kind words, perhaps they do have tears in their eyes.
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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