What I Learned When I Became an “Indie Author”

A few friends in my writing community have asked me why I chose to become an “indie author” instead of publishing my first novel Memorial Day with a traditional press. Others have asked me whether it was a hard decision because they knew that I had wanted the validation that comes with having an agent “sell that book.” Actually, it was a pretty simple decision. I had promised myself last year that if I did not “sell that book” by the end of the year, I would become an “indie author” and sell it myself. When the calendar year ended without an agent, my decision was made!

Interestingly enough, the second I made that decision, I recognized what my book was and felt for the first time that I owned it. For a year, I had been trying to sell a book to agents based upon what I thought they might want to represent, and not necessarily the book that I had written. Instead of trying to write 5 query letters every week and endlessly adjusting my synopsis for new book proposals, I closed my eyes tried to come up with the shortest possible summary of my book.

“Love. Misunderstanding. War. Figuring it out for the rest of their lives.”

That was it, the moment that I accepted my novel for what it was. Instantly, I realized that I had to hold myself accountable for learning the things I once hoped other people would do for me. I also learned to be grateful for all of the excellent advice I had gotten, including from agents who liked the book but recommended a rewrite. (TIP: trust yourself, AND listen to good advice when you get it.) Finally, I learned that we “indie authors” have a responsibility to support and listen to each other, especially to those who are just starting their “indie author” journey.

I would love to hear about your experience starting your “indie author” journey. Re-post or re-share this blog entry, and hit subscribe at the bottom of the page on brendanwalshbooks.com.