What motivated you to become an indie author?
I didn't want to publish. I wanted to 'BE PUBLISHED'.
And then I was.
A lot.
I've ghostwritten many stories, novellas and novel length fiction, all of which have seen the light of day. Having been published in this manner, and paid for it, the 'how' of being published became less urgent. The question that took its place was 'when'.
I've always been a writer who wants to write, rather than a writer who wants to 'be a writer'. I think that somehow 'being a writer' involves drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes and attending celebrity book launches, but you can do all that and not write a word. It doesn't matter how many typewriters you have on your shelf if they're on your shelf. I have two. I know.
I've seen that almost anyone can publish independently, but that it takes skill, determination and dedication to do it well. I'm hoping to reward my readers by producing quality stories in quality books. My marketing, my stories and, most importantly, my readers will determine my level of success. I'm in this for the long haul - always have been - and it's time to start hauling.
I still consider traditional publishing options, but with time at a premium (most writers have others jobs, yes?) and with the tech being so accessible and so much fun, indie publishing is a good option for me, at least in the short to medium term.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Being involved with Smashwords makes me feel very much like part of a community. I care very much about stories, their quality and the reader experience. The comprehensive guides produced by Smashwords were very encouraging in this respect.
Smashwords means indie to me. It empowers authors and readers, taking control and giving us flexibility. All things that I really appreciate.
Publishing my book via Smashwords has meant that it was available in multiple formats in multiple countries within hours and that I can track it's course across the world, book by book by book.
My first novel, The Hollow Places, is all grown up, and I hope that this thing with Smashwords will be a healthy, long-term relationship, but you never know with these kids.
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