I recently started a new job. One which keeps me away from my kitchen table and computer for about eight hours a day, five days a week. I like it, it’s making me very happy. I feel like I have a path and a purpose instead of my typical running around chasing my tail.
In the past week, since I’ve started my job, I’ve had some thoughts about the whole Indie Publishing thing. Because I’ve separated myself from it, I have been able to look at it more objectively instead of obsessively.
I’m done.
Not done writing. No. That would be like cutting off my nose or something. I still plan on writing. But, when I feel like it. And if I finish a book, I’ll still publish it. But, I’m not going to worry about the sales anymore. Because all that did was distract me from writing. And what’s the point of being an Indie Author if you are too distracted by worrying about sales to even write?
I think I only checked my Amazon sales once this past week. Yeah, I only sold one book but whatever. I’m making money doing my job, which is social media…another little thing I love to do. So, the one book I sold…it’s a little piece of icing on a large cake.
It doesn’t matter anymore. The sales, I mean. Because I’ve placed my eggs in other baskets. I’m happier this way.
If you’re reading this thinking I sound bitter, I can assure you I’m not.
I was frustrated but I’m not anymore. I’ve redirected myself and I have a more realistic view on self-publishing. Trust me, it’s not for the weak of heart. When people say that writing is the easy part, they aren’t kidding. The self marketing is a full-time job which doesn’t leave much left for writing.
I just don’t feel like worrying about it anymore. I’ve forgiven myself and allowed myself to step back. Whatever happens will happen.
I hate the constant pimping of my book. It makes me feel like a beggar. I’m not, it’s just that I’m doing what I thought was supposed to be done. Not doing it anymore. I feel like that kid on the playground, pleading with people to let me play with them.
I’ll just play on the swings, all by my little lonesome. Less drama, too.
Why am I writing about this here?
Well, I’m sort of venting a bit. I started out writing a post about this on Facebook but it got so wordy that I figured I may as well just throw it up on my blog. After all, this place was feeling a little neglected. Poor little Rock and Drool.
I love writing. It’s something I’m very passionate about. I don’t plan on ever not writing. But I just want to sort of ‘set it and forget it’. I think it’ll make my Indie Author life a lot simpler. And these days, based on the fact that I’m now a working girl, I’m all about simplicity.
The simpler the better. And because there is really nothing all that simple about marketing as an Indie Author, I’m just not gonna do it anymore.
To my friends on Facebook…you’re welcome! (They were probably getting sick of me begging for book sales)
Congrats on the new job!! It’s wonderful that you have a job that you love… Not many of us can say that.
As a FB friend of yours I was never bothered by your posts about your book. It was a reminder to go buy one!
I have news for you, PH: indie author OR traditionally published author, the biggest part of the work is selling the book. The publishing industry has completely changed (and blown wide open) with the Internet and it’s harder than ever to sell books because there are so many gosh darned books out there. Unfortunately only a fraction of a percent of authors are a big enough deal that they might get marketing support from a publisher, so in general the ROI of authoring books is sort of slim.
That said, your follow through on these last couple of book projects has been amazing and I’m so proud of you and your focus! You should be proud, too. I’m sorry you’re frustrated, but I like your new strategy, to set it and forget it so you can write more and worry less.
Congrats on the new job, too!
Oh, and I’m zipping into your town for a sponsored event next month; I’ll let you know when I figure out if I’ll have a chance to meet up with my fave PH! xo
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I have to say that I felt the same way after publishing my first book. I know people don’t like being bothered by ads, most don’t at least, and I often felt like I was begging. I stopped putting as much stock in selling books as I once did. I’m not bothered by the fact that I don’t sell many, my books are part of a hard-to-market niche. Worrying less about my sales really took the stress off and allowed me to concentrate on having fun with my writing.
I think it’s a good thing, what you’ve done. đŸ™‚
You’re a good writer and I know we’ll see more from you in the future and when it comes it will come. Congrats on your new job!!!