Something I’ve learned lately is that you can never do too much to help your Indie books. Some people will tell you that all you need to succeed is a cover that blends in, a good grammar check and voila, there it is!

Truth be told is much harder. Not only should you expect to be paying close to 1K of your own money, but you will be pouring your time into promotion. And any time you’re putting more than a minimal effort into something, you should really pray on a few things lol.

First off, how far are you willing to go? I think I’ve mentioned this before, but publishing your own novel is a complicated process. True, you aren’t facing the stinging rejection of publishing houses. But you’re still facing the rejection of readers out there and your writing peers. Just because you publish a book doesn’t mean you are writing a best seller. If anything, you’re choosing the harder route if you’re looking to make some actual money off of your endeavors.

Secondly, if you’re willing to go all the way, go all the way! Here’s how you go about it:

Once you’ve finished your book, and revised it at least once, find a top-notch freelance editor. They don’t charge as much and are usually nice to work with. 🙂

Here’s a couple goodies!

RJ: http://rjlocksley(dot)blogspot(dot)com

Jessica Augustsson: http://www(dot)jessedit(dot)com/sf(dot)html

Now that you’ve got a kicking editor, let them do the work and get back to you lol

Next, you’re going to need a rocking cover. I know, I know, can’t you just mix one up yourself? Maybe, but it won’t look as good. So my advice, go to a professional! Here’s a good place for finding pro’s: http://www.deviantart.com/

And my coverartist: Najla Qamber: http://najlaqmaberdesigns(dot)blogspot(dot)com

Thirdly, don’t be afraid to query book bloggers. Plenty of blogs out there have become “Indie haters” for whatever sad reason. But there are bloggers out there who are willing to help and have the time to do so. Look at what other people who write similar to you are doing.

Fourthly and last, I would encourage you to follow your dreams, no matter what they may be. If you just want to put your name out there for the world, then don’t be afraid to mark your territory. ;p

Hope this has served some purpose for someone out there!

Happy writing,

Jenn