10 best websites for Indie Authors and Ass-Kicking Word Samurais!
Self-Publishing is dark and mysterious road for indie authors that are just starting out and it can be overwhelming without a little guidance. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing websites out there that can help shine a light on the entire business of publishing.
When I was looking into publishing my book Shadow of Wrath I was stepping into a foreign world and knew I needed some type of roadmap or compass.
For all you fellow Word Samurais out there, I have compiled a list of the ten best websites (in my opinion and in no particular order) that are filled with amazing info to help you during this crazy journey.
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J.A. Konrath
You figure that a guy who has sold over a million books must be doing something right. His greatest advice to indie authors is to keep on writing and put out more books!
Lindsay Buroker
Lindsay’s a mastermind at self-publishing, sharing all the ideas that work and don’t work. Always love reading her blog and learning something new.
Write2Publish
The website of Robin Sullivan, wife of Michael J. Sullivan. The blog seems to have ended in February 2012, but it’s still a goldmine of useful info.
Edward W. Robertson
The mad scientist of self-publishing, this guy knows how to crunch his numbers as well as keep a pulse on the latest market trends and changes to Amazon algorithms. Genius!
The Book Designer
I highly recommend signing up to receive the free book “10 Things You Need to Know About Self Publishing.” It’s fantastic and free!
The Creative Penn
Author Joanna Penn’s blog that’s full of helpful hints on book marketing as well as book publishing. She also does some pretty great videocasts that can be found on youtube too!
Mark Coker
The founder of Smashwords and advocate for book distribution to as many channels as possible. I highly recommend downloading his free book “Smashwords Book Marketing Guide.”
Jane Friedman
A great blog on writing and marketing in general. The former publisher of Writer’s Digest, she’s a gift for all us indie authors.
Robert Bidinotto
One of my early inspirations to take the leap into self-publishing, Robert is a wonderful success story. Email him and he’ll give you a free book on his tips of self-publishing!
The Passive Voice
Great for reading about the business side of things from the publishing world as well. Just read an interesting article on Createspace and sales reporting …
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Well there you have it, 10 great websites to get all you indie authors started!
Are there any other websites that I’m missing? Let me know! In the meantime keep on writing and sharing folks!
L.W.
Many thanks for the kind words, Mr. Patricks. I’m glad you’ve found my tips and blog (www.bidinotto.com) helpful.
Before I launched my debut thriller, HUNTER, I was helped hugely and personally by advice from Robin and Michael J. Sullivan, whom you’ve linked to above, and also by what I learned on Joe Konrath’s feisty blog. So, you could just say I’m “paying it forward” to other writers who are struggling in this new, unfamiliar publishing landscape.
Congratulations on your own writing and publishing success, and I wish you and your readers many years of continued fulfillment. Is this a great profession, or what?
Thanks for the kind words Robert! Your experience and success is very inspirational for us rookies starting out. Cheers to a great profession that’s full of thrills, emotions, and rewards!
Appreciate the mention—I’m in pretty fabulous company. Thank you!
Thank you for all the amazing advice!
A great list, most of which I was already familiar with, and a few that I’m excited to checkout. My wife has had some “real life” issues that have gotten in the way of many things…and she would really like to resurrect the blog – she’s hoping to be “back” into it by mid-year…but yes, until then there is a lot of great stuff there now.
Best wishes to both you and your wife. Robin’s blog was amazing and I’m looking forward to seeing it again! I was dying to know her thoughts on Kindle Select (which I believe was her next post). Your a pioneer in self publishing Michael, thanks for paving the way for the rest of us!
Thanks for a great list! I already knew about a few of these, but most are new to me. I really appreciate you sharing this info, and thanks for all you do for indies!
You’re very welcome! I always believe that writing is a community and helping each other out is the only way to succeed in this crazy business! Feel free to contact me any time and I’ll always do my best to answer any questions (though I’m sure the names listed in the list above know way more than I do).
Cool list, I’ll definitely have to check out your suggested links. I just published my first novel about a month ago and I have definitely been overwhelmed with all the marketing I need to do. FYI, as a lover of graphic design I love your book cover for Shadow of Wrath!
Thanks! I’m quite fond of the cover myself =) . I found that writing was the easy part, marketing is a whole different breed of animal altogether. Hopefully the links I have can give you some hints. As well feel free to email me anytime if you ever have any questions or just want some help promoting your book =)
Reblogged this on Time to Write and commented:
Great list of sites offering info about self publishing
Thanks so much for the info, I’m glad to know I’m on the “write” path as I love Jane Friedman, the Book Designer and Joanna Penn. You may want to check out Brooke Warner as well.
I’ll definitely swing by Brooke Warner’s site! Self publishing is pretty tough without some advice, and I found that everyone in the industry is willing to help out in any ways they can. It’s great! =)
Love to share! It seems your already on the right path! 🙂
Thanks man. Esteemed company indeed.
Well deserved Ed!