With its production technology, B&N Press has equipped authors with tools that didn’t exist a couple of decades ago. Readers benefit from a broad diversity of fresh, new stories.
As an independent author/publisher producing my eBooks, print books, and audiobooks, I am on a journey of continual change doing what I love. The Barnes & Noble Press team asked me to share my self-publishing lessons and insight in this rapidly changing field. So here it goes…
My story began in traditional publishing. Although I appreciated the experience and editorial education, I opted for a primarily independent publishing path while still selling limited rights to select foreign publishers. As a creator-business owner, I produce consistent quality and look for the best distribution vehicle for my creative work at a given time.
Given my curiosity and work ethic, this choice gave me the freedom to assemble a freelance team of talented professionals to publish more frequently for my growing reader base. Plus, I can push writing boundaries without asking for permission.
While this multifaceted approach might not appeal to every writer, it maximizes my skillset. (Know thyself!)
Here are five main points I’ve learned:
Embrace a Dual Role: Author and Entrepreneur
The first self-publishing lesson I learned is that we must wear several hats, such as creative writer, business owner, and marketing professional. With my business background, I enjoy the variety. But it’s essential to recognize your limitations. Building your freelance or in-house team is crucial as you grow to avoid burnout and keep your creativity flowing. Learn to delegate tasks that infringe on your writing time or that others can perform better.
A successful business produces first-class products and invests in improvements. Books are no different. As a new writer on a tight budget, I often traded services to contain costs. For example, one of my early writer friends was a copy editor at a major newspaper who needed story feedback. Another was an accomplished graphics designer. Find your tribe of fellow writers by joining online author groups or attending conferences.
Balancing Act: Writing and Business
When I began writing for St. Martin’s Press in New York, I realized that writing the book was just the beginning. Ensuring the book gained enough attention to generate sales via social media, in-person events, and online media tours often consumed my time.
So, my second self-publishing lesson is that independent authors must learn to segment and schedule their time. For example, track your words and writing sessions to discover when your creativity is at its highest. Then, schedule your writing time first and guard it.
Staying True to You: Creative Control
As an independent author, you retain rights to your work. You decide what to write and when to publish. (Think Taylor Swift and her re-recordings.) Be fearless, be responsive. Another lesson I learned is control your marketing and expand beyond books if you want.
For instance, my Summer Beach series, beginning with “Seabreeze Inn,” was planned as a trilogy. When readers asked for another in the series, I wrote it. When they asked for audiobooks, I produced them. Now at ten books, this collection was recently optioned for a television series by a top production company! Had I not had the opportunity to respond rapidly to readers, this would have been far less likely.
This series also spun off two others, Coral Cottage and Crown Island. Most of the books in these series earned full-price debut spots on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists because I controlled the marketing and advertising. (Note: Currently, most of the top bestseller lists usually exclude independently published books.)
Curiosity is Key: Always be Learning
If there’s one constant in most business, it’s change. Education is a must for any writer. Embracing new software and equipment to increase efficiency might maximize your writing time. Enhancing marketing and advertising effectiveness should enable you to reach new readers.
As an indie author, you’re also a publisher with a budget. Become fluent in the languages of finance and marketing. Understanding royalties, managing advertising budgets, and crafting marketing strategies is a part of every author’s business, whether indie or traditionally published.
Expand your knowledge within and beyond the writing community. You’ll find plenty of podcasts, books, online groups, and conferences.
With Friends Like These: Embrace Community
One of the most delightful aspects of self-publishing is the broad sense of community it has brought into my life. Speaking at libraries, connecting with in-person and virtual book clubs, embracing social media, and building a mailing list brings writers closer to readers.
Step out of your comfort zone to forge friendships with fellow authors and industry professionals like those at Barnes & Noble! These connections support my career, allow me to share my knowledge, and enrich my life.
If you can’t find a writers group to join, be bold and start your own. Invite other writers in a similar genre and stage to explore and learn together.
My love for storytelling has taken me on incredible adventures on the page and in real life. I’ve traveled to gain on-the-ground insights for my books, challenged myself to grow as a businessperson, and had the joy of seeing my stories reach readers around the world.
To me, writing is more than just a career—it’s a way to explore ideas, connect with people, and leave a mark on the hearts of readers.
Everyone has a story; write yours. Here’s to stories yet to be told and adventures yet to be lived.
About Jan Moran
Jan Moran is a multiple USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary feel-good beach fiction and historical family sagas. Her work has been translated into numerous languages and optioned for television and film. With an MBA and a deep love for storytelling, she brings a unique perspective to her novels and career. Visit her at www.JanMoran.com.
Connect with Jan Moran
Website: www.JanMoran.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janmoranbooks/
Instagram: @janmoranbooks
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/9056.Jan_Moran
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janmoranauthor
