It occurred to me when I set out on this new branch of my self-publishing adventure that my choice of using the phrase “Indie Author” in the title of my latest book — and an entire self-publishing series — might be a dangerous move. Some authors and writers get REALLY rankled when you attach the term “indie” to what they do.

I’m not sure if it’s having a negative impact on my books sales or overall perception of my work among some readers, but it has got me thinking more about the term “indie” and what it means to me.

A History of Independence

Personally, it’s a term I’ve always embraced, whether I’m creating music, games, or books. The DIY approach has always been a driving force in my own creative world, even at a very young age when I was first photocopying and stapling zines together, recording my own music, and building websites for bands with crass names. As I’ve grown up and becoming increasingly entrepreneurial, my natural evolution into freelance writing and then book writing has remained very much in-line with my independent roots.

I’m not content to simply have others do things for me. I need to learn how to do it, and then do it myself. For me, that’s a big part of the fun of EVERYTHING I do. It also explains why “indie” has been an omnipresent part of my life, a current running through my wild and crazy endeavors.

As a freelancer, I’m a loner. A gun for hire. A Ronin without a master. Given the opportunity to jump ship and join the Borg collective, I’d take a pass. I value my independence. It’s a big part of the reason I’ve been freelancing for so long, and will continue to do so.

As an indie author, I’m plotting my own course, calling my own shots, making my own mistakes, and reaping the benefits of my own hard work. I work hard at what I do, constantly try to improve and expand with every new project, and put pride and passion into every aspect of my book writing world.

Indie is a state of mind. Maybe not everyone’s state of mind. Clearly not everyone’s state of mind, since the word wouldn’t exist without the polar opposite to contrast with. I’m not knocking folks who choose a different path, a different term, a different mindset. But for me, that’s what it means to be indie.

So I pose the question to you: are you an Indie Author?

—-

Check out the latest book in my new self-publishing series! Indie Author Success Strategies: 19 Tips to Boost Your Kindle Book Business

Available Now!
[Kindle Edition Only $0.99 – Launch SALE! ]

Give your Kindle books a MEGA BOOST and self-publish the smart way!

Does it feel like you’re pouring your time, energy, and passion into your books, only to spin your tires with mediocre sales and minimal reader reviews? Don’t give up!

Building on the self-publishing manifesto laid down in Write Short Kindle Books, this second book in the Indie Author Success Series delivers 19 core success strategies (and 70+ action tips) that will help you re-think your approach, write better (and better targeted) books, get more reviews, avoid wasting your time and money, build and expand your platform, and empower you to push upwards to achieve your goals of becoming a bestselling author.

Grab your copy today!