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S.K. Quinn
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Indie Author Survival Guide (Second Edition) Paperback – May 8, 2015

by S.K. Quinn (Author)
**UPDATED SECOND EDITION** (25% more content)
Want to self-publish? This book will show you how to not only get your works out into the world, but publish them well. With inspirational essays and a step-by-step practical approach, the Guide helps you tackle your fears, plan for success, create a beautiful book package, and market without feeling like a slimeball. It's a guide for the heart as much as the head, designed to help you launch into your publishing journey successfully.
 
If you're a first-time-publishing author, this book will help you avoid common mistakes and get the best possible start for a new author in 2016. If you've already published, but want to reboot your existing series or launch a new one, the Guide will help you navigate the self-publishing landscape as it stands today.

The Indie Author Survival Guide is meant to be used in tandem with For Love or Money, the second book in the Crafting a Self-Publishing Career series. Together, these two books will set you on a path of turning your love for storytelling into a career.
 
**JOIN THE FOR LOVE OR MONEY FACEBOOK GROUP** Connect with your fellow self-published authors and share information about writing and publishing. Susan hosts monthly consultation giveaways and shares updates on the constantly evolving publishing landscape.
JOIN HERE: smarturl.it/LoveOrMoneyGroup

**Table of Contents** 1 - How to Not Get Eaten By Sharks 2 - For Heaven's Sake, Get a Map and a Compass Writer's Mission Statement Five Year Plan 3 - Taking the Road Less Traveled Ten Things I Believe Fear and the Creative Worker Fear of the Dark How to Be Brave Owning the Writer Title Four (Nasty) Lies We Tell Ourselves About Writing Emotional Judo: Lack of Support for Your Writing Have Faith In Your Work Taking the Road Less Traveled* The Secret Ingredient: Confidence Making the Leap Seven Questions to Ask Before Self-Publishing 4 - My, That's a Beautiful Backpack How to Market Without Feeling Like a Slimeball Creating Covers That Sell Blurbs That Grab You Selling Your Book: Hook, Line, and Sinker Book Discovery in the Digital Age Stories Don't Expire - Don't Rush To Publish Pricing Your Ebook Kindle Unlimited and the New World Order Free in the Digital Era Reviews and How to Get Them Pre-Orders Using SMARTurls Paid Advertising and Giveaways Get Thee A Mailing List Make a Marketing Plan Launching Hard and Launching Soft 5 - What Did You Forget To Pack? Where to PublishHiring Your Team (Editors, Cover Artists) Formatting: The Easy Way Formatting: The Hard Way Uploading Direct To iTunes How to Make A Book Trailer 6 - Watch Out For Quicksand Social Media Quicksand Yellow-Spotted Sales-Checking Fever Abundance vs. Scarcity Making the Donuts Training Your Intuition Give Yourself A Creative Retreat Four Keys to Finding Time For Your Creative Work 7 - Are We There Yet? Measuring SuccessHierarchy vs. Territory: Mastering Your Writing Domain Why Is My Book Not Selling? Big Levers and Small Levers Four Ways to Think Long Term in Indie Publishing True, Not True: Debunking Some Indie Publishing Myths Exploiting Your Rights Please Say No to Bad Contracts 8 - You Are Free, Act Like It Age of the Empowered Writer Ebooks as Cauldrons of Innovation All About Serials... Author Brand in the Digital Age 9 - What? We're Doing It Again? Debut Author vs. Career Author Appendix A--List of Freelance Service Providers 
If you have purchased the First Edition, get the Second Edition FREE for review! smarturl.it/BuyIASG1GetIASG2Rev NOTE: if you enter your information in the form and do not get your second edition within a day, please check your spam filter! And email me directly (email on form) if you have problems.
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  1. Print length
    374 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
  4. Publication date
    May 8, 2015
  5. Dimensions
    5.24 x 0.77 x 7.99 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1512090042
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1512090048
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Susan Kaye Quinn is a rocket scientist turned speculative fiction author who now uses her PhD to invent cool stuff in books. Her bestselling novels and short stories have been optioned for Virtual Reality, translated into German, and featured in several anthologies. Susan has been indie publishing since 2011, but she's not an indie rockstar or a breakout success--she's one of thousands of solidly midlist indie authors making a living with their works. Her self-publishing books are based on her personal experience in self-publishing genre fiction--she hopes they will help her writer-friends take their own leaps into the wild (and wonderful) world of indie publishing...and not only survive, but thrive. Sue's Indie-Publishing website: authors.susankayequinn.com/

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 8, 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 374 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1512090042
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1512090048
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.11 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.24 x 0.77 x 7.99 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #8,141,469 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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S.K. Quinn

S.K. Quinn

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S.K. Quinn is a veteran indie author who’s published over 30 novels under Susan Kaye Quinn and another penname. She has been making a living with her fiction since 2011, and she wants you to live out your dreams as well. She’s a rocket scientist turned speculative fiction author who now uses her PhD to invent cool stuff in books. Her bestselling novels and short stories have been optioned for Virtual Reality, translated into German and French, and featured in several anthologies.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
100 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find this book to be a helpful guide that provides useful advice and is indispensable for indie authors attempting self-publishing. The writing is clear and entertaining, with one customer noting it covers everything from mental aspects of writing to the nuts and bolts of publishing. Customers appreciate its motivational value, with one review highlighting how it addresses fears and lack of support, while another mentions how it provides new insights into the indie author process.

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Information qualityAuthor resourceReadabilityWriting qualityMotivational valueInsightEntertainment valueClarity
30 customers mention "Information quality"29 positive1 negative

Customers find the guide very helpful, with one customer noting it provides solid advice specifically for first-time indie authors.

"...many other books on this topic seem to ignore, and you also provide great advice...." Read more

"Very helpful, albeit overwhelming! Very thorough and well organized...." Read more

"...No preaching or pie in the sky-- just lots of practical advice." Read more

"...a how-to manual, but it is definitely a comprehensive and informative guide...." Read more

16 customers mention "Author resource"16 positive0 negative

Customers find this book to be an indispensable guide for indie authors, particularly for those attempting self-publishing, with one customer noting it provides step-by-step basics of the process.

"...Overall, I found the book to be full of great info for all writers at any stage of their career, and I encourage everyone to take the time to read..." Read more

"Quinn offers some very useful tips and advice, and helps other indie authors both succeed and avoid some of the pitfalls that often get repeated...." Read more

"...published several books, but Susan gave me some great ideas to help build my publishing business. I recommend this book to Indie authors." Read more

"This was an essential read for me as a budding professional writer, hoping to learn more about independent publication...." Read more

11 customers mention "Readability"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and consider it a must-read for aspiring authors, with one customer describing it as an invaluable handbook.

"Hands down one of the best I've read. No preaching or pie in the sky-- just lots of practical advice." Read more

"...If you answered yes to any of these questions, this book is a great read for you!..." Read more

"...What a great book!" Read more

"A must read for every indie author! It covers everything from the mental aspects of writing your book, to the step by step basics of publishing...." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"10 positive1 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book, noting it serves as an excellent creative outlet and addresses the nuts and bolts of writing. One customer describes it as a lively guide, while another compares it to Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul.

"...The author is intelligent and entertaining while talking about a topic that might otherwise be rather dry...." Read more

"...or established authors who want to learn about book marketing, writing productivity, and finding a balanced (and sane) path to a writing career." Read more

"This book not only addresses the nuts and bolts of writing as far as figuring out why you write, but is very helpful with marketing and staying power..." Read more

"...The book reminds you that while writing is an excellent creative outlet and should be treated as such, it is also a skill that needs to be honed as..." Read more

8 customers mention "Motivational value"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book empowering and motivational, with one customer noting its encouraging and realistic approach, while another mentions how it helps deal with fear and lack of support.

"Hands down one of the best I've read. No preaching or pie in the sky-- just lots of practical advice." Read more

"...which instantly makes the reader feel at home and she is also very inspirational and motivational...." Read more

"...It contains lots of insight and motivation. Whenever I have questions on a particular topic, I whip out this guide and find the answers...." Read more

"...finished the book, I had a clear plan of how to move forward, and I felt empowered...." Read more

7 customers mention "Insight"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's insights, with one mentioning how it covers everything from mental aspects of writing to the full range of possibilities in indie publishing.

"...up in this title by Susan Kaye Quinn, this book has a more personal perspective and what I found to be a very sympathetic tone...." Read more

"This book was recommended in a self-publishing class. It contains lots of insight and motivation...." Read more

"...Not only does the author have a keen grasp of the subject matter, but she also has a very clear, and very fun personality, which kept me entertained..." Read more

"...It puts into perspective the full range of possibilities and problems and brings to the process a level of real world understanding and, at the same..." Read more

5 customers mention "Entertainment value"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining, with one mentioning its new world excitement and another noting its chatty style.

"...but she also has a very clear, and very fun personality, which kept me entertained while I was being educated...." Read more

"...Susan has a chatty, informal tone of writing which instantly makes the reader feel at home and she is also very inspirational and motivational...." Read more

"...The author is intelligent and entertaining while talking about a topic that might otherwise be rather dry...." Read more

"...Quinn gives solid advice for first-time indies, and entertains while she does it...." Read more

4 customers mention "Clarity"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book clear and concise.

"Great information presented in a readable, conversational tone...." Read more

"Loved her concise and helpful direction...." Read more

"Clearly and lively written guide that provided answers to my never ending questions...." Read more

"...author have a keen grasp of the subject matter, but she also has a very clear, and very fun personality, which kept me entertained while I was being..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Chicken Soup for the Writer's Soul...an Indie Author Must Have!!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2015
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Are you a new writer wondering if you're ready to share your work with the world? Are you a seasoned, published writer looking to explore publishing on your own? Are you just a writer looking for some new ideas? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this book is a great read for you!
    What I like about this book is that it is an accumulation of Susan Kaye Quinn's experience and insights that she's organized and made available to one and all. It is not necessarily a how-to manual, but it is definitely a comprehensive and informative guide.
    The book reminds you that while writing is an excellent creative outlet and should be treated as such, it is also a skill that needs to be honed as well as a business that can provide you with a conduit to make a good living.
    The book provides sound business advice and multiple references which can be used to improve your writing skills or help you develop a strong team to support you during your publishing journey.
    For me, the most powerful thing about the book is how candid Susan is about her struggles as a writer, whether she was dealing with putting words on the blank page, pushing herself to be a stronger storyteller, or figuring out the best way to get her work into the hands of readers.
    The book is highly motivational, and encourages the reader to take the chance on themselves and own the process of putting their own work out on the market for readers.
    Overall, I found the book to be full of great info for all writers at any stage of their career, and I encourage everyone to take the time to read the book, you are guaranteed to learn something that will help you grow as a writer and entrepreneur!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • mousewife
    5.0 out of 5 stars Empowering, thought provoking, filled with helpful advice for budding professional writers
    Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This was an essential read for me as a budding professional writer, hoping to learn more about independent publication. It pointed me in the direction of Dan Holloway and the Alliance of Independent Authors. It made helpful suggestions of how to spot dorsal fins on potential sharks that might try to swallow the unsuspecting. Best of all, this book validated my own instincts, encouraging me to trust my own judgment in deciding what I wished to do as a writer. It suggested ways to make a plan to satisfy those wishes, how to use my own goals to judge whether or not to make certain major decisions.

    This book was one of the most empowering and helpful books I’ve been fortunate enough to read. It forced me to think in a positive way about my career. Not all of the information related may still be relevant in the rapidly changing world of publication. Not all of it was relevant to me. Some of it was very personal to the author, as she shared her own journey as a self published writer, offering it as resource material in what she’d learned about the business. For all of that, this book changed me, awakening my brain to an active, creative state, kindling a self awareness rather than sending me into the seductive, passive trance I find myself in when absorbing an excellent read. For all of these qualities, I give this five stars.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Nina
    4.0 out of 5 stars Encouraging and realistic
    Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is encouraging - but also realistic! While the web is full of blogs and free resources touching on many of the same concepts brought up in this title by Susan Kaye Quinn, this book has a more personal perspective and what I found to be a very sympathetic tone. It's more than just a survival guide; it's getting a friend who has been there, done that, and is willing to show you how. Recommended for anyone who wants to make their dream of a career as a self-published writer something more than just a dream.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kay Hudson
    5.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable handbook!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2015
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    The second edition of Quinn's handbook is as up-to-date as is possible in this business, and about twenty-five per cent longer than the first. While Quinn is a successful independent, she knows it may not be for everyone and lays out the pros and cons. She also has a lot to say about the writing life, dealing with fear and lack of support, having faith in your work, and so on, drawn from her own experiences and inspirational for any writer.

    On the independent path, Quinn has advice on avoiding the sharks (mostly, but not limited to, those vanity press outfits posing as publishing services) and, should a traditional publishing offer come your way, avoiding a bad contract.

    Quinn covers making a five-year plan (and re-evaluating it from time to time). Under marketing (“How to market without feeling like a slime ball”), she discusses covers, blurbs, prices, pre-orders, advertising, mailing lists, and what you can avoid if you prefer.

    When it comes to publishing, Quinn covers where (Amazon only, everywhere, or somewhere in between?) how (direct or through distributors?), formatting (do it yourself or outsource?). There may be sharks in the water, but there is also good, professional help available, and Quinn knows the difference and shares her knowledge, including price ranges and advice on finding the right help.

    Once you’ve passed the publishing threshold, you’ll find Quinn’s advice about avoiding the quicksand of social media, measuring success, writing serials, and developing an author brand. If you’re even just thinking about independent publishing, this book is a worthwhile investment.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Robin Storey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable resource for indie authors
    Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book is an essential resource for professional indie authors or those who have dipped one toe into the water. The author covers everything you could possibly need to know, from formulating a business plan and managing your income to the esoterics of the writing process itself. She describes herself as a midlist author, who is making a good living from her books, but she points out in many different ways that this takes time, a lot of work and perseverance, so if you're looking to get rich quickly from your books, this one is not for you.

    Susan has a chatty, informal tone of writing which instantly makes the reader feel at home and she is also very inspirational and motivational. I especially loved the concept of writing your mission statement and formulating a detailed 5 year plan, which I have found very useful in giving me direction and purpose.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Miguel Angel Alonso Pulido
    3.0 out of 5 stars Una guía ideal si vas a publicar tu primer libro o acabas de hacerlo
    Reviewed in Spain on September 25, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Muy buena la guía de Susan Kaye Quinn para el escritor independiente novel, con algunos capítulos realmente brillantes. Me gustaron sobre todo el referido a la necesidad de una declaración de objetivos y de un plan a cinco años vista para los escritores, y el de los tipos de lanzamiento, suave y duro, con ejemplos muy explicativos. Eso sí, me sobra el referente al formato de los libros electrónicos partiendo de Word (No comprendo como una escritora independiente tan inteligente sigue usando ese programa...) y algunas repeticiones innecesarias de contenido entre capítulos. Por lo demás, una guía muy recomendable si acabas de lanzar o vas a lanzar tu primer libro y no sabes qué hacer después.
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  • Lyco
    5.0 out of 5 stars The only companion a writer needs
    Reviewed in France on October 11, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Backed by a solid experience in the field as well as intuition, fun and torough research, this how-to guide is probably the only thing you'll need--with a writing discipline, that is.
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  • JBVC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on March 5, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    So much great advice. Thank you!
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  • KC
    4.0 out of 5 stars but this guide is a great starting point for anyone
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 23, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Every time I find myself getting overwhelmed with information, or people urging me that this course or that method is the only way to have a successful career in indie publishing (which coincidentally, they are offering as a training course for the knockdown price of several hundred dollars...you get the picture) I return to this book. Because Quinn's message is essentially about finding a balance between making your career viable without losing sight of why you wanted to write in the first place. The next book in the series (which I also have and which I have read more than once) goes even more deeply into this, but this guide is a great starting point for anyone. I don't find her message overly commercial so much as realistic, and there are lots of helpful tips in regard to the business side of things, but also on many other practical matters, such as formatting and distribution. But what shines through for me in this guide is that for Quinn, the writing is what matters. She loves writing, she makes a living from it, and she genuinely wants other writers to have the same opportunity.
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