Since The E-book Editor caters to indie authors and I’m an aspiring writer myself, the term, “indie” interested me and I googled it to see what I could come up with. One article said it didn’t apply to the world of writing at all. Many others were linked to sites trying to sell me books on publishing as an indie author.
Finally I found one that I really liked. It is called FullTimeAuthor.com by Bob Baker. And yes, he’s promoting product as well, but he had a good article called “Indie Author or Publisher? The True Meaning.” He made an acronym with his definition of the word “indie”.
Here’s an excerpt from the article: You can find the entire article at http://bit.ly/HNrSzV Enjoy and I hope it inspires you as it inspired me.
I – Inspired
To embrace the indie frame of mind, you must be inspired. You have to know in your gut that sharing your gifts with written word is what you are meant to do. You must become energized when writing and speaking about the content of your books. Hopefully, this is something you already experience fully, without having to force yourself to feel that way.
When this kind of natural inspiration comes over you, it’s a sure sign that you’re on the right path. And you will need this desire to carry you through the ups and downs that you will surely encounter as you pursue indie publishing on your own terms.
N – Nontraditional
Indie authors don’t mind learning about what has come before, and they are happy to listen to the “rules” that others say are required to have a successful publishing career. However, the smartest indie authors keep their minds flexible and constantly question whether the supposed “rules” of the past really apply to them. They actually develop a mindset that seeks out the road less traveled. And when they spot a good idea that’s off the traditional path, they fearlessly go after it without apologies.
D – Determined
Successful indie authors are fixated on their goals and determined to reach them. They leave room to veer from the original plan, when needed, but they are steadfast in their desire to produce great material, reach fans with their message, sell more books, etc. With this attitude, obstacles become short-term learning experiences along the road to higher levels of success.
I – Innovative
Being indie means thinking outside of the proverbial box and looking at fresh opportunities from every angle. It means not promoting yourself the same way a thousand other authors have. It means being resistant to knee-jerk marketing tactics and open to new ideas and overlooked avenues for exposure.
E – Empowered
Indie authors don’t wait for someone or something else to come along and rescue them. They don’t pray for a “lucky break” or to “be discovered.” They know to the core that the power to succeed with their books resides inside of them. And they understand that it’s their mission to tap into that personal power and use it to share their message with the world.
