Why do I enjoy being an Indie author?
A
lot of people asked me why I remain Indie. It's not that I haven't ever
been offered a traditional publishing contract. I have. Especially in
the very beginning, after writing my Zombie Games series (yes, I wrote horror and fantasy long before my steamy biker stories). But, after
publishing twenty-nine books, I feel like I've accomplished a hell of a
lot on my own and it's an exhilarating feeling.
Other reasons:
*I
don't have to answer to anyone but myself. I am my own boss. For some
writers it doesn't always work well. Yes, I still have deadlines and
need to remain focused, but at the end of the day, I'm answering to
myself. Whether I fail or succeed is in my hands.
*
I can write what I want and when I want. In fact, I write several
different genres, including horror, fantasy, romance, and YA. My pen
names are Cassie Alexandra, K.L. Middleton, and Kristen Middleton.
*I'm
leaving it up to the readers as to whether my books are enjoyable, and
not someone at a publishing house who just might not "get" my writing.
Not everyone is going to like my books. I respect that. But, I want to
publish something that I've enjoyed writing and not get any road-blocks
or forced to make plot or character changes.
*I
am making the decisions on my book covers, my pricing, and where I want
to sell my work. I can also hire my own editors, pay for my own
advertising, and market the way that I want to market. I'm in charge and
if I fail, I learn from the experience and move forward.
*I've
motivated others to publish their own work. There are so many people
out there who have wonderful stories to tell and do not realize that
they can bypass a traditional publisher. Especially if they've been
turned down. No, you might not be able to make a living on your
self-published book, but on the other hand, if you do have a real talent
for storytelling, you just never know what the future might bring.
Finally...
I've
always loved reading, especially
horror stories. From early on, I had my nose buried in Stephen King,
Dean Koontz, F. Paul Wilson, and Peter Straub's books. I can still
remember how disturbed I was, at the young age of nine, after reading
Ghost Story. To this day, I don't think I've ever read anything so
creepy and fantastic. Now, over thirty years later, I'm writing and
publishing my own books, which is something I would have never dreamed
possible. It's a dream come true and if it wasn't for Amazon's
self-publishing platform, I'd never be where I am today. I am so very
grateful and honored to be included in Amazon's Powered By Indie this
October. They have changed the writing industry and for me, it's been
nothing but joy and success.
