I’ve posted a feature on indie books over at Australasian Christian Writers today, discussing what I look for, and expect, from a novel published outside of traditional publishing constraints. I’d love to know your thoughts on this subject.
These are the wonderful books I highlighted in my feature, and if you haven’t checked out these authors, I suggest you do so with haste! Bear in mind, not all of these books are written for the Christian market but are still ‘clean’ reads – without explicit language, sex, or gore – but they don’t shy away from real, and ofttimes, gritty, difficult, and complex issues. Hallelujah! And happen to be written by authors of faith, whom I admire and respect.
When you seek out an indie novel, what do you hope to get that you may not get from a traditionally published novel?
Amanda Dykes || Amy Matayo || Dorothy Adamek || Jenny B. Jones || Joanne Bischof || Kristen Heitzmann || Lynnette Bonner || Narelle Atkins || Sally Bradley || Tamara Leigh || Tammy L. Gray
February 23, 2016 at 11:01 am
I’m usually looking for something that just feels a little more real. I’ve noticed lately that traditionally published books can feel a little vanilla or even two dimensional and there’s nothing wrong with that if that’s what you enjoy reading. I still read and love a ton of traditionally published books but I’ve really been enjoying small or indie lately. Life’s not always clean and neat and I like my fiction to reflect that.
February 23, 2016 at 11:38 am
Love this comment, Liz – I know exactly what you mean 🙂
February 25, 2016 at 4:34 am
Liz said it best. I don’t want vanilla, flat, or routine stories. I want reality in my fiction. I like good fiction that deals with stuff I’m dealing with–or friends are dealing with–and makes me think.
February 23, 2016 at 6:22 pm
One of the things I’m loving about independently published novels is the ability for authors to be able to release books on their own timetable rather than being fitted into a publisher’s seasonal schedule. The faster I can read new books by my favourite authors the happier I am!
February 23, 2016 at 11:28 pm
Releasing on one’s own timetable… Having transitioned from a traditionally published author to an indie author, goodness I love this too! 🙂
February 24, 2016 at 3:26 am
Oh I like this too Kara! I personally think it’s a brilliant idea for a writer in between books with a big house to do stuff on the side – as long as they put in good investment in the cover & editing. I mean, it’s almost like the best of both worlds!
February 24, 2016 at 3:25 am
I’m not against indie published books at all but (and maybe this is the designer/photographer in me) if an indie cover is poorly done…I likely won’t even attempt to read it. I know, I’m probably missing out on a lot of great books, BUT I look at it this way: If you are positive your book is ready to be out in the world and read, then you should have invested the best efforts in its design, editing, and creation. A poorly done cover is really the worst advertising for a book. Let’s face it, the cover is part of the experience of reading. I will, however, pick up an indie book even with a bad cover if it’s an author I’ve read before…but even then I cringe thinking “It could have been so much better!”.
I also think too many people have self-published without putting in the time. If you are serious about your craft and have a story you want to tell, take your time and know that if you’ve got well-read readers, a freelance editor, and writing buddies telling you you “should” be published (and you’re not) then self-publish! BUT, if you don’t have those things, be wary – just because you wrote a book doesn’t mean you’re ready to have it out in the world…yet. Take your time to refine your work and hone your craft. You can’t make another first impression, so make sure your best foot is forward when you step out into the world of indie publishing.
February 24, 2016 at 3:58 am
I love that with Indie books, they are able to handle and deal with topics a bit more freely. Not that I need/want shady details of events, but often times it’s more real life and done in a tasteful and honest manner. I love many of the books traditional publishers release, but there are many times where it can be too neat.
You’re awesome for helping spread the word 🙂
February 24, 2016 at 11:45 am
Q: What do I hope to get that I may not get from a traditionally published novel?
A: One voice.
Unfortunately for authors, when they write under the demands of a publishing house, their words are filtered through editors and proof readers and beta readers and “whatever” readers – and their words are twisted and “redirected” six ways to Sunday to make the book more “palatable” to the market for which the publisher is aiming.
Don’t get me wrong, I know authors need editors and beta readers to make sure the finished product is grammatically correct and smooth. But I want to hear 1 – one – voice – – and that is the voice of God as He speaks through this writer to the reader. Sometimes, the unfiltered voice is what’s needed. It is crisp and clear like a mountain stream – refreshing and with a unique, clean quality that doesn’t need mans interpretations or filters or change.
That’s what I get when I read Sally Bradley, Amy Matayo, Joanne Bischof, and my all time favorite – Tamara Leigh.
I am also looking forward to reading “Carry Me Home” – Dorothy Adamek.
They are the “new voice” of the writing world. They speak a message from the “Ancient of Days” in a new way – and it works!!!
February 24, 2016 at 12:01 pm
I wouldn’t say I’m seeking anything in particular from an independently published novel. I do see it as a chance for an established author to try a new style or an untried author to break into the business.
I’m always in search of new authors so am definitely open those go the independent publishing way to publish a novel.
Of the ones you’ve shared, I have several on my TBR and Kindle (thanks to you) and have read Carry Me Home. Carry Me Home was very well done.