Author Interview :)

Today we have S. R. Johannes on the blog! I was able to interview her on her blog tour for Untraceable (so good) and was thrilled to do so again for her new book, Uncontrollable! :) And I will be reviewing the book when we get closer to the launch date (September 24). For now, lets talk a little about indie vs. self publishing (Did you know there was a difference??)

1.      Can you tell us what the difference is between indie and self-publishing?

This is a huge debate. To me it is like splitting hairs but I’ll try to explain.

Indie publishing is when someone independently publishes on their own

Indie presses are publishers that are small – not corporations – and they usually have more than one author.

Indie author is an independent author who manages his or her own publishing.

Self-publishing is one who publishes their own work.

As you can see, they all kind of overlap.

2.      Which do you prefer and why?

I will say that I use the term “indie author.” Mostly because I manage my entire process in publishing from legal work to formatting to covers to marketing to accounting. Self-publishing doesn’t encompass that – for me.

3.      Do you feel there is still a negative stigma to self-publishing?

I do feel like there is still a stigma with self-pubbing. I think if you self publish, you need to know you go in with a point against you and you have to prove yourself. Traditional authors don’t. They get the credibility just from getting a book deal. Self-published authors are seen as jokes unless they prove themselves.

4.       Why did you choose the self-publishing route?

I had tried traditional publishing for years. Had an agent. Got close way to many times to count. When my agent and I parted, I stopped writing for 6 months. During that time I researched different options, self-pubbing especially. I decide in order to move on and get back in the game; I would put out my own book to close the door on that chapter. I had no idea it would take off.

5.      What are some pros and cons of indie/self publishing?

Pros – you control everything

Con – you control everything

Pro – you get paid quickly

Con – you might not get paid

Pro – you own the creative process

Con – you might do it wrong b/c you don’t have the expertise

Pro – you are your own boss and editor

Con – you are a one-man show

Pro – you set your own pricing and an be creative

Con – you have to hope you chose right.

Self-pubbing is not for everyone just as traditional pubbing is not for everyone. You have to research both and find out what is best for you. If you don’t want to be an entrepreneur and own your own pubbing business, self-pubbing is not for you. It is not the easy way out.

6.      Our standard question: best piece of advice you didn’t get when you started writing?

That your journey is unique. It does not look like everyone else’s. Your road may not be what you expect. So keep your options open and your paths clear. You never know how you will reach your dreams.

7.      Last but not least—what is your favorite dessert?

Magnums Double Caramel Ice Cream Bars