Today I’m reviewing the Indie Author Survival Guide by Susan Kaye Quinn:

I’ve been studying the ins and outs of indie publishing (and, to some measure, traditional publishing) for about a year and half now. After I finished my first full length novel, I planned to publish it a few months later, when the edit rounds with critique and beta readers were done. But then another opportunity came up and I put the manuscript on hold. I started my second novel during that time. In the end, this proved to be a good decision because this waiting period has afforded me chances to learn more, and be more specific about the goals I have for my writing career and my books.

This leads to the fact that I’ve done a lot of reading regarding indie publishing (or self publishing) mostly on blogs and online articles. There is a lot of information out there, and I’ve pinned a lot of posts and links to my ‘Writing’ Pinterest board.

Then I came across the Indie Author Survival Guide, recommended by a friend. I actually just finished reading it today. If you’re an indie author, or a writer considering going indie, or even a traditionally published author who needs to grapple marketing on her own, I totally recommend it. While there’s nothing completely new or revolutionary in it, the way the information is presented is what makes it so helpful. It’s organized in a such a manner as to be used linearly or as a reference guide. Instead of having to comb through dozens of online articles and blogs (which are useful, don’t get me wrong), you can just save yourself some time and start with this book. I especially found useful the chapter about the marketing plan.

One of the things she said was that, for writers, creativity is the most valuable asset, and we must learn to protect the writing time, and nourish the creative side that feeds the writing.

I had a composition notebook with me and ended up taking twenty pages of handwritten notes as I read along, and I’ll be referring to those notes often, I’m sure.