Evolving Resources for Indie Authors

An ever-growing collection of resources and knowledge built by indie authors

More than anything else, this journey requires you to constantly evolve, reinvent, analyze what is working and not working, and to play the long game. The intention of this Evolving Resource blog is to save you the trouble of not learning so many things the hard way (like we did!) If you have any resources or tips/tricks that you would like to add to this blog, please email us at bookvision.net@gmail.com

• Choosing the Right Platform

• Where to Start Writing

• Editing

• First Readers

• Alpha Readers

• Beta Readers

• ARC Readers

• Publishing and Distribution

• Community and Marketing

• Indie Author Awards

Choosing the right platform

The best platform depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider:

• Monetization potential: 

  • Some platforms offer higher royalties or direct monetization options than others.

• Distribution reach: 

  • Do you want to sell primarily through a specific retailer (e.g., Amazon) or reach a broader audience through multiple channels?

• Author control: 

  • How much control do you want over pricing, rights, and marketing?

• Community engagement: 

  • Do you value interacting with readers and other authors on the platform?

• Ease of use and technical support: 

  • Some platforms offer more automated tools and support resources than others. 

Where to start writing

• Google Docs

  • Google Docs is a free, web-based word processor that is suitable for writers. It offers various features that can be beneficial for both novel writing and other forms of writing, including automatic saving, revision history, and real-time collaboration.

  • You can share this document with others and have them leave comments on exactly where they are making suggestions or asking questions in your work. Make sure you are sharing with people you trust and that you have it set to “commentor” and not “editor”. It wouldn’t hurt to make a copy of your document just in case something happens with alpha or beta readers.

• Microsoft Word Document

  • Microsoft Word is a powerful tool for writers, offering a range of features to aid in creating and formatting documents, from basic text editing to more advanced features like track changes and manuscript formatting. 

• Lulu

  • Lulu is an online platform that primarily focuses on self-publishing and print-on-demand services, offering tools to help authors format, print, and distribute their books. While Lulu doesn't have its own dedicated writing software, it does offer resources and guidance for authors during the writing and publishing process.

• Scrivener: 

  • A popular choice for its comprehensive suite of features, including outlining, writing, and organizing chapters and scenes, along with research and note-taking functions.

• Atticus: 

  • Designed with indie authors in mind, Atticus combines writing and formatting capabilities in one cloud-based tool, making it easy to prepare manuscripts for publication.

• Dabble: 

  • Similar to Scrivener, Dabble helps novelists organize scenes, track word count goals, and develop plots using a user-friendly interface.

• Reedsy Studio: 

  • A web-based tool with a clean interface for writing and automatically formatting manuscripts to professional industry standards.

• Vellum: 

  • (Mac only) Specializes in formatting ebooks and print books with ease. 

Editing

For indie authors, a variety of resources are available to aid in the editing process, from free tools to professional services. These resources can help with grammar, style, and overall manuscript quality. Make sure to still read through the suggestions and see if it works with your story.

Free Tools:

• Grammarly: 

  • A widely used tool for grammar, spelling, and punctuation checks, according to GetCovers. 

• Hemingway Editor: 

  • Helps improve readability by identifying complex sentences and adverbs. 

• Reedsy Book Editor: 

  • A free, all-in-one tool for planning, drafting, and exporting books. 

• Notion and Evernote: 

  • Useful for organizing writing and editing processes. 

• OneLook: 

  • A reverse dictionary to find words based on their meaning. 

• Natural Readers: 

  • An option for text-to-speech to help with auditory editing. 

Professional Editing Services:

• Reedsy: 

  • A marketplace connecting authors with editors, designers, publicists, and marketers. 

• Tessera Creatives: 

  • A freelance directory connecting authors with editors, including sensitivity readers. 

• National Writers Union: 

  • A website with a directory of editors and authors, as well as resources on grievance assistance.

Types of Editing:

• Developmental Editing: 

  • Focuses on the overall structure, plot, characters, and pacing of the manuscript.

• Line Editing: 

  • Examines the writing style, clarity, and flow of each sentence.

• Copyediting: 

  • Focuses on grammar, spelling, punctuation, and consistency. 

• Proofreading: 

  • The final check for errors before publication. 

First Readers

An important thing to keep in mind - Alpha, beta and ARC readers are all people who have volunteered their time to read your work AND give you helpful feedback. Please be patient with them if they ask for more time or say they can’t finish it for any reason, even if that is because they are not connected with your work. Remember, not every book is for every reader and that’s okay. If they’re willing, ask if they can give any feedback to help you as you grow as an author. 

Not everyone will be able to read your story more than once so don’t use all your resources and help on alpha reads if you will also need someone to go through as a beta or ARC reader. Some people might offer to read your story more than once but the more someone reads the same story the easier it is to miss things as you get closer to cleaning up your document. This applies for you as well, we call it reader fatigue. This is where your brain has read something so much that it anticipates what is coming next and will look over the same errors. That is why a fresh pair of eyes is very helpful! 

Alpha Readers

Alpha readers are individuals who provide feedback on a manuscript before it's been polished, typically on a rough draft. They focus on the overall story structure, character development, and whether the plot is working, rather than on grammar or minor stylistic issues. Think of them as helping to build the foundation of the story. Alpha readers are typically engaged early in the writing process, often after the first or second draft. Alpha readers help authors identify major issues early on, saving time and effort in the long run. 

This includes things like: 

• Story structure: 

  • Are there plot holes? Is the pacing off? Is the story engaging from the beginning? 

• Character development: 

  • Are the characters believable and relatable? Are they consistent? 

• Overall concept: 

  • Is the story concept compelling? Is it clear what the story is about? 

Make sure that you give your alpha readers the following information before sending them the document:

• Time frame of when you would like the comments back

• Where they can continue communication with you

• What exactly you are wanting them to focus on - story structure, looking for plot holes, inconsistencies, etc. At this stage, alpha readers normally don’t look for any spelling or grammar errors because those will be addressed in the next few drafts and/or with beta readers.

Beta Readers

While both alpha and beta readers provide feedback, beta readers typically review a more polished manuscript, focusing on things like clarity, style, and minor plot inconsistencies, after the author has addressed the feedback from alpha readers.

Beta readers are a crucial part of the writing process, providing valuable feedback before a manuscript goes to an editor or publisher. They are essentially test readers who read a draft manuscript and offer their honest opinions from the perspective of an average reader. They are not professional editors or proofreaders but rather offer feedback on the overall story, readability, and how the book might be received by its target audience. 

Key aspects of beta readers

• Focus on the "big picture": 

  • Beta readers evaluate the story as a whole, focusing on elements like plot, character development, world-building, pacing, and overall enjoyment.

• Identify strengths and weaknesses: 

  • They highlight what is working well in the manuscript and pinpoint areas that may be confusing, inconsistent, or need further development.

• Represent the target audience: 

  • Ideally, beta readers should be avid readers within the genre you are writing, providing feedback that aligns with the expectations and preferences of your target reader.

• Not editors: 

  • Beta readers do not focus on grammar, spelling, or sentence-level issues; that's the role of a professional editor.

• Valuable for refining and polishing: 

  • Their feedback helps authors refine their work, make necessary revisions, and ensure the story resonates with readers before publishing. 

Working with beta readers

• Provide clear guidelines: 

  • Specify the type of feedback you're seeking (e.g., plot issues, character believability, pacing) and what areas you'd like them to focus on.

• Ask specific questions: 

  • Avoid overly general questions like "Did you like it?" and instead ask targeted questions about specific aspects of your story.

• Be open to constructive criticism: 

  • Remember that the goal is to improve your manuscript, so embrace both positive and negative feedback.

• Don't feel obligated to incorporate every suggestion: 

  • Consider the feedback carefully and prioritize changes that align with your vision for the story.

• Respect their time: 

  • Provide a reasonable deadline for feedback and express your gratitude for their help.

ARC Reads

ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) readers are individuals who receive and read a book before its official release, with the goal of providing feedback and reviews. They are valuable for authors, particularly those self-publishing, as they can help generate early buzz, identify potential issues, and boost visibility before launch.

What ARC Readers Do:

• Read and Review:

  • They read the book before publication and ideally provide reviews on platforms like Goodreads, Amazon, and social media.

    • Goodreads will let you write a review before a book is out but Amazon will not. So it’s important to keep in contact with your ARC team and remind them to add their reviews to Amazon once your book has been published! 

• Provide Feedback: 

  • They can offer valuable insights on plot, characters, pacing, and any errors.

• Generate Anticipation: 

  • Their reviews can create excitement and anticipation for the book's release, reaching a wider audience.

• Offer Marketing Support: 

  • Their reviews can be shared on social media and help spread the word about the book. 

Best Practices for ARC Readers:

• Be Clear and Concise: 

  • Clearly state your expectations for reviews and deadlines. 

• Be Grateful: 

  • Thank your ARC readers for their time and effort. 

• Consider Incentives: 

  • Offer sneak peeks, early updates, or exclusive content to show your appreciation. 

• Be Understanding: 

  • Not all ARC readers will provide reviews, so be prepared for some not to follow through.

• Be Respectful: 

  • Avoid demanding reviews or pressuring readers, as this can be off-putting.

• Be Flexible: 

  • Allow for different review styles and lengths.

• Build a Community: 

  • Foster a positive and supportive environment around your ARC team.

• Collect Emails: 

  • Consider collecting email addresses to build a newsletter list for future ARC opportunities. 

• Be Strategic: 

  • Don't expect every ARC to result in a review, and focus on building a genuine connection with your readers. 

Publishing and distribution platforms

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): 

  • A widely used platform, especially for ebooks, offering broad reach and a favorable royalty structure. Authors can publish without an agent or publisher.

• Draft2Digital: 

  • Offers wide distribution of ebooks and print books to major retailers, including Amazon, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble. They are praised for their user-friendly tools for formatting and distribution.

• Smashwords: 

  • One of the largest distributors of indie ebooks, enabling authors to publish and distribute to major retailers and offering authors significant control over pricing and marketing.

• Barnes & Noble Press: 

  • Provides a free and easy-to-use platform for publishing ebooks and print books, primarily for sale through Barnes & Noble's physical and online stores.

• Kobo Writing Life (KWL): 

  • An open platform for publishing ebooks with a user-friendly interface and access to sales analytics tools.

• IngramSpark: 

  • A global distributor of print books and ebooks, reaching major retailers and libraries worldwide.

• Apple Books for Authors: 

  • Allows authors to publish ebooks directly to Apple Books, providing access to their specific ecosystem.

Community and marketing platforms

• Wattpad: 

  • A popular storytelling community where authors can share their work, gain readership, and engage with readers directly. Offers opportunities for exposure and community building, though monetizing might be limited unless accepted into exclusive programs.

• Substack: 

  • A platform for writers to publish newsletters, including serialized fiction, with built-in subscription models for direct monetization.

• StoryOrigin & BookFunnel: 

  • Tools designed to help indie authors build their mailing lists, increase sales, and secure reviews through cross-promotions and author newsletter exchanges.

• Written Word Media & BookBub/Chirp: 

  • Platforms focusing on book promotion through email campaigns and curated recommendations tailored to readers' preferences.

Indie Author Awards

Several book awards recognize and celebrate self-published authors. These awards provide valuable industry recognition and can boost a book's visibility and credibility. 

General Awards:

• Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY Awards):

  • This award, established in 1996, recognizes excellence in independent publishing across various genres. Winning an IPPY can significantly increase a book's visibility and credibility. 

• Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award:

  • This award showcases the talent of self-published, university, and independent press authors. 

• National Indie Excellence Awards:

  • This award honors high-quality self-published books across a wide range of categories. They accept books published within the last two years and require a physical copy to be submitted.

• Eric Hoffer Book Award:

  • This award recognizes outstanding self-published books across various genres, according to International Impact Book Awards. 

• Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards:

  • Writer's Digest hosts this annual competition, recognizing excellence in self-published books across different categories.

• Next Generation Indie Book Awards:

  • This is one of the largest international awards programs for indie authors and independent publishers.

• The Best Indie Book Award:

  • This award focuses on recognizing the best indie and self-published books. 

• Shelf Unbound Best Indie/Self-Published Book Competition:

  • This competition honors a wide range of indie and self-published books, including those with notable recognition. 

Genre-Specific Awards:

• Kindle Storyteller Award:

  • This award is specifically for self-published books available through Kindle Direct Publishing. 

• The Royal Dragonfly Book Awards and The Purple Dragonfly Book Awards:

  • These awards recognize excellence in writing and storytelling, with the Purple Dragonfly Awards focusing on children's books. 

• Chanticleer International Book Awards:

  • This award offers a wide range of categories, including genres like science fiction, mystery, and literary fiction. 

• The Wishing Shelf Book Awards:

  • This competition focuses on achieving 100% satisfaction from the authors who enter, according to The Literary Lobbyist. 

Tips for Authors:

• Research: 

  • Carefully review the eligibility requirements, categories, and judging criteria for each award before submitting. 

• Presentation: 

  • Ensure your book is professionally formatted, edited, and designed. 

• Deadlines: 

  • Pay close attention to submission deadlines and submit your entry on time. 

• Entry Fees: 

  • Be prepared to pay an entry fee, which can vary depending on the award. 

• Promotion: 

  • Once you've submitted your book, consider promoting your participation in the award.

Remember, you can utilize a combination of platforms for writing, formatting, distribution, and marketing to maximize your reach and success as an indie author.

If you would like to add any resources to this document, or even share how some of the above resources have helped you, please email us at bookvision.net@gmail.com.