Guest Blogger: Roger Grubbs on Indie Publishing

Indie Publishing

The topic I would like to discuss today is the changes that are unfolding in the publishingindustry.  Until recently, it has been nearly impossible for Indie authors to get their creations into the hands of readers.  Most traditional publishers won’t even consider reading Indie manuscripts; and when they do, rejection letters are sure to follow.  With so many hurdles to overcome, only a few are able to achieve their dream.  However, the world of publishing has entered a new and exciting era.  The introduction of ebooks is now making it possible for anyone to release their creations to the public.  And if you have the resources, an Indie writer/publisher can release the paperback version of their work as well.  

While the potential is there to become the next best selling author, there are many factorsimportant to this success.  First of all, we must create a masterpiece worthy of such success.  So far I have been fortunate to have over 6,000 downloads in a month, and that has given me 11 Best Sellers.  But I must warn you that such success brings out the worst in envious people.  The review process is in shambles and provides little meaningful guidance for readers to make an educated decision.  I can speak from experience.  All those five star reviews will bring out the fake one star reviews in an effort to sabotage your efforts.  Another thing to consider is the fact that self-publishers are putting a damper on the profits of traditional publishing houses.  They are feeling the pinch, and because of that is it possible they could set up fake accounts to sabotage our reviews?  With the lack of proper monitoring, anything is possible.  So be prepared.

On the positive side, the best judge of your book’s acceptance is in repeat sales.  In order to enjoy long term success, it is absolutely essential that we have word of mouth working for us. 

When readers tell others about our books, it spreads – thus nullifying the consequences of fake one star reviews.  I mention this to keep you from becoming discouraged in the event it happens to you.  Really, who is going to read an entire book that they dislike so badly as to warrant a one star review?  With samples to read beforehand, who is going to buy the book in the first place?  Don’t let jealous people discourage you.  If your book is great, people will read it and tell others.  That will keep readers coming back for more, and that has been behind my success.

If you will indulge me for a moment, I would like to share some of my own experiences with you.  The first novel I wrote was the hardest, the second a little easier, and the third was a

breeze.  After that it became even easier, and book number six was written in six days.  I know that sounds crazy, but it did get “Top Pick” for suspense fans at Midwest Book review.  In fact, every book sent to professional reviewers garnered a five star review and was recommended to readers.  You can only imagine the feeling of receiving such an honor as “Top Pick” alongside greats like Dan Brown.

Since that humble beginning, I have released 38 books from my very own publishing company.  We transform paper, ink, and words from our computer into a high- quality paperback copy of our creations.  By having the equipment inside my facility, we are able to do that in a matter of days.  We will put our quality of the end product up against any on the market.  They have actually been in Barnes & Noble right next to books by the great John Grisham.  That was such an honor!  

In closing I have something very exciting to share with you.  Often a great story is adapted

to movie, and that is what is happening for me.  We are putting together a team of famous actors that will transform my stories into blockbuster movies.  The Twelve SEALs is the first book of a series on the subject of human trafficking.  I am proud to announce that Rachele Brooke Smith, well known for her amazing dancing and acrobatic skills, will star as the first ever Lady SEAL!  If you would like a peek at her training exercises, click this link: Boxing sizzle reel4a: http://youtu.be/UgjFKflKjs4?a   By the way, I also wrote the screenplay for the movie.

I want to thank you for allowing me to share my amazing experiences as an Indie author with you.  Please visit my web site for more information about all my projects at http://bit.ly/frbkp  and on Amazon and follow me on Twitter @RogerGrubbs

 

Have a fantastic day and never give up on you dreams!

Roger D. Grubbs

Novelist 

Interview with W.C. Hewitt, author of DECEIT

Your first novel, Deceit, is a complex tale of history, political intrigue, the Titanic and some old diaries.   What was your inspiration for writing Deceit?  What made you decide to tell this story?  How did you come up with the plot?

I have always been fascinated by the mysteries surrounding the Titanic disaster which compelled me to formulate my own theory behind the disaster. I originally intended the story to be a historical re-telling of the disaster but with so many accounts and theories about Titanic flooding the literary marketplace I opted for a fictionalized version that maintains the historical aspects but expands the story to include a link between present and past. It was a long process that came to light as I continued to write. Creativity flows to the open mind.

What can you tell me about your current work-in-progress?

 

The sixth novel in the series is based on a World War One little known travesty that is traced from its mention in one of the diaries to a discovery of a huge cover-up to the terrible occurrence.

You’re an admitted history buff.  Is there another historical event that you might write about someday?

 

The present series deals with historical-events that were a part of everyday life in the last turn of the century. Mind you the assassination of the Romanovs has always intrigued me.

You’ve probably met dozens and dozens of people who say “I want to write a book about--- someday.”  As you know, writing is hard work and takes discipline.  What is your writing routine? 

I make a point of writing everyday regardless of whether it’s productive or not. Once I’m in my zone I follow a preconceived plot then let the creativity flow.

You and I “met” via social media.  How have Twitter, blogging, Facebook and other forms of social media helped you to interact with readers?  What do you imagine it would be like to be a debut author if there was no such thing as GoodReads or Twitter?

 

I can say that the social media has made me an International author and has made Deceit available world-wide. It would definitely limit your exposure. Self-promotion is important, especially to Indie authors and established publishers should take advantage of the social media to promote their author’s and their works since these avenues are so readily available.

Tell me about two authors who have influenced you; whose writing you hope to emulate?

 

I have always enjoyed the works of Ian Fleming and Clive Cussler and try to look through their eyes as I write.

The story of the Titanic has provided so much fodder for books and movies and more.  What is one of the most interesting bits of trivia about the Titanic that you have come across? There is so much fact and fiction regarding Titanic to wade through it is hard to single out one pertinent fact. Perhaps the fact that, because of the coal strike in Britain, White Star diverted all the coal from their other ships to Titanic for the Maiden Voyage. The passengers from those other ships were happy to be allowed passage on Titanic, (which wasn’t filled to capacity when she left harbour), which in essence rang the death knell for so many of them.

What is the one piece of writing advice you could offer to an aspiring novelist?

 

Always find the time to write everyday.

Somerset Maugham once said: “If you can tell stories, create characters, devise incidents, and have sincerity and passion, it doesn’t matter a damn how you write.”  Do you agree or disagree with this quote?  Why or why not?

 

I have to agree. Many authors meet their criteria through these root aspects and are very successful. To follow a strict adherence only stifles creativity. There’s more to express through emotion than trying to follow a path to create a textbook.

The last question is a bit of a freebie.  What is the one thing you wish I had asked you but didn’t?  Now go ahead and ask and answer that question.

 

Q.  Who do you base your main character on?

A.  Elizabeth Brunnette is based on a real person. Though the exploits I have involved her in do seem extraordinary, and from another time period, they are not beyond the capabilities of the young lady I have chosen to represent her. I wanted to add a little mystery to the interview.

* * *

W.C. Hewitt is a Canadian author from Hamilton, Ontario. A historian and Titanic enthusiast, he holds a deep regard for the history of the turn of the last century with the birth of modern civilization when mankind lost its innocence. Studying human nature, while working in the public sector, he draws on his experiences to create believable characters in a time of marvel and mayhem. Elizabeth Brunnette was born to represent a symbol of those times.

About DECEIT:  

Ace reporter Andrew Hoyle is given what he thought was the assignment of a lifetime but, he never expected to be whisked into the depths of political intrigue. The raising of the remains of R.M.S. Titanic from its watery grave miles beneath the North Atlantic would be the key to opening up a door to a not too distant past.  Read More HERE

Follow him on Twitter @WCHewitt