Hey guys! As you know, every now and then I get the privilege of working directly with indie authors. And this month, I got asked to read and write a review for Hannah Lynn's newest novel! Hannah is an author I've worked with over the years and I absolutely adore her books. Not only did she send me an early copy, but she agreed to answer some questions for me about independently publishing. So, after the review, keep scrolling and check out some of her tips and advice for those seeking the route of indie publishing.
Some other (equally amazing) books I've read and reviewed from her collection include, "The Afterlife of Walter Augustus" and "Peas, Carrots, and an Aston Martin". Check out my full reviews for both of those, I promise they won't disappoint. Now, let's talk about Lynn's newest book.
"Athena's Child"- Hannah Lynn
Most people know Medusa as a monster. A gorgon. The original demon. But, most don't know how she became this way. Lynn has given us an amazing origin story for Medusa, that gripped me immediately and wouldn't let me go. Learn Medusa's story, from childhood, to priestess, to betrayed and discarded servant, to the killer of men.
What goes up, must come down. As Lynn gives us the rise of Medusa, she also gives us the fall by intertwining the tale of Perseus into this story. It's an amazing combination of betrayal, gods, demi-gods, monsters, heartbreak, and loneliness. I promise you won't regret reading this book.
The thing that drug me into this book so deeply was the accuracy. I love Greek mythology and the stories of the Gods, but I love when authors do their research. Lynn did her research and created something fantastic. I've always loved Medusa. She's, by far, my favorite villain of Greek mythology because I always thought she was misunderstood. I love that Lynn wrote something that so accurately reflects my love for Medusa. Trust me. Read this book.
Questions to Hannah Lynn on Independently Publishing
1. Most authors have trouble deciding the best first step to take when entering indie publishing. What do you recommend as a first step after finishing your novel?
After finishing, comes editing. A lot of editing. Ideally, set your manuscript aside for a few weeks and work on something else so you can read it fresh. I am a lot quicker now, but I still require three drafts before anybody else (including my first reader, my husband Jake) gets to see what I've written.
2. Do you recommend beta readers?
Beta readers can help make sure your story is spot on for the genre that your writing in, and the can also help identify any plot holes, which you need. But you need to make sure you know what you want from them, that you are asking specific questions to get feedback on the areas you think are weakest. Just asking someone to beta read with no guidance is almost certainly going to leave you disappointed. Luckily there are loads of great resources out there, including books to make sure you are getting the most from the experience.
It's also really important you get feedback from someone who will be critical but supportive. Twelve books in and I still get into arguments with Jake, my husband, when he tells me something in one of my stories needs changing, but at the end of the day I know he's only doing it so that we can put out the best book possible. It's far better that I take the time to change things, than put out a book that is less than I am capable of. In times when critiques hurt, I always like to think of the Neil Gaiman quote.
"Remember: when people tell you something's wrong or doesn't work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong."
3. Do you recommend hiring a professional editor, self-editing, or a bit of both?
You definitely want a professional editor, but only after you have edited it as much as you can yourself. Never send it off thinking "it'll do". I'll do several edits (including Jake's developmental) then go through a program like Prowriting Aid, then do an audio edit before I'll send it to my editor. You send your most polished version, then after it's edited and you've made their corrections, you want proofreaders too.
4. At the end of the day, lots of people opt out of indie publishing because the cost can be daunting. Are there shortcuts worth taking to save money? Are there steps that should not be skipped in an effort to save money?
Yup, the costs are real, but what you can do yourself depends on your talents. There are great programs out there to help you do covers but you need to do them well or they'll stand out, and not in the way you want them to. Shop around for good deals, but when it comes to publishing, if something looks like it's too good to be true, it probably is. I have been stung several times by using companies like Fiver and it's been money utterly wasted. Recommendations are always great, but you need to be prepared to wait. Quite often cover artists have a waiting list of over a year. That said, there are brilliant premades out there at a much lower cost.
5. Another issue aspiring indie authors face is marketing. If I don't have a strong online following (social media) does that mean my book won't sell?
I think the expectations of what the average author and indie author sell are massively overestimated due to the fact that you only ever really hear about the ones who make it big. People can go into indie publishing expecting to sell tens of thousands of books, but the statistics speak for themselves. One website (swafa.org) says that the average self-published book sells 250 copies in its lifetime. Another says that the average book will make $500. Whether these are underestimated or not, it's worth remembering that over 1500 books are published on Amazon ever day. Now, believe it or not, this is not meant to be disheartening, it's just trying to make you realize that whenever a stranger chooses your book over all the millions our there on offer, that's pretty incredible. We are writers because every day we get up and want to write. There are much less time consuming ways to earn money!
6. Your book covers are always flawless and beautiful. Do you work with an artist that specializes in book jackets (both for physical and digital), how do you find someone to do that?
It is impossible to underestimate how important the book covers are to selling your story. And a lot of new authors, myself included, assume that what you ant is something different that stands out. You don't. You want something that will blend in so flawlessly with your genre that it looks perfectly in place. There are an endless array of talented designers out there, but they range massively in price and quality. Like anything when it comes to books, recommendations are fantastic. I have actually emailed other authors when I have loved their covers and they have always been more than willing to share the artist's details. Like I said though, you have to wait a while. Premades can be a much quicker and cheaper way to get yourself a cover, but you may have to compromise on you vision slightly.
7. There are companies that offer package deals to indie authors i.e. editing, proofreading, cover creation, and online book tours, but they can be a bit pricey. Do you recommend finding an all-inclusive service like this? How do you keep from getting scammed?
It's tricky, and my gut is to say no, but at the same time I know how much time researching all of these things takes, and if you can find someone to remove that stress it leaves you extra time for writing, which, let's be honest, is what we all want. With any company you use, you want credentials and reviews from people. You want to see a breakdown of where the costs are going and exactly what they are doing for you. In terms of editing, you want someone who can do a sample edit for you before you agree to any terms and you'll want to see several cover options. In terms of blog tours there are great organizers out there that are not that expensive, or you can always arrange one yourself.
8. What would you tell someone who's thinking of independently publishing their novel, but is afraid to take the plunge?
First, I would ask them if this is the best novel they can write? Not every book you write is meant to be published. Some are just designed for you to grow as a writer. I know I have four full manuscripts that will never see the light of day, (an hundreds or half ones) but I still learned so much in doing them all.
Once you're happy that it is, then start researching. Check out The Self Publishing Formula on Facebook and their podcast. Groups out there, like SPF, are full of people who are taking their independent publishing very seriously and will always be willing to offer advice. You can learn so much. Send off your first couple of pages to editors for sample edits and see what you get back in return. You are looking for someone who gets your voice as well as grammar.
And keep writing. Just keep writing.
Big, big thank you to Hannah Lynn for letting me read her books and for answering my questions! She never ceases to amaze me. Go check out her books, you won't be disappointed.
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