Today, our 29 indie authors will answer these two questions:
2. How long have you been self-published?
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
1. Sherry Ficklin
2. How long have you been self-published?
I self published after I was disheartened by slow sales on my first series. I love my publisher, but POD books can only go so far and with most small presses, the marketing and promotion is this side of impossible. So after those released, I decided to strike out on my own with my next YA project. That was about three years ago.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I try to work a little each day on marketing, whether it’s on social media, on talking with bloggers, or looking for new ways to promote. I set aside about an hour a day. Then I spend 4 days a week writing from 9-3 (while my kids are at school).
2. Marsha Ward
2. How long have you been self-published?
I began to self-publish in 2003 (before it was easy or popular), when I received an ominous health diagnosis and didn’t want my work to be discarded upon my death. I had been receiving good comments from editors about the manuscript that I was submitting, but now that I felt time had run out for me, I needed a quicker way to publish, and chose the best option available at the time, iUniverse. I went into the process with my eyes wide open, only purchased the most basic plan, and got the help I needed in editing from friends and associates. I purchased art separately, and retained the rights to it.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
Yes. This has been a long time coming, and evolved as necessary. I now aim toward writing and publishing one new book a year; putting out a new edition per year of the two editions that need to be updated and transferred to my own imprint; and working with a team for marketing.
http://marshaward.blogspot.com/p/purchase.html
3. Scott Blasingame
How long have you been self-published?
Just a little over a year.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
More so for writing. I try to stick to self-imposed deadlines. In regards to marketing, I apparently have no idea what I’m doing.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008XNBI1Q
Createspace link: https://www.createspace.com/3674446
4. John Hartnett
2. How long have you been self-published?
Since late December of 2012
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I “attempt” to set goals and schedules to routinize my writing and promotional efforts but life and my full time job has a way of intervening. I tend to do most of my work very early in the morning starting at 5:30 or so.
Earlybird Publishing:http://www.earlybirdpublishing.com/shop/catalog/browse?sessid=7pDW3O0IKnjvu1DPUfT778i4nWwgYGDY6DzzrONT55E0PpB8yIgurKElnsqYSpa2&shop_param=
Amazon (print and e-book)http://www.amazon.com/The-Barbers-Conundrum-Other-Stories/dp/0615741150
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-barber-s-conundrum?keyword=the+barber%27s+conundrum&store=allproducts
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/barbers-conundrum-other-stories/id586680872?mt=11
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/262661
Diesel :http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000262661/Hartnett-John-The-Barber-s-Conundrum-and-Other-Stories-Observations-on-Life-From-the-Cheap-Seats/1.html
Kobo: http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=the+barber%27s+conundrum+and+other+stories
5. Jaleta Clegg
2. How long have you been self-published?
My first foray into self-publishing was with the anthology Wandering Weeds. My friend and I dreamed up the theme for the anthology, got a publisher on board, solicited submissions, edited the stories, then the publisher bailed. We found a second publisher, but they also backed out. So we were left with a book that was 90% ready to go and no publisher. We talked with the authors and went ahead with self-publishing. Since it was mostly for promotion and exposure for said authors, it worked. That was about a year ago.
This last summer, I self-pubbed two short story collections of my own stories, most of them previously published in anthologies and magazines. I’ve done layout and design work for many years so it wasn’t that hard. Then my publisher broke up with me. I looked at the eight books in my series still waiting for publication and decided to jump in the deep end and self-publish the rest of the series. They were all written, waiting on a final edit. No other publisher would want to pick up a series halfway through. So I jumped. I don’t regret it.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I should, but right now, writing is not at the top of my priority list. Family, work, and school take precedence. I’ve got enough health problems that interfere that it gets difficult to keep a steady schedule. I write when I can, edit whenever I can squeeze in the time, do marketing a few minutes each day (which means I keep my blog going, do interviews like this one, post on Facebook, etc.) When I’m too tired to do any of that, I play with cover designs and other graphic work.
http://www.jaletac.com and her science fiction adventure at http://www.altairanempire.com
6. Rhonda Patton
2. How long have you been self-published?
3 years
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
NO
http://www.amazon.com/Rhonda-Patton/e/B008QX4XO2.
2. How long have you been self-published?
I have been self-published for four years.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I set goals by spending two hours or longer on writing. Two hours on self-publishing. Two hours or longer on marketing. I don’t follow a schedule but, I do spend two hours a day, sometimes longer on marketing, writing and self-publishing.
Tae Kwon Do for Kids and Adults: Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Taekwondo-Guide-book-Kids-Adults/dp/1453617256/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377843040&sr=1-2&keywords=tae+kwon+do+for+kids+and+adults
Tae Kwon Do for Kids and Adults: Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tae-kwon-do-for-kids-and-adults-c-j-glassberg/1100196684?ean=9781450529396
Spunky the Cat – A pillar: Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spunky-the-cat-a-pillar-c-j-glassberg/1111176676?ean=9781461078265
Katz: Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Katz-C-J-Glassberg/dp/1491230401/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1377843449&sr=1-3
Katz: Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/katz-c-j-glassberg/1116308067?ean=9781491230404
8. Joseph Puente, Puente Media/Utah Filmmakers
2. How long have you been self-published?
Since June of this year (2013).
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I try to write almost every day, usually in the morning. I haven’t done much in the way of marketing my one ebook beyond sharing the links on Facebook and requesting reviews from bloggers and a handful of magazines (no response to any of those requests yet).
9. Michaelbrent Collings
2. How long have you been self-published?
Three years. Ish. I don’t know exactly. I’m not a mathematician, I’m an author! Stop pressuring me!
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
As far as writing, I try to write five days a week. Writing includes brainstorming, thinking about stories, plotting, outlining, marketing, desiging covers for my books, and even going to movies and reading (that’s called “research”!). But I’m at it every weekday, and often on Saturdays. Sundays are my no-work-day. Family and church only. As far as other goals, pretty much the only ones I have involve making the money to pay for my family’s needs. That’s it. More is always nice, but that’s the main goal.
http://www.michaelbrentcollings.com.
10. Kurt Kammeyer
2. How long have you been self-published?
About 15 years 
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I try to write several pages a day (don’t always succeed)
The President Elect book 2 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/70074
The President Elect book 3 http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/70076
The Clan of Stone http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/63699
The Defender of God http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/81641
The Empress of Edom http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/104122
By Ailad’s Bootstraps http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/119608
Bath-time Anomalies http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/178918
The Last Stradivari http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/207872
The Rejuvenated http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/263701
A Collection of Sacred Hymns http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/323072
As Lambs to His Fold (written by his mother, Virginia Maughan Kammeyer) http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/287163
11. George Snyder ~ Award Winning Crime Novelist
2. How long have you been self-published?
Published since the sixties, self-published since the eighties.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
My goal for the last five years has been to write two books a year. My writing day is five to noon, seven days a week. Until lately, self-publishing was what I did when nobody was interested in my book—my traditional publisher/agent query limit is 150. After that I look to another direction. In the early days there were those very expensive print mills like IUniverse and Xlibris and today Outskirts and Tate—not one person in the whole outfit ever read what was submitted. They were and maybe still are paper-crankers, getting out those pages. What I did with three books, I handled every step of the process under my own publishing house, Seaweed Library. None of those books made their print cost back, except my children’s book, “The Dragon With No Tail” which was also a coloring book. I would not recommend do-it-all-yourself. The cost is prohibitive. Marketing in the early days was scatter shooting. Since I write crime novels, for me it meant carting books to my favorite tavern when I entered a pool tournament or set up a table in the patio in Catalina Island or on the deck of my sloop. I sent countless copies to reviewers and bookstores, which returned a few decent reviews but little in sales. Magazines on similar subjects often mentioned the books. Nothing organized about it which sales reflected. Today the computer offers unlimited possibilities. But nobody should forget. You have to have a decent product. If nobody is interested in your book, it won’t sell.
freelancer66@earthlink.net
Facebook-Goodreads-Smashwords-Google
12. Shirley Bahlmann
2. How long have you been self-published?
Since 2009
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
Not any more. (I used to.)
http://shirleybahlmann.weebly.com/books.html, http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=shirley+bahlmann
Website: http://shirleybahlmann.weebly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShirleyBahlmannAuthor
13. Mike Thies
2. How long have you been self-published?
I just recently made the decision to self-publish this past May. So I’ve been a self-published author for around 3 – 4 months now.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
You need to if you want to do well. You take the date you want your book published, and plan to have galley copies in hand at least 4 months prior and then for those four months ramp up marketing. You need to have a schedule for release of the next book because as many will tell you, it’s not the first book that gets your rich, it is the second, the third, and the fourth that make your money (especially if it’s a series).
www.facebook.com/guardianofthecore
14. Greg Lovvorn
2. How long have you been self-published?
I published my first book in July, 2013
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I set goals for everything. I tend to be very goal oriented and a numbers nut so I set quantifiable goals; words a day, pages a day, find a certain amount of usable references etc.
I also tend to be a procrastinator, if I don’t have a set standard to meet. That is one of the challenges for me as a writer. I must be my own overseer.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ENUKDDW came from.
15. D. Ogden Huff
2. How long have you been self-published?
Master of Emotion was published December, 2011, the other two in 2012.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
Well, when I self-published Master of Emotion, I intended to set goals and implement a marketing plan—but a very busy church job and a some other non-profit work got in the way. Since then, I’ve been able to self-publish my other two novels, first as e-books and then as paperbacks, but I’ve chosen to use any other free time I have available to write, rather than market my books. After all, writing is therapeutic and marketing is work. My goal now is to finish my Young Adult Sci-Fi Series and then market the whole series together.
16. Saoirse O’Mara
2. How long have you been self-published?
I self-published Miro the Dragon in late 2011, and have released the other books since then.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
Not really. I’m trying to release two books for my A Rogue’s Tale series each year, and I hope to release Miro 2 late this year since it’s already been almost two years since book one.
Theresa Berg http://www.amazon.com/Theresa-Berg/e/B0088MWM58/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1377544573&sr=1-2-ent
17. Cindy Christiansen
2. How long have you been self-published?
Self-publishing is relatively new to me. I published Stolen Horses, Stolen Hearts in January 2013. I don’t mind doing a novella, but I think I would find it daunting on a full-length book.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I do my best to set goals, but with over thirty health issues and two autistic children, I try to cut myself some slack. (lol)
Website: http://www.dragonflyromance.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DragonflyRomance
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorDragonfly
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CindyDragonfly
Google+: http://bit.ly/14TuIh6
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/cindydragonfly/
Youtube home: bit.ly/Wtw4b8
cindy@dragonflyromance.com
Youtube videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/CADragonfly/videos
Sweet Cravings Publishing: http://bit.ly/WdkOU0
Amazon: http://amzn.to/WviRlv
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/VmNLee
All Romance ebooks: http://bit.ly/1186k6h
Website: http://bit.ly/r8EEkq
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/19kmbY9
18. Jerry Hatchett
2. How long have you been self-published?
Pawnbroker was first published in October, 2012.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I do have internal goals, but they’re broad and long-range in scope. My daily writing life is a bit more spontaneous, as is my story and character development.
StoryFreak Blog: http://jerryhatchett.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Chop0Matic
Pawnbroker Website: http://www.pawnbrokernovel.com
Public Email: newsletter@jerryhatchett.com
Newsletter Subscribe: Jerry Hatchett Author Newsletter
Pawnbroker on Amazon: http://amzn.to/10GTdgU
Seven Unholy Days on Amazon: http://amzn.to/10tDIVN
The Projectionist: Part 1 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/13gZrDe
19. Donna Fernstrom
2. How long have you been self-published?
I self-published my first book in 2006.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
Absolutely not. 🙂 I have chronic fatigue syndrome, and run two home businesses, in addition to writing. I do what I can, when I can, and leave the rest up to fate, luck, and a bit of magick.
http://www.donnafernstrom.com
http://www.amazon.com/Beginning-Psionics-Training-Manual-ebook/dp/B00AZNODS2
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/349404
http://www.lulu.com/shop/donna-fernstrom/sorrows-pdf/ebook/product-21156643.html
http://www.writersout.com/node/9949 .
20. Lauren Ritz
2. How long have you been self-published?
I have two books out, both self-published. The first, put out in April of 2013, is a contemporary religious suspense which some readers have described as a thriller. The second is urban fantasy and came out in July. They can be found on Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Apple, Amazon, etc.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I write every day. My goal is 4000 words per day, but I make sure I write at least 2000. I try to do a little marketing every day, but knowing where to put my efforts has been challenging.
Kindle: Without A Voice
Nook: Without A Voice
All other formats: Without A Voice
All other formats: Spirit
21. Marie Higgins
2. How long have you been self-published?
Since July 2012.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I set goals, but sometimes life gets in the way and I have to re-adjust those goals. But so far, I’ve come really close to the goals I’ve set for 2013!
http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Higgins/e/B004O3WYQ2/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1377293400&sr=1-2-ent
22. Heather Jensen
2. How long have you been self-published?
I self-published my first book ten years ago.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I try to write every day so my brain can stay in the habit of creating. With my Blood And Guitars series I had a goal of releasing a book each year at the same time. I was able to release the second book a year later, but the third and final book in the series has taken longer than that to create, perfect, and get ready for publishing.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00529IDZS
http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Guitars-Heather-Jensen/dp/1463511884
http://www.amazon.com/Immortals-Melodies-Blood-Guitars-ebook/dp/B0086GMMAQ
Author Website www.heatherjensen.info
Facebook www.facebook.com/BloodAndGuitars
Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/theedgeofwords
Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/112920558824411082148/
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6188671C464951F2&feature=plcp
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2870615.Heather_Jensen
23. Ia Uaro
2. How long have you been self-published?
Almost one year.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I haven’t been able to strictly follow my schedule. Once your book has been self-published, marketing consumes a huge chunk of you.
Ia Uaro’s website and shop, YouTube channel, and blog.
24. Amanda Holden
2. How long have you been self-published?
I have been self-published since May 2013.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
When I first started self-publishing my book, I was all about getting everything done so I could publish before Mother’s Day. I have learned a lot on my first publication and honestly, I knew nothing about how to market my book. Everything came after the publication date. Such as: Book Trailer, Interviews, and Spotlights etc. Note: Please make sure you promote your work before you release your book into the world.
Purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Azyeas-Gifts-ebook/dp/B00CNXYY2W
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AzyeasGifts
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkmwYHMAIbg
25. Merita King
2. How long have you been self-published?
I self published my first novel, Redemption, in June of 2011.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I’m not a planner at all. I can’t work like that, although I know many other authors prefer to do meticulous planning but it just doesn’t work for me. All I do is write down a few sentences about what I want the main event and ending twist to be, and do the main character outlines. Once that is done, I just sit down and begin to write and the book builds itself. It’s a very intuitive process for me and I work best when I step out of the way as much as I can and just let the creative energy flow from wherever it’s coming from, through me and onto the page. I always say my characters write my books and I just take dictation from them. When I start a new book, I will usually know what month I intend to publish it, but that is flexible. As far as marketing goes, I am the first to admit that I suck at it. I am trying to do better, but in today’s market it’s like flogging a dead horse, as they say and it’s rather soul destroying.
The Lilean Chronicles: Book One ~ Redemption http://www.amazon.com/The-Lilean-Chronicles-Redemption-ebook/dp/B0088Q0YM2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1377886631&sr=1-1&keywords=merita+king
The Lilean Chronicles: Book Two ~ The Sleeping http://www.amazon.com/The-Lilean-Chronicles-Sleeping-ebook/dp/B009DNXEEY/ref=sr_1_12?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1377886687&sr=1-12&keywords=merita+king
The Lilean Chronicles: Book Three ~ Changing Faces http://www.amazon.com/The-Lilean-Chronicles-Changing-ebook/dp/B009D76DRK/ref=sr_1_11?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1377886728&sr=1-11&keywords=merita+king
The Lilean Chronicles: Book Four ~ Avalanche Effect http://www.amazon.com/The-Lilean-Chronicles-Avalanche-ebook/dp/B00AFVBOIG/ref=sr_1_9?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1377886770&sr=1-9&keywords=merita+king
Floxham Island ~ Sinclair V-Log AZ267/M http://www.amazon.com/Floxham-Island-Sinclair-V-Log-ebook/dp/B00BAS5C04/ref=sr_1_8?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1377886821&sr=1-8&keywords=merita+king
Acts of Life http://www.amazon.com/Acts-of-Life-ebook/dp/B00DB4E83M/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1377886850&sr=1-2&keywords=merita+king
26. Janiera Eldridge
2. How long have you been self-published?
May of 2013 was a year since I started self-publishing.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I don’t set a lot of goals for my writing because life often jumps in the way and you need to be flexible with it. I do sit down at the end of each week however to try and think of new and creative ways to promote my book. Except for days where I deliberately take a break from writing, I try to write 500 words a day no matter what.
27. Heather McCoubrey
2. How long have you been self published?
I first published To Love Twice on Amazon, using KDP Select in March 2013. Once my 90 days were up, I reformatted my novel and published it to B&N Nook. I’m currently in the works to get my novel in print from CreateSpace.
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self publishing,
and marketing?
My goal is to become successful enough to earn real money from my writing. I don’t really work around or follow schedules. I’m a wedding planner, wife, mom and student along with being a writer. I can’t adhere to schedules for writing, because life gets in the way. I write when I can, when my muse strikes. As for marketing, well, I can’t say I do. I’m totally winging it, flying by the seat of my pants. I’ve created social media for my writing, I have a website, business cards and I’ve called around to the local libraries and set up Meet the Author events. Once I have the printed novel in hand, it should make it easier to do more marketing.
Website: http://heathermccoubrey.com
Twitter: @h_mccoubrey
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ToLoveTwiceebook/dp/B00BWYEHH0/
B&N Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tolovetwiceheathermccoubrey/
1116093917?ean=2940148741381
28. Christy Dorrity
2. How long have you been self-published?
Since 2011
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I set long term, flexible goals. But the most important thing is that I write every weekday. I think that when you take writing seriously, you have to carve out time for it.
christydorrity@yahoo.com
29. Jennifer Raygoza
2. How long have you been self-published?
Since March 2013
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I try to write everyday but that doesn’t always work out. I spend a lot of time marketing daily.
Purchase Link http://amzn.com/B00C13CKVG
Website- http://theguardiansvampnovel.webs.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/theguardiansvampnovel
30. Anna del C. Dye
2. How long have you been self-published?
Seven years
3. Do you set goals or follow a schedule pertaining to writing, self-publishing, and marketing?
I have set the goal to produce one book a year. I do not believe I can do justice to my stories or my readers if I push more than that in the market right now. Books need time to simmer and be edited time and time again. If you hurry them we just crowd the market with a lot of mediocre books.
Join us next time when our indie authors answer these five questions:
4. If you’ve been self-published for a while, what changes have you seen in the self-publishing industry?
5. If you’ve been traditionally published, what moved you to become self-published?
6. Simon and Shuster has jumped on the bandwagon with their self-publishing service called, Archways. Do you see self-publishing as the “wave of the future?”
7. Do you use a website and/or blog to market your book(s)?
8. What is your best tip for marketing self-published books?
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Thanks for collecting all this information, Theresa. There’s great advice in there and some interesting authors to check out.