Ultimately, you need to be writing books.
Yes, I know that sounds dumb for how simple it is. But it is the primary requirement. Sure, you need to be building an email list and writing regular content to help people find your book.
In the end, if you aren’t writing and publishing books, you are only a writer.
Okay, okay, if you have published one book you are an author. However, you really need to take things to the next level to be an indie author. Someone who publishes books, not just published one book.
Today, I wanted to share a few of those things with you.
5 Activities of a Self-Publishing Author
Alright, so there are a lot of things you should be doing. Yet, there are five things that help drive your self-publishing empire. And here they are:
Writing and Publishing Books
This is the most important activity. When you are self-publishing, you need to be writing and publishing books regularly. This helps sell books and keeps the creative juices flowing.
Building an Email List
If there is anything that I wish I would have done better over the last few years, it is building an email list. This is your primary mode of sales and promotion. Yes, you can do promos other places, but your email list are the committed readers.
Growing Your Network
You need to be connecting with other authors in your niche and influencers in your niche. Again, this is something I wish I would have done better. In fact, I feel like I have been playing catch-up in this area.
Continually Learning
Things change on the internet seemingly everyday. You need to be learning all the time so that you don’t fall behind. This might be with your publishing platform or social media or trends in the market. You need to stay up-to-date.
Establishing Your Authority
So often, people say publishing a book creates your authority. However, for self-publishing authors, establishing authority helps sell books. This means completing certifications in your niche or specials trainings.
Final Thoughts on the Work of a Self-Published Author
I know this is a short one, but the truth is, these are straightforward points. Most of all, they all contribute to taking you from someone who published a book to an indie author.
Now, this looks different for all of us. After all, I have a wife, three kids, a day job, and a hobby farm to keep up and running. So, I do all of these things, but they are way more spaced out.
For someone who may not have other commitments, you will be able spend the time diving all-in on your self-publishing empire. You might be able to write your books more quickly and do these other task in a day.
That’s the beauty, there isn’t set formula, but you can do it at your own pace and focus on a few key items.
Start Here!
Are there other books to read? Sure are. I have two short lists of them in my Writer’s Starter Pack on Gumroad (It’s free, you should check it out). The only other book I want to highlight is my own.
It’s called Transform Your Medium Stories.
Initially written for writers on the Medium platform, the content of this book works for any online content. And it is a great short guide to help you write and publish your first book. So grab your copy today!
J.R. Heimbigner is a #1 Bestselling Author on Amazon who loves helping people grow in their faith and help writers become authors. You can connect with him on Medium, his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Substack!
If You Want To Be An Author…
Hi JR, I'd love to know how important your email list was/is for selling your books on Amazon? Additonally, it would awesome to get more insights on HOW EXACTLY the whole process of publishing a book with Amazon KDP works. Just some suggestions from one of your readers.
Oh and I can soooo relate with "After all, I have a wife, three kids, a day job, and a hobby farm to keep up and running. So, I do all of these things, but they are way more spaced out." I still remember last summer when we first met online. This piece you wrote about me being a full-time creator. haha.
We're both in the part-time creator club I guess that is something very special about us!