My name is Jon Cronshaw, and since turning full-time as an indie author in 2017, I’ve learned a thing or two (or seven) about how to not just survive, but thrive in this landscape.

Here, I share those nuggets of wisdom, those proven strategies that have helped me build a sustainable career from scratch.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the practical guide to navigating the world of indie authorship.

Write Captivating Stories in Marketable Genres

·      Commit to writing series, as they are more likely to keep readers hooked.

·      Merge what you are passionate about writing with what readers are hungry for.

·      Familiarise yourself with genre-specific tropes and reader expectations.

·      Give importance to character development, sharp dialogue, and action-packed sequences. Avoid extensive exposition that can bore your readers.

·      Have a defined protagonist with clear objectives and obstacles.

·      Know your ending before you begin. An outline could be a lifesaver, but outlines aren’t for everyone.

·      Romance, mysteries, thrillers, sci-fi, and fantasy are proven sellers, but there’s room for outliers too.

Don’t Skimp on Professional Editing

·      Invest in a competent freelance editor for copy-editing and proofreading.

·      If you’re a newbie, consider getting a developmental edit to identify potential plot holes or inconsistencies.

Make Your Cover a Showstopper

·      Employ a professional cover designer.

·      Research successful covers in your genre and make note of common design elements like colour scheme, typography, and imagery.

·      Remember, you’re designing a high-impact billboard, not a piece of art.

Market Smartly and Effectively

·      Tailor your marketing efforts to readers who already enjoy your genre.

·      Resist the temptation to market to friends and family in the early stages.

·      Encourage reviews. They serve as invaluable social proof for prospective readers.

Build a Mailing List with Irresistible Lead Magnets

·      The mailing list is still your most potent marketing weapon.

·      Offer exclusive content that your readers can’t say no to, like free novellas, maps, or character interviews.

Re-Frame Your Author Mindset

·      Think of your work as an asset.

·      Digital publishing provides you with a product that can generate income for a lifetime.

·      Adopt a business-like approach to your writing career.

·      Balancing marketing and networking with writing is crucial.

·      Selling is not a dirty word.

The Golden Rule: Write, Publish, Repeat

·      Consistency is your ally. Keep writing and publishing.

·      With each new book, you’ll see incremental improvements in your storytelling, marketing skills, and revenue streams.

·      Keep nurturing your network. It can open unexpected doors.

Your Journey Begins Now

These are the foundational pillars that have served me well over the years.

If there’s something you believe should be on this list, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Ready to take your indie author career to the next level?

Subscribe to my Substack, Indie Author Mastermind, where I regularly share insights, tips, and strategies to help you make a sustainable living in self-publishing.

Best of luck on your journey,

Jon