Evolution of an Indie: Stick Together

Evolution of an IndieEntering my third year as an indie, it is my responsibility to impart sage wisdom to the world. (Don’t blink, or you might miss it.) See the series introduction post for more on my saga. But for now, lesson #6 for 2012:

Seek lasting partnerships whenever possible.

Independent is a misnomer. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Indies are the the most codependent, sniveling lot. We’re worse than realtors (ouch! I didn’t!) The vastness of the Indie profession (from creation to publication to sales) ensures the need of complimentary individuals.

On top of the complexity of placing an final product (novel or illustrated ebook of boils or what have you) in the hands of readers, indies must be salespeople. In today’s digital world that means an electronic networker. (One of the reasons so many of us start pathetic blogs…)

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RRS Roundup: Road to Amador

This week on Read it! Review it! Share it! we are taking a meander into the eery both mainstream and alternative. Fist apocalyptic and then paranormal… spine tingly-dingling! The Road The name Cormac McCarthy is recognized by many as a master of a new sort of southern gothic, a stark voice of the American rural, blue-collar stiff. … Read more RRS Roundup: Road to Amador

Evolution of an Indie: Pofreshinal Editing

Evolution of an IndieEntering my third year as an indie, it is my responsibility to impart sage wisdom to the world. (Don’t blink, or you might miss it.) See the series introduction post for more on my saga. But for now, lesson #5 for 2012:

Editing can mean a dozen different things.

Indie artists go independent for a myriad of reasons. One reason to go indie is an obstinate sort of contempt for convention. Not all indies are this way, but many are. (Don’t look around the room. I’m looking at you.)

A little Dennis Hopper style anti-establishmentarianism can be a good thing. But not if it means we smoke so much of our own genius we end up writing a book about vintage hair clippings we’ve collected from barber shop floors, or we publish a novel containing nothing but hand gestures.

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