YA Indie Carnival - Opportunities

YA writers and bloggers unite each week to share their thoughts on what it's like going indie in today's publishing world.

Today the carni goers are discussing opportunities that indie publishing has given us. 

Well, where do I start?

My story goes like most authors probably does... I wanted to write, I wanted to share my books with the world. I learned a few lessons along the way and eventually started (correctly) looking for an agent. After a few years of trying and also improving my writing skills, I got to the point where I had to make a decision. Did I keep submitting my work in the hope I might one day get published, or did I take matters into my own hands and check out the indie route?

I took the plunge and jumped into the indie river... and I'm SO glad I did. Sure - I'm not getting the same sales numbers and exposure as a traditionally published author, but I love being in charge of my writing career. I have met so many amazing people, I have been able to write stories that inspire me and some of my readers, my books are getting great reviews and I am on my way to turning this "hobby" into a career :-)

So - what opportunities has the indie road presented to me?

- the chance to share my work with the world

- the chance to meet amazing authors and bloggers, some of which have become great friends

- the chance to learn and improve my skills as a writer and a marketer

- the opportunity to talk to students about writing and hopefully inspire them to follow their dreams

- the opportunity to own a business (I never in a million years would have thought I'd do that, but when you're an indie author, you own your work and therefore are plunged into the business of writing) I actually love keeping accounts and tracking my stats. I must have more geek in me than I realized :-)

- most importantly, it's given me the opportunity to write stories I love, because at the end of the day - why do we really do this? Because writing makes us come alive :-)

Are you an indie writer?

What opportunities has the indie road opened up for you?

To see what the other carni's have to say, check out the links below.

T. R. Graves has been doing an amazing job improving the YA Author Club blog. Don't forget to stop by and check it out :) 

1.	Laura A. H. Elliott	2.	Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3.	T. R. Graves, Author of The Warrior Series	4.	Suzy Turner, author of The Raven Saga
5.	Rachel Coles, author of Into The Ruins, geek mom blog	6.	K. C. Blake, author of Vampires Rule and Crushed
7.	Gwenn Wright, author of Filter	8.	Liz Long | Just another writer on the loose.
9.	Ella James	10.	Maureen Murrish
11.	YA Sci Fi Author's Ramblings	12.	A Little Bit of R&R
13.	Melissa Pearl	14.	Seo Company

Does Going Indie Count?

As I put myself out there and promote my work, I am plagued by a constant niggle that sits on my shoulders taunting me. It whispers in my ear with an evil little laugh saying, "But you're only indie, it's not like you're a real author."

So - I've decided to flick this little niggle off my shoulder and talk about the topic.

I don't know if anyone else out there has struggled with the same issue, but sometimes I find it hard to hold my head high and say, "Yes, I'm a published author."

Why?

Because I chose to self-publish. I had no validation from an agent or a big publishing house telling me my work was awesome and would sell millions.

As I walk this journey though, I am beginning to realize that I don't need that validation to hold my head high. Sure, my books aren't selling like hot cakes... yet :) I will forever hope! BUT the people who are getting their hands on them are really enjoying them. I am getting great reviews. I am getting validation from the most important people out there - the readers.

I am also discovering a massive community of indie authors who are fantastic people. They are all doing something they are passionate about and their enthusiasm is contagious. Indie authors are also the kind of writers who want to put books out there that people can afford. I have read some brilliant indie books in the past year and I never would have found them if I hadn't taken the plunge into this awesome world.

As a side note: I just want to thank all the readers out there who help promote the indie movement. On behalf of all self-published authors out there - we love you!!

So, if you're an indie author and are currently struggling with doubts (I go through this slump at least once a month :)), then I encourage you to shake it off, hold your head high, wave your flag and say with a beaming smile that you are a published author and yes, going indie most definitely counts.

What do you think?