The 5 Side Benefits Of Becoming An Independent Author

When I self-published my first novel, Beneath the Bedrock in April, 2017, I had no idea what was in-store for me becoming an Independent author.

Initially, I was thrilled at the prospect that a publishing company would actually consider my eleven-hundreds pages of rambling worthy of their time.

After that, I was terrified. It was downright overwhelming, learning what truly goes into becoming a self-employed small business owner.

The Benefits Of Becoming An Independent Author

Yes, being an independent author is a business. And I’m here to tell you, the creation of your work in progress (WIP) is merely a fraction of the tip of the iceberg.

The five tips I’m about to share with you should make things easier for independent authors.

Gathering Help From The Experts

Newly Independent author, Kimberlee Ann Bastian recommended Wise Ink Creative Publishing, a boutique style publisher based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Wise Ink took me under their wing and assigned me a project manager. I didn’t even know what sort of questions to ask, I was so in over my head.

The team patiently took me through the paces on how to create a customized business plan. They helped me navigate the process of editing, book design and proofreading. And they walked me through the printing and e-book conversion and distribution process to make my book baby a reality. This of course, all came with a fee.

Encouragement And Support

My spouse and I spent hours poring over the contract and finances to determine if this hobby could be a sustainable venture. It seemed like an awful lot of money up front, investing in what some might consider a pipe dream. We hadn’t even looked at the marketing aspect at that point.

In the end, we took the plunge. Viewing it as an investment in a portable career to supplement our income in future retirement. I couldn’t quit my day job back in 2017, nor had I wanted to. I’d waited my entire nursing career to work as a holistic nurse with an integrative health doctor and I wasn’t about to undermine one dream for another.

The Best-Laid Plans

The pandemic of 2020 shattered the glass ceiling on how to the world conducts business. Promoting a book was no exception. All of my in-person book tour engagements were canceled in 2020 and much of 2021. I invested significantly in a virtual assistant expanding and diversifying my online presence.

I have the best virtual assistant a person could hope for, but the return on investment (ROV) wasn’t the same. Something was missing in my experience, those special relationship built by engaging with fans and potential customers on a personal level. It makes sense I would find this important as a hands-on sort of person.

To compound the anxieties brought on by the pandemic, my physician I’ve worked with for the past seven years announced her retirement in June, 2021. It was devastating news. I’m happy for her, and she certainly deserves it, but being not quite yet eligible for retirement, I’m not looking forward to being forced into a job market that is not particularly kind toward women in the AARP age category. 

Turning Adversity Into Opportunity

In an effort to avoid the unpleasant, demoralizing endeavor of job hunting, I’d decided to utilize experience gained as an Independent author, managing my own small business, to discuss with my employer the possibility of taking over aspects of the practice. As a nurse, I am not qualified to provide certain specific services that fall outside the scope of my licensure, however forty plus years’ of experience affords me several opportunities I wouldn’t have considered prior to self-publishing in 2017.

I’ve learned being independent doesn’t mean going it alone. Taking a page from my experience with Wise Ink, I’ve aligned with a team of consultants from my local community college small business development center.

Familiar with the process, I am exploring the aspects of what it takes to run my own business. It doesn’t preclude the apprehension associated with the venture, despite knowing the right questions to ask. But I find myself more confident in the return on investment even at my current age. There is tangible potential for success both professionally and financially. 

Finally, Stepping Out On A Limb

As the negotiations continue, there will be more to come on this life transition event. For those of you who’ve been through this, I welcome your wisdom and insight. For those currently in the situation, I reach out to you in comradery.  Personally, I thrive on chaos, and the challenges it brings.

Still, it comes with an underlying element of anxiety that can drive my family crazy sometimes and add stress to a household. Any tips on stress management are much appreciated. Remember, I live in Minnesota and a walking in subzero weather is not the sort of challenge that I am seeking. Wish me luck!