A selfpubber, also known as an indie author, does not write for a publisher, but does everything himself. Publishing a book is not something you just do, there is a lot involved. In addition to being a writer, you are your own publisher and you also do the marketing yourself.
Selfpubber 1.0: Bittersweet
In 2016 I embarked on the selfpubber adventure and published the chicklit novel Bitterzoet. Without proper preparation and much too soon. I made a lot of mistakes then. Still, I’m happy with this experience. I now include the mistakes from then in my preparations, such as having to outsource some things that you are not very good at, such as cover design. And that an editor is also very important.
Selfpubber 2.0
This time I’m better prepared. There is now also a larger group of self-pubbers with an online community and thanks to the rise of e-books and audio books, there are many more options. In addition, in 2018 I interviewed a number of selfpubbers for Hebban Feelgood, such as Emma Anna, Liz Harteveld, Saskia Oudshoorn and Marijke Vos. Before I started this interview series, I was still unsure whether I wanted to self-publish with my next book, or look for a publisher. A few authors are now writing for a publisher. But the palpable passion during these interviews has made me enthusiastic to want to self-publish again.
Withering roses
At the moment I am working with an editor in preparations to make my manuscript Rozen wilt for publication. My goal is to be able to publish in Dutch this fall. In 2023 I hope to publish my book in English and German as well. I’ll keep you up to date.