I've co-authored two books. In both cases, my co-author(s) was set up as a publishing company. Both books were "how to" books on specific topics...one on how to self-edit your writing, and one on how to become a successful virtual assistant. In both cases, my co-author(s) and I never considered going through the traditionally publisher route. We just didn't want to work that hard for $1 or $2 per book sold. I sell one or both of my books when I speak at conferences or seminars, to my colleagues who are in the associations I'm in, to my clients, off my website and off Amazon. Yes, the promotion is a big issue. I'm pretty sure you could make promoting your book a full-time job. I've pitched myself to internet radio shows and podcasts with some success, put out press releases, write in my blog, etc. My books are well-received and very positive reviews on Amazon, etc., but my main goal in writing the two books was to add to my professional platform and demonstrate my expertise, not be a best-selling author. Anyway, that's the long answer to how I became an independently published author. :) Lauren Hidden

Hi Dahris, Great question! Lately I've been thinking about the correct terminology for "almost memoirs"--I have a potential client who wrote a book that is 95% true, but some events were combined to keep up the pace of the book. So if it was a TV movie of the week, it would probably be: "Based on a true story" but I'm not sure how that translates to a book genre. It's something I plan to research. A memoir usually explores a period of time or a certain issue within your life, not your whole life from the day you were born until today--that would be an autobiography. You've done a lot of work writing so many versions of your story. Which one do you like the best? If you're not tied to it being a memoir, then you should just pick the one that tells the story most effectively. When my memoir authors are stuck, I try to suggest other books that handled their problem areas effectively--not to copy the style, but to get inspiration. As far as going back in your family history, have you ever read the book "Middlesex"? It is fiction, but when I read your question, I thought of that book because it effectively explains family history which is essential to the current plot of the book. I hope this helps, and if this sparks other questions, please let me know! Anyone else who has input is welcome to join in the responses. Best, Lauren Lauren Hidden Owner, The Hidden Helpers, Ghostwriting and Editing http://www.thehiddenhelpers.com Co-author: Write It Right: The Ground Rules for Self-Editing Like the Pros and Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow a Profitable Virtual Assista

Hi Dahris,
Great question!
Lately I've been thinking about the correct terminology for "almost memoirs"--I have a potential client who wrote a book that is 95% true, but some events were combined to keep up the pace of the book. So if it was a TV movie of the week, it would probably be: "Based on a true story" but I'm not sure how that translates to a book genre. It's something I plan to research. A memoir usually explores a period of time or a certain issue within your life, not your whole life from the day you were born until today--that would be an autobiography.

You've done a lot of work writing so many versions of your story. Which one do you like the best? If you're not tied to it being a memoir, then you should just pick the one that tells the story most effectively. When my memoir authors are stuck, I try to suggest other books that handled their problem areas effectively--not to copy the style, but to get inspiration.

As far as going back in your family history, have you ever read the book "Middlesex"? It is fiction, but when I read your question, I thought of that book because it effectively explains family history which is essential to the current plot of the book.

I hope this helps, and if this sparks other questions, please let me know! Anyone else who has input is welcome to join in the responses.

Best,
Lauren

Lauren Hidden
Owner, The Hidden Helpers, Ghostwriting and Editing
http://www.thehiddenhelpers.com
Co-author: Write It Right: The Ground Rules for Self-Editing Like the Pros and Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow a Profitable Virtual Assista

I've co-authored two books. In both cases, my co-author(s) was set up as a publishing company. Both books were "how to" books on specific topics...one on how to self-edit your writing, and one on how to become a successful virtual assistant.

In both cases, my co-author(s) and I never considered going through the traditionally publisher route. We just didn't want to work that hard for $1 or $2 per book sold.

I sell one or both of my books when I speak at conferences or seminars, to my colleagues who are in the associations I'm in, to my clients, off my website and off Amazon.

Yes, the promotion is a big issue. I'm pretty sure you could make promoting your book a full-time job. I've pitched myself to internet radio shows and podcasts with some success, put out press releases, write in my blog, etc.

My books are well-received and very positive reviews on Amazon, etc., but my main goal in writing the two books was to add to my professional platform and demonstrate my expertise, not be a best-selling author.

Anyway, that's the long answer to how I became an independently published author. :)

Lauren Hidden