Barbara DeMarco Barrett, author, host of the Pen on Fire speaker series and radio host of Writers on Writing at KUCI 88.9FM, admits she was reluctant to invite “self-published” or as I prefer to call us, “indie-authors” to her show.
I don’t blame her. She has, after all, interviewed several famous, traditionally published authors on her radio show, “Writers on Writing” since its inception in 2001. For example, Margaret Atwood was on her show yesterday, and previous guests such as Billy Collins, Michael Chabon and John Irving.
When asked why she decided to interview indie-authors? Here’s her response.
I wanted to have an indie author show because times, they are a changin’ …. self-publishing is turning a corner and it’s interesting, watching this evolution, how the context of writing is changing as is the content somewhat—as I talked about with Atwood yesterday, the serialized novel is returning (Byliner.com) and ebooks and graphic memoirs are being published more and more. Who knows what’s next or what will take hold? So with indie authors…writers are no longer so dependent on agents and editors and publishers, and that’s a good thing (and a bad thing, for it undercuts the patience an author needs to put out a work of quality). In short, self-publishing is a mixed bag, but the conversation has begun and is worth revisiting and exploring.
Together with her co-host Marrie Stone, Barbara has interviewed authors of all genres, including agents, with the goal of helping writers learn the art and craft of writing.
So when Barbara, one of my first mentors on writing, agreed to interview four indie-published authors on her January 2nd, 2013 show, I was thrilled to be a guest.
The stigma attached to being an indie-author is no longer what it used to be. The public is now aware of successful indie-authors like Amanda Hocking, or even J. K. Rowling who decided to sell the e-book versions of the Harry Potter on her website.
To kick-off the New Year, Barbara invited four indie-authors to her first “Writers on Writing” show of 2013. Mary Castillo joined us from Carmel, California, over the phone, while Nancy Klann-Moren, Charlie Leister and myself, Sonia Marsh, sat in the KUCI 88.9FM radio studio in Irvine, California.
After introducing all four of us, we each talked about our books and read a short excerpt. We discussed the following topics.
- Indie-Publishing (How? Set up your own publishing company-vs. other ways)
- Cover design, formatting, Outsourcing vs. DIY
- Distribution- How do you get your book into bookstores?
- Events-How to book them
- Virtual blog tours
- Book trailers
- How to get reviews
- Paid Reviews (Kirkus) and others
- Goals for next book
You can download the entire podcast here, as well as browse the archives from previous shows on Barbara DeMarco-Barrett’s “Writers on Writing” website.
Mary Castillo brought up an interesting point. Her book sales have dramatically increased since she posted a book trailer on her Amazon page.
This is something I have not tried, and noticed that Barbara DeMarco-Barrett, now has a trailer for her book Pen On Fire on her own website.
I asked Barbara who made her trailer, and she mentioned, her son Travis together with Don (The Newport Brothers.)
If you’re interested (The Newport Brothers) can be contacted through Travis at sivart86@earthlink.net or at 949 554 9422 for book trailers.
If you have questions regarding indie-publishing, please feel free to contact me at sonia@soniamarsh.com, and remember we have a Gutsy Indie Publishers Facebook Group where you can ask 180 other indie authors, experts, editors, cover designers, PR book specialists your questions.
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Very cool. Sonia! Congratulations to you and all the gutsy writers who were interviewed with you. Barbara’s podcast was the first one I listened to, starting three or four years ago. She has interviewed some great ones, so y’all are in great company.
I have to go finish listening. I was interrupted the first time through. I want to hear you read from Freeways to Flipflops!
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Shirley,
I can tell you’re getting ready for your launch. I think you’ll have a wonderful one and lots of supporters. I didn’t know you listened to Barbara DeMarco Barrett’s podcasts.
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