How To Be A Successful Indie Author

[@HeartBreathings]

Yay! I've been looking forward to sharing this information with you, and I hope you found it helpful. There's only one more day to sign up for Publish And Thrive, and I'd love for you to join. Get more info here: bit.ly/publishandthrive

[@cecilywolfe4571]

signed up! very excited!

[@HeartBreathings]

@@cecilywolfe4571 Yay!! I'm excited you're joining us!!!!

[@HeartBreathings]

@Downhome Geek so exciting!!! Love this 🥰

[@melissaduque5671]

Hi! I had a suggestion for a collaboration video! With Dr.Mike ( @RealDrMike) you always talk about being healthy and I was thinking a collaboration would be interesting from a medical POV!

[@Foxmom92]

You are an amazing author I love your books so much. I am very close to finalizing everything with my first book and then moving ahead with publishing it I'm so nervous and excited! Your videos have helped me so much!

[@nonsensefreeeditor]

That’s so heartbreaking about the authors who didn’t take care of their health in the pursuit of writing, with all the “rise and grind” messages out there, it’s easy to believe that becoming a work machine is the only way to succeed. Thank you for reminding us that it’s the people in your life that matter and to take care of ourselves.

[@Growndweller]

Absolutely. Sad that it took a pandemic to teach people the importance of relationships and self care.

[@staceyshillingburg7966]

I love how important family is to you. I am right there with you! I used to worry that I would not be able to be a “successful” author because I am not willing to sacrifice my family. As I’ve grown I know that’s not true and finding your channel has helped me a lot. Thanks :)

[@badraven_indieauthor]

Thank you for such candid and honest conversation. I appreciate the time and effort you took in making this video. You are giving sound and wise advice!

[@scheherezade3]

Loved this video. After writing off and on since I was a child I recently made a decision that I was going to try self publishing. I have a lot going on already, but I’m going to make time for this as I know this tight schedule will ease ups in a few months. I write in a couple of genres and while I read considerably more than that, that’s where my writing makes me happy. I do however want to try to make something from it and this has helped me consider a couple of things about what I want to write first that I will still enjoy and may have some success publishing as well. There were 2 things I’ve wanted to do since I was a child. I’ve done one and writing is the other. Thanks for all your thoughts on this. Within the first 10-15 minutes of this I started getting some ideas that I think will work 😊

[@werelemur1138]

I know I'm probably never going to be the author with the six-figure income. The romance novels I want to write are never going to get published traditionally: the heroes aren't Dukes or 'Alpha Males' and the heroines tend to be (gasp, shock) in their thirties or even older. But I've heard people complaining about the same things that had me avoiding the Romance genre for a while, despite how much I used to love it, so I suspect that there is a market out there for my books. The challenge will be finding people who are looking for the same kind of stories I couldn't find, which drove me to start writing them

[@HeartBreathings]

You are definitely on the right track with that train of thought. That is truly the biggest challenge for you - connecting your book with the readers who most want them. If you've already heard some complaints that indicate there's a good market for what you're writing, then I truly believe there's a shot for you to have great success.

[@michellej1372]

I never understand why most romance novels tend to just have heroines in their early twenties. Surely if people read romance novels for escape then it should be acceptable to have heroines in their thirties plus.

[@HeartBreathings]

Definitely are seeing more and more heroines in their thirties and beyond in indie books. Even seniors. It's possible to find the readers that love those books for sure!!

[@maryelizabethtait9435]

One of my favorite indie authors is Lindsay Buroker. I am in my twenties and thought just as you did that the heroines were always younger and the men were all macho all the time. She opened my eyes to a whole different set of characts. I absolutely loved it. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that those books exist out there.

[@everynewdayisablessing8509]

I am 100% sure there are readers who would love the kind of books you have in mind. All those 30+ 40+ something women are probably getting fed up reading about 20 somethings.

[@thedashes6854]

Success to me is spending my life doing what I want to do: writing. I'm a writer, I have to write whether it makes me money or not.

[@DeAndraB]

Success to me is gaining a ride or die fan base that would allow me to make a living off of my work. ♥️

[@maureenbeaman1219]

Soooo glad to have you back after the move! You have become my inspiration and now I am knee deep into my first draft. I couldn’t possibly thank you enough for sharing your knowledge.

[@raymondcaylor6292]

At least 86 books Authored by Steven King. The surprising # is 77.... that's the number of movies based on his books. Now, back to your video. Steven King is great but he's not a mentor and teacher like Sarra Cannon!

[@HeartBreathings]

Wow, that is crazy! And you're right, holy wow! 77 movie adaptations? And probably so much more to come!

[@vivianworden]

I disagree. King does speaking engagements plus he wrote "On Writing". He is a mentor and teacher.

[@raymondcaylor6292]

@@vivianworden Not sure what you heard in your head while reading my comment. I subscribe to this channel because of videos like this one, " How to be a successful Indie Author" and her free downloads like " Everything you need before you Self-Publish" available on Heart Breathing.com. Have a great day !

[@everynewdayisablessing8509]

@@HeartBreathings that would explain why he earned 48 million last year.

[@matchaqueen6541]

I'm a struggling indie author trying to remain positive and take care of my mental health. I love writing more than anything and wish my books would do better. But I'm not giving up. Your video helped a lot, so thank you💞💞 congrats to you for all of your success☺

[@mickeymiles9394]

I love your transparency with us- it’s great to see this in the authortube community!! ❤️ and live ur new office- Where is that awesome was I tape holder from- I so need one or twenty- so much tape lol.

[@HeartBreathings]

Michaels! It's two stacked on top of each other!

[@kit888]

01:30 #1 Define success for yourself - Don't compare with other people - Don't blindly follow other people 05:00 #2 Learn to be the best writer you can be - Don't wait until you are perfect - Focus on craft 06:25 #3 Create a solid publishing strategy - Always be bringing in new readers - Turn them into loyal fans - give them what they want, treat them with respect - Don't throw spaghetti on the wall 08:20 #4 Understand reader expectations and genre - Write in a clear, established genre, category - Genre mashups are difficult, do it only with deep knowledge 10:40 #5 Find the happy balance between art and business - Consider the market, what readers enjoy - Consider what you enjoy writing 14:30 #6 Take your mental and physical health into consideration - Don't burn out - Know your limits - Take a break - Don't sacrifice family life There is no one path to success

[@tibzdtf158]

This was actually my goal for the year to write my first book, its funny because I want to write about the same genres your books are about! Good luck and congrats on your well deserved and hard earned success.

[@XXauraiXX]

I'm always excited when I get a notification that you uploaded a new video 🎉🥳

[@Eyeneedcash]

Congratulations on your newborn and your success as an author. Very inspirational

[@KJPadgett]

I just love your energy. Congrats on your success and the new baby ☺️

[@tczhang]

Your advice applies to not only indie authors, but also entrepreneurs in general. Great video!

[@m.g.hopkins1330]

Defining success, that's is a very valuable concept! I have no desire to be wealthy, I just want to make a living, travel, and write- and maybe flip houses!

[@JJLCM]

you have one of the most genuine videos on publishing an ebook. One can tell you are very passionate about your work. I've been watching a few of your videos and I like the templates you have with them.

[@JennatheSoulWriter]

I think the algorithm made me watch this on the replay years later at the right time... thank you!

[@sweethoney81]

You are so wise, Ms Sarra. Thank you.

[@grrrgrl101]

Everytime I see one of your thumbnails I get so excited for your baby!

[@HeartBreathings]

Eeee!!! Thank you so much!!! I can't believe it's almost time for her to be here!!!

[@michellecornish]

This is perfect timing! I'm working on my pre-work for Publish and Thrive :)

[@HeartBreathings]

Awesome! Yes, we'll be going into all of this so much more starting tomorrow. Can't wait!

[@kingdamager7370]

Speaking of mixed genres, it's time for that to become a genre in itself. There is more than enough mixed genre stories to warrant it's own defined section. Mixing fantasy and science fiction or apocalyptic dystopian environment etc, is becoming common.

[@mynameisemilygood]

Watching this in 2024 and taking notes ❤ thank you for this video🎉

[@mensajesdeamorypaz1]

Great video! Even though I am in totally different genre (non-fiction, self-help and spirituality is my genre) I think you have very good information for any writer and I totally agree on having passing and love for what you do is super important. I love your channel, I wish there was an author in my genre that share things like you do :)

[@jessicagentry6379]

I would love to go to a writers conferences.

[@syedarizvi7290]

Thank you so much for all your advice, you sound so wise. This advice is really valuable

[@StarGaleSky7]

I went to school by watching this video on Sunday, yay :) Always love and eat up the inspiration. Forever a fan.

[@gracetocultivate]

Thanks for sharing. I just subscribed to the newsletter.

[@jenniferannreed776]

Hi Sarra! Thanks so much for sharing this information! It inspires me to keep pushing forward after publishing two books.

[@waynekey1]

Sarra, I just wanted to thank you for the Plot your Novel pdf. that you made available a while back. I am finishing my first full length novel and it has been a great help.

[@BonnieDragonKat]

Love this video! Such a timely message! Not everyone writes for the money. To me it's about leaving a legacy behind and knowing that I set and achieved my goal. I have a Scrivener doc that is nothing but notes on craft books I read.

[@catfeatherain]

Hi Sarra. This is such great information, and advice. Thanks.

[@joannaholden943]

Ohmygosh these practical videos are the lifeline for my writing!!!!!! Please keep making them!

[@kbaccari88]

I love your videos. There is so much wisdom, even for non-authors. It is funny that some series are successful in spite of being all over the place re: genre. I'm thinking of A Discovery of Witches or Stephen King's Dark Tower.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you! And those are hard to compare any indie books to, because King was already a huge bestseller when the dark tower came out and A Discovery of Witches had a huge trad marketing push $$$$. It's hard to point to trad success in that way and say it's going to work for a lot of people because it worked there. Nora Roberts, for example, can get away with writing in many different genres now, but she built a huge, multi-million person fanbase first to be able to do that!!

[@poetspicecolorwrite]

Thanks for the info and inspiration. Have a good week😻

[@sumayashah7412]

She is being honest 😍😍😍

[@authorcassandrastarling]

This video was really helpful to just let go of what people tell me what success is! I feel I am a slower writer because things work themselves out in a much more complicated way in my head and all my stories have been complicated and huge. Teachers say I was never meant to write one shots or short stories because my ideas were so much bigger than the five pages they gave me to write on. How i define success is having people read my books an like them and make enough money to publish again. I want to do the best I can, but I am already working on how to make money aside from writing. So, the money part isn't bug for me. I want my writing to financially support my writing. :)

[@tracy238]

I love all your tips. I would love to do your course at some stage, every time you mention it I think I should do that. Right now is just not the right time for me, but it will happen.

[@HeartBreathings]

It will be there when you need it!!

[@annertan_author]

I love this video so much. I’m a slow writer, putting out two books per year for the last few years. I need to take a long break between books to pay attention to the other aspects of publishing and to spend time doing other things to make life worth living.

[@maverikfamily]

Thank you for saying these important things! It's important to know your own values.

[@bytheBrooke]

Yay for new office! The older I get the more I definitely feel the writer's back pain! I need to start walking more..

[@HeartBreathings]

Yes! My husband is always on me to set a timer to walk so I don't sit so long at one time without a break.

[@RuthAnnNordin]

Whoa on those authors that stressed their writing so much that they got into serious medial and relationship problems! That's terrible. This is a very good wake up call. Thanks for sharing that. It helps to put things in perspective.

[@HeartBreathings]

It's a hard truth to share but I feel like everyone sees the hustle and the awards and money but they don't realize what it often can cost the author when they don't take care of themselves in the process. I don't want to see that happen to anyone

[@susanstraley5568]

Thank you so much! This is an amazing video lesson. You have the values I have of health and family first. I will have to think about what I am writing and whether it is marketable type. Travel, seniors, strong woman, active senior.

[@j.a.giaquinto]

I always love your videos! They give me so much information and help that I just have to say thank you! And I hope you have good time finishing your move!

[@SarahMJordan]

Thank you for sharing a message of health and restoration. I Love your balanced approach! Health is wealth...we can't buy good health so it's best to prioritize it now. 💚👍👍

[@karri-z2f]

Oh I want to do publish and thrive so bad!! Idk if I can afford it at this time. But I will patiently wait for the next time. The office is looking great.

[@HeartBreathings]

It will be here when you need it!

[@narriparri]

Thank you!

[@fridgeghost4017]

I think some of this also applies to people going the traditional rout because not everyone who gets published traditionally gets on the best sellers list. Honestly most of it is applicable lol it's just solid advice.

[@michellecornish]

The new office looks great, Sarra!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you! You can't see the mess of boxes beside me, but it is getting there, haha.

[@sajna10]

I love this. Thank you so much for this perspective.

[@tinxybee9592]

You have to learn the rules, and then you can break them ;) Also, number 6 is very important. I think so many people in these times sacrifices their mental or/and physical health in order to achieve some kind of success.

[@rengkyyasepta3876]

Thanks for the video. I am a newbie as writer, from Indonesia. Learn much from you, Sarra. Again, thanks much.

[@trixiewalker6159]

This is so inspirational, thanks! 😊

[@shawkins79]

Can you do a video on the strategies of finding new readers and turning them into fans? Edit: Oh haha, I should have waited until the end! I will look into the course.

[@paulapoetry]

Awesome video and tips - thank you. 😃💝

[@belasantosapril1998]

I love your beautiful demons series!!! Cant believe i found u here!!

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@SaadonAksah]

Define our own success! Ok got it! 👍

[@megankirrmann6624]

How interesting 🤔🙂!!

[@sherryalmitha94]

Thank you so much! You're such a motivator for me! I'm from Indonesia btw🇮🇩

[@lovechriis8296]

I find these videos very motivating.

[@TerryeToombs]

Remember how excited you used to get as a kid the day before the new school year started? Yeah, that's me waiting for the Publish and Thrive class to start. :D

[@rodee1671]

New digs look great.

[@HildieMcQueen]

Great tips!!

[@user-wp2x]

Is Indie writing the same as self publishing.

[@HeartBreathings]

In this context, yes!

[@cecilywolfe4571]

I think having different genres under the same name has hurt me - I am starting a series under a new pen name next year, but I'm wondering if there is any way to go back and shift some of my older titles to a different name as well to keep all of ones of the same genres under a single pen name.

[@quantumtimelines2846]

How’s your baby? My daughter had a boy August 1.

[@jessicagentry6379]

Is it normal to be afraid to write your first story?

[@missmichelle1627]

Great video! What does your t-shirt say?

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you! It says, "I've got 99 problems but this bump ain't one" haha

[@TNTwoodwork]

Hi Sarra, I'm in the process of preparing the publication of my first three novels in October, December and February. I read the course and for me it's the perfect timing --- I just have one question: will there be a way to connect with other students? It would be a great opportunity to connect and build a network... I mean, we will all be going through the same process.....

[@HeartBreathings]

Yes! There is a private Facebook Group, which you'll have ongoing access to from here on out. Congrats on getting those first three novels ready to go coming up! Exciting times!

[@TNTwoodwork]

@@HeartBreathings Perfect. I tried enrolling, but on the payment page the 'enroll in course' button stays hazy. I filled in the complete form and tried both safari and chrome....

[@HeartBreathings]

@@TNTwoodwork Hmmm. I'm at dinner right now but can you email me at [e-mail]? As soon as I get home I'll look into it and we will work it out! I've had some people have issues with teachable payments before but there's a few workarounds I know of! So excited you're joining!!

[@rosereedplans2521]

I was just curious. I have been watching a lot of videos from writers lately on utube and most of them seem to be young adult writers, is that the largest market right now.

[@user-wp2x]

I want to know how to know how to get into it not how to be successful.

[@HeartBreathings]

Here's a more recent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5rTdq2hZdGdd8ksi=QpCHrRP-qdImji28

[@wincharles1195]

love it

[@quantumtimelines2846]

Google told me that Stephen King has sold over 350 million copies and written at least 98 books.

[@wincharles1195]

My success is selling books in general and making money off of it

[@nikkiguerlain]

[@susanbuckminster282]

Thank you!