It’s easy to find bestsellers. You don’t have to look far to find the newest work by JK Rowling or Stephen King. They’re big names with big titles. Supporting self-published authors is harder to do if you don’t know where to look. It’s easy to find a book that’s been poorly edited, and it can be a damper on the pursuit for a good self-published book, but here are five steps to help ease the search:
1. Look For A Local Author
Chances are, there are at least a few authors in your community. Reading a self-published book from your community is a good way to be supportive and to give back to the area.
Source: Amazon
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire is the story of Abby who has recently changed her ways. Her new way of life is challenged by Eastern University’s One Night Stand. That’s where charming fighter Travis comes into the picture. Travis is intrigued when his charm doesn’t win Abby over, so he comes up with a bet: if he loses, he’s to remain abstinent for a month and if she loses, she’s to move in with him for a month.
2. Go To Local Signings
For those in smaller areas, this can be a bit difficult to find and requires a bit of networking. Go to galleries, bars, or other such places, and you’ll be able to find something.
Source: Amazon
In Ice Kissed by Amanda Hocking, Bryn Aven dreams of serving her kingdom, but an enemy is emerging. The same enemy that threatens to destroy everything she loves, may bring her to discover her lost heritage with the Skojare people. The answers she seeks may be more dangerous than she realizes when she uncovers a long kept secret.
3. Check Book Reviews
Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, and Library Journal are good places to start. Readers’ Favorite, Foreword Reviews, Pacific Book Reviews, Reader’s Gazette, and Kirkus Reviews also cover a lot of self-published and independent authors. And, of course, #AmReading has a wonderful selection, as well.
Source: Amazon
Also by Amanda Hocking, Ascend follows protagonist Wendy as her life is tasked with impossible choices; she can sacrifice herself to her kingdom’s enemy or allow her people to fall into war; she can love Loki and lose Finn, or love Finn and lose Loki. The future of her people rests in her hands, but can she be brave enough to make the decision that could end her life?
4. Search For An Author Who Has Transitioned From The Traditional Publishing Industry To Indie Or Boutique Publishing
Jamie McGuire started with self-publishing before landing a deal with Atria and republishing Beautiful Disaster (as seen on tip 1). When her contract ended she self-published Happenstance, and recently released Beautiful Redemption. Walking Disaster is the follow up to Beautiful Oblivion, with the events of the previous novel seen through the eyes of Travis.
Source: Amazon
5. Attend Genre-Based Conventions
Examples of conventions include Book Con, which takes place in NYC and occurs June 3 and 4, 2017, and Bouchercon, the world mystery convention.
Source: Amazon
Still Alice may seem like a difficult novel to call ‘self-published,’ but it’s true. In the same way Amanda Hocking and Jamie McGuire got their start, Lisa Genova started in self-publishing. Her best selling novel, Still Alice, follows the life of a professor as she’s diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The novel has also been adapted into a film staring Julianne Moore.
It can be difficult for people in smaller areas to find authors. That’s where the internet comes in handy. Createspace is a self-publishing branch of Amazon that allows authors the chance to get their work out there without a huge struggle. To find these novels, search books on Amazon, then click ‘advanced search.’ When advanced search pops up, type ‘createspace’ into the publisher option and a list will show up for you to shift through.
Goodreads is also a good source for finding lists of novels to build your TBR. There’s even a list specific of self-published works featuring authors Cyndi Goodgame, and Patti Roberts.
Happy searching and good luck in your self-publishing journey!
YouTube Channel: Jenna Moreci
Featured image via Publishing Talk
