Notice I didn't say "learn how to market?"
Indie authors, for better or for worse, have a very unique position in the publishing world. Instead of living on this pedestal of being a trad published author and therefore completely out of reach, indie authors give the vibe of being more approachable and accessible to the their readers. Think of your favorite underground band, or grassroots store, or any other little-known gem you find in your life. You have a kind of pride in that discovery, a kind of possession unlike your relationship with stores like Amazon or Walmart, right?
Of course, this kind of parasocial relationship with your readership has it's pros and cons. You have people who think that because you manage your own socials, you have to listen to their opinions and criticisms of every single thing you do. And while I can say "just ignore them" all day long, sometimes it's harder done than said. I offer you two solutions to this particular problem: hire a PA to sort through your DMs and comments, or get really comfy with the block button.
No one is worth disturbing your peace. Period.
With that disclaimer being said, being an indie author and having that opportunity to connect directly with your readers (ergo, potential buyers) is a key skill in success. Be authentic, be real, be nice when you can and stand your ground in what you believe in.
Trust me when I say that being fake to appease the masses will end up backfiring. I've seen it happen more times than I care to count. If you like writing smut, go for it. If your romance is darker than the black hole, own it. If your book caters to a niche market, then you have a ready-made army of fans.
Being an indie author gives you the freedom to write whatever the hell you want, but the key is learning how to talk to people about it and not promise what you can't deliver. The trick behind it all is finding the hill you're willing to die on. It's ok if that hill changes, your genre switches, or your vibe shifts. But let it be a change YOU decide on for yourself, not what someone else wants you to do.
Now go out there and do some awesome shit today.
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