These last few weeks have been very stressful as I’ve been trying to get Kindle Direct Publishing to inform customers about the format error in Unison. Last week I received an email from them, and they said it would take four weeks to decide if the problem is serious enough for them to inform customers. So if you’ve purchased Unison, know that you’ll be able to download the corrected version soon.
Since I began my self-publishing journey, I’ve encountered many challenges, both with printing and editing. If there’s any advice I can offer indie authors is to learn to format on your own. No one will care about your work as much as you. I learned how to format the interior and also how to make my own Ebooks using two helpful programs, Sigil and Calibre. Take the time to learn them, and you’ll cut your expenses when publishing and have the peace of mind that your book is the best it can be. From now on, I’ll only hire a good copy-editor and proofer. And if a book design is beyond my capabilities, a graphic artist.
Being an indie author is difficult work. I labored hard for Unison, hired a professional proofreader, and I still had issues. I submitted Unison for a second proofing for peace of mind, and I’ve since decided to do two proofs for each book I write from now on.
Format error or not, Unison, is a thrilling story, and one I’m proud to have written. It evolved into a series that is exciting to write, and I love working with the characters. They’ve become so real to me, that it feels as though they’re dictating the story, and sometimes I can’t type fast enough to keep up with their chattering! I’m now working on the second book in the series. At almost 80,000 words in, I can see this epic is larger than my bruised ego and hurt feelings. It’s a story that deserves to be told. Because of its grandness, I was intimidated when I first began. I persevered and proved to myself that I was worthy enough to bring Unison to life and that I had sufficient energy on reserve to continue the series.
Being a successful author entails much more than writing a great story. It’s about having the resilience to deal with all the challenges and setbacks that can be emotionally difficult. Sometimes you feel alone when a drawback happens. However, all authors face their own challenges. It’s part of the learning process. I’ve been a writer for over two decades, but I’m still learning and will continue to do so with each book I write. It also helps that I’m surrounded by wonderful authors who’ve offered support and encouraging words when I needed them.
What are the challenges you faced or are facing as an author? Have they made you stronger? Feel free to comment. We’re all in this together.
Love and light,
Eleni
Eleni,
I love your dedication. I often wish that being an author didn’t also mean doing all of the things you mentioned, along with publicity. But it indeed is all part of the package in bringing our creations into the world, isn’t it?. I have accepted that with more peace with each novel I write – and I still have many #&^#?+ moments!
I wish you smooth sailing as I know how stressful this phase of of publishing can be.
Hi Jodine:
So true. Through the years I learned that hard effort is a must when creating something original. There are no shortcuts. I also imagine myself as my own character in a visionary fiction novel, where I grow alongside the characters I write about. It’s a great form of meditation for me.
You’re doing fantastically well, Eleni. Self-publishing is definitely not an “easy option”! Or at least when an author is committed to putting only her best work “out there”. 😉
Ron and I have both committed to going with the flow as often as we can, putting ourselves under as little stress as possible (which isn’t to say there is none!) Formatting is definitely one of my less enjoyable tasks; that and resolving the technical gremlins that pop up when the book document uploads. 😉
But, as you say, it’s all learning, it’s all experience, it’s all growth.
Good luck and positive vibes. 
Hi Joanna:
I have a similar attitude, and I think that’s why I’m hanging in there. I used to stress out to the point where I’d give up on projects. Getting on the spiritual path saved my sanity…and my art!