Indie Author Guide and you guys

Today, I have a new cover for you guys and while it might not be quite as breathakingly exciting as my fiction covers, it's a thrill for me because it's a brand new accomplishment in my skill set. Non-fiction!

On Monday, November 18, I am releasing The Indie Author Guide: A Self-Publisher's Toolbox. This is a how-to-when-to guide designed to help new and even established authors navigate their author business. It's exciting for me because it's a way to pay forward all of the cool things I've learned as an author and businessperson. And it's a way to help others go (or, in some cases, NOT GO) where I've been. And I love that my knowledge gets to help someone else along this awesome publishing journey!

Here is the awesome and eye-catching cover by the lovely Emily Tippets:

About The Indie Author Guide: A Self-Publisher’s Toolbox

Whether you’re an aspiring author or have been published for a year, this guide is full of information, links, and support sites that can help increase sales and streamline your business as a self-published author. This guide is not like other self-help books on publishing. It includes very specific how-to instructions along with a timeline so you also know when to implement each item. If you’re looking for vague instructions or easy banter, this guide is NOT for you. If you need a little sarcastic humor and someone in your ear telling you to get off your butt and make your dream happen, this IS the guide for you!

What’s inside:

–An extensive list of links to editors, cover artists, formatters, and bloggers is included. 

–Marketing, blog tours, release day blitzes

–Formatting, cover art and artists for hire, editors, what to ask when hiring out

–Garnering reviews, how and where to meet bloggers

–Where to find review groups, beta readers, critique partners

–Branding, blogging, and social media

–Time management, daily goals, sales strategies, what works, what doesn’t.

All of this and more is included in this hold-your-hand-style guide.

Heather Hildenbrand is the YA and NA author of more than eight novels including the bestselling Dirty Blood series. She is a co-founder of Accendo Press, a collaborative publishing effort dedicated to publishing stories that ignite the imagination, a fiction author, and the owner of Phoenix, an author consultant and coaching company that provides support and information for new and experienced self-published authors as they navigate the waters of self-publishing and marketing.

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In January 2011, I published my first book, a YA high fantasy called Across the Galaxy. It's been almost three years and the best roller coaster ride ever. I've learned a lot and met so many amazing people along the way. In a very short time, business connections and acquaintances have become the best friends I have ever had. Self-publishing was truly the best business decision I've ever made. I haven't regretted it, not once. And I'm not the only one who counts this as a great decision. Nor am I the only one who learned the hard way. If I can make your journey easier, more enjoyable, more rewarding ... I'm happy.

If you're writing or have written a novel and are contemplating self-publishing, I hope you'll pick up a copy of The Indie Guide or email me for help. Along with the Guide I am launching Phoenix: Author Ink, a company designed to coach and mentor authors as they build their brand and their business. I also provide story help in the way of content editing and feedback. The company officially launches on Monday so look for a contest with a SWEET prize pack and I hope you'll help spread the word!