As an emerging indie
author of contemporary military and sports romances, I have enjoyed quite a
journey into the world of self-publishing. Since I published my first book The
Risk Taker, book 1, Alpha Aviators series back in August 2017, I’ve published a
total of five books and two novellas, with three short stories featured in two
anthologies and one boxed set. During this time, two of my works received
awards, and I became a USA Today Bestselling Author.
And you’re
probably wondering how I did it?
Professional
Associations, Networking, & Volunteering
About ten years
ago, I joined Romance Writers of America and became a member of Florida Romance
Writers, an affiliated chapter of RWA. And I’m glad I did it. Not only did I
make lifelong friends, but I had also gained valuable publishing insights while
serving as the PAN Liaison and president of FRW.
Learn the Craft
By attending
workshops and seminars and reading books on the craft, I learned the ABC’s of
writing a romance novel. I strongly encourage aspiring authors to learn the
craft first before drafting a manuscript. It’ll save you hundreds of painful
hours later spent on rewrites.
Write Every Day
I’m in this career
for the long run, and I write every single day. My goal is to publish five
books a year. So far, I have published three in 2019.
Social
Media/Website
If anyone is
serious about writing, then don’t wait until the book is finished to create a
website or open accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, ME WE,
etc. Six months before my first book was released, I opened accounts and
started making friends. Typically, I average two hours a day on most of these
sites, posting and commenting.
Bookbub/Goodreads
Once your book is
completed, open accounts on these two sites immediately and start gathering
followers. They’re a great to resource for readers to find your books and post
their reviews.
Network on
Facebook
I’ve met so many
wonderful authors on Facebook. Through them, I was able to participate in two
anthologies, a boxed set as well as join author/reader groups. If you don’t
understand how Facebook works, watch You-Tube videos and ask your friends or
children or grandchildren. They can be great resources.
Marketing
There is stiff
competition in the publishing market, especially in the romance genre. In order
to gain notice and sell books, it is imperative to spend money on advertising,
or you may find it extremely hard to sell your books.
USA Today
Bestselling Author
I became one this
past February when the boxed set I was in with fifteen plus other authors hit
the bestseller list. It wouldn’t have happened if I had never opened an account
on Facebook and networked with so many amazing fellow authors or wrote a decent
novella-LOL.
In summary, here’s
my best advice. Follow your passion and success will follow you. Don’t give up.
Network. Learn something new about publishing at least once a week and write
every single day.
About Tara Ames:
USA Today Bestselling Author Tara L. Ames is a Michigan native with a penchant for creating highly sensual empowered stories about brave, hot men and strong-willed women. Now living in Florida, she writes every day in between taking care of her family, reading and enjoying the sun. Qigong/Tai Chi/Sudoku are her three biggest addictions besides chocolate
Website
https://www.taralames.com/
Facebook
Author Pagehttp://www.facebook.com/taralamesauthor
Facebook
Reader Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/TLAmesTeamAlpha/
Facebook
Reader Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/militaryromancebooklovers/
Amazon
Author Page https://amazon.com/author/taralames
Bookbub
Author Page https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tara-l-ames
Goodreads
Author Page https://www.goodreads.com/taralamesauthor
Instagram
http://www.instagram.com/taralamesauthor
