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Mindset shifts in going from Trad to Indie Publishing with Heather Day Gilbert

Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers
Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers
Episode • Nov 9, 2021 • 1h 3m

Episode 095 / Cozy mystery and historical fiction author Heather Day Gilbert joins us to talk about the challenges of moving from a traditionally published author to an indie author. We touch on the mindset shifts she had to go through, and she gives us an overview of how she launched a successful indie cozy mystery series. Plus we delve into one of her lessons-learned that involves a snake. :) 

Show notes:

  • How Heather got started writing through NaNoWriMo
  • Why Heather doesn’t recommend writing in several different genres at the beginning of your writing career (but sometimes we can’t help ourselves!)
  • Why Heather goes against the advice to not read reviews and how she uses them to get feedback on her books
  • The relationship she has with her readers and how they provide feedback for her on blurbs and titles
  • The mindset change she had to make regarding awards and “fame fog” to become an indie author
  • How Heather used a rapid release model that fit her life and writing habits to launch a new indie series
  • Heather’s book for writers, Indie Publishing Handbook

Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com.

 

Links: 

Heather’s website:

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