Today, we're rolling up our sleeves and getting into the nitty-gritty of what it means to not just write fantasy but to live it out in the real world as indie authors. Let's talk about the journey of bringing fantasy stories to readers, all on your own terms.

It pays to learn

Becoming an indie author is kind of like becoming a wizard in your own epic saga. You're not just crafting spells (or stories, in our case) but also navigating treacherous markets, conjuring loyal followers out of thin air, and maybe even battling a few dragons (AKA hostility or scammers) along the way. It's an adventure that requires creativity, courage, and a touch of madness.

There are many ways to educate yourself in the basics of indie publishing from tutorials on Youtube on how to format your books to seminars and courses on creative writing. When I was at university, I did journalism which gave me a solid foundation for writing, editing and designing. If in a tight squeeze I can pull a book together for virtually nothing in terms of money and it’ll be of a decent quality.

One of the most common complaints indie authors have is that they don’t have the cash to spend on the various components to create a book. There are many scammers out there or those who charge ridiculous fees (where these people get the idea that writers must be wealthy is beyond me). This is why seeking out guidance and teaching yourself pays to learn.

I recently saw a blog from an author who admitted to spending over $14k to release their first book. To me that figure is insane! Why spend so much on a book when if you have the skillset, you could release one for a fraction of the cost. Cover art needn’t be expensive. My excellent cover artist is quick reliable and only charges between $100 to $300. Editors too can be found for reasonable prices, just check out the EPIC Resource Section to find some!

The Magic of Niche Marketing

Knowing your audience is as crucial as knowing your enemy. It's all about connecting with folks who share your love for elven detectives, steampunk airships, or whatever niche your story explores. Social media, fantasy forums, and conventions are your allies here, helping you build an army of devoted readers. However, as I’ve said before you also need to be wary. There are a lot of crazies out there who will jump on anything they deem as a slight. You could what I do and ignore those people, they’re not your target audience anyway.

If your book is good, it will find readers.

The Spellbook of Success

Self-publishing is your spellbook, a powerful tool that lets you bring your stories to life. But, as with any good spell, the details matter. We're talking about the art of crafting a mesmerizing cover, editing your manuscript until it shines like a polished sword, and formatting your pages for the battle of readability. Remember, in the indie world, how you present your story is just as important as the story itself.

Check out the EPIC resource section and find those with the skills to help you, affordably.

The Art of War (and Marketing)

Ah, marketing, the battlefield where many an indie author has met their doom or glory. It's not just about shouting from the rooftops that your book exists; it's about forging genuine connections with your readers.

Think of creative campaigns, engaging content on your author website, and sneak peeks behind the curtain of your writing process. And don't forget the power of email newsletters – if you can avoid all the freebie hunters. Tools such as Bookfunnel and StoryOrigin can be a good starting point as well as NL swaps with other authors.

The Economics of Indie Publishing

Let's not shy away from talking about the gold—after all, even heroes need to eat. Indie publishing can be a treasure trove if you manage your resources wisely. From setting realistic budgets for book production to exploring various revenue streams (eBooks, paperbacks, audiobooks), understanding the economics of your craft is crucial. It's about balancing the scales between your creative passion and the practicalities of making a living.

Read: The Wealth Divide in Indie Publishing

Overcoming Challenges

Every hero's journey has its dragons. For indie authors, these might come in the form of visibility in a crowded market, time management between writing and marketing, or the daunting task of keeping up with industry trends. The key? Resilience, learning from each skirmish, and sometimes, finding a fellowship of fellow authors to share strategies and support.

Read: Ten Recommended Indie writing tips

The world of indie fantasy is ever-evolving, with new platforms, technologies, and reader trends shaping the way we write and publish. It's an exciting time to be an indie author, with endless possibilities to explore and new territories to conquer.

Stay tuned for our next part in the series where I dive deeper into the often-dark heart of fantasy communities.

Read Part 1

Read Part 2

Read Part 3