Indie Author Issues

Random Thoughts

💭What's on my mind: Writing the book was way easier than marketing. I’m not super outgoing and not really consistent with posting. It’s been such a learning curve. In the romance genre, I know spicy/smut seems to be trending. But my romance isn’t smutty. The spice level is like a 2/5. And it’s not spicy every ten pages. And it defintely not smutty. It’s specifically two scenes. It’s a drama with a splash or comedy. It leans into relationship dynamics, mental health and faith.

I wanted to write a romance that had some more elements than the main characters sleeping together. I wanted a beautiful but dramatic story, with ups and downs and awesome character development. I wanted to write tropes and put my spin on them. Enemies to lovers, friends to lovers and sworn off relationships are my weakness. So I couldn’t stop myself from writing them. lol anyways. I’m planning on doing a Barnes and Noble signing soon. And I’m nervous. Plus the constant posting I have to do and figuring out algorithms and all that. I hope it gets better because right now I’m feeling defeated as an indie author.

Current Mood: 🫤

#writersoflemon8 #authorsoflemon8 #bookish #lemon8bookclub #bookshelf

2025/7/14 Edited to

... Read moreThe journey of an indie author can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially when it comes to marketing your book. Many authors feel overwhelmed by the need to promote their work while also staying true to their creative vision. In the contemporary romance genre, where trends shift rapidly, understanding target audiences and leveraging social media can make a significant difference. For those writing romance without the typical 'smut' tropes, carving out a unique space in the market is crucial. This can involve highlighting aspects such as relationship dynamics, mental health, and personal growth within the narrative. Using relatable themes like 'enemies to lovers' or 'friends to lovers' can engage readers on a deeper level. Preparing for book signings, such as at Barnes & Noble, can also induce anxiety, but it offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with readers personally. Establishing a consistent online presence that reflects an author’s personality, including authentic interactions around their struggles and successes, can resonate with potential readers. Moreover, understanding tech aspects like algorithms and social media trends is essential. By researching and adapting marketing strategies, indie authors can reach wider audiences and foster community engagement. It's important to remember that while the path may seem challenging, each step taken in promoting one’s work is a part of the extensive author journey, enriching both the writer and the reader’s experiences.

11 comments

Tanzanite Rose's images
Tanzanite Rose

When I tell you, you are not alone. Girl, I agree with you 💯. I HATE marketing. I'm not on social media a lot either, but I am trying to change that. As far as the romance books go, lol mines are a 3/5 also when it comes to spicy. I tend to focus more on the drama. I would love to read your book. Can I get a link? Congratulations on the Barns and Noble signing 👏 That's great!

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