Category: Staff Articles

Writing advice and insights from the staff of Indies Unlimited.

So, You Want to Write a Series?

Series_option1_laptop-3242862__340 (002)You’re an author and you’ve decided you want to write a series. Well, this is the post for you.

A series can be great for authors because it can draw in readers and keep them. If they like your first book and its characters, they’re likely to forge ahead and buy more books in the series. This is why there are so many series out there. Today, I’m going to talk mainly serial series. So, to get started, let’s get definitions out of the way. A serial series is one that has an overarching story arc throughout the series. Think Harry Potter or the Hunger Games. The books are meant to be read in order, and build on one another. A non-serial series will use the same world or the same character, but can be entered through any book in the series. Think of Sue Grafton’s alphabet mystery series or Lee Child’s Jack Reacher novels. These are more like the “continuing adventures of” types of series, and each book can stand alone. While it’s nice to know the backstory of the character, you don’t have to know it to really enjoy any book in the series. Continue reading “So, You Want to Write a Series?”

Even Writers Need Self-Care

knitted sweater dress Yvonne HertzbergerMost Indie writers cannot pay their bills by writing alone. We need additional sources of income to make ends meet. There are a lucky few for whom this is not necessary, but I think you may still find that you recognize yourself here.

I remember the days when we believed women could do it all. We could have careers, families, homes, even extra-curricular activities and volunteering. We carried them all off with aplomb and efficiency. We called these women Supermoms. When dads began to take share some of those activities, we all became Superparents. We believed in it. Until it didn’t work. Continue reading “Even Writers Need Self-Care”

GDPR Compliance Update

Earlier this week, I wrote an article called Authors with Newsletters Must Get Subscribers to Opt-in Again Per EU Regulations. Since then, new information has come to light that may impact authors.

Please note that while many companies are reconfirming their lists, this may not be necessary. A podcast mentioned in the comments of the above-listed article, which can also be found here, featured a UK-based attorney who recommends not reconfirming your list. The attorney suggests asking for reconfirmation suggests you do not already have permission, and if you don’t have permission to contact them, you should not be emailing them to begin with. Please note that many newsletter companies are offering templates to revalidate subscribers, so they are expecting at least some subscribers to require additional validation. Use your own best judgment on what to do. We here at Indies Unlimited are not attorneys and do not offer legal advice. If you need legal advice, speak with a lawyer. We have free and low-cost legal services listed on our Legal Resource Page here.

We will keep you posted if further information arises.

Writing a Series: Pitfalls and Solutions

writing a series graphicCommon wisdom has it that, as an Indie, it’s a good idea to write a series. You price the first book as free or $.99 and set the rest at a regular price. Once readers are hooked, you can pretty well count on them to buy the others. Loyal customers and all that.  But inherent in the multi-book series, you have two main problems. Continue reading “Writing a Series: Pitfalls and Solutions”