Welcome to my first blog!
Hi friends, you all probably know me as @stefsoverflowingbookshelf on Instagram. My name is Stef C.R. and I'm an indie author, book lover, and cat mom. My debut novel The Love Penalty is out now in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited.
This is my first time writing a blog, so please do take it easy on me.
I wanted to share a few tools and programs that I've used as a new indie author. I think this might be helpful to writers that are looking to self-publish their first book, or published authors that are looking for new tools or recommendations.
Are you ready to learn more?
My recommendations are just that - recommendations. I am by no means an expert on indie publishing. These are tools that I've found helpful for my journey as a debut indie author. Hopefully they can help you too!
Writing
I use Scrivener and Scapple to plot my books/series.
What I like:
The user interface. The fact that I can just write a scene and drag and drop it anywhere in the book helps my chaotic brain stay better organized.
That I can color code my characters or POVs and create a timeline to see how much I've focused on them within a book.
What I don't like:
Steep learning curve. I am still struggling to understand some of their features.
Both Scrivener and Scapple are paid programs (one time fee).
Alternatively: You could use Word or Google Docs.
Editing
I live and breathe Google Docs and love it for editing purposes, especially since my alpha readers and editor can leave comments and suggestions that I can easily track and resolve within the document.
Formatting
While it was an investment (and you need a Mac to use it), I love how easy Vellum is to use to format paperbacks and e-books. It gives me the freedom to add custom chapter headings and make text messages and hand written notes look so pretty!
The downside is the price - $249.99.
Distribution
My e-book is exclusive to Amazon and set up through Kindle Direct Publishing. This allows me to enroll my books in Kindle Unlimited and reach a wider audience. As an indie author, getting yourself out there is crucial.
My paperbacks were set up through IngramSpark and made available to a variety of retailers such as Amazon, B&N, BAM!, and more. This distributor also allowed my book to be available at bookstores internationally (I found some in Denmark, Germany, UK).
I did not use KDP for my debut paperback but I might do that with my next book.
I also paid a local indie bookstore to print my book in their store on a smaller scale. I really wanted to partner with Schuler Books since it's local to me and I wanted to foster a great relationship with them. They also helped promote my book and hosted my release day signing event!
Other
Muso
I've recently discovered this tool that lets you automatically send DMCAs and Google takedowns of PDFs and postings of your book that were made without your consent.
I was so bummed when I first saw my e-book was pirated (shout out to the reader that notified me about it).
I understand that some countries cannot access my book through Amazon due to restrictions, but pirating is never the answer. If you don't have the means to read it but want to, please send me an email at stef@stefwritesstories.com.
Shipping
I use Pirate Ship to find the best rates for shipping packages. This was so helpful when I was sending out PR packages and giveaways. Make sure your package qualifies for Media Mail before you select that option though. Don't get in trouble!
Reedsy
Reedsy has a ton of free and helpful blogs on topics such as writing, editing, and more. I always sign up to their free webinars that interest me and I make sure to read their helpful newsletters.
Did you find any of this information helpful?
Should I continue sharing tips and insight into my journey as an indie author?
Let me know in the comments or email me at stef@stefwritesstories.com
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