Authors, Writers, Publishers, and Book Readers

Who Am I? What do we Do?

Hi all, I just wanted to introduce myself. I am the Membership Director for the Association of Independent Authors. We are a non-profit organization focussed solely on independent (self-published) authors. Every resource within our community responds directly to issues faced by independent authors.

After reading yet another blog post by a self-published author that was sabotaged by naysayers, we found ourselves contemplating nirvana—a world where independent authors could congregate in peace and harmony to discuss and share information on issues unique to them, free from the archaic, repetitive arguments from the other side of the publishing divide. We then spent some time reading numerous anti-self-publishing blogs and articles, and identified what was needed in order to change this mountain of anti-sentiment, and to advance the standing of independent authors:

Unite—singular voices lack impact.
Be more professional in our dealings with others in the industry.
Don't waste time and energy trying to change opinions with words ie comments on blogs etc—act and deliver in a way that rebuts the criticisms.
Since all self-published books are lumped together into one master category, "self-published" and judged by the lowest quality publication, we must raise the standard of those lower-quality works.
Help independent authors understand the business side of writing—we are not just writers, but businesspeople too.
Create a community where we can discuss issues unique to us in a secure-environment free from intervention from those who think we should not be free to publish our work.
Share knowledge and resources so that we are not wasting time and money on initiatives that simply do not work.

Our cause has been enabled by a number of recent developments as follows:

Technological advances in digital printing make it easier for independent authors to publish.
The Kindle and other e-readers are moving readers away from the bookstore where our books don't usually find a shelf.
Bookstore 'chains' returning to their roots as local stores, which are more receptive to independent local authors.
The decision by publishers to price e-books the same as hardcovers.

There is every reason to feel optimistic about the future, and we, as an organization, plan to make the most from every opportunity to change attitudes about the work produced by independent authors.

For our inaugural month of February, we are offering the first year of membership at no-cost. Promo Code: COMP I hope you will come and join us.

Regards

Melanie

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