Before getting started, be sure to check out Fayla's FAQ page where she answers questions about writing.

Indie Publishing or Traditional Publishing: Which one is for you?

Indie Publishing

If you're interested in self-publishing, there are many resources available to you. I've put together some helpful links that give you access to some experts in this field. Take your time to absorb the
information to determine which direction you should take.

I was with a traditional publisher for a time, but discovered that Indie
publishing suits me better for my purposes. This is something you must decide for yourself. In Indie publishing, it's important
to understand the industry inside and out, because you'll need to play
the role of author, publisher, marketer, and so much more. But no matter what path you choose, you'll still need to play these roles in
some way. You'll also continue to learn as the publishing industry is
constantly changing. Just when you think you've settled into a new
rhythm, you'll find you need to catch up to the latest beat!

All this may seem daunting, and I don't want to scare you away from your passion. It is challenging, but it's also rewarding, and so much fun
if it's what you love to do. Not to mention we writers must write, and we know we can't "not write" if it's our calling. I'm so blessed to
create stories that God uses to touch readers' lives.

Resources

Joanna Penn's website

Joanna has a wealth of information to share, not only on writing and
publishing, but also on marketing. Check out all the links on her
site, but I highly recommend watching her YouTube videos, too. She'll offer you plenty to get started, but don't stop at her site. There are
so many experts available, and modern media allows us to tap the brains of those who have pioneered the paths for us.

For Indie publishing, you'll need to determine how you'll publish your books. Amazon KDP is only one option, so be sure to research POD options(print-on-demand-publishing) before making a decision. Again, you must determine what works best for you.

Here are some other POD options:

For your print books:

KDP (+eBook, audio)

BookVault

Draft2Digital (+eBook, audio)

Ingram Spark

Barnes and Noble Press (+eBook)

For eBooks and audio:

Google Play

Kobo

AppleBooks

There are more reputable publishing platforms out there, but this is a good start.

Stay away from vanity publishers where you must pay to get your book published. There are too many wonderful options available where you can publish a quality book without paying to make it available.
They'll promise you so much, but your ROI(return on investment) is often so little.

However, you will incur costs if you expect to publish a quality book, and especially if you want to sell it to readers. There's the cost of your
book covers, editors, and numerous writing, publishing, and marketing
needs. Yet, there are ways to be frugal if you do your research.

And...don't forget your craft! Too many times writers rush to the finish line without the necessary training and practice required for a solid finish.

Here are some of my favorite resources to help you develop your craft:

On Writing by Stephen King
The Fire in Fiction by Donald Maas
The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White
Writing Past Dark by Bonnie Friedman

and so many more...

The Writer's Digest is another great resource, no matter what publishing path you choose.

You can also check out Bethany Atazadah's YouTube channel. Bethany is an Indie author who is both fun and transparent in her writing/publishing/ marketing journey. She's also a fellow believer, and I have enjoyed following her videos and connecting
with her via Instagram.
She's a fabulous resource for indie authors who are new to the
industry, but also for veteran authors like myself. Be sure to check out her Vlogs and writing tips.

Traditional Publishing

If you're interested in traditional publishing, you'll need to consider
getting an agent. Most publishing companies won't even look at your manuscript unless it comes from an agent. If you're a Christian Fiction author, I recommend reaching out to Steve and his associates. Just be sure to completely review their website and submission guidelines before contacting them about your manuscript. I wouldn't want to work with anyone else if I went back to traditional publishing.

The Steve Laube Agency

For comprehensive information on publishers, agents, and submissions, be sure to check out the following resource:

Writer's Market and Writer's Market.com

Join a Group!

Whether you're going the traditional route, or embarking on your own (indie), it's important to belong to a writer's group. If you're a Christian
writer, the ACFW(American Christian Fiction Writers) has an annual writer's conference where authors can gather, connect, encourage, and inspire one
another. It also has local chapters, so be sure to check out the
nearest one to your location. Can't join in person? There are also
opportunities online. I belong to the ACFW, and there are so many
benefits to this group. Not only can you connect to other authors and
readers, but you can also gain insights and training for your craft. If
we're wise, we'll never stop learning!

American Christian Fiction Writers

There are Indie writing groups as well, so do some searches if you want to review more options. I belong to the Alliance of Independent Authors. If you're serious about being a professional author, but want to go the indie route, I recommend joining this group.

The Alliance of Independent Authors

 I'll be sure to update this page as needed, but this should get you started. The main thing to do is research, research, research. As authors, we should be pros at research, so this is good practice. I never stop researching in my field.

A final word:

If you want to write, write. Don't let anyone discourage you. Be honest about your challenges and areas of needed growth, but optimistic about the victories you've had and the ones yet to come.

Forget the haters, the "avoiders", and the naysayers. You'll have those, too. Focus on the audience you're meant to reach. It might take some time, but they'll discover you, and you'll be someone's favorite author someday. Put in the time and the hard work, and it'll happen.

Happy Writing!