What if no one reads it?

If new authors have a fear, it is not that no one likes their book - it is that no one reads it.  Most authors can deal with someone not liking their book. I mean, how many of us cannot name a book we just did not like?  Personally, I have tried reading the Lord of the Rings series several times, but just like Tolkien’s The Hobbit, I never get much past the first two chapters.  My family finds this quite strange.

Recently, I journeyed to my local library for a book reading and signing for Greg’s First Adventure in Time. The event, which included a book giveaway, was in the local paper on several occasions, on the library’s event’s web page, and posted on the library door. I arrived in plenty of time, hoping to talk with the children as they arrived.  The weather was good; it was a prime after school time, but NO ONE CAME.

Yes, I was disappointed.  Yet, this is the life of a new author, especially us indie authors, us self-published authors.  We have to market our own books, often following the advice of those who have gone before us.  We are the creative director of our books from concept to completion and beyond.  We took control of our own written voice and now must work to see that others hear our words.  We don’t have contracts with big publishing companies that can make our books visible to our potential readers.  We must do that ourselves.

So next time you read a self published book or see a request from an indie author or just read a book you like. Tell someone. Write a review. Send the author an email (most have their own website).

So how do you think that indie authors of preteen novels can reach their audience?