Summary

The article outlines three writing strategies from successful indie authors to increase productivity and connect with audiences: dictating content to write faster, blogging daily to build a following, and self-publishing in series to establish an independent career.

Abstract

The undefined website provides insights into the writing practices of indie authors who have achieved six-figure incomes. It emphasizes the importance of writing quickly and authentically to engage readers. Chris Fox's method of dictating content allows for writing up to 5000 words per hour, significantly faster than typing. Seth Godin's approach involves daily blogging to refine ideas and maintain a consistent connection with the audience, which can lead to opportunities like book deals. Amanda Hocking's story demonstrates the power of self-publishing, pricing strategies, and persistence, showing that success doesn't require traditional publishing routes. The article encourages writers to develop their own strategies, focus on their audience, and not be deterred by rejection.

Opinions

Chris Fox believes in the efficiency of dictation for writing, which can produce a novel per week and result in a conversational tone that readers find engaging.
Seth Godin advocates for daily writing and publishing as a means to clarify thoughts, gain followers, and potentially attract attention from major publishing houses.
Amanda Hocking's experience suggests that self-publishing can lead to significant financial success, even without the backing of a traditional publisher, by using a strategic pricing model and writing in series.
The article's author supports the idea that indie authors should prioritize their audience and their own writing strategies over the opinions of publishers.
It is suggested that indie authors can achieve their dreams by being prolific, strategic, and true to themselves, leveraging the opportunities provided by the modern publishing landscape.

3 Writing Ideas to Steal From 6-Figure Indie Authors

Nobody wants to be a starving artist.

You can make it as an indie writer. Individual indie authors defy financial gravity and make above 6 figures by selling passion projects and fantasy novels. You can write faster, smarter, and better.

Your audience wants the authentic you that can distract them from their lives. You can publish five books a year, or struggle with a chapter for a decade.

You can be a blogger or a novelist or a bit of both, these tips apply to anyone. Here are 3 ideas from successful indie authors on how to ramp up your production and satisfy the thirst of your fans.

1. Chris Fox: Dictate 5000 words per hour

Imagine writing 5000 words per hour. You can effectively churn out a novel per week. Chris Fox launches a new book every month thanks to dictating his content.

Talking is faster than typing for every possible scenario. You can effectively say 120 words per minute, while you probably type 40 or so on average. Dictating can take you from writing a few hundred words an hour to writing a few thousand words an hour.

Your tone is conversational because you’re talking. And the majority finds it easier to read when they feel like they’re having a conversation with the author. A new novel every month doesn’t sound that bad either.

Professional software like Dragon is pricey, but you can have a try on your Gboard or Apple Dictate for free. My accuracy is around 80% on most days. Dictating requires more editing in the final rounds, but that is only making your work shine even more.

2. Seth Godin: Top 100 blog posts

Seth Godin is one of the pioneer bloggers and digital marketers. He’s the author of 19 international bestsellers. He talks about daily writing and publishing content frequently.

You can amass a great following, build yourself from the inside, and create a prosperous future if you’re patient and consistent. He’s publishing daily for almost 20 years.

“Blogging every day clarifies my thoughts — it helps me notice things. It’s one of the most important practices of my profession.” — Seth Godin

Seth has compiled the top 100 blog posts into a marketing ebook: Small Is the New Big: and 183 Other Riffs, Rants, and Remarkable Business Ideas. He calls it a “collection of essays.” Amazon reviews cite great excitement and satisfaction from the readers.

Remastering your greatest hits works well because you already know there is an interest from your audience. And maybe you can translate your blog into a deal with Penguin publishing house just like Seth Godin.

3. Amanda Hocking: Don’t stop until you’re done

Your audience is what really counts, and not the publisher. Penguin Random House has a fantastic ring to it. But your writing career is not dead if you’re not under a big publishing house.

Amanda Hocking is an example that you don’t need a famous publisher for six-figure success. By 2010, She has written 17 books that have been rejected by almost every traditional publishing house.

Amanda has self-published her first book about vampires in 2010. And her sales are growing ever since. You can buy more than 25 titles from Amanda Hocking’s now, which brings millions in revenue to the author each year.

Her original strategy is simple. Publish in series. Amanda prices her books at $0.99 and then increases the price to $2.99 for each next book in the series. This strategy works well with new and upcoming indie authors. Amanda quits her full-time works months after publishing her first book.

Since the early 2010s, Amanda has scored a traditional publishing deal and started writing in the bigger league. You can develop your own strategy, and price your books in series. Don’t fret over publishers' opinions, even though it’s easier said than done.

Every critique is personal, but you have to look at the bigger picture. Not everyone likes your work, and you have to find readers that can’t stop turning your pages. The world of 2020 gives you an opportunity to become your own publishing house and make a decent living from your work.

The Takeaway

Indie writing success is all about having a strategy and an audience. Your audience wants the authentic you that can help them escape their lives for a little bit.

You can be a blogger or a novelist or a bit of both. Indie world is a no-mans land, and your wildest dreams are at the grasp of your fingers. Write fast and publish hard. Nothing can stop you.