It is easy to think that being in control of your publishing career is a slice of warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream. Reality is a little tougher for an indie author. Self-published authors write the book, edit the book, publish, and market the final product.

Having a literary agent certainly has its advantages—their role is to match the writer with the right publisher and perhaps find venues for the author to present. But in the end, authors are still left with the task of knocking on doors to sell their work.

Modern Times and Authors

Having access to social media, in essence, should make things easier. The potential is great, but the ocean of information can easily drown a little fish like me. The key, everybody says, is persistence. Nowadays, authors create websites, manage newsletters—like this one—and host YouTube channels and podcasts. It is a mad race for visibility.

Out of the millions of people who could come across our content, maybe 1% will actually click. That creates a unique but rather small opportunity to gain a reader. That first encounter has to be absolutely outstanding—and that, my friends, is a lot of pressure on a writer.

A Species That Thrives in the Shadows

There might be a few extroverted writers out there—every rule has its exceptions! But by and large, writers are introverts: quiet and always absorbed in their internal worlds. It’s easy to find them in museums, parks, and libraries, though most of the time they are hiding in their writing rooms, typing and revising. However, if you manage to strike up a conversation with a writer, the moment you mention anything about literature, their eyes light up and they will talk all night long.

If you don’t want to get stuck with me at a party, don’t ask me about my books!

The Book by My Side

During my recent trip to Richmond, VA, I stopped by one of the many cute stores in Carytown. I browsed around looking at stationery, tote bags, tin cans with cool designs, and books. In the back corner, there was a poetry book that—I could almost swear—made eye contact with me.

Words with Wings and Magic Things by Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Doug Salati, is a poetry book filled with beautiful rhymes and fun illustrations. If you enjoy poetry, this book will delight you. Sometimes, all you need is a light read to help you cope with the heavy burdens of daily life. Here is a short poem I wrote inspired by this book:

I often wonder what kids these days

enjoy reading to entertain.

If I grab books with funny sayings,

will I feel like a kid again?

Au Revoir!

You might wonder why I’m saying goodbye in French. In French, a direct translation for a simple “goodbye” isn’t quite as common; instead, they say au revoir—”until we meet again.”

Your company on this journey means the world to me. I invite you to follow along on social media to get a closer look at what’s going on behind the scenes. And if you’re in the area tomorrow, I’ll be at the Olde Beaufort Farmers Market!

Until we meet again,

Anechy Padron