Club member independent authors learn how to ramp up their businesses

The National Press Club's informal group of independent authors heard from publishing expert Robin Sullivan at its May 14 gathering via videoconference. Sullivan is the business manager for best-selling fantasy author (and her husband) Michael J. Sullivan. She has published books independently, successfully negotiated six- and seven-figure contracts with major publishers, and published using small presses.

In her introductory remarks, she spelled out the differences between simply putting a book up on Amazon and "publishing wide," as it is called in the industry. Many independent authors are unaware of the options available to them for publishing and distributing their books, both in print and in ebook form.

She also explained the different royalty options offered by Amazon, and how to choose which one is right for the individual author. Of interest given author Michael J. Sullivan's stature, she said that they plan to publish independently for the foreseeable future since they are able to maintain better control of the process and gain more revenue.

Members in attendance had plenty of questions for Sullivan. One area of interest was audio books. While some reports indicate that audio book sales are down with far fewer people commuting and listening in their cars, she noted that figures for the recorded books she publishes show little decline. She also offered insights into the limited options for producing audio books. When asked how to price them, she explained that authors do not determine their pricing. Rather, it is set by the length of the book.

Kickstarter campaigns also generated some member questions. Sullivan told attendees how she organizes her campaigns, and what types of giveaways tend to generate interest. She also cautioned that Kickstarter may not make sense for a first-timer with little in the way of an author platform.

Sullivan also organizes the Washington DC Write to Publish Group (see here). Unfortunately, as with nearly all in-person meetings, that group's sessions have been put on hold during the COVID-19 crisis. She noted, however, that many of the background resources from her talks there can be found on its Meetup website (here).

"Our members were delighted to hear from Robin Sullivan. We all learned a lot from one of the publishing industry's leading lights," said Club member Ed Barks, who convenes the independent authors group consisting of Club members. "As Robin emphasized, there is more to the publishing process than just writing a book and hoping readers flock to it. I'm confident her advice will help all of us improve our abilities to manage the business aspects of authorship."

The May 14 meeting, providing one informal member benefit maintained during the Club's closure for the COVID-19 pandemic, was held via videoconferencing. Remote meetings will continue on a temporary basis until the Club reopens.

The independent authors group is open to new attendees. Club members may request an invitation by contacting Ed Barks at [email protected]. Important note for those who are interested in attending: In order to be considered, you must indicate your experience with or interest in independent authorship (sometimes called self-publishing) when making your request, and you must be a Club member in good standing. Independent authors manage their own publishing businesses rather than rely on agents and traditional publishing houses, gaining added control of their content and speed to market.