Direct Sales, Crowdfunding, Lighthouse 117 Book Launch, Eclipse, Earth Day, National Poetry Month, Indie Author Calendar of Events & Opportunities
Indie Author Insider V48 - April 2024
“Done right, harnessing the power of direct sales can be a complete game changer for your author career.” ~ Dave Chesson, Kindleprenuer
Click here to view the complete newsletter online.
WELCOME!
Let’s welcome new subscribers by checking out their books, newsletters, or other creative projects: Aideen Ní Riada, Dr. Tracy King, Elon Musk, Jacob Marsh, Janet Curry, Jean Davis, Jim Melvin, Jim J Wilsky, Laura Gaddis, Martin Brodsky, Octávio Lima, Susanne Hovis, Tiffany Chu, and Tracy. Welcome to Indie Author Insiders! We are happy you are here and look forward to getting to know you. Please share your book launches, signings, and other events by posting info in the comments or emailing kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com
April is a busy month! In addition to the eclipse on April 8th and Earth Day on April 22nd, April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and National Poetry Month. Authors and poets have united to help both causes!
LIGHTHOUSE 117– Messages of Hope for Children Entering the Foster Care System
April is Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. To honor it and give messages of hope to children entering the foster care system, I created an anthology titled Lighthouse 117. Proceeds from this book will be donated to Isaiah 117 House. The ebook is available now on Gumroad, and the paperback will be available on Amazon this week. Please order a copy or three for your family, friends, and local little library, and help spread the word.
Special thanks to the many Lighthouse 117 contributors, including poet Courtenay Nold, Lucha Legends creator Paul Barile, and bestselling children’s book author Leland P. Gamson. Bless you for sharing your heart to bring hope and happiness to children.
The book's proceeds will be donated to Isaiah 117 House. You can donate directly to them and email a screenshot of the receipt to kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com, and I will send you the ebook. If you donate $20+, I will mail you a paperback copy.
Here is the link to the Isaiah 117 House donation page.
https://support.isaiah117house.com/give/526224/#!/donation/checkout
I am experimenting with direct sales on this anthology by making the ebook available on Gumroad. To celebrate their 13th birthday, Gumroad is waiving their typical 10% fee on April 4th. That means 100% goes toward the cause!
Here is the link to purchase the Lighthouse 117 ebook on Gumroad. https://writerkat.gumroad.com/l/lighthouse117
Do you sell your books directly? If so, send me a link or email, and I will add it to an upcoming newsletter!
See the Resource section below link to an in-depth article from Dave Chesson of Kindlepreneur about direct sales. He surveyed over 800 authors and published the results!
Crowdfunding
Brandon Sanderson has done it again! His first crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter earned him a cool 41 million dollars. His most recent project is on Backerkit, and added 22 million to his indie author kingdom. How does he do it? Let’s discuss that on Substack Notes this week!
Brandon Sanderson
https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/dragonsteel/words-of-radiance-leatherbound
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dragonsteel/surprise-four-secret-novels-by-brandon-sanderson
Johnny B. Truant's Kickstarter campaign runs through April 5th. He reached his funding goal in five hours!
Russell Nohelty inspired Sarah to try Kickstarter for her camping memoir. Her goal is $1K by April 7th. It’s all or nothing. Let’s help her make it happen!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sarahstyf/the-life-i-never-knew-i-wanted-a-camping-memoir
More info about Sarah’s camping memoir, The Life I Never Knew I Wanted.
Are you crowdfunding your next book? Let us know!
Author Feature Opportunities
Check out fellow indie author features: Ashley Gary Johnson, Bess Sturgis, Jill Ebstein, Nancy Nau Sullivan, Sarah Styf, and Teresa Keefer to see how it works.
If you want to be a featured author on the [Bookends] podcast and/or in the Indie Author Insider newsletter, email your answers to the author interview questions to kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com.
New Book Releases & Awards
Congratulations to Leland P. Gamson for becoming an Amazon bestselling author with his children's book, LOKAEL: THE DONKEY WHO CARRIED JESUS.
As mentioned above, Lighthouse 117 contains messages of hope for children entering foster care. It has quotes, Bible verses, poems, and short stories, along with coloring, tracing, and a writing journal to help children write down their thoughts and process their emotions.
I was inspired to create this anthology after watching Becoming Unstoppable, Jamie Kern Lima's 13-hour live launch for her latest book, Worthy. Jamie’s book and event connected dots from my childhood and learning about Isaiah 117 House at a WIBU meeting. It felt like a divine download. I could write a book about the serendipity of it all, but I will do a blog post for now.
The main thing is I followed through and can’t wait to get this book into the hands of children who could use some encouragement. This is where you come in. You can order the book and have it delivered directly to Isaiah 117 House, where the children go while awaiting foster care placement. They have houses in several states and distribute donations.
You can send the Lighthouse 117 book (or any new children’s books) to Isaiah 117 House, PO Box 842 Elizabethton, TN 37644.
Thank you for making a positive difference in the life of a child!
Do you have a recently released or upcoming book? Has your book become a bestseller or won awards? Email info to kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com to get on the Indie Author Insider (IAI) New Book Releases & Awards list. There is no charge for this IAI promotion or author features, thanks to our premium subscribers!
2024 INDIE AUTHOR CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Book Marketing, Networking & Selling Opportunities
Do you want to connect with authors, meet book lovers, and sell more books? Check out these opportunities!
April
4/13/24 – Local Authors Book Fair at the Warsaw Community Public Library, Saturday, April 13, 2024, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., 310 East Main Street, Warsaw, Indiana. Look for Andie LaComb at this event.
4/14/24 – Words in Motion: Exploring the Choreography of Change through Poetry and Performance Art, Sunday, April 14, 2024, 2 p.m. at Franklin Performing Arts Center. Join me and other members of the Poetry Society of Indiana as Stage 1 Dance Academy interprets our poetry. Tickets are $15. You can pay at the door or prepay online. This would make a great artist date!
4/17/24 – Book promo table for Indie Author Insider paid subscribers, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the WIBU event, Westminster Village, Legacy Commons Event Hall, 5801 West Bethel Avenue, Muncie, Indiana. If you want to attend in person, please pre-purchase a luncheon ticket.
4/20/24 – DEADLINE to enter your poem in INverse Indiana’s Poetry Archive.
4/20/24 – Local Author Fair at FORUM Events Center in Fishers, IN, Saturday, April 20, 2024, 1-4 p.m. The Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) is hosting the 2024 Local Author Fair, a free, open house-style event for all ages. Nearly 60 local authors and literary organizations from Fishers, Noblesville, Carmel, Westfield, Indianapolis, and surrounding areas will have exhibit space for the public to meet them, with opportunities to purchase their books. Look for Kristina W. Kelly at this event.
4/22/24 – Earth Day 2024 at the Gardens of Matter Park, 500 Matter Park Road, Marion, Indiana. Monday, April 22, 2024, 4-7 p.m. Nature-themed poetry reading and open mic 4-5 p.m. inside the Gardens house. I will lead the poetry reading. If you are in the area, please join me, Stacy Savage of Poetry Contests for a Cause, and other Poetry Society of Indiana members for a fun evening of nature, friends, and poetry!
4/25-27/24 – The Well Conference for Creatives, Thursday, April 25 - Saturday, April 27, 2024, Fair Haven Church, 2900 Baldwin St, Hudsonville, Michigan. You can sell your books at this event on consignment.
4/26-28/24 – C2E2, McCormick Place, 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL. Look for Alexis D. Craig and Paul Barile at this event.
May
5/11/24 – Muncie Comic Con, Saturday, May 11, 2024, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Delaware County Fairgrounds Heartland Building, 1200 Wheeling Ave, Muncie, Indiana. Look for Beth Powers at this event.
5/15/24 – Book promo table for Indie Author Insider paid subscribers, Wednesday, May 15, 2024, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the WIBU event, Westminster Village, Legacy Commons Event Hall, 5801 West Bethel Avenue, Muncie, Indiana. If you want to attend in person, please pre-purchase a luncheon ticket.
June
6/19/24 – Book promo table for Indie Author Insider paid subscribers, Wednesday, June 19, 2024, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the WIBU event, Westminster Village, Legacy Commons Event Hall, 5801 West Bethel Avenue, Muncie, Indiana. If you want to attend in person, please pre-purchase a luncheon ticket.
July
7/11-13/24 – Midwest Writers Workshop, Thursday, July 11, 2024 - Saturday, July 13, 2024, Ball State Alumni Center, 2800 W Bethel Ave, Muncie, Indiana. You can sell your books on consignment during this event!
7/13-14/24 – Columbus Book Festival, Columbus Metropolitan Library, 96 S Grant Ave, Columbus, Ohio. Vendor space available.
7/17/24 – Book promo table for Indie Author Insider paid subscribers, Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the WIBU event, Westminster Village, Legacy Commons Event Hall, 5801 West Bethel Avenue, Muncie, Indiana. If you want to attend in person, please pre-purchase a luncheon ticket.
7/25-27/24 – Taylor University Professional Writers Conference, Thursday, July 25, 2024 (Intensive Track) - Saturday, July 27, 2024, Taylor University, 1846 West Main Street, Upland, Indiana. You can sell your books on consignment during this event!
7/19-21/24 – Imaginarium 11th Annual Convention, Friday, July 19 - Sunday, July 21, 2024, Holiday Inn Louisville East, 1620 Alliant Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky. Look for DIY Book Promo Author Dan Klefstad at this event.
August
8/10/24 – Indie Author Book Event Terre Haute, Indiana. Look for Bess Sturgis at this event!
8/17/24 – Meet Me in Milwaukee Romance Author & Reader Event, Saturday, August 17, 2024, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. CDT, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 West Kilbourn Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53203. Look for Greta Rose West at this event.
8/21/24 – Book promo table for Indie Author Insider paid subscribers, Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the WIBU event, Westminster Village, Legacy Commons Event Hall, 5801 West Bethel Avenue, Muncie, Indiana. If you want to attend in person, please pre-purchase a luncheon ticket.
September
9/7/24 – Lexington Legendary Book Bash, Saturday, September 7, 2024, Hyatt Regency Lexington, 401 W High Street, Lexington, Kentucky. Visit their Facebook page for updates. Look for Bess Sturgis at this event!
9/7/24 - 9/8/24 – Big Four Arts Festival, Saturday, September 7, 2024, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. & Sunday, September 8, 2024, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Big Four Bridge Lawn, 1103 River Road, Louisville, Kentucky
9/18/24 – Book promo table for Indie Author Insider paid subscribers, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the WIBU event, Westminster Village, Legacy Commons Event Hall, 5801 West Bethel Avenue, Muncie, Indiana. If you want to attend in person, please pre-purchase a luncheon ticket.
9/27-28/24 – Indiana Author Extravaganza, Saturday, September 27, 2024, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. & Sunday, September 28, 2024, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Cambridge City Public Library, 600 West Main Stree, Cambridge City, Indiana. Look for Bess Sturgis at this event!
October
10/4-5/24 – Books by the Arch, St. Louis, Missouri, on October 4th & 5th, 2024. Look for Bess Sturgis at this event!
10/16/24 – Book promo table for Indie Author Insider paid subscribers, Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the WIBU event, Westminster Village, Legacy Commons Event Hall, 5801 West Bethel Avenue, Muncie, Indiana. If you want to attend in person, please pre-purchase a luncheon ticket.
November
11/6/24 – Local Authors at the Annual Christmas Gift & Hobby Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Kristina W. Kelly will be there November 6, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
11/11-15/24 – Author Nation (Formerly 20Books Vegas), November 11-15, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada
11/20/24 – Book promo table for Indie Author Insider paid subscribers, Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the WIBU event, Westminster Village, Legacy Commons Event Hall, 5801 West Bethel Avenue, Muncie, Indiana. If you want to attend in person, please pre-purchase a luncheon ticket.
December
12/18/24 – Book promo table for Indie Author Insider paid subscribers, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the WIBU event, Westminster Village, Legacy Commons Event Hall, 5801 West Bethel Avenue, Muncie, Indiana. If you want to attend in person, please pre-purchase a luncheon ticket.
Do you have a book signing or event you would like added to the Indie Author Insider Calendar of Events? Email it to indieauthors@substack.com.
Thank you for reading Indie Author Insider #48 (April 2024). I hope you found it helpful. By emailing kathy@indieauthorsassociation.com, you can share information about your books, events, and what you want to see in future editions. You can also join our Indie Author Insider private group on Facebook!
Special thanks to our premium subscribers: Ashley Gary Johnson, Bess Sturgis, Bonnie Lieberman, John Sherman, Lloyd Mullins, Nancy Nau Sullivan, Sarah Styf, and Teresa Keefer. Thank you for supporting indie authors. We appreciate you!
Thanks also to the Substack Publications recommending Indie Author Insider: Self-Publishing with Dale, The Life Strategies Playbook & Mentoring Program, Jon’s Substack, Johnny B. Truant’s Inspired as F**k, Bernie Books, Made From What's Not Real, Susan's Expressions, Art Spot, Jess Wolfie's Wonderful World, Mordicai’s Substack, John Roberts’ Weekly Rambles, Cellar Door, Letters To My Brother, Lighthouse, and Book Whisperer. Thank you for supporting indie authors!
Kathy Gerstorff
Resources to help you sell more books!
The Truth on Selling Books Direct: Insights from 876 Authors by Dave Chessons of Kindlepreneur, March 5, 2024.
https://kindlepreneur.com/the-truth-on-selling-books-direct-insights-from-authors/