How Much Do You Value Your Writing, Poem, Photography, Creative Art
Highlights in the Indie Author and Creative Arts Community
Hello, Indie Authors and Curious Creatives,
What’s happening in your creative world? Share here, share there, share everywhere!
I was talking to D.L. Reavis at Bookworm Orchard about his Charlotte Lake Series, and the difference between the price of paintings versus books.
I often see paintings priced in the hundreds and higher while books are priced below twenty dollars, sometimes 99 cents, or free!
A recent high school graduate has some of her paintings and photography in our bookstore.
Her art teacher, who is now retired, stopped by and said her price on a photo of an old car was way too low.
He recommend pricing it at $125, especially since it’s a Silver Key winner.
“Silver Key” in photography is a distinguished award from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious scholarship and recognition program for creative teens in grades 7–12.
The art teacher made me wish there was a book expert who would price our books!
I don’t understand why we writers price our work so low.
Maybe it’s because we sell copies instead of the original manuscript?
That makes sense.
Then I ran across a colorful painting on Facebook titled, “Thank You” along with a poem titled, “All’ve It” by Matt Moberg.
I love when poetry is paired with artwork and music.
Someone asked if a copy of the poem was available. Sure enough, the artist/author shared a link where a copy of the poem could be purchased for $25 for a 12”x18” print—more money for bigger sizes!
That’s more like it.
Now, we just need to follow Matt’s lead by sharing our artwork on social media and waiting for someone to ask where they can purchase it.
Or, we can do as Gary Vaynerchuk suggests in his book, Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook, and provide lots of value with an occasional call to action.
Hit me with your best shot!
Buy Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook Hardcover with Bookworm Orchard Bookshop Affiliate Link https://bookshop.org/a/121325/9780062273062
Buy Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook ebook with Bookworm Orchard Bookshop Affiliate Link https://bookshop.org/a/121325/9780062273079
Buy Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook audiobook with Bookworm Orchard Libro Affiliate Link https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9783987620553-jab-jab-jab-right-hook?bookstore=bookwormorchard
Buy Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook with my Amazon Affiliate Link https://amzn.to/4ughr0h
Listen to Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook audiobook on Spotify.
I highly recommend following Gary Vee for raw business advice and staying ahead of the ever-changing marketing trends.
That fact that you’re here, reading this, means you’re following one of his tips— which is to be on Substack!
Bookworm Orchard co-owner, Teresa Keefer, will be on the road headed to the Science Project Brewing Company (611 North Street, Logansport, IN) for their Adult Book Fair, Saturday, June 20, 2026, 12-4 PM.
Teresa will be joined by indie authors Bob Freeman, Connor Freeman, Jessica Miller, and Mona Mehas. Stop by and say hi if you’re in the neighborhood.
You can also take a page from these indie authors by creating your own roving bookstore. It’s easy, just get together with a few author friends and share a table at book events. It’s more fun and attracts more browsers—and buyers!
Looking for author events to attend? Check out these resources:
That’s your Fresh Insights update for this week. I hope are having fun in the sun and enjoying your summer reads!
Kathy Gerstorff
WriterKat
Indie Authors Association
Bookworm Orchard
Special thanks to Indie Author Insights patrons and IAA members: Ashley Gary Johnson, Bess Sturgis (ghoulianastories.com), Christopher Stolle, Chris McWhirt, Herman Floyd Renfro, Fleur Hull, Jill Ebstein, J.J. Devine, John Sherman, Karen Smiley, Kay Castaneda, Leland P. Gamson, Lloyd Mullins, Mark Saluke, Morgana Shea, Mike Nelson, Nancy Nau Sullivan, Paul Cobbin, Sarah Styf, Sheri Ann Richerson, Stella Fosse, Teresa Keefer, Terra Chism, Tina Susedik, and Wendy Mayhew.
No I didn't know when it was until recently. The deadline to apply is May 1. Maybe next year. I'll have my novel out by then.
What about this one in Indy? https://inconjunction.org/