Thursday, August 13, 2015

Indies...Best Bosses Ever!

By Julie Musil, @juliemusil

Part of the Indie Author Series


When preparing to write this post, I thought, heck, I’m so not in a position to write a post about indie publishing right now. Why? I’ve been a slacker indie author.

My next book has been through one round with the freelance editor. I spent a mini writing retreat at the beginning of summer attacking the editor’s notes with vigor. I’ve even started the cover design process. But since then, it’s been crickets in my writing life.

Between my son’s graduation and upcoming departure for college, my being chaperone on a teen music tour, and family vacation, things have been hectic.

At first I felt guilty about my lack of progress on my next book release, but then I came to my senses. Why should I feel guilty? Isn’t writing supposed to be enjoyable? And isn’t the point of indie publishing to do things our own way in our own timing?

Indie publishing is fun because we have the best bosses ever (me and you!)

We’re relaxed (or at least we should be).


Why indie publish and stress ourselves out about production and release dates? Why not save that for the traditional route?

We care about our employees (ourselves).


No need to beat ourselves up for our shortcomings.

We care about our product.


No skimpy editing or lame book covers for indies anymore. Our standards are high.

We’re sympathetic.


Is life getting in the way of production? No worries. Too stressed to get creative? Your boss says, “See a movie or read a book. It’s actually considered work.”

We’re not freaked out about the bottom line. 


No nervous marketing directors here, wringing their hands over sales. If I’m not pumping out a series of books, my sales will slow. And I’m ok with that.

Perhaps I’m not the most high-powered indie author out there, offering publish-one-book-a-month-and-get-rich-quick advice. Instead, I hope to offer would-be indies the other side: the relax-and-publish-when-you’re-ready advice.

One thing I know for sure...when you’re an indie author, you have an amazing boss.

Have you been productive this summer? When you’re a slacker writer, do you get bogged down with guilt? If you’re an indie author, do you consider yourself a good boss? Please share!


Julie Musil writes from her rural home in Southern California, where she lives with her husband and three sons. She’s an obsessive reader who loves stories that grab the heart and won’t let go. Her Young Adult novels, The Summer of Crossing Lines and The Boy Who Loved Fire, are available now. For more information, or to stop by an say Hi, please visit Julie on her blog, on Twitter, and on Facebook.

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11 comments:

  1. Thanks for having this slacker-indie-author on your blog today, Janice!

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  2. Very timely post for me! Thanks, Julie! I published my last book over a year ago, and I've been beating myself up for not having anything new for so long. But in that time period I've dealt with the sudden and unexpected death of my younger brother, and then the death of his wife from cancer eight months later. If I was the employer of someone who'd been through that I'd give them some time off. And since I *am* my employer, why wasn't I doing that for myself? I've recently started writing again, not the book I'd planned to publish next, but something completely different. And that's okay. The words are flowing again and that's what counts. I'm going to print out your post and keep it handy in case I ever start being a demanding, obsessive boss again. :)

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    1. Oh, Juli, I'm so very sorry to hear all that you've been through this past year. It's moments like those that remind us what's truly important. And it sounds as if these experiences has changed up your ideas. Yes, let's not beat ourselves up for what we don't accomplish. Instead, enjoy life and express gratitude for all that we do accomplish. Again, I'm so sorry about your brother and his wife. And good for you for taking that step forward with another writing project. I wish you all the best.

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  3. Oh, fine, this ate my first comment.
    Thanks, I have just been fussing at myself for not getting my next ebook up. And it's nearly done, but...
    So now I can join the Indie Slacker Club, ha-ha.
    Haven't we heard that it takes 6 months (or more) to recover from life's major traumas, like a death of a loved one (even if 'only' a cat)??
    At least I am writing, I almost never stop that, it's an obsession...
    merry day

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    1. Sara, you're right, it does take time for our minds and hearts to heal. There are indies out there that produce at rates I can't even wrap my head around. And that's so awesome for them. I am not one of those indies. And I'm thankful that I have the freedom to produce what I want when I want to. I'm so glad you're still writing!

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  4. This made me feel a lot better. I had a rough start to this year, and that meant that my February release got pushed back to July. It's sometimes hard not to beat ourselves up over delays like that. Thanks again :)

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    1. Marcy, I'm sorry to hear you had a rough start to the year. I can totally relate. There's sometimes that nagging voice, reminding me of all that I still need to do, but it can nag all it wants. I refuse to stress myself out over it. I hope your release went well, and that things are on the path to normal for you.

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  5. I may be too much of a slacker to even "like" the post. Can't out myself...

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    1. Ha! That's so funny! Ok, slacker, thanks for the effort to comment on the post :)

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  6. I've been pushing myself to get a lot of writing done this summer, and I've been somewhat successful, but I know what happens when life comes around and demands all your time for a few months. You just have to take a break from writing and be cheerful about it. It's not slacking off at all.

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  7. Phew! Glad I saw this post today. I needed it. I was feeling rushed and pushed and stressed! I'm brand new to indie publishing and being my own boss. I'm working hard and loving it, but I do need to remember to breathe and read once in a while! Thanks! Christy

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