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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