To celebrate the publication of my novella, Christmas with Mr Darcy, I’m hosting a special ‘Indie Month’ on my blog where bestselling authors will tell you about their latest book and share the secrets of their indie success.

Today, I’m delighted to welcome historical novelist Fenella Miller.

Tell us about your latest indie book

My latest indie book is Barbara’s War. This is a ‘coming of age’ book set at the end of 1939. This is a book several agents loved but didn’t take because ‘it didn’t pigeon-hole’. I have published three Regency romances and one Young Adult book so far. My ‘duke’ books are doing very well but the Young Adult fantasy, Truth(Glimmering) sank without trace.

What made you decide to go indie?

I wanted to see my other, more serious, historical novels available  to readers and Amanda Grange convinced me the best way to do this was to go ‘indie’. I love being in total control and having all the royalties come to me.

Do you design your covers yourself and write your own blurb etc?

I write everything myself – but have my books read by two writer friends and then proofed by an academic. I designed the covers for the first four books but am now having Jane Dixon-Smith re-do the Regency covers to make them more professional. She designed Barbara’s War for me and I love it.

What are the pros and cons of going indie.

Cons: Finding people to edit/proof the files. With a publisher this is done for you. Finding reviewers/marketing and promotion. Not being taken seriously in some quarters.

Pros: Being in control of the entire process. Not having to wait over 18 months for the book to be published. Royalties come every month and you know exactly what you will get. Selling thousands of books not hundreds. Being able to price books competitively

How do you publicize your books? 

Face book/Twitter/blogs/KDP free promotions

Do you think Twitter and Facebook really help in getting word out there?

Yes – to a certain extent – if every friend and follower buys a book and writes a review then you’re half way there.

Do you read any indie authors yourself?

Yes – some are better than others. I only buy books under £2 – and always buy friends books even if I’m not going to read them.

Would you accept a traditional publishing deal now?

No – although I still sell to Large Print and D C Thomson.

What advice would you give to writers thinking of going indie?

Do it – but make sure the book is well edited and error free. Be prepared to wait a year or more for books to become popular. The more titles out the greater chance of success. Persuade your friends and family to ‘like’, ‘tag’ and review your books.

Thanks so much for your thoughts on Indie Publishing, Fenella.