In 2012, Claire and Tim Ridgway decided to take a snapshot of the rapidly-evolving world of self-publishing by interviewing 34 of its most successful advocates, capturing for posterity – and for other indie authors – their secrets and their tips. 

Now, like a snake swallowing its own tail, this interviews-with-indie-authors site interviews the indie author who interviewed indie authors for her book, Interviews With Indie Authors.

What gave you the idea for this book?

My own search for help, advice and marketing tips when I was embarking on self-publishing my first book. The most valuable advice came from people who’d been there, done it and been successful.

Presumably your target demographic is indie authors, but is there anything in the book for the rest of us?

Although it is aimed at indie authors who don’t have the support of an agent, editor or publisher, it is just as useful for traditionally published authors because authors need to help themselves in this day and age. Gone are the days of publishers doing all the marketing, authors need to take responsibility.

Who are some of the authors you interviewed for this book, and what were your criteria for selection? Were there any authors you wanted to interview but were unable to get hold of?

Authors interviewed included CJ Lyons, Tracey Garvis Graves, Bella Andre, Barbara Freethy, Hugh Howey, J Thorn and Theresa Ragan. The criteria was that they had to be a best-selling, successful indie author and obviously had to be willing to share their story and tips. We contacted many more authors than were included in the book but some authors just didn’t have the time to take part.

By only interviewing successful indie authors are you guilty of painting a partial picture?

No. The book’s focus is on learning from those who’ve been successful. It’s always best to learn from the best. It’s not trying to build a false picture, it’s about helping authors by giving them the tools and ideas they need. 

Are there any common lessons to be learned from all your interviewees?

That you have to work hard at it and that the best thing you can do to market yourself and your books is to keep writing and to publish quality work. Indie authors have to be able to compete with traditionally published authors whose books are professionally edited and whose books covers are professionally designed.

The indie revolution has changed the publishing industry. What do your interviewees – and you [Claire is the author of a number of successful books on Tudor history] – think the future holds?

Increasing popularity of the e-book, publishers who refuse to move with the times going into receivership, higher quality indie books as indie authors realise they have to get it right, more authors leaving traditional publishers…. We are writing in exciting times!

Tell us a bit about your interest in Tudor history and your books on the subject.

Tudor history is my obsession, I live and breathe it. I started blogging about my journey to find Anne Boleyn’s true story in February 2009, sharing my findings on The Anne Boleyn Files. The blogging came first and then that led to my books: The Anne Boleyn Collection, The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown and On This Day in Tudor History. They’ve all been best-sellers in their genre, so it’s been an exciting journey.

Tudor history is all the rage these days. What do you think about the Hilary Mantel novels?

I compare them to Marmite, a savoury spread from the UK, which people either love or hate. I just couldn’t get into Wolf Hall at all and I found the characters in both books very two dimensional. I know people who love the books but I really didn’t like the writing style.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m British but now live in sunny southern Spain. I used to be a teacher but now divide my time between my research, writing, family life (husband, 3 kids, 2 dogs and a cat) and studying for a degree. Life is crazily busy, but I love it.  I’m also a chocoholic and am partial to a glass of local wine and tapas.

Have you got a blog or website where readers can keep up with your work? How can we follow you on Facebook and / or Twitter?

I blog regularly about Tudor history at www.theanneboleynfiles.com.

My Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/theanneboleynfiles and my Twitter handle is @AnneBoleynFiles

I also run www.interviewswithindieauthors.com which has tips and advice for indie authors. Twitter handle @authorinterview.

What’s next?

My next Tudor history book is due out in May so I’m working hard on that at the moment. Over the past couple of months I haven’t been posting on the Interviews with Indie Authors blog but I’m hoping to get back to it and feature interviews with both new and more experienced indie authors on a regular basis.

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Enjoyed this interview? Then you’ll want to check out our conversation with Guy Kawasaki, author of APE: Author Publisher Entrepreneur.