SPF-029: Indie Author Support from the Alliance of Independent Authors – with Orna Ross
Like more and more traditionally published authors these days, Orna Ross took her rights back from a large traditional publisher to re-publish her books herself. Because she was the one in charge she was able to do it in the manner she’d always wanted. That was in 2011. At The London Book Fair in 2012, she launched ALLi, the Alliance of Independent Authors. Her work for ALLi has gotten her a good deal of notice. She’s been named in The Bookseller’s “Top 100 People in Publishing.” We are honoured to have Orna on The Self Publishing Podcast and on this episode you’ll hear her story, what ALLi is doing to help Independent Authors, and learn how you can be involved with the group.
Looking for support in your self-publishing journey? The Alliance of Independent Authors may be the place for you.
The ALLi (pronounced “Al-eye”) offers friendship and collaboration for those self-published authors who often feel alone on their publishing journey. The advice and education, advocacy, and representation offered enables authors to self-publish in a professional manner. It’s quickly grown to have thousands of members all over the world. From basic self-publishing help to issues surrounding book rights, translation rights, and sales in foreign markets, ALLi is the best friend of many indie authors. You can find out more about ALLi and learn how you can join the group, on this episode.
There’s an uncommon bond of fellowship between independent authors.
The self-publishing community is an amazing group of people, each person working diligently to write great books and get them to their readers, but also willing to lend a hand to other authors who are on the road a bit further behind them. On this episode, Orna explains how the ALLi membership helps each other through events, website forums, and more – and explains the benefits of coming together in such a supportive community of like-minded authors.
Trade publishing can’t stop what indie authors are bringing to the industry.
The trade publishing industry is struggling to keep up with indies. We are finding more and better ways to write, publish, and market our work in record time – and with incredible success. Orna believes that in time there will be a greater synergy between traditional and self-publishing, but she is hesitant to say exactly what that combination might look like. She can see both sides learning from the other, but how it will happen, nobody can predict. You can get more of Orna’s insights into the industry and the world of independent publishing by listening to this episode.
The indie author spirit isn’t seeking validation, it’s seeking something else.
One of the things Orna loves about the world of self-publishing is what she calls the “indie author spirit.” In her view, it’s a spirit of generosity that’s aimed at giving value and wonderful experiences to the readers while at the same time focusing on the business side of publishing. Indie authors seem to understand the importance of relationships with readers and the connections that make those relationships happen in genuine ways. Set aside some time to listen to this episode. You’ll be inspired by what Orna and others are doing to move the indie publishing community forward.
Outline of this great episode
- [0:01] How you can get in on the new SPF Beta Course for new authors.
- [1:20] The Youtube Ads for Authors module is released.
- [5:59] How Orna’s creation of AIA came about by accident.
- [8:31] The aim of AIA when it comes to ethics in independent publishing.
- [12:30] The importance of community and fraternity in indie publishing.
- [15:36] Orna’s advice to brand new indie authors.
- [19:22] How help happens within The Alliance of Independent Authors.
- [21:10] The international nature of the alliance.
- [23:30] The markets in India and Germany.
- [26:55] How you can be a part of The Alliance of Independent Authors.
- [29:27] Orna’s insights into what’s happening in the publishing industry these days.
- [36:03] Preview of next week’s episode.