Last week on the 29th, I celebrated 9 years of Indie Publishing! It's hard to believe, but it's been an amazing journey so far. I hope this video means something to you and that you find it helpful. Let me know in the comments if you do want an updated video on the numbers, how I sold this amount of books, which series are most popular of mine and why, etc.
Thank you! This video came at the right time; I needed the peptalk. I would love to see more videos on the numbers side of things. Also, if you have one suggestion on marketing what would it be? Meaning your Author, must have.
Me: "ah another video on self publishing advice. I'm thinking about it so I'll listen even though it's probably similar to all the others." Video: Helpful life lessons and deep writing advice. Me: surprised Pikachu.
I've got a mountain of unpublished stuff because I got discouraged by criteria people threw at me. I didn't have the support to proceed because my husband bought into all of that. I am so glad to hear you say it's not necessary to follow trends and to do it my way. I am going to in 2020. Bless you.
I am so glad you touched on not having to be active on social media. Because I just can't do Twitter. It is so toxic and it makes my anxiety go through the roof. I love most other platforms, but I was told that I had to be on Twitter or I wasn't going to get anywhere, self-publishing or trad publishing.
Sarra you’re an inspiration to me when I feel down about how low my sales are. It has been a struggle with me to find my “tribe”. I’ve been writing since I was in 3rd grade and I can’t find another thing that makes me happy. I know my time will come but that thing called patience is a thorn in my side. 😂. Thanks for this video.
Hi! Self-published author here, and I LOVE hearing success stories! I totally agree that we should all be writing what we love and stories we want to tell rather than trying to follow a trend. If you're writing just to make money, you're writing for the wrong reasons. Money is just a bonus to doing what you love.
Writing gives us the potential of touching another person very deeply, and the ability to express your innermost feelings. It's a privilege to have that chance.
You really are my favorite authortuber for so many reasons. But the number one reason is because, unlike the others, you insist that everyone has their own path to follow and as long as they don't give up, they will get there. Most of the others I occasionally watch all preach the "there can be only one" way. Congratulations on 9 awesome years of self publishing. Truly an inspiration. Here's to at LEAST 9 more years of success for you and your beautiful family.
Thanks for this. I Self-published x3 months ago. Just hit a wall, spent $1,600 on marketing in a x2 week period, sold x4 books. Have sold almost x100 books in total, have under 10 reviews. Today has been hard, self doubt, doubt over the book, so much pressure trying to juggle full time study, COVID, unemployment as well as working hard on the book etc. This was refreshing, thank you for your honesty and reflection. I won't give up, will simply learn from this, go back to the drawing board. much love.
Hi, Sarra. My name is Drew. Thank you so much for this video. I've just finished my first manuscript and I've had no fear until I've hit the editing part. This is my 'flight or fight' time. I don't have the $$$ to hire an editor, so I'm doing it all myself. The only help I have is Grammarly. Your words have meant a lot to me today. Thank you also for caring enough about other people to do this for us. You are a rare gem that I stumbled upon.
I needed these words so much today. Thank you, Sarra! This is a video I will likely come back to time and time again when the going gets tough and I need a boost from someone who's been there. Please know how incredibly meaningful, inspiring, encouraging, and supportive you and Heart Breathings are to all of us. I'm beyond grateful that you share your experience and guidance while you continue your own journey through the highs and lows of this writing life. Oh, and CONGRATS for 9 years as a published novelist!! YAY!!
Holy schrap did I need this video today. I’ve self published two books and I love the stories. Something really weird happened after I published the second one though, people actually liked it. It was my baby and I wrote it with no intention of publishing it just because I wanted to read it. But then after I published it and people started liking it honestly I started freaking out because I didn’t know what to do from there. I love writing but the idea of having it be my only source of income is a little bit terrifying so I love that you are addressing that there are different ways to do this because the pressure to pump out books like a machine is real and it’s scary. So thank you so much for this video!
Thank you, as a late starter in writing (over 50 yrs) I needed to hear this. I've been writing for years, but never really finished anything. You have given me the encouragement to pick it up and continue with writing my book, and going from there. Thank you!!
I listened to your 8-year video last year, and a lot of the comments about quality and passion echo with me. I would like to be full-time, but, at the end of the day, I write because it's what I do. I don't chase trends, and I'm not a hack. I re-read my books about once a year and upload updates to remove any typos I might find. Hopefully, at some point, I'll have too many books to do them all annually. :)
Thank you so much! This video is just what I needed. I don't want to advertise, send newsletters and so forth. I just want to focus on writing good books. And I also get tired of all those writer communities telling people they must do certain things in order to have success. My bestselling book is the first book I wrote, before I started listening to certain writing-goeroes. I am going to follow my own instinct again.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this! Since NaNoWriMo started and I jumped back into writing, I've started to doubt whether or not I can actually pull off writing and revising an entire book that I am confident enough in to self-publish. I just needed someone to encourage me again, and here you are! I am so grateful I found your channel earlier this year.
Hi, thanks for sharing! I am feeling discouraged a bit on my writing so it feels so nice to see someone else's success as a self-published author :) I published 4 coloring books so far on Amazon KDP, and hope to publish my first fiction novel this year. Hope I get at least a few sales :) Thanks for the inspiration to keep going!
I want to be like you when I grow up. Seriously, your attitude of gratitude, your positivity, and honesty both with us and yourself, are all the things ime working toward. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
14:04 super important lesson you learned and shared with us. i am definitely hearing and taking this into account. I'm going to write my goals and who I am as an author down in my journal so i don't ever forget this. thank you!
And always let your conscience be your guide. I think this is something that a lot of new writers need to hear. That their story is worth it. I had so many stories that I started back in high school that I just dropped simply because I was told that I would never make it as an author. It actually got so bad that I stopped writing altogether at one point because I was beginning to think 'what's the point?' But to know that not only is there another way but that there'll always be an audience for what you're writing, that has helped to bring me back to writing my own original stories. And hey, maybe next year you can do a live stream with all of your fans :)
I think I’m going to watch this once a week to keep me motivated. You speak directly to my life and address so many of my fears and hopes. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. It’s truly an encouragement and a motivation. I SO needed this message tonight. Will be rewatching!!💗
I needed this today! I literally felt like you read my messages with a friend this morning. Congratulations on the nine years and for giving back to the indie community.
Congratulations! Thanks I really needed to hear this at the beginning of my writing career! I just want to quit my job so much but I need to learn the craft and take my time.
Hi ive just started reading your books , and wow they are amazing your writing style is so beautiful , the story is perfect. ive been following you for a couple of years with journaling. now im a big big fan of your books , thank you.
Love the shirt! It's nice to hear you say social media isn't the be all and end all, I feel like not just other writers/authors promote a lot of self-advertising and vigilance, but in our everyday life it's being pushed to grind out numbers :/
A video about how to overcome the "I have ideas and I know they are good, but when it comes to actually sitting down and doing the work I need to do to come closer to fulfilling my dream, I hit a massive road block"-phase would be immensely helpful, I'm not gonna lie. It all seems like it comes so easily to you, so it's mind-boggling time and time again to read your struggles and the experiences that you share so generously with us! It is SO encouraging to hear you say that one does NOT have to spend a lot of time on social media and a lot of money on marketing (Man, there are videos out there that say that the costs of self-publishing your first book are between 3,000 and 8,000 $....). I'm not a big social butterfly and have a hard time "pitching" me and my work. I like my stories and feel some other people might like them but I still feel like they aren't special and worth nothing, so if I tried "pitching" them, I'd feel like a huge scammer (imposter even?). I wonder, is it necessary to connect with other authors? It always sounds so perfectly nice to hear you talking about the wonderful support and friendships within the writing community, but to be honest, most authors I've met or spoken to were extremely snooty and would put others down constantly. Thanks a million times for sharing your experiences, your wonderful personality, your wisdom, your struggles and your life with us. You have truly worked so hard and deserve it all!
Hey Sarra! Really enjoyed the video! In a future video would you consider talking about your decision to go Indie vs the traditional rout? What drew you to this path instead of trying for a book deal? Really love your videos and would be very interested in hearing your thought process on this!
Really needed this video Sarra. Thank you so much for doing it. When you said, "You're gonna be okay," I just burst into tears. I wrote my first book, which my family bought and had started another one and haven't typed another word for months. You have given me the encouragement that I needed. I wholeheartedly thank you for this. Love and hugs from Upstate SC.
I love when you post honest looks at your experience with publishing. I recently read your first book & immediately went to download the next. Your accomplishments are an inspiration
Good morning, Sarra. Happy Anniversary! Thank you for posting this. I have a friend who started in self-pub. Then she started quacking that the pool was too crowded and no one was selling the numbers anymore. What I figured out was she stopped writing new stuff and was counting on the books she already had out. She is now with Sourcebooks and doing very well. Now the same person who kept telling us self-pub was the way to go is now saying the only way to make money is traditional. You hit the nail on the head in your presentation. Do what makes you happy and be true to who you are as a writer. When I think what a traditional pub will do to my book, like put out a cover that either I can't stand OR 3 other books on the shelf all have the same stock photo hero, I shudder. This is my book and deserves the best I can give it... not just a piece on a conveyor belt. You inspire us, Sarra. Thank you. Enjoy the Journey
I needed to hear this! I am so happy this video popped up in my suggestions. I have been struggling with finishing my novel because I didn't think it would sell. After watching this video, I know I need to take a break from social media and focus on my craft. There are too many people giving advice, and their advice has made me doubt myself and my work. It's time for me to take the time to remember why I fell in love with writing in the first place. Thank you and congratulations on your success!
This also applies to any kind of freelance work or self-employed business. I’ve listened to people who have been telling me to do this and that to my business, I wasn’t very happy. It was very profitable at first, but then it fell off even though I kept on hustling so hard until the end. My biggest lesson is: it’s okay to be small, to do it solo. I don’t have to chase having my own brick and mortar store, I don’t have to choose wholesale, etc. I only have to choose what makes me happy. Congratulations, even though this was two years ago, and this year you’re turning 11 years as an Indie Author!
Thanks Sarra for sharing your experience and wisdom! It is so refreshing to hear someone be truthful instead of trying to sell something to new writers like myself. Congratulations!
Congratulations on hitting such an amazing milestone in your career! And I have to say this video is exactly what I was needing. I feel like there's so much pressure to "grow your author platform" if you want to be a successful Indie author. I've honestly spent more time watching videos and learning from other people how to do that than writing my actual book. So to hear that people are successful without social media makes me so happy! I've kind of decided to stop the author platform journey and solely focus on my writing....I also hear a lot that you have to offer people something for them to want to follow you (book reviewer, editing, or some kind of service). All I want to do is be myself and have fun on socials. There's just so much pressure.
Out of all the AuthorTubers I follow, you provide the best practical advice. You're honest and down to earth and that makes you a valuable resource in my arsenal of writing/publishing information. I wish I could afford your classes - I might have to make that a goal once I start working again Lol 😉 Thank you for your refreshing advice. I'll take it to heart 💗 And congratulations on your 9 year anniversary - good for you!
You are the first author channel I followed and the person that really kicked my butt into gear with the inspiration, now I’m writing my first book and working on my first TH-cam channel. Proud of you and your accomplishments!
I needed this so much this morning! I just launched my first book and I’m nervous and questioning myself. My family is struggling financially and I just want and need this book to be successful. It’s hard to be patient and still. This video gave me inspiration to just enjoy the fact that I’ve launched my first book instead of worrying about the numbers! Thank you!
@@ashleychewning AngelaDrakeA I'll add you so when things come through I can hit the heart ;-) Though I do have to say, Twitter is best for the 'sharing' aspect. that whole retweet thing :-)
In first few books of my indie journey and this advice you have is such a great advice/encouragement :) It's rarer to see these philosophical and life choice advice from indie authors. The temptation of rushing things is so big it's really hard to write to your heart (and your to-be fans' hearts) rather than taking a side-step and going with things that are hot right now. Thank you for the video! Love your channel.
I am glad I found this video. I am getting ready to publish my first book. There is always that anxiety of, "Am I doing this right, or was my choice to write what I like versus to market a good idea?" It is nice to see that as long as you stay true to your writing, things can workout.
You're an incredible inspiration, Sarra! Ever since I can remember I've had a dream of writing a novel. I just turned 50 and am learning as much as I can about the process and am on my way!!! Thank you for taking the time to help people like me :-)
I just want to thank you for being so honest and transparent about your journey! I have learned a lot from you, honestly no one else is sharing as much as you do on how to successfully self publish. Thanks to you I'll be publishing at some point next year hopefully with a strategy that suits me. Please keep posting videos, they are greatly underrated. but i'm sure when people find out about your channel they'll come flooding in. Thanks again x
Thank you. I was starting to feel anxious, letting fear guide me and being impatient for that next step and level, when this video appeared in my feed. Thank you for the words of encouragement.
Please make a video on how you started your first self published book. What was your budget. How much you spent on your first book and marketing the book. I am very much confused how much should I SPEND on my first book. Because I don't have lot of mone
Congrats and thank you for encouraging people not to settle and write crap they hate just to make sales. Your channel has been with me since the beginning, so I've never been tempted. Thank you and best wishes for many more years of success!
Thanks Sarra, for posting this and reminding me what is important. It is too easy to get distracted by all the checklist and plans and videos that people have posted on what it is to be successful as an indie author. I have felt so overwhelmed and discouraged on what I would have to do to be a writer. Watching other videos I started to feel overwhelmed that I would have to have a author platform, my own blog, be active on social media and have reader groups that was starting to feel like I wouldn't have time for writing. Your video really clarified and gave me encouragement and that I would not have to do all that to be successful. So much of these videos have taken me off task and made me think of all the things I would have to do to be successful, but that is not the case, which you clearly emphasized. Thanks again for the wonderful video and keeping me on task and reminding me that to be successful you don't need to do all that and just concentrate on the only thing which is writing.
Congratulations!!! You've worked so hard and found such success. You've inspired me and helped me find the courage to pursue my dream of publishing my novels. Thank you! 💖 I also would love an updated video on the numbers. I find the info very interesting 😏
This ..all this spoke to me! Girl I thought I was in church again for a moment! Thank you for your insights and caring enough to make videos like this.
Your message is so beautiful, it's almost like a sermon that goes through your heart. Honest to God, you could be a speaker. I really connect with what your saying. I wish you a beautiful day. ❤️
I'm saving this video in a brand new playlist called 'encouragement" and I plan to rewatch whenever I need a reminder about why I do what I do! My main job is owning a planner shop and SO MUCH of what you said is applicable for that career as well...and I bet almost any creative career! AND I plan to publish a novel...on of these days lol. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
Thank you for this video! I’ve been afraid to start because I don’t want to be all over social media. Your video has given me a new perspective and hope. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you for this valuable video! I want to self-publish soon, I've written my first book (finished), but I can't put it in Internet yet from some personal reasons. I've been struggling with one point you mentioned in the video- people who self-published and I listened to before always were pressing so much on social media appearance and that this is the best way to sell more copies. I was always worried about this one, because I don't want my books to be changed by editors/publishers (traditional publishing) etc but I'm also not good and don't enjoy social media. You gave me so much hope that I will be able to still self-publish and success! I don't like social media, I barely post anything, I like to keep stuff private. I would be okay with like facebook page, maybe later on my own website, but the idea of being everywhere was so overwhelming... You encouraged me with that video and thank you!!
Congratulations on your 9 year indie publishing anniversary. Thank you for sharing these insights, based on your journey. It really helps, and is inspirational. 🙌💝
Thank you so much for the motivation! I recently self published on Kindle Unlimited and the reaction I received from the book was amazing! Hearing you gives me the motivation to continue doing me thank you so much!
You are my inspiration Sarra 💙 you helped me find a path for myself that I was seeking but couldn't find. Congratulations on 9 years of self publishing!
This is all such incredible advice and validation as an aspiring published author who is considering self publication. Thank you for sharing your brutal truth.
Thank you for this. Fear is holding me back. I've let 10 weeks go by without touching my work because my main supporter told me it was ok to not stress about it. So I completely stopped. Now hes asking what happened. I take ownership for the drop off in production but the fear...its getting me. My goal to finish it is set. And I'll come back to you if I falter again.
I just love how encouraging you are Sarra, I love that you give us examples of your experiences and tell us what you have learned through your journey. Makes me want to sit and write lol, but I haven't really written (and mostly poems) in forever (about a decade). Maybe someday I will sit and write again, maybe I will take my teenage poems and rewrite them to publish, one day, some day when I feel I don't live with mommy brain all day lol. Hugs
Happy Nine Years! Thank you so much for this video. I totally needed your pep talk today. I was feeling super down about my slow to start career and you've given me the motivation I needed. Thank you so much. Wishing you much continued success
Thank you so much for this video. It encouraged me to keep writing what I love. You also made some points about social media that made me feel better. I'll be sharpening my focus thanks to your kindness in sharing what you've learned in your writing journey.
Thank you for this video and congrats on 9 years! ☺️ I’ve recently started looking into self-publishing and it’s refreshing to hear someone say you don’t need to spend hundreds or thousands to be successful as this was something of a worry.
This is my favourite video blog you have done ! 😊 You definitely deserve every single one of your accomplishments. You are such a good and inspiring human being. Happy anniversary and to many more!
Thank you so much for this Sarra. This was super helpful and reassuring for me personally. You are literally God sent in this moment for me. Thank you so much for all that you share here. Congratulations on 9 years!!! Well well done!
Love this Sarra. And I needed it right now. I haven’t started right for Nano bc I think I’ve finally figured out an outlining process that works for me and I’m still working on that. I feel pressured to start righting with Nano but this video makes me feel better about doing things at my pace! Also LOVE the shirt-I’ve seen every Resident Evil. I’m a huge zombie buff. I even have a zombie triology in the works.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. This is the most inspirational video I've seen for aspiring writers. This is definitely encouraging me to pursue my writing dreams.
Another Sarra Cannon video of exactly what I needed to hear, exactly when I needed to hear it. Thank you for these wise words. I've saved this one to come back to when I need to hear this again in the future. Because I totally will need to hear this again in the future. I'm impatient. :D
Where is the love button? 😍 This video is so uplifting. I often (and always have) struggle with self-esteem/self-worth. This will be a video I come back to in the future. 💕
I love this. So inspirational. I am an aspiring author and I have been going through so much self doubt. Thank you! I needed to hear this and it put a fire under my butt!
Last week on the 29th, I celebrated 9 years of Indie Publishing! It's hard to believe, but it's been an amazing journey so far. I hope this video means something to you and that you find it helpful. Let me know in the comments if you do want an updated video on the numbers, how I sold this amount of books, which series are most popular of mine and why, etc.
I would definitely be interested in that, Sarra!
@@hummingbard4513 great, thank you!
I would be interested too!
Thank you! This video came at the right time; I needed the peptalk. I would love to see more videos on the numbers side of things. Also, if you have one suggestion on marketing what would it be? Meaning your Author, must have.
Would love an update!
"Stop feeling so rushed... you're not gonna miss out on your dreams..." This right here. Congratulations, Sarra!
Me: "ah another video on self publishing advice. I'm thinking about it so I'll listen even though it's probably similar to all the others."
Video: Helpful life lessons and deep writing advice.
Me: surprised Pikachu.
I've got a mountain of unpublished stuff because I got discouraged by criteria people threw at me. I didn't have the support to proceed because my husband bought into all of that. I am so glad to hear you say it's not necessary to follow trends and to do it my way. I am going to in 2020.
Bless you.
People need to stop following the trend n start their own trend.
Yes!
I am so glad you touched on not having to be active on social media. Because I just can't do Twitter. It is so toxic and it makes my anxiety go through the roof. I love most other platforms, but I was told that I had to be on Twitter or I wasn't going to get anywhere, self-publishing or trad publishing.
Sarra you’re an inspiration to me when I feel down about how low my sales are. It has been a struggle with me to find my “tribe”. I’ve been writing since I was in 3rd grade and I can’t find another thing that makes me happy. I know my time will come but that thing called patience is a thorn in my side. 😂. Thanks for this video.
I’m so grateful that you’re part of this community and share such wonderful wisdom with us 🥰 happy nine years!
Thank you Natalia!! So happy to have the chance to know you.
Yes. I so agree.
Hi! Self-published author here, and I LOVE hearing success stories! I totally agree that we should all be writing what we love and stories we want to tell rather than trying to follow a trend. If you're writing just to make money, you're writing for the wrong reasons. Money is just a bonus to doing what you love.
This video addressed every reason I stopped writing. It went from something magical to overwhelming. Thank you so so much!
Writing gives us the potential of touching another person very deeply, and the ability to express your innermost feelings. It's a privilege to have that chance.
You really are my favorite authortuber for so many reasons. But the number one reason is because, unlike the others, you insist that everyone has their own path to follow and as long as they don't give up, they will get there. Most of the others I occasionally watch all preach the "there can be only one" way. Congratulations on 9 awesome years of self publishing. Truly an inspiration. Here's to at LEAST 9 more years of success for you and your beautiful family.
Thanks for this. I Self-published x3 months ago. Just hit a wall, spent $1,600 on marketing in a x2 week period, sold x4 books. Have sold almost x100 books in total, have under 10 reviews. Today has been hard, self doubt, doubt over the book, so much pressure trying to juggle full time study, COVID, unemployment as well as working hard on the book etc. This was refreshing, thank you for your honesty and reflection. I won't give up, will simply learn from this, go back to the drawing board. much love.
Hi, Sarra. My name is Drew. Thank you so much for this video. I've just finished my first manuscript and I've had no fear until I've hit the editing part. This is my 'flight or fight' time. I don't have the $$$ to hire an editor, so I'm doing it all myself. The only help I have is Grammarly. Your words have meant a lot to me today. Thank you also for caring enough about other people to do this for us. You are a rare gem that I stumbled upon.
I needed these words so much today. Thank you, Sarra! This is a video I will likely come back to time and time again when the going gets tough and I need a boost from someone who's been there. Please know how incredibly meaningful, inspiring, encouraging, and supportive you and Heart Breathings are to all of us. I'm beyond grateful that you share your experience and guidance while you continue your own journey through the highs and lows of this writing life. Oh, and CONGRATS for 9 years as a published novelist!! YAY!!
Holy schrap did I need this video today. I’ve self published two books and I love the stories. Something really weird happened after I published the second one though, people actually liked it. It was my baby and I wrote it with no intention of publishing it just because I wanted to read it. But then after I published it and people started liking it honestly I started freaking out because I didn’t know what to do from there. I love writing but the idea of having it be my only source of income is a little bit terrifying so I love that you are addressing that there are different ways to do this because the pressure to pump out books like a machine is real and it’s scary. So thank you so much for this video!
This video and your whole story are SO inspiring to me. No one else has managed to convince me that self-publishing might be a possibility. Thank you.
Thank you, as a late starter in writing (over 50 yrs) I needed to hear this. I've been writing for years, but never really finished anything. You have given me the encouragement to pick it up and continue with writing my book, and going from there. Thank you!!
I listened to your 8-year video last year, and a lot of the comments about quality and passion echo with me. I would like to be full-time, but, at the end of the day, I write because it's what I do. I don't chase trends, and I'm not a hack. I re-read my books about once a year and upload updates to remove any typos I might find. Hopefully, at some point, I'll have too many books to do them all annually. :)
Timeless advice from a wise writer, like happiness is the journey not the destination. Congratulations on NINE YEARS Sara
Congratulations on 9 years of successful self-publishing. Thank you for your encouraging words.
Thank you so much! This video is just what I needed. I don't want to advertise, send newsletters and so forth. I just want to focus on writing good books. And I also get tired of all those writer communities telling people they must do certain things in order to have success. My bestselling book is the first book I wrote, before I started listening to certain writing-goeroes. I am going to follow my own instinct again.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this! Since NaNoWriMo started and I jumped back into writing, I've started to doubt whether or not I can actually pull off writing and revising an entire book that I am confident enough in to self-publish. I just needed someone to encourage me again, and here you are! I am so grateful I found your channel earlier this year.
Hi, thanks for sharing! I am feeling discouraged a bit on my writing so it feels so nice to see someone else's success as a self-published author :) I published 4 coloring books so far on Amazon KDP, and hope to publish my first fiction novel this year. Hope I get at least a few sales :) Thanks for the inspiration to keep going!
I want to be like you when I grow up. Seriously, your attitude of gratitude, your positivity, and honesty both with us and yourself, are all the things ime working toward. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
14:04 super important lesson you learned and shared with us. i am definitely hearing and taking this into account. I'm going to write my goals and who I am as an author down in my journal so i don't ever forget this. thank you!
And always let your conscience be your guide.
I think this is something that a lot of new writers need to hear. That their story is worth it. I had so many stories that I started back in high school that I just dropped simply because I was told that I would never make it as an author. It actually got so bad that I stopped writing altogether at one point because I was beginning to think 'what's the point?' But to know that not only is there another way but that there'll always be an audience for what you're writing, that has helped to bring me back to writing my own original stories. And hey, maybe next year you can do a live stream with all of your fans :)
I think I’m going to watch this once a week to keep me motivated. You speak directly to my life and address so many of my fears and hopes. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. It’s truly an encouragement and a motivation. I SO needed this message tonight. Will be rewatching!!💗
I needed this today! I literally felt like you read my messages with a friend this morning. Congratulations on the nine years and for giving back to the indie community.
Congratulations! Thanks I really needed to hear this at the beginning of my writing career! I just want to quit my job so much but I need to learn the craft and take my time.
thank you for reiterating it. There are many haters out there trying to dis indies because they didn't have guts to try. Good on you!
Hi ive just started reading your books , and wow they are amazing your writing style is so beautiful , the story is perfect. ive been following you for a couple of years with journaling. now im a big big fan of your books , thank you.
Love the shirt! It's nice to hear you say social media isn't the be all and end all, I feel like not just other writers/authors promote a lot of self-advertising and vigilance, but in our everyday life it's being pushed to grind out numbers :/
A video about how to overcome the "I have ideas and I know they are good, but when it comes to actually sitting down and doing the work I need to do to come closer to fulfilling my dream, I hit a massive road block"-phase would be immensely helpful, I'm not gonna lie. It all seems like it comes so easily to you, so it's mind-boggling time and time again to read your struggles and the experiences that you share so generously with us!
It is SO encouraging to hear you say that one does NOT have to spend a lot of time on social media and a lot of money on marketing (Man, there are videos out there that say that the costs of self-publishing your first book are between 3,000 and 8,000 $....). I'm not a big social butterfly and have a hard time "pitching" me and my work. I like my stories and feel some other people might like them but I still feel like they aren't special and worth nothing, so if I tried "pitching" them, I'd feel like a huge scammer (imposter even?).
I wonder, is it necessary to connect with other authors? It always sounds so perfectly nice to hear you talking about the wonderful support and friendships within the writing community, but to be honest, most authors I've met or spoken to were extremely snooty and would put others down constantly.
Thanks a million times for sharing your experiences, your wonderful personality, your wisdom, your struggles and your life with us. You have truly worked so hard and deserve it all!
Hey Sarra! Really enjoyed the video! In a future video would you consider talking about your decision to go Indie vs the traditional rout? What drew you to this path instead of trying for a book deal? Really love your videos and would be very interested in hearing your thought process on this!
Yes! I have a lot to say about it haha. Thank you for the suggestion!
Really needed this video Sarra. Thank you so much for doing it. When you said, "You're gonna be okay," I just burst into tears. I wrote my first book, which my family bought and had started another one and haven't typed another word for months. You have given me the encouragement that I needed. I wholeheartedly thank you for this. Love and hugs from Upstate SC.
I love when you post honest looks at your experience with publishing. I recently read your first book & immediately went to download the next. Your accomplishments are an inspiration
Good morning, Sarra. Happy Anniversary! Thank you for posting this. I have a friend who started in self-pub. Then she started quacking that the pool was too crowded and no one was selling the numbers anymore. What I figured out was she stopped writing new stuff and was counting on the books she already had out. She is now with Sourcebooks and doing very well. Now the same person who kept telling us self-pub was the way to go is now saying the only way to make money is traditional. You hit the nail on the head in your presentation. Do what makes you happy and be true to who you are as a writer. When I think what a traditional pub will do to my book, like put out a cover that either I can't stand OR 3 other books on the shelf all have the same stock photo hero, I shudder. This is my book and deserves the best I can give it... not just a piece on a conveyor belt. You inspire us, Sarra. Thank you. Enjoy the Journey
I needed to hear this! I am so happy this video popped up in my suggestions. I have been struggling with finishing my novel because I didn't think it would sell. After watching this video, I know I need to take a break from social media and focus on my craft. There are too many people giving advice, and their advice has made me doubt myself and my work. It's time for me to take the time to remember why I fell in love with writing in the first place. Thank you and congratulations on your success!
This also applies to any kind of freelance work or self-employed business. I’ve listened to people who have been telling me to do this and that to my business, I wasn’t very happy. It was very profitable at first, but then it fell off even though I kept on hustling so hard until the end. My biggest lesson is: it’s okay to be small, to do it solo. I don’t have to chase having my own brick and mortar store, I don’t have to choose wholesale, etc. I only have to choose what makes me happy.
Congratulations, even though this was two years ago, and this year you’re turning 11 years as an Indie Author!
Thanks Sarra for sharing your experience and wisdom! It is so refreshing to hear someone be truthful instead of trying to sell something to new writers like myself. Congratulations!
Congrats on your indie-versary. I'm glad I found your channel. I have about 16 stories in the works. I want to get self to publish soon.
Congratulations on hitting such an amazing milestone in your career! And I have to say this video is exactly what I was needing. I feel like there's so much pressure to "grow your author platform" if you want to be a successful Indie author. I've honestly spent more time watching videos and learning from other people how to do that than writing my actual book. So to hear that people are successful without social media makes me so happy! I've kind of decided to stop the author platform journey and solely focus on my writing....I also hear a lot that you have to offer people something for them to want to follow you (book reviewer, editing, or some kind of service). All I want to do is be myself and have fun on socials. There's just so much pressure.
Out of all the AuthorTubers I follow, you provide the best practical advice. You're honest and down to earth and that makes you a valuable resource in my arsenal of writing/publishing information. I wish I could afford your classes - I might have to make that a goal once I start working again Lol 😉 Thank you for your refreshing advice. I'll take it to heart 💗 And congratulations on your 9 year anniversary - good for you!
You are the first author channel I followed and the person that really kicked my butt into gear with the inspiration, now I’m writing my first book and working on my first TH-cam channel. Proud of you and your accomplishments!
I would love to see a video on your numbers! Congrats on 9 years! Your videos are so inspiring!
I needed this so much this morning! I just launched my first book and I’m nervous and questioning myself. My family is struggling financially and I just want and need this book to be successful. It’s hard to be patient and still. This video gave me inspiration to just enjoy the fact that I’ve launched my first book instead of worrying about the numbers! Thank you!
Hey Ashley. Are you on Twitter or IG? I don't do a lot on facebook but would be happy to share your name on those 2 channels. Enjoy the Journey!
KellysCreativeDreams Yes, I’m on IG @aechewning_author! Thanks! How about you?
@@ashleychewning AngelaDrakeA
I'll add you so when things come through I can hit the heart ;-)
Though I do have to say, Twitter is best for the 'sharing' aspect. that whole retweet thing :-)
KellysCreativeDreams thank you so much! I’ll do the same for you 😊
In first few books of my indie journey and this advice you have is such a great advice/encouragement :) It's rarer to see these philosophical and life choice advice from indie authors. The temptation of rushing things is so big it's really hard to write to your heart (and your to-be fans' hearts) rather than taking a side-step and going with things that are hot right now. Thank you for the video! Love your channel.
I am glad I found this video. I am getting ready to publish my first book. There is always that anxiety of, "Am I doing this right, or was my choice to write what I like versus to market a good idea?" It is nice to see that as long as you stay true to your writing, things can workout.
It took me two years to get help for my PPA. Kuddos to you for recognizing it and talking openly about it on your channel.
Happy Indie-versary!!
This video was EXACTLY what I needed to hear! I can't subscribe fast enough! Thank you so much!!
Thanks so much!! Definitely a struggle sometimes to stay true to what you want to write instead of chasing, but it’s worth it! Thanks again!
Happy 9 Year Author Anniversary!! I would love a number video, how much you made starting VS now :)
You're an incredible inspiration, Sarra! Ever since I can remember I've had a dream of writing a novel. I just turned 50 and am learning as much as I can about the process and am on my way!!! Thank you for taking the time to help people like me :-)
I just want to thank you for being so honest and transparent about your journey! I have learned a lot from you, honestly no one else is sharing as much as you do on how to successfully self publish. Thanks to you I'll be publishing at some point next year hopefully with a strategy that suits me. Please keep posting videos, they are greatly underrated. but i'm sure when people find out about your channel they'll come flooding in. Thanks again x
Thank you! It means a lot.
Thank you. I was starting to feel anxious, letting fear guide me and being impatient for that next step and level, when this video appeared in my feed. Thank you for the words of encouragement.
Please make a video on how you started your first self published book. What was your budget. How much you spent on your first book and marketing the book. I am very much confused how much should
I SPEND on my first book. Because I don't have lot of mone
Your videos about self-publishing are the most helpful I have ever come across. Thank you so much.
Yay for 9 Years!!! that's so exciting :)
yes please for numbers videos, that would be very helpful!
Congrats and thank you for encouraging people not to settle and write crap they hate just to make sales. Your channel has been with me since the beginning, so I've never been tempted. Thank you and best wishes for many more years of success!
Congratulations! Happy 9 years 🎉📚 I love your desk! And I love your message of quality over quantity.
Congratulations!!! 9 years! That’s incredible
Thanks Sarra, for posting this and reminding me what is important. It is too easy to get distracted by all the checklist and plans and videos that people have posted on what it is to be successful as an indie author. I have felt so overwhelmed and discouraged on what I would have to do to be a writer. Watching other videos I started to feel overwhelmed that I would have to have a author platform, my own blog, be active on social media and have reader groups that was starting to feel like I wouldn't have time for writing. Your video really clarified and gave me encouragement and that I would not have to do all that to be successful. So much of these videos have taken me off task and made me think of all the things I would have to do to be successful, but that is not the case, which you clearly emphasized. Thanks again for the wonderful video and keeping me on task and reminding me that to be successful you don't need to do all that and just concentrate on the only thing which is writing.
Congratulations!!! You've worked so hard and found such success. You've inspired me and helped me find the courage to pursue my dream of publishing my novels. Thank you! 💖 I also would love an updated video on the numbers. I find the info very interesting 😏
Thank you! I will definitely try to put something together with the numbers, too.
This ..all this spoke to me! Girl I thought I was in church again for a moment! Thank you for your insights and caring enough to make videos like this.
Your message is so beautiful, it's almost like a sermon that goes through your heart. Honest to God, you could be a speaker. I really connect with what your saying. I wish you a beautiful day. ❤️
I'm saving this video in a brand new playlist called 'encouragement" and I plan to rewatch whenever I need a reminder about why I do what I do! My main job is owning a planner shop and SO MUCH of what you said is applicable for that career as well...and I bet almost any creative career! AND I plan to publish a novel...on of these days lol. Thanks for taking the time to make this video!
I love watching your videos, somehow you always say what I need to hear. 💖
Thank you for this video! I’ve been afraid to start because I don’t want to be all over social media. Your video has given me a new perspective and hope. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
So glad TH-cam finally recommended your channel to me
Thank you for this valuable video! I want to self-publish soon, I've written my first book (finished), but I can't put it in Internet yet from some personal reasons. I've been struggling with one point you mentioned in the video- people who self-published and I listened to before always were pressing so much on social media appearance and that this is the best way to sell more copies. I was always worried about this one, because I don't want my books to be changed by editors/publishers (traditional publishing) etc but I'm also not good and don't enjoy social media. You gave me so much hope that I will be able to still self-publish and success! I don't like social media, I barely post anything, I like to keep stuff private. I would be okay with like facebook page, maybe later on my own website, but the idea of being everywhere was so overwhelming... You encouraged me with that video and thank you!!
Congratulations Sarra! Nine years is amazing. I'm always inspired by you and loved your wisdom in this, especially 'follow the joy'!
Congratulations on your 9 year indie publishing anniversary. Thank you for sharing these insights, based on your journey. It really helps, and is inspirational. 🙌💝
Thank you so much for the motivation! I recently self published on Kindle Unlimited and the reaction I received from the book was amazing! Hearing you gives me the motivation to continue doing me thank you so much!
This video confirmed everything I’ve felt about indie writing. Thanks again Sarra.
Whenever I feel like giving up I come here and listen to this video. Thanks, Sarra! xo
Continued blessings on a successful career. Your passion is so inspiring! You came. You saw. You conquered! Congratulations!
Thank you, thank you so much for this!!! If TH-cam only existed for your channel it would be worth it.
You are my inspiration Sarra 💙 you helped me find a path for myself that I was seeking but couldn't find. Congratulations on 9 years of self publishing!
Congratulations on 9 years!! 💙
Would love some videos regarding the numbers and business side!
This is all such incredible advice and validation as an aspiring published author who is considering self publication. Thank you for sharing your brutal truth.
Thank you for this. Fear is holding me back. I've let 10 weeks go by without touching my work because my main supporter told me it was ok to not stress about it. So I completely stopped. Now hes asking what happened. I take ownership for the drop off in production but the fear...its getting me. My goal to finish it is set. And I'll come back to you if I falter again.
I just love how encouraging you are Sarra, I love that you give us examples of your experiences and tell us what you have learned through your journey. Makes me want to sit and write lol, but I haven't really written (and mostly poems) in forever (about a decade). Maybe someday I will sit and write again, maybe I will take my teenage poems and rewrite them to publish, one day, some day when I feel I don't live with mommy brain all day lol. Hugs
This is such an absolutely amazing message! I love this message, and I feel this on a deep level. You are a total inspiration!
Happy Indie-versary!! You’re such an amazing inspiration...thank you SO much for all you do.
I would love a video on the numbers I’d like to know if it’s worth it
Happy Nine Years! Thank you so much for this video. I totally needed your pep talk today. I was feeling super down about my slow to start career and you've given me the motivation I needed. Thank you so much. Wishing you much continued success
Thank you so much for this video. It encouraged me to keep writing what I love. You also made some points about social media that made me feel better. I'll be sharpening my focus thanks to your kindness in sharing what you've learned in your writing journey.
Sarra, you are a true inspiration. Thank you for all you do to help guide new authors and aspiring authors.
Thank you for this video and congrats on 9 years! ☺️ I’ve recently started looking into self-publishing and it’s refreshing to hear someone say you don’t need to spend hundreds or thousands to be successful as this was something of a worry.
Great insight to the value of staying true to yourself and not allowing FEAR to take a hold of you.
This is my favourite video blog you have done ! 😊 You definitely deserve every single one of your accomplishments. You are such a good and inspiring human being. Happy anniversary and to many more!
Thank you so much for this Sarra. This was super helpful and reassuring for me personally. You are literally God sent in this moment for me. Thank you so much for all that you share here. Congratulations on 9 years!!! Well well done!
So many congrats to you! I love to your stories of both success and failure. You are a trailblazer!
I love your videos like this so much! The advice is just wonderful and so helpful.
Love this Sarra. And I needed it right now. I haven’t started right for Nano bc I think I’ve finally figured out an outlining process that works for me and I’m still working on that. I feel pressured to start righting with Nano but this video makes me feel better about doing things at my pace! Also LOVE the shirt-I’ve seen every Resident Evil. I’m a huge zombie buff. I even have a zombie triology in the works.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. This is the most inspirational video I've seen for aspiring writers. This is definitely encouraging me to pursue my writing dreams.
Another Sarra Cannon video of exactly what I needed to hear, exactly when I needed to hear it. Thank you for these wise words. I've saved this one to come back to when I need to hear this again in the future. Because I totally will need to hear this again in the future. I'm impatient. :D
Where is the love button? 😍
This video is so uplifting. I often (and always have) struggle with self-esteem/self-worth. This will be a video I come back to in the future. 💕
I love this. So inspirational. I am an aspiring author and I have been going through so much self doubt. Thank you! I needed to hear this and it put a fire under my butt!