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Welcome back to the second week of the self-published interview series! Today’s special guest self-published author is Marie Force! A special thank you to Ms. Force for appearing here today. I am a total fan and she is an inspiration to authors.

PUBLISHING QUESTIONS…

  • What was the deciding factor in self-publishing your book(s)? Did you decide on ebook or print only or both?

I had books already written and readers asking for more. When I had the opportunity to get my books to readers, I took it.

  • What went into the process? Writing, editing, cover design, formatting, etc… Share your ups and downs and how you went about it. If you used a service from a someone, could you share who?

All of the above. I’m a stickler for a professionally published product, which includes first-rate covers and editing.  I don’t use a service for ebook production, but I do run one. The Formatting Fairies are all about making it easy for authors to get their work to readers.

  • What did you do to promote your work?

Facebook, Twitter, blog, website, email. All the usual avenues.

  • What was the hardest thing you’ve found in the process of self-publishing? What was the easiest part of self-publishing?

Figuring out the various retailer requirements, metadata, etc. was challenging. The easiest part of self-publishing is posting the books. Most of the retail sites make it really easy.

  • Can you list some Pros/Cons of self-publishing?

Pros include control over every aspect of the process and the ability to give readers what they want. My readers requested a follow on story to my book Marking Time, which I plan to give them because a lot of them want it. I like being able to do that. Cons? I haven’t found any.

  • How long have your book(s) been out? How long between books if you have multiple sales—and if you have multiples did you see a bump in sales with subsequent publication?

My first self-published book was released in November of 2010. I had one out almost every month last year and two more this year, so far.  New releases always result in a bump in sales.

  • Can you give a rough breakdown of your sales numbers from your first month to the present?

Overall, I’ve sold more than 300,000 since November of 2010. The first month was fewer than 100. March of 2012 was 60,000, which was an incredibly good month.

  • What advice can you offer to anyone deciding to self-publish?

Be professional, run your career as a business. Take it seriously. Respect your readers by not skipping any of the important steps, such as editing. Quality is job one.

READER QUESTIONS…

  • What genre(s) do you write in? How many books do you have out? Titles?

I write contemporary romance and romantic suspense. I have twenty books currently available, which are listed here: http://www.mariesullivanforce.com/books.php

  • What do you love about the genre(s)?

I love everything about writing romance, especially the guarantee of a happy ending.

  • Where can readers find you?

Online at www.mariesullivanforce.com

Blog: http://mariesullivanforce.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor

Twitter: @MarieForce

  • Where can readers find your books? Print/Ebook?

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks, All Romance eBooks, Smashwords.

  • What works do you have coming out in the future?

Season for Love, Book 6 in the McCarthys of Gansett Island Series in June

Fatal Attack, Book 6 in the Fatal Series, release date currently unknown

  • Are you participating in any reader contests?

Not at this time.

  • There is a rumor going around that all self-pubbed books are shoddily created. What do you say to that?

I can personally attest that not all self-pubbed ebooks are shoddily created. Anyone who says they “all” are isn’t tuned into what’s really going on.

  • What advice can you offer readers of self-pubbed books in making a decision on what to read?

Pay attention to reader reviews. Readers know quality when they see it. They also know crap and aren’t afraid to say so.

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