Self-Publisher Interview with Amanda Ruzsa
1. What can you tell me about your experience as a writer?
I started writing poetry at the age of 9 and soon after I began writing stories. My mother raised me on books and writing so it runs deep in my blood.
2. What made you decide to write a book?
I have had stories in my brain for decades and I’ve just finally opened the doors to a whole new world.
3. What circumstances brought you to the decision to self-publish your book?
I’m in a Facebook group, Books of Horror, and in it, I was introduced to the world of indie horror. It’s a whole community, so supportive, and ultimately the reason I went for it.
4. What has your experience as a self-publisher been like?
I feel a great sense of accomplishment. I’ve done something I’ve always dreamt of doing. Putting my words into books is a dream come true, and being able to share them with the world is a gift.
5. How do you respond to the negative stigma attached to self-publishing and self-published books?
I say every situation is different. Why wait? Why not see how well it does and if it really takes off, those traditional publishers will find you. In the meantime, make your own dreams come true.
6. What is one very important lesson you have learned as a self-publisher so far?
It is okay to take a break. Don’t force fiction.
7. What do you know now about self-publishing that you wish you knew at the beginning?
Author copies take a while to ship.
8. A lot of authors of self-published books have reservations about promoting and marketing their book. Some even feel that it is a form of vanity or self-importance. What is your opinion about this?
I share on any post that asks for something that closely fits my work, and they say that self-recs are welcome. On my own pages, I post as I feel necessary.
9. How do you promote your books and what form of book promotion has worked the best for you?
Primarily word of mouth and book groups on Facebook. Networking is key.
10. What are some other important things you have learned as a self-publisher?
A one-star review isn’t the end of the world. And likely inspired a handful of readers to check it out because of the rating. Also, not everyone likes the same thing, books are no different than ice cream or cake flavors - we all have our own tastes.
11. Do you feel that self-publishing is a viable choice for other authors?
I do. I feel starting out self-publishing is great. It gets you into the world of books and prepares you for what’s to come should you down the road submit to a traditional publisher.
12. How do you feel that self-publishing their books has helped many unknown authors finally get the recognition their books deserve?
Thousands of people choose to read only indie horror, the less reviews it has, the more inclined they are to check it out. Everyone deserves a chance.
ABOUT AMANDA:
Amanda Ruzsa lives in Minnesota with her husband, three children, a dog and two cats. When she isn’t buried in a spooky book, she enjoys baking and spending time with her family— usually watching creepy movies or playing outrageous board games. In her free time, she enjoys collecting Halloween decor, writing dark poetry, reorganizing her books and coming up with ways to surprise and amuse her friends and family. Writing and reading have always played a huge part in her life, stemming from growing up idolizing the talents of her mother: a novelist, artist and journalist. Amanda began creating stories and crafting poems at a young age and never stopped. Now, reading and writing is still a huge part of her everyday life, and she feels blessed to be able to share her love of spooky stories with so many.