Self-Publisher Interview with Kristen Vincent

1.  What can you tell me about your experience as a writer?

It has been really amazing, especially when you find your crew of friends, readers, supporters. When you have someone message you or leave a review stating that they can relate to what you have written is something I never thought I would ever see. The kind words that I have gotten from those who have read my work, I don’t think I will ever get use to that.  I am truly in awe with how the indie community is so supportive. It's as though you don’t join a group of writers and creators but you end up feeling more like it’s own family. 

2.  What made you decide to write a book?  

A good friend told me that my demons, my struggles that I write about could help those with their own battles.

3.  What circumstances brought you to the decision to self-publish your book?

Friends and family in all honesty. I had wanted to write when I was younger but I never believed that I could or that I was good enough. To be honest, that is still a struggle I battle every day, about not thinking my writing isn’t good enough.

4.  What has your experience as a self-publisher been like?

It has been insightful to say the least.  I have come across a lot of negative, a lot of positive and I have met some really amazing authors and other creators who I have grown very fond of and respect. All in all, I am happy with where I am and the road that I am on and look forward to what the future holds.

5.  How do you respond to the negative stigma attached to self-publishing and self-published books?

I try to honestly just stay as positive about it all. Everyone will have an opinion about something and it’s a matter of being able to react the right way vs. stooping down.  I have had one person that I know of that talked negative about it, but I had to explain to them that it shouldn’t matter where the work is coming from, there is talent in both self publishing/published just as there is in big pubs.

6.  What is one very important lesson you have learned as a self-publisher so far?

That not everyone is going to like your work and that is okay.

7.  What do you know now about self-publishing that you wish you knew at the beginning?

There is so much in all honesty, but one thing is about the marketing, and networking. It is one of my struggles and I am still learning everyday.

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?

In all honesty, as a self-published author, it is our job to promote and market our work. It’s not about vanity in any way, as a lot of self-published authors are everything that a normal publishing company would be (publisher, editor, marketer, & etc.)

9.  How do you promote your books and what form of book promotion has worked the best for you?

This is something that I am still trying to do good at. I really do stink at promoting and trying to get my book out there.  When I do promote my book, I simply just make posts on social media platforms in different forms and share links with them.

10.     What are some other important things you have learned as a self-publisher?

To write what you want to write. To get out there and learn all that you can and talk to those who have been writing a long time for they have amazing advice. Network. Network. Network. Get to know other creators.

11.     Do you feel that self-publishing is a viable choice for other authors?

Absolutely!

12.     How do you feel that self-publishing their books has helped many unknown authors finally get the recognition their books deserve?

I feel that it is all about the community and networking. When it comes to self-publishing, work is more likely to be seen and get recognition vs going through a big company, there are a lot of work that is rejected. Self-publishing, you have a whole community that is rooting for you, sharing your work, and cheering you on.

ABOUT KRISTEN:

My name is Kristen Vincent. I am married, have two children, six animals and am soon to be graduating college in May 2024 with an Associates in Science of Teaching. I have been writing since I was 12 years old. When I am not writing or reading, you can find me outdoors on the trails, kayaking, or in the kitchen cooking or baking.