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Life, Reading, and the Pursuit of Happiness
2024 Top Product Recommendations for Indie Authors
In self-publishing 101, I share tips to help indie authors amplify their work. While self-publishing has increased due to an increase in the number of platforms that make it easy for indie writers to realize their publishing goals, it still has challenges. Self published authors have to market their work in order to drive sales. I created this blog as a free resource and community blog to help indie authors network, share resources, and amplify each other's work. Below are my top product picks to help you master your publishing journey. If you find any of these resources helpful, please use my affiliate links for purchase. Your support will help me continue to grow this platform for indie authors.
A Must Read Book
Published: The Proven Path from Blank Page to 10,000 Copies Sold is a book that needs to be on your reading shelf. I self-published my first book in 2000 and would have loved access to this type of book. It's short, and the author shares some true gems. I learned the information presented in this book the hard way, and this is absolutely one of the titles I recommend when people ask me about getting started with publishing. I am sharing the affiliate links for the book's paperback version and the Audible version. I rate it 4.75/5 stars. It's great for both new and experienced authors and publishers.
A Must Use Resource
As a librarian, I always use some type of reference book when writing. Nowadays, I prefer to write on a patio, on a train, or on a plane - any place where I can unplug from the matrix via online distractions. I'd highly recommend keeping a thesaurus nearby so that you can quickly reference it while writing. Writing is about words; you want to choose the right words to engage your audience and make your voice stand out. This one is a bit more pricey and is an older version. But it's very comprehensive. I am adding two affiliate links here—one directly to the Rogets and another that is budget-friendly and easier to travel with.
Merriam Webster's Pocket Thesaurus (Newer Edition)
A Much Needed Audio and Transcription Device
Have you ever had this type of a moment? You know when you are writing, and your creative juices start flowing; before you know it, you can't type fast enough. It happens to me all the time. Even while working on my dissertation, my fingers couldn't keep pace with my thoughts. Also, I found myself in spaces where ideas hit, but I wasn't near a computer. A friend recommended an audio device, and NOW they make them with AI compatibility for transcription. YES. YES. YES. You can record your thoughts and have your words automatically transcribed. PLAUD is a great device, but by no means perfect. You will still need to clean up some of the incorrectly transcribed language. Otherwise, this device is the ideal investment for writers. It's your personal assistant/ghostwriter. LOL. I'm adding two affiliate links here because this device is an investment. It also requires a subscription for transcription beyond the free amount you receive with purchase. If you don't mind recording and manually transcribing or outsourcing it, I've also added the link for a budget-friendly voice recorder. It doesn't transcribe. However, it works well in terms of background noise reduction and sound quality.
A Must Have Pair of Blue Blocking Glasses
Livho 2 Pack Blue Light Blocking Glasses are for writers who spend hours glued to their computer. I'm getting older and realized I was straining my eyes while typing on the computer. Also, my eyes would become extremely dry, and I would have difficulty sleeping after a long typing session at night. My doctor recommended these blue light-blocking glasses to reduce the impact of hours of screen time. I'm so glad she did. I purchased the multipack from Amazon to keep an extra pair at the office. I'm adding the affiliate link below and a link for a more decorative design for writers who write well and have a high fashion IQ. Then, I am linking a gaming pair. The gaming pair has strong reviews.
Live 2 Pack Blue Light Blocking Glasses
Okany Blue Blocking Light Fashion Glasses
AnyLuv Blue Light Blocking
A Must Read Book for Learning NICHE Publishing (Low Content Books)
Have you heard about publishing low-content books? Self-publishing is a labor of love because it takes time to write those best-selling books. However, self-published authors must find ways to generate content to continue making sales. Publishing low-content books (like journals, workbooks, cookbooks, notebooks, etc.) is a great way to produce content. It's relatively easy if you have the proper guidance and generate passive income while working on your next project. I recommend the Beginner's Guide To Amazon KDP 2024 Edition: How To Self Publish Fiction, Non-Fiction & Low Content Books with Kindle Direct Publishing (Self Publishing Guide Books) as an introduction to this niche market.
Below are the affiliate links for the paper back version as well as the Kindle version.
Must Need Writer's Swag
I was a peculiar child. I loved reading, writing, and listening to my parents' album collection. My aunt gifted me an Aretha Franklin album and a pen for my high school graduation. She said that if I planned on being an author, I needed a pen to let people know that I was serious about writing. This pen would have to speak for me. I'd pull it out, and people would know I was either eccentric or a writer. I saved that pen years after my aunt passed. When I self-published my first book, I used it at my first book signing. I no longer have the pen my aunt gave me, but friends have gifted pens to me over the years. I have this one sitting on my desk. It is by far a conversation piece. I'm including two affiliate links: one to the Feather Pen and Ink Set, Glittering Quill Pen Set, Antique Calligraphy Dip Pen with Ink, 2 Replacement Nibs, Pen Stand Base, Luxury Vintage Signature Pen (Green), and one to a pen that's similar to the one I used at my first signing.
Must Need Writer's Swag
The perfect gift for anyone in your life. Journaling is a great way to get into the habit of writing or it can be in some ways cathartic. If you're interested in this item, please use the affiliate link below. By using the link below, RITC can continue to amplify the work of authors like you and me.
Five Minute Gratitude Journal"
Life, Literature, and the Pursuit of Happiness