A week ago I had an email from Orna Ross, founder and director of The Alliance of Independent Authors, a relatively new organisation set up to promote the interests of self-publishing authors. “Congratulations!” she wrote. “BEATRICE has been chosen as our August Book of The Month. I loved it and so did our anonymous readers – a great achievement!” Now this would be a thrill coming from any organisation but I’m doubly proud my book’s been picked by ALLi because it’s a seriously professional group I’m glad to be a member of.
How did I come to join ALLi? Having successfully published BEATRICE in print and eBook format (Kindle and now Kobo) I was ready to move on to the next set of challenges, namely: how to sell subsidiary rights (translation, audio and large print, film and TV) and how to find literary prizes and awards that recognised self-publishing authors even existed. Reading through ALLi’s blog posts I quickly realised there were authors just like me grappling with exactly the same issues! As soon as I read the mission statement it was a no-brainer.
As well as encouraging ethics and excellence in writing, printing, publication and promotion, our aim is to promote, support, advocate for and advance the interests of independent, self-publishing authors.
They had me at ‘ethics’ and ‘excellence’.
So, ALLi, thank you very much for the lovely accolade. I look forward to giving something back.
9 Comments
Hi Fiona, thanks for the lovely comments and very glad to have you as a member of the Alliance — and to have had the opportunity to read your fine book. Beatrice (the person) is an inspiration to anyone with an indie spirit and Beatrice (the book) is a fine example of the sort of title that trade publishing finds hard to make a home for, which can do very well when self-published.
Ooops! that slipped away. Just wanted to also say that I, and everyone here at ALLi, wish the book every success. Looking forward to the next one!
Loved the ‘They had me at “ethics” and “excellence”.’ Well done, Fiona and ALLi for recognising a book that is excellent both in the writing and the production.
Hi Orna, I love what you say about Beatrice encapsulating the indie spirit! Thank you again for your and ALLi’s support.
Thank you too, Rob. Much appreciated chum.
Great news can’t wait for your talk at Lye Down With a Good Book and to read the book.
Thanks Sara, I’m really looking forward to my visit to your reading group at Lye library. Can’t wait to meet you all in November. Did you see I’ve got it listed on my Events page? Cheers, Fiona
Just finished the book. I loved it.
Great story and very well written.
Thanks.
Hi Fiona
Just finished reading Beatrice, I cannot begin to comprehend how much research you must have done.
So well written, your style makes reading easy and a pleasure.
Informative and entertaining, excellent !!
What next ????
All The Best
Hi Sara and Trevor
I’m so sorry as I’ve only just seen your comments (yours was stuck in my spam filter, Trevor!) Delighted to hear you both enjoyed Beatrice’s story. I loved doing the research and writing it up. I have another possible book in the pipeline – further info when I have more details.
Thanks, Fiona