Traditional Versus Indie Publishing with Internationally Bestselling Author Ellen Butler

Podcast: Download (Duration: 47:42 — 43.7MB)

In this episode 394, we focus on the pros and cons of traditional and indie publishing. Our featured guest is internationally bestselling author Ellen Butler who has extensive experience publishing traditionally and as an indie author. We learn that no path is the wrong path and there are many things to consider when deciding on the best publishing route. Ellen shares tips and advice for how to consider what’s best for you.

A version of this recording was released on our exclusive Patreon channel. We thank our Patrons for making it possible for us to release this updated version on the regular podcast.

Also listen to the Author’s Earlier Podcast Episode:

You can listen here: https://charlottereaderspodcast.com/ellen-butlers-swindlers-revenge-is-a-hard-hitting-mystery/

In this earlier episode that released on January 4, 2022, we visit with Ellen Butler about “Swindler’s Revenge,” a Karina Cardinal Mystery Book. Publisher’s Weekly Magazine says: “Butler keeps the plot barreling ahead. Fans of intelligent escapism will look forward to more.” And InD’Tale Magazine says: “Ellen Butler’s “Swindler’s Revenge” is an unputdownable adventure that will take readers on an electrifying yet light-hearted and humorous journey.”

Author bio:

Ellen Butler is the internationally bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal mystery series. Multiple books in the series have hit #1 on Amazon bestseller lists in the US and abroad. Book critics call the Karina Cardinal mysteries, “intelligent escapism” and “unputdownable adventures that will take readers on an electrifying yet light-hearted and humorous journey.” Butler is also the author of the award-winning historical suspense novel, The Brass Compass. The Brass Compass has won multiple awards for historical fiction including: 2022 Speak Up Talk Radio Firebird Book Award, 2018 IndieReader Discovery Award, 2019 Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal Winner. Butler started writing in the romance genre and won the The Romance Reviews Readers’ Choice Award 2015 with her novel Planning for Love. Her 12th book, Operation Blackbird, a Cold War Spy novel, was published in October 2022.

Butler is a hybrid author—both traditionally and indie published and regularly attends events to share her writing and publishing experiences through workshops, presentations, and panel sessions. Ellen holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of writing for dry, but illuminating, professional newsletters and windy papers on public policy. Butler is also a member of International Thriller Writers, Office of Strategic Services Society, Virginia Writers Club, and Sisters in Crime.

When she’s not writing Butler enjoys reading, spending time with her family, working on home improvement projects, and attending car shows. Butler has a passion for classic cars, especially the bright colors of the 1950s vehicles replete with fins and bulbous lights.

Author Website: http://www.ellenbutler.net

Show discussion highlights:

  • The reality of publishing; it’s a long haul
  • The pros and cons of traditional and indie publishing; neither publishing path is wrong
  • Comparing the economics of traditional versus indie
  • Online book sales can be where the money is
  • Distributing ebooks and paperbacks through Draft2Digital
  • How important is being in control—is it a pro or con?
  • Horror story possibilities when you don’t own your book
  • Be careful about traditional publisher rights grab
  • Finding readers/listeners with audiobooks
  • Going wide with your ebooks online or going exclusive with Amazon KDP; for a BookBub deal it is best to go wide
  • Landis admits he hasn’t gotten a BookBub deal—postcript: Afer listening to Ellen’s tip to complete submitting, Landis’s book Deadly Declarations was selected for a BookBub deal which resulted in 800+ reviews
  • Find a good agent if you go traditional
  • Ellen’s parting thoughts: people need to decide what publishing path works best for their lifestyle, and no matter what you decide, you will be required to market your book

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