Everyone will tell you that getting traditionally published takes a ton of patience and a heavy scoop of luck. That’s why some authors elect to walk a harder path. Instead of waiting on the industry to recognize their talent, they decide to pave the way themselves.
Indie publishing requires grit. It demands the writer to become every role within the publishing industry: marketer, CEO, accountant, that goofy intern that gets the coffee… for some authors, they must also become cover artists, editors, formatters, and salespeople.
It’s… exhausting.
But Kayla Tirrell, author of over a dozen romance novels, turned down the opportunity to be traditionally published in favor of publishing indie. Why? Read her interview below to find out.
SM: You published your first book in 2017 and have continued to release multiple books a year since then. What led you to self-publishing as opposed to pursuing a traditional publisher?
KT: Honestly? Impatience. I worked really hard to write my first book and I wanted to put it out in the world as quickly as possible. The traditional route can take years from finding an agent to publishing. That said, now that I have some experience, I really do enjoy the freedom of self-publishing.
SM: You almost had a traditional contract for His Surprise Return. Can you tell me more about how that came about? Why did you decide to self-publish, ultimately?
KT: I wrote it for a contest with Love Inspired. I submitted the first chapter and they requested a full—which was huge! They came back with a revise & resubmit. I did the changes they requested, but it sat in their inbox for over a year! Ultimately, I decided to pull it and self-publish.
SM: You say in your bio that you grew up loving scary stories but prefer stories with “more kissing” now. What is it about the romance genre that draws you in?
KT: There are two main reasons. One, as someone who struggles with anxiety, I love that romance novels all have to end with a happily ever after. I don’t need to worry about whether or not they ride off in the sunset together. It’s why I like to read it and write it. But also, I’m a Christian and someone once told me that one of the reasons we like romance so much is because it mirrors the relationship of Christ and His church. I think we all want to be loved so sacrificially.
SM: You posted on Instagram that you were “unpublishing” some of your books because they contained content that no longer aligns with your values/brand as an author. Can you tell me about that decision and explain a little about what led you to redefine yourself as an author?
KT: Those books were just a littler “edgier” than I was comfortable with. Cussing, more adult content in terms of what my characters were doing in general. I wrote them at a time in which self-publishing wasn’t taken as seriously as it is now. I felt like I needed to include certain things to be a “real author.” But the longer I’ve done this, I just realized I needed to stay true to myself. I’m not for everyone but I trust the right people will find me.
SM: I appreciate that you pointed out the changes in how self-publishing is perceived. Can you explain some of the changes you’ve noticed in the perception around self-publishing? What do you think caused this?
KT: In the beginning, some people were just putting books out into the void because they could. I think that’s where the bad rep came from. Now, you can’t just write something and hit publish if you want anyone to actually read it. There’re just too many books out there to put out an inferior product. With that shift, indie authors became a force to be reckoned with.
SM: Your highest rated book on Amazon is “His Surprise Return” with 4.6 stars and over 500 reviews. This, in spite of the book having been released just last year. Why do you think this book saw more reader response than other books you have released?
KT: If you find out, please let me know! But seriously, I really wish I knew! It’s very different from my other books. It’s my only Christian romance. Maybe those readers are gentler with reviews? It’s also the only book I almost had a traditional contract for. There really are so many variables over there.
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Writing Process
SM: Let’s talk about your writing process. What do you do? What doesn’t work for you? Is your writing process very different from your revision process?
KT: Lots of staring at the screen and crying. Ha! I’m a pantser, meaning I fly by the seat of my pants when I write. I don’t do well with outlines and that means everything takes 10 times longer than it should. I usually start with a loose plot but discover a lot about my characters through the actual writing. That means a lot of deleted words, sometimes chapters until I have a clear understanding of who everyone is and what motivates them.
SM: When do you normally write? How do you know when you have a good draft and are ready to take on the next chapter?
KT: I write whenever I can squeeze it in. As a mom to school-aged kids, I tend to do more writing in the summer. In terms of knowing when to move to the next step? When my eyes start crossing and I can’t stand it anymore.
SM: What part of writing as a career most surprised you?
KT: The amount of non-writing stuff it involves. Mostly marketing!
SM: How much of your time do you spend marketing? What marketing has been most effective? What have you learned to avoid?
KT: Oh, marketing. The bane of most authors’ existence. We’re authors because we like writing not because we like promoting our books. I’m not great at marketing and really need to put more focus on this. Things that work: newsletters. When I used to send mine out once a week, I had very steady sales. Also, if you can get a BookBub featured deal, that’s a great way to get new readers. Things that don’t work (for me): social media. I do it because it’s enjoyable, but I don’t think I make any sales from my posts—even the semi-viral ones. Smaller paid newsletter services.
SM: If you had to share one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
KT: Keep going! Writing can feel very solitary and it can be slow going at times. Try to write every day, even if it’s just a few words. Even if it’s rewriting what you wrote yesterday and you barely break even on your word counts.
SM: Of all the books you have written, which are you most proud of and why?
KT: Even When It Wasn’t You, which is ironic because it’s done the worst of all my books. I really pushed myself as an author with that one. From the dual timelines to dealing with heavier topics, I believe it’s my strongest writing to date.
SM: If you had to offer one word of warning to an aspiring author, what would it be?
KT: You will not be for everyone. Period. Someone will hate your book and that will be hard. Don’t take it personally. Remember, even your favorite book has one-star reviews.
SM: What plans do you have for your future as a novelist?
KT: I’m so glad you asked! I just finished a young adult romance that I’m very excited about. It’s a rival-to-lovers contemporary romance set in a competitive prep school. The two main characters are both competing for the same academic scholarship and there can only be one winner! It just released this May.
I’m also revisiting a super campy romance about two people who fall in love while looking for Bigfoot.
If you liked hearing from Kayla, check out her website. She’s got a fantastic catalog of books worth reading. And secretly, we’re desperate to read the up-and-coming Sasquatch-hunting romance.
As an indie bookseller, I’ve had the unique experience of getting to work close with a variety of local authors, both indie and traditionally published. Through this newsletter, I hope to provide writers with the tools they need to thrive as they launch their writing business. Subscribers get access to author interviews, book recommendations, and micro-workshops on tools that can help indie authors thrive.
If this has you thinking of a writer you know, send this article their way!
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