Interview with Self-Published Author Jens Boele

 

In our series of self-publishing interviews, we are talking today to Jens Boele, author of Urbex Predator, a thriller horror novel. Jens, a veteran media designer in the entertainment industry, brings over two decades of cinematic expertise to his writing. Born in Germany in 1975, Jens embarked on his writing odyssey in his youth, culminating in the publication of his debut book, “Sunshine,” in 2015. This was followed by “Hurensohn,” and his latest spine-tingling creation, “Urbex Predator.” Jens is a genre-bending author, specializing in horror and crime thrillers. His narratives often blur genre lines, weaving intricate tales that plunge readers into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Jens’s storytelling brilliance lies in his fascination with the criminal mind; his villains are always profoundly human, offering readers a chilling examination of the psychological aspects of the criminally insane. Jens sets himself apart by seamlessly integrating classic horror with the gritty authenticity of the present day. This innovative fusion imbues his narratives with a dynamic quality, seamlessly blending archaic thrills with contemporary intrigue, resulting in an immersive reading experience that resonates with both vintage enthusiasts and present-day readers alike. Jens Boele’s latest endeavor takes his work across borders, as “Urbex Predator” becomes his first book to be translated into English. A globetrotter with deep connections to the United States, Jens’s passion for exploration and his international perspective, nurtured by family and friends in the US, shine through in his writing, offering readers a captivating blend of horror and cultural diversity. Visit Jens’ website at https://jensboele.com/.

You self-published your latest book, Urbex Preditor. Would you please tell us why you chose the self-publishing route?

Well, in today's publishing landscape, breaking into the traditional publishing world can be quite the

challenge, especially for new authors like myself. Publishers often prefer established authors with a large following and a track record of bestsellers. As someone who's just starting out, I found that self-publishing was the best route for me. It gives me the freedom to bring my book directly to readers without the gatekeepers of traditional publishing.

However, self-publishing also comes with its own set of challenges. Not only do I get to be the writer, but I also wear the hats of promoter, marketer, and social media guru. It's a whole new world, but one that I'm excited to navigate as I continue on this writing journey. The control and creative freedom it offers are unmatched, and it allows me to connect directly with my readers. Ultimately, self-publishing empowers me to take charge of my literary career in ways that traditional publishing might not.

Take us through the process. You had an idea for your book, you wrote it, then you decided to find a publisher. What were your experiences with that? Or did you decide to self-publish without looking any farther?

Honestly, Urbex Predator is my third fiction book and my sixth overall. I decided long ago not to waste time applying for a traditional publisher. With my first two novels, I discovered that most companies wouldn’t even respond to queries. I tried everything from preparing neat packages to chasing people on the phone and meeting them at conventions. I also attempted to work with book agencies, but to no satisfying result.

Talking to other writers revealed that this is a common reality for most authors. So, I chose to bypass traditional publishers and embrace the self-publishing route. Traditional publishers, if you ever want to lure me into your company, you’ll need to come up with an offer I can't refuse.

What different online stores carry your book?

I started my publishing journey with Amazon KDP, so this is the main store where you can find Urbex Predator. Amazon's platform is incredibly user-friendly and provides a great reach for independent authors like myself. By choosing Amazon, I can ensure that readers worldwide have easy access to my book. It's been a fantastic experience using their services to bring my stories to life and into the hands of readers.

On the other hand, self-published authors have the edge over traditional books in the regards that the author has all the control. I’d like to begin with your cover. Did you make it or did you have someone else design it? If you had someone else, can you tell us who it is?

I'm fortunate to have a background in design, which proved invaluable when it came to creating the cover for Urbex Predator. Drawing from my own experiences as an urban explorer and photographer, I selected a haunting image I captured during one of my explorations. With the help of Photoshop, I transformed it into a chilling night scene that perfectly captured the essence of the book. Additionally, I included some of my other photographs throughout the book to add an authentic touch. For those interested in seeing more of my photographic art, you can visit me on Instagram at broken_window_shots.

What do you believe the biggest advantages are when self-publishing?

That is a huge question. Going through the process, there are just so many traps one could walk into. But I will stick to my rules that I have established for myself over the recent years.

Firstly, it's essential to pitch your story idea to random people whenever you can. You will instantly know if your plot is good or weak. Work on the pitch, and if the plot is good, your pitch will improve. This initial feedback is invaluable in refining your story's core concept.

When it comes to the actual writing, having a team of advanced copy readers whom you can trust is crucial. Positive critique is essential during the writing process. Nobody needs a yes-sayer; having your worst critic in your ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) team can make a significant difference. They will provide the constructive criticism necessary to hone your manuscript.

As you move further along, hiring professionals becomes critical. If you can afford it, hire an editor. The value of a polished, well-edited manuscript cannot be overstated. Similarly, invest in a professional designer. The first impression your potential reader gets from your book is the cover, and people do judge books by their covers. A professionally designed cover can make your book stand out.

Marketing is another area where self-published authors often stumble. Do not skimp on marketing efforts; your book's success heavily depends on it. You will need to get reviews and generate sales from the start. However, be discerning about the opportunities that come your way. Many marketers will approach you, but not everything that glitters is gold. Focus on strategies that offer tangible results.

Lastly, spend your budget wisely. For instance, I spent an amount equivalent to a two-week holiday in the Bahamas on promoting my first book. Did I get the money back? Well, you probably know the answer...

Bottom line: self-publishing is a big adventure, offering full control but also demanding careful planning and execution. Don’t get lost in the process!

What was the hardest challenge for you to self-publish your book?

Dealing with failure. I am a very well-structured person, and you can always find my strategy mapped out on my whiteboard. I believe in strategy as a pathway to success. However, when a strategy fails, it sometimes requires starting from scratch.

Urbex Predator experienced success in its first few weeks, and I couldn't stop cheering for myself. But in the long term, when sales numbers dropped, I had to dig deep and find a new approach. Admitting to myself that my strategy hadn't worked was tough. It was a humbling experience to recognize that I needed to reassess and pivot my efforts to sustain momentum and keep reaching readers.

Dealing with this failure and the subsequent need to adapt was undoubtedly the hardest challenge in my self-publishing journey. It required resilience, self-reflection, and a willingness to keep pushing forward despite setbacks.

Did you get someone to format your book for you or did you do that?

Despite my background as a designer, formatting an ebook turned out to be a different beast altogether. While I’m passionate about creating beautiful soft and hardcover books, ebooks require a different skill set. It's more of a programming job since ebooks are technically akin to websites rather than traditional print books. For Urbex Predator, I decided to enlist the help of another designer who specializes in ebook formatting.

It was a wise investment that ensured a smooth reading experience for my audience. Now that I have that experience under my belt, I feel confident I can tackle ebook formatting for future projects on my own. Consider it a one-time investment in my self-publishing journey, one that has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to handle this aspect of publishing more independently moving forward.

What steps are you taking to promote it?

I took some basic but very effective measures to get it working from the start. I gave away advanced copies to people on Goodreads, NetGalley, and similar websites. For the release, I booked several newsletters while running a $0 promotion on Amazon, which led to thousands of downloads and subsequently generated organic reviews. In the long term, I collected reviews from various platforms like Pubby and ReedyDiscovery, among others.

Additionally, I booked several virtual book blog tours to generate organic traffic to the book. These combined efforts helped create a buzz around Urbex Predator, ensuring it reached a wide audience and garnered valuable feedback.

Do you have any advice you’d like to share with other self-published authors?

Writing and publishing is a journey. Don't expect to become famous overnight; it's a long and rocky road that leads to success. Enjoy every step and find happiness in the process. Celebrate the small victories, learn from the setbacks, and keep pushing forward. Remember, the joy of writing and sharing your story with the world is an achievement in itself. Stay passionate, stay persistent, and most importantly, stay true to your creative vision.