Interview with Self-Published Author Karen Charles

In our series of self-publishing interviews, we are talking today to Karen Charles, author of the thriller, Blazing Upheaval. Karen transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. An educator by profession, she is renowned for her thriller, Fateful Connections, which unfolds the backdrop of 9/11. Blazing Upheaval promises to deliver another chilling, heart-pounding experience. Karen and her husband reside on the serene shores of a beautiful bay in Washington, where she draws inspiration for her compelling narratives. Explore her insights and musings on the writer's Life through her blogs on My Life as a Writer at www.weaveofsuspense.com.

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

I chose to self-publish for a variety of reasons:

• Creative Control: Self-publishing allows authors to maintain complete control over their work, from the content to the cover design.
• Higher Royalties: Authors can earn a higher percentage of royalties compared to traditional publishing.
• Speed to Market: Self-publishing can be a much faster process, allowing authors to get their books to market quickly.
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  Niche Topics: Authors writing for a specific niche audience might find it easier to self-publish than to go through a traditional publisher who might not see the market potential.
• Ownership: Authors retain all rights to their work, allowing them to decide how their books are distributed and promoted.
• Flexibility: Self-publishing provides flexibility in pricing, marketing strategies, and the ability to update content as needed.

So where do you see self-published authors making the biggest mistakes overall?

Cons:

• Upfront Costs: Authors must cover the costs of editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing.
• Limited Distribution: Self-published books might have limited access to brick-and-mortar bookstores.
• Marketing and Promotion: The author is responsible for all marketing and promotional efforts, which can be time-consuming and require additional skills.
• Stigma: Some readers and reviewers may still perceive self-published books as lower quality.
• Quality Control: Without the support of a traditional publisher, ensuring the book meets professional standards can be challenging.

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

Pros:

• Creative Freedom: Full control over the content, design, and marketing of the book.
• Higher Earnings: Potentially higher royalties per book sold compared to traditional publishing.
• Speed: Faster publication process without the lengthy timelines of traditional publishing.
• Ownership: Authors retain all rights to their work.
• Direct Connection: Closer connection with readers and the ability to build a personal brand.

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

I found marketing the hardest challenge. The author is responsible for all marketing and promotional efforts, which can be time-consuming and require additional skills.

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

Self-publishing your book is worth it a million times over. These are some of the rewards:

1. Creative Freedom: You have the ability to create entire worlds, develop characters, and tell stories that can resonate with readers on a deep level.
2. Sharing Your Vision: There's immense satisfaction in sharing your unique perspective and ideas with others, and seeing your work in print can be incredibly fulfilling.
3. Impact on Readers: Touching readers' lives, evoking emotions, and sometimes even changing their perspectives or providing solace can be a powerful experience.
4. Personal Growth: Writing often requires introspection and research, which can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of various topics and yourself.
5. Community and Connections: Being part of a literary community and connecting with readers, fellow authors, and industry professionals can be enriching.