Indie Author Spotlight: Daniel Willcocks
Wild Violet Creative
When Winter Comes; The Self-Publishing Blueprint (Nonfiction books for authors, horror and suspense fiction; Activated Authors [nonfiction]; Devil’s Rock Publishing [fiction])
Why self-publish?
In the beginning, I was just interested in learning how books were made. I didn’t just want to write stories, I wanted to understand the full process of creating a book (from paper types, to page sizes, to formatting, and covers). When I finally released my first book, I found that I loved the sense of control that came with self-publishing. I’m not beholden to 2–3 year publishing schedules, and I can build a career that centers itself on pleasing my readers and not having to worry about jumping over hurdles for gatekeeping publishers. I can build a brand in my way and write the books that I want to write. Over the years I’ve found that I’ve attracted readers that resonate with my works without having to worry about sacrificing my creative authenticity.
Had you considered traditional publishing?
Traditional publishing never crossed my mind in the beginning. I wanted to write the stories I wanted to write, and my focus wasn’t on money or audiences. Now, 10 years into my writing career, I’m exploring opportunities with more traditional channels (short story markets, smaller genre publishers) as a means to reach new readers and explore other publishing options. I’ve never been against traditional publishing (it certainly has its merits), but I like being able to approach publishers on my terms and know that, even if my work isn’t suited for their portfolio, there are still plenty of options for my stories.
Order a copy from Bookshop.org.
Wish I’d known …
The success of your first book does not dictate your success or value as a writer.
I’ve worked with hundreds of first-time authors and, particularly when it comes to self-publishing, 95 percent of authors will not hit the level of success that they wish to with their first book. This is part and parcel with being an independent creative. To build a successful self-publishing career is to keep on writing, keep on releasing, and keep on finding new readers. While traditional publishing benefits from massive marketing budgets, we are smaller fish in the pond biding our time, eating our kibble, and slowly growing bigger over time. The key to becoming a successful writer (no matter how you publish), is to embrace the path of perpetual learning, improve your craft, and keep writing. Few writers hit the big time on their first ever book.
Publishing advice:
It was from the moment that I stopped “trying” to be an author, and I started being my genuine, authentic self, that my career kicked off. In the beginning, we writers spend a lot of time learning and growing. We emulate other authors and “fake it until we make it” not understanding that the easiest way to build a sustainable author career is to embrace who we really are. Once you can be your authentic self in your books, and in communicating with your readers, you find that marketing becomes easier, building your brand becomes easier, publishing strategies become easier, because you’re building a career based on you. People don’t want Stephen King copy-cats. They want your unique voice, your unique experience, and they want to know more about you.
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Marketing Strategy:
My main marketing strategies focus on building my mailing list and sharing audiences with fellow authors. I have found services like StoryOrigin and BookFunnel a great way to get involved in group promotions, and I reach out regularly to podcasts and YouTube channels to meet other genre enthusiasts and find new readers. I also ensure that my books follow a pricing strategy that lures in new readers without sacrificing sales on later books (e.g. 99p for a first-in-series, then higher for the rest of the series).
Don’t Skimp On:
Do not skimp on the cover. The old adage states “Don’t judge a book by its cover”—but that’s what the book cover is for. It doesn’t matter how good your book is if potential readers aren’t lured in by the cover. You don’t even have to spend loads of money for a good cover. I’ve spent anywhere from £50 to £400 for covers, depending on the artist.
Websites:
Instagram, X, Facebook: @willcocksauthor
Awards and Recognition:
· This Is Horror’s “Fiction Podcast of the Year” 2020 (The Other Stories podcast)
· #1 Amazon bestseller of horror and suspense
Join publishing expert Jane Friedman to learn effective book marketing techniques in this Writer’s Digest University webinar.