Christina C. Jones: On the Freedom of Indie Publishing

Christina C. Jones

90+ books including: Ante Up, Equivalent Exchange, Behind the Scenes, Love Notes, Wonder

(Romance in nearly all the subgenres, mostly contemporary)

Why self-publish?

I chose to self-publish because I love the freedom of giving exactly what I want to the world, when I want to give it. My only limits and deadlines are self-imposed, which means I have very few lines to color inside of—which can sometimes be a double-edged sword, but I’ve grown quite accustomed to it.

Order a copy of Wonder by Christina C. Jones.

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[WD uses affiliate links.]

Had you considered traditional publishing?

I did, and still sometimes do consider traditional publishing. I think there are many benefits—marketing, budgeting, not having to do it all yourself, to name a few. For me, those benefits did not outweigh the pros I saw with self-publishing 10 years ago. My view of both paths is different now, and I believe both roads are viable, greatly depending on your goals as an author.

Self-publishing appeal?

The ability to have my hands on every single detail and step in the process of taking a manuscript from an idea to a fully-fledged book.

Biggest challenge?

You have to have your hands on every single step of taking the manuscript from an idea to a fully-fledged book! Ha!

Order a copy of Equivalent Exchange by Christina C. Jones today.

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Wish I’d known?

I wish I’d know that it was the start of a decade-long career! There’s so much I would have done differently—probably started with a different book, quite frankly! But, I think there’s a lot of value in the fact that I didn’t know much at all—I failed my way into a lot of important lessons that I’m not sure I would’ve otherwise learned.

Writing advice?

You’ll probably always be your own worst critic, but you won’t likely be a fair one—don’t be afraid to seek (and apply) feedback from trusted sources, while remembering that outside of true errors, it’s all subjective. Good or bad, they are all just opinions—ultimately, you have to do what best honors your voice as a writer.

Publishing advice?

Never, ever chase the market. By the time you catch up, something else will be trending. Write what moves you and it will find its audience.

Marketing strategy?

Best wishes and warm thoughts, but I know I should do better. I’m trying to keep up with the ever-changing tides of social media, because that seems to be the biggest source of real traction right now. I need to get my dance moves together!

Sharing what you’ve learned?

This is something very important to me—I had an abundance of questions and not nearly enough answers when I started my own publishing journey. So, I use my YouTube channel to help answer a lot of questions for other authors, without the awkwardness that sometimes comes with not knowing it's even OK to ask! Anything I can think of or any suggestions I get are added to an ongoing list of topics I speak about in different videos on the channel. I also devoted a good chunk of time and energy to Momentum Shift—an author specific planner and publishing resource that I hope can be of service to anyone who might need a little encouragement in the right direction!

Don’t skimp on:

Cover design. The editing is so important as well, but many readers will never see your perfect comma placement and error-free prose if the cover doesn’t get them interested in the book!

Awards and Recognition:

I’ve had several “best of romance” listings, including on OprahMag.com [for I Think I Might Love You]. In addition to an Earphones Award from AudioFile magazine [for Getting Schooled], I’ve earned many romance community awards.

Websites:

BeingMrsJones.com

@beingmrsjones on most social platforms