You wouldn’t know it by looking at me, but my first book was published in 2009, and it looks nothing like it does today. Forever Avalon was published by James A. Rock Publishing in 2009. They were a vanity press (I didn’t know better at the time, so sue me) that actually went out of business a few years later. At the time, I was just excited to be a published author. My first book signing was at a Borders Books (yes, and they’re another company that went out of business, no coincidence there), and most of the books I sold that day went to family and friends. It was surreal at the time, and as I look at that picture, I have to wonder if I knew what the future held for me.
It’s been fifteen years, and in that time I’ve published 1o books, five self-published, five with Curious Corvid Publishing, with more to come. It’s been a roller coaster of money spent, money earned (more spent than earned), and running from event to festival to convention to try to make a name for myself. It’s one thing when you’re 48 years old (like I was in this picture), but I’m 63 this year. That’s a big difference.
I honestly don’t think you are ever prepared for magnitude of everything involved, from hiring editors, artists, beta readers and marketing experts along the way. Then there’s all the supplies needed, from bookmarks, signs, table runners, canopies (for outdoor events) as well as ensuring you have enough books from one event to the next. Finding those events year to year is another task that has grown in volume. I have to admit, the growth of the internet has made my life easier. I mean, in 2009, social media was still at its infancy. I didn’t start this website until around 2014. Everything has exploded for independent authors since then.
If I were already retired and able to do my “indie author” gig full-time, but that’s not the case. I’m still a few years away from that. If one of my books takes off, that might change things, but for now, I just keep plugging away. I have cut back on some of my events, focusing more on book festivals and steampunk/fantasy conventions instead of the larger comic/anime conventions that are too broad for indie authors like me. Additionally, thanks to my involvement with the Northern Virginia Writers Club, I’ve been able to get into bookstores in the DMV through the organization’s contacts. It makes it easier for an indie author trying to get a foot in the door at major book stores like Barnes & Noble. Check out my Events page for a complete listing of my 2026 book signings, festivals, and conventions.
Honestly, there is no big learning curve. I think every indie author needs to go through this to get their feet wet and understand the system so they know what to expect. It’s not easy being an independent author. There is no multi-million dollar contract, signing bonus, or living off your royalties like Stephen King. When you look at the history of authors and how they started, we’re in good company (in the long run). Let’s just see how it goes.
Mark Piggott | Fantasy & Steampunk Author 