On Indie Publishing with A.F. Stewart

When it comes to indie publishing there are many mysteries for authors. Over the next weeks, I will be writing posts about indie publishing. There will be content on different social media platforms, on editing plans, genre-specific publishing advice and interviews with other authors.

I have learned a lot about publishing from A.F. Stewart. Hopefully, her advice will also help other people on their journey to a published book.



A. F. Stewart is from Nova Scotia, Canada, and writes speculative fiction (fantasy, sci-fi, horror), as well as poetry. She has published independently and authored such books as the Killers and Demons series, Fairy Tale Fusion, and Ruined City. Many of her stories have been published in various anthologies, including Beyond the Wail, Legends and Lore, and Mechanized Masterpieces from Xchyler Publishing.








First of all, thank you so much for this interview.

How long does it generally take for you from the completion of the first draft to the publication of your book?
It does depend on the book, but the revision process takes 2-3 months, then professional editing about six weeks. After that, up to a month for final proof-reading, formatting, and publication. And if I'm dong beta-reading add in another month. So six months, give or take.

What would you say are the key steps of your publication process?
Coffee and cursing. And patience. Lots and lots of patience. But really, you need a good plan and schedule the time you need to get each step done. And don't panic when something goes wrong, because it always does.

Do you have beta readers and if yes, how do you work with them?
I have worked with beta readers, and I generally set up a signup sheet (Google Forms is my go-to). That makes it easy to keep names and emails straight and to keep track of the manuscripts coming and going.  I also make sure to thank people for their time and send out all my beta readers a free Advanced Reading Copy when the book is ready.

When do you begin promoting your next project?
Well before the first draft is even finished.  With my latest published novel, I was sharing lines from the WIP on Twitter for hashtag games, and small snippets on Facebook.

What resources would you recommend?
A professional editor first, foremost and always.  A good cover designer, whether you are going custom or pre-made. A good author support group. Facebook has several, and they can offer useful feedback for blurbs, covers, and offer tips and advice when you run into problems. Beta readers or critique partners, even if it is just one or two. Extra eyes on your book are great. I'd also recommend using Grammarly or some other form of editing program. It isn't a substitute for professional editing, but it is helpful.

How many parts of your publication process (e.g. cover design) do you let other people do for you?
Editing mainly. I have just enough artistic talent that I can squeak by with designing my own covers, although I do recommend indie authors go with professional cover artists or at least pre-made covers. And I also have enough persistence (this is where the coffee, cursing and patience come in handy) to do my own formatting.

What platforms do you use for promoting your work?
Newsletters, in the form of my own, swaps with other authors in the same genre, or the paid mailouts such as EbookBetty or Bargain Booksy.  I also have a fan group on Facebook, and my Twitter platform, plus I've recently started using Instagram. I've also field testing paid Amazon and BookBub ads with my latest book.

What kind of additional content (e.g. short stories or character profiles) do you publish and when?
I have a book extras section set up on my website for my current series and upcoming series, plus I have some free short stories available. I've also done a few character interviews.

Do you do book signings? And if yes, where and when?
I haven't ventured in to book signing yet much, though I would like to do more in that area.

What would be your top tip regarding publishing a book?
Take your time and polish your product. You need a good quality, entertaining interior and an attractive exterior.


Thank you for answering the questions and good luck with all your future publications.

An Interview with L.M. Preston

I had the pleasure to interview author L.M. Preston about her upcoming novel Insatiable Darkness and her life as a writer.




L.M. Preston was born in Washington, DC, where she started writing poetry and short stories at a young age. After over 16 years of teaching, she began writing Science fiction encouraged and supported by her husband and her four children. Her stories feature young people overcoming overwhelming obstacles.





First of all, thank you so much for this interview.



You write Science Fiction, Fantasy and Young Adult. What do you like about the genres?

Writing young adult fiction is incredibly fun. It allows me to write exciting stories and be creative without the heaviness of adult restraints, or knowledge. My characters get to discover themselves as they grow through exciting worlds.



What inspires you to write? Who are your writing role models?
My kids inspire me to write. The give me the best material and writing allows me to put my daydream on paper. I really enjoyed Olivia Butler, Toni Morrison and L.A. Banks.


Do you get writers' block and if yes, what do you do against it?
I do get writer’s block, usually when I go off the path of my outline. When it happens, I just write through it, even if the section isn’t that good. I highlight that portion of my manuscript to remind myself that that was a challenging part to write so I can pay special attention to it during my initial edits.


How many books have you written so far?
I have written 13 books so far that are published.


How do you prepare for the releases of your books?
I usually start sending out review copies and cover reveals about three months before launch. Then I do collaborative promotions through various outlets.


You upcoming novel Insatiable Darkness is part of your Vigilant series. How did you get the initial idea for the series?
The name is really close to the struggle of the characters. They won’t be able to give up if they want to survive their journey.


When did you start writing the series?
I started writing this series about six months ago. Insatiable Darkness is a prequel novella about one of the main characters. This series will have an origin story for each character as requested by some of my readers.


Where does the title come from?
I truly just made up the title.


What made you write a prequel?
This series will have four main characters. Each have their own separate book and are all related to each other. I wanted to try something different and give each an ‘origin’ story. Starting with the prequel set the tone for the characters.


What would you like your readers to know about you?
I write characters that show how much we as humans can withstand and still survive and rise above. It’s because, that is my own personal life realization.


And one last question: what is your favourite quote?
‘Actions speaks louder than words.’

EmVee didn’t know what to think about this new town her father’s passion for boxing lured them. It was an unlikely location for her to pursue her dream of going semi-pro. Just when she started getting used to the school with gorgeous jocks and strange cheerleaders, the depth of the danger her father’s choices dangled them in front of became clear. EmVee hoped Silas and Kayson will be able to help her uncover the mystery identity of the person who is threatening her family. The question is, will she survive to expose the mystery.

Insatiable Darkness can be found on Amazon