Author Interview with Allan Hudson: 7 Questions about Book Publishing Process & Mindset

I have many dedicated readers and I feel I have reached my main goal in writing, says Allan

In this exclusive author interview series, “7 questions to ask an aligned author“, Allan Hudson—author of the historical fiction novel The Alexanders.Vol.1 1911 – 1920 will empower us with his book publishing process and mindset strategies pertaining to editing, marketing, copyright, publishing platforms and more. Read his earlier interview on the book writing process and mindset in case you missed out on it.

Allan—a successful novelist from Canada–has authored four books and countless award-winning short stories so far giving him a sound standing in the writing arena. He has a loyal fan base who avidly await his upcoming works in both his series—the Jo Naylor series and the Drake Alexander Adventure series. His self-published works include but are not limited to Dark Side of a Promise, Wall of War, A Box of Memories (short stories) and Shattered Figurines .

Apart from being an author, he also runs an active blog named South Branch Scribbler.

Here are his seven great tips for book publishing process and mindset you must definitely check out.

7 Author Interview Questions about Book Publishing Process & Mindset Answered

#1 What does literary success look like to you? 

We all dream of selling enough books to make a living and just write. I always felt that with so many stories uploaded and published each day I would be unsuccessful if I only wrote and published to make money. What has been the most rewarding, and in my mind successful, is readers reaching out to me to tell me how much they enjoyed the stories and looking forward to my next one.

Nothing feels better than a four or five-star review or a pat on the back. I have many dedicated readers and I feel I have reached my main goal in writing.

#2 What type of publishing i.e. self-publishing or traditional do you recommend and why?

After I completed my first manuscript, I had no idea of what was involved in publishing a book. Going online to find the best way was a nightmare. So many stories of rejections, waiting months or years to be published, needing an agent and the scariest of all was the many sites offering to publish my book for several thousands of dollars and the scam artists.

It was only due to the advice of a self-published author friend that made me decide self-publishing was the best way for me. I think of myself as a hobbyist and this was the quickest way to have a completed novel in my hands. I was warned that the story needed professional editing, cover design and formatting which I did, and continue to do.

I’m still frowned upon by the traditionalists that think a novel must be published by a legitimate press company to classify someone as an author. It is up to the individual but self-publishing works great for me.

#3 What are the different types of editing you used for your books? Did you self-edit or hire a professional editor and why?

I was fortunate to meet a professional editor through the work I was doing at the time of writing my first novel. An author, new or experienced, needs professional help. As much as I’ve read or written, I would not be able to self-edit. She has helped me with each of my books and her knowledge has been invaluable; both in copy editing and content editing.

There are many expert editors available and the best way to find someone you can work with is to talk to other authors you know. Join the local or provincial writing federations or groups and get advice. Budget considerations are a major factor as well and some editors can be expensive so do your research.

#4  What are the most important considerations when it comes to layout and design of the book?

As most readers will tell you, it’s the cover or the blurb that will lead them to try a new author. I can’t stress the importance of working with a professional designer to make your book stand out. The designer must be able to understand the theme of the book and what the author may be considering. It is especially important when the author doesn’t know what they want and must look to their designer for ideas. There are many clever designers online and again, talk to other authors for recommendations.

#5 What’s your recommendation on investing in a copyright? Have you done it for your own books and what benefit does it carry?

There is a thought that once written or published, an author has the copyright to the work but what proof does one have that it is their own original manuscript. I have copyrights on all my work from the Government of Canada which I paid a fee for. I’ve done this mainly for peace of mind. If any of my stories have been plagiarized or copied, I have legal proof that the idea or original story is mine.

#6 What’s the best marketing tip you can provide from your experience? How did it help your book sales?

Social media and my own website have been wonderful tools but by having interviews, such as this one, has been the most effective in terms of marketing my book. Exposing my work to a different audience with the generosity of bloggers such as yourself, Huma. Get to know and share other authors and they in turn will do the same for you.

#7 What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?

I believe that plagiarism is by far the biggest sin of all—banking on someone else’s success. It would be most grievous to me if I was ever accused of plagiarism. The very first story I wanted to write was the Wall of War (which became the second one) until a story by Clive Cussler came out titled Inca Gold. Because my story involved the Inca and gold, I was worried that my readers would think I was copying his idea. I wrote Dark Side of a Promise first and then I read Inca Gold by Cussler and knew then the story I imagined was nothing like his and the timing was much better for me.

Answer #1 is my personal favorite. What’s yours? Have more questions regarding self-publishing or have a question for the author? Comment below to get them answered. #thealignedauthor

Follow Allan

Website      www.southbranchscribbler.ca
LinkedIn    https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-hudson/
Amazon      Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/Allan_Hudson 
Facebook   https://www.facebook.com/southbranchscribbler
Twitter       https://twitter.com/hudson_allan