The Cubicle Chick

Career | Midlife | Style

  • Home
  • Career
  • Style
  • Family
  • Travel
  • Culture
She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationa She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationaltour #stl
MAY tings… MAY tings…
A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recentl A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recently, I was invited to a Happy Hour of bites and beats at @angadartshotel’s @artbar.stl and when I say the food, drinks, and the vibe were necessary during these stressful times. I see another visit soon in my future. Cheers! 🥂
April photo dump. And things of that nature. ✨✨
Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂 Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂
4/10 should be declared a national holiday because 4/10 should be declared a national holiday because on this day a king was born! Happy birthday, son. Love you more than words can say! 🎉🎉🎉
May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures toget May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures together. You deserve an overflow of serendipity, and all the joy I can provide. Still celebrating—Happy Birthday, Mommy! 🎉🎉🎉
Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat. ✌🏾
My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainl My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainly not biographical, but there are traces of my life all up and down this book (hint hint). It’s a perfect Spring Break read!

It’s got romance, intrigue, a little mystery, and a family legacy on the line. On sale on Amazon, eBooks and paperback, link in bio.
  • Blog
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Legal
  • Contact
  • Media Kit
  • Home
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Media Kit

The Cubicle Chick

Career | Midlife | Style

  • Home
  • Career
  • Style
  • Family
  • Travel
  • Culture

Books & Literature, Career · October 15, 2013

So, You Want to Self Publish? Author Jay Fingers Tells You 6 Things You Should Know


I have been a friend of author Jay Fingers for a while now. He and I originally met online via Twitter in 2008 or 2009; since then, he has self-published three titles and working on his fourth release. As a friend and a fan, I am in awe at how he does what he does. I also am intrigued by his story of going independent instead of aligning with a major publishing house. His writing is that of any New York Times Bestselling Author—but he continues to make his books his way. Which made me want to interview him and share his thoughts on self publishing, the ins and outs, and give tips to up and coming authors.

Check out my interview with him below:

Did you set out to self publish or was it a means to an end?

I set out to self publish, or, as I like to say, publish my work independently. After hearing traditional publishing horror stories from established and best-selling authors, I knew that trying to go that route would prove to be a futile endeavor, especially with the sort of stories I wanted to tell.

What’s the biggest misconception about self publishing?

I think the biggest misconception about self (or indie) publishing is that the authors who choose this option do so because their work wasn’t good enough to be published traditionally. This is far from the truth. I’ve read a lot of indie published work and I can honestly say I’ve been impressed with a lot of it. Sure, there’s some mediocre books and there’s some absolute dreck, but that’s also the case in the world of traditional publishing.

Kisses for Tati

Why should more authors take the self publishing route?

More authors should take the self (or indie) publishing route for a number of reasons. Major publishers are unwilling to give new authors the attention their work deserves, and can leave a novel languishing in limbo. This hurts the author’s chance of garnering attention for subsequent work. Also, authors lose a lot of creative control once a mainstream publisher gets hold of their work. I’ve heard stories of terrible covers being given to novels, and even characters and storylines being changed, and the authors have no power to challenge these changes! Also, as an indie author, you get the lion’s share of profits — as you should.

Describe the success you’ve had self publishing.

I measure my indie publishing success in a lot of different ways. First, every book I’ve released has been a financial success. In this age of POD (print on demand) and digital publishing, the barrier to entry in terms of financial burden is very low. So I’ve been able to make a profit on every release so far. Additionally, having several published books on the market has raised my profile and validated me across many different platforms. But most important, I feel great sense of accomplishment. I have three books published with a fourth on the way. I’d say that definitely qualifies as a success!

What’s the name of your latest book? When will it be available for purchase?

My most recent release is ORANGE MOUND. It originally came out in late April, but we re-did the cover (illustrated by amazingly talented Australian artist Rhea Isaacs aka YoungEarlGrey) and re-released it in September. It’s available in hardcover, paperback, and all digital formats, and can be found at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and my own store at becoolbooks.bigcartel.com.

I’m currently prepping my next book, a novella titled MANHATTAN SWEETHEART, for an early 2014 release.

Orange Mound

Guestlist is still my favorite book from you. What was the motivation to write the book?

I’d lived in Miami for over a decade and spent the my last years there working in the city’s notorious nightlife scene. I saw a great deal and wanted to comment on that world, which, for all its glitz and glamour, was in reality very superficial and ruthless. Also, it was a story that hadn’t been told, at least not authentically. So I wanted readers to really get an insider’s take on a world that seems so glamorous and inviting.

You have your own self publishing imprint. Do you recommend other authors do the same? Why or why not?

Yes, through my company Be Cool Entertainment, I’ve founded two publishing imprints, Be Cool Books and JFXXXVI Books. I highly recommend that indie authors establish their own imprint. Not only will doing this ensure more profits and complete creative control for authors, it also teaches one how the publishing industry works. Plus, after establishing yourself as a publisher (as opposed to simply a “self-published author”), you’re an entrepreneur. You’ve become a business. It makes quite an impression, especially if you conduct yourself professionally. You, and your work, will be taken a lot more seriously.

 

Guestlist

How has social media helped you with your self publishing?

Social media has played a tremendous part in my success as an indie author. Thanks to outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, I’ve been able to connect with readers the world over, and it’s made the task of getting the word out about my books so much easier. Furthermore, my readers have gotten to know me as more than just a guy who writes books. (Most of my social media peeps know I’m a bit of a foodie and liquor enthusiast.) Additionally, the indie publishing world is very large and active on social media. It is a very supportive group. Everyone wants to see everyone else succeed. The key is to not abuse social media. You cannot simply spam links to your book’s Amazon listing or only tweet “buy my book!” Use social media to build your author platform and cultivate a following.

FIN

As someone who has self-published two books of her own, I totally am a proponent of self and indie publishing, which can create vast momentum for an author (look at the Shades of Grey series which was independently published first, then picked up by a large publishing house earning millions for the author).

 

Jay Fingers
JAY FINGERS is a novelist, editor, and blogger. A “alcoholic and foodie,” he grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and lived in Miami for several years. He is the author of the acclaimed novels Guestlist and Orange Mound, and the novelette Kisses for Tati. He currently lives in Brooklyn. Please visit the author at www.jayfingers.com and follow him on Twitter at @jayfingers.

Related Posts

  • Six Work Life Balance Tips For Those Who Work From Home

    It can be difficult to balance your life when working at home, but it can…

  • Work It podcast introduction

    Introducing the Work It podcast from Danyelle Little covering career, family, everyday tech and water…

  • Social Media Week-2/1-2/5: Join Me For An Interactive Chat!

    PLEASE NOTE: The new time for the interactive chat is 6pm to 7:30pm. My son…

In: Books & Literature, Career · Tagged: career, Entrepreneur, Guestlist, independent publishing, Jay Fingers, Kisses for Tati, Orange Mound, self publishing, Tips

join the cube

You’ll Also Love

ou are in your professional zone, but networking in your 40s is just as important as when you first began. Here's why.From Experience to Influence: Networking in Your 40s
Navigating Career Challenges During Midlife
Navigating midlife professionally can be a daunting task. I'm sharing essential career tips for women over 40 that can help you be successful.Navigating Midlife: Essential Career Tips for Women Over 40

Comments

  1. Kesha says

    October 17, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    Just got Jay’s new book delivered so I can support, read, and shout him out as well! 🙂

    Reply
    • The Cubicle Chick says

      October 17, 2013 at 2:59 pm

      Jay is a wonderful author. I can’t wait to see him blow up!

      Reply
      • Jay says

        October 27, 2013 at 3:52 pm

        Thanks so much, ladies! The support truly means a lot to me! 🙂

        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Next Post >

10 Of My Fave Instagrams From My Recent Trip to NYC

Advertisement


Hi there! I'm Danyelle Little, a St. Louis blogger, mom & and empty-nester. This site is for those of you who like to get the best out of both worlds-personally and professionally. Learn more about me HERE!

Buy My New Holiday Novel

join the cube

Recent Posts

  • The Nurse Practitioner’s Guide to Building an IV Therapy Brand
  • Career Options in Medicine: Exploring PA and MD Pathways
  • Planning a Vacation to Orlando: The Best Places to Shop and Explore
  • Seattle Round Trip: Elliott Bay, Hawaii, Alaska and More
  • Letter To My Daughter As She Turns 21: The World Is Yours

The Cube on Facebook

Checkout my NEW podcast

Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Google Podcasts

Affiliate

Perdue Farms Special Offer

View the blog

instagram

Follow @thecubiclechick

She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationa She only doing what she know… 🏁 #grandnationaltour #stl
MAY tings… MAY tings…
A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recentl A rooftop situation is always a good idea! Recently, I was invited to a Happy Hour of bites and beats at @angadartshotel’s @artbar.stl and when I say the food, drinks, and the vibe were necessary during these stressful times. I see another visit soon in my future. Cheers! 🥂
April photo dump. And things of that nature. ✨✨
Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂 Are we twinning or nah? 😂😂😂
4/10 should be declared a national holiday because 4/10 should be declared a national holiday because on this day a king was born! Happy birthday, son. Love you more than words can say! 🎉🎉🎉
May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures toget May we continue to have crazy/fun adventures together. You deserve an overflow of serendipity, and all the joy I can provide. Still celebrating—Happy Birthday, Mommy! 🎉🎉🎉
Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat Worked hard all week so we deserved a little treat. ✌🏾
My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainl My novel ‘A Clermont Lane Wedding’ is certainly not biographical, but there are traces of my life all up and down this book (hint hint). It’s a perfect Spring Break read!

It’s got romance, intrigue, a little mystery, and a family legacy on the line. On sale on Amazon, eBooks and paperback, link in bio.
The miracle of being a WOMAN. A life giver. A soul The miracle of being a WOMAN. A life giver. A soul nurturer. A blessing. ✨
Follow on Instagram

Work With Me

  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Media Kit

join the cube

Site Info

  • Privacy Policy
  • Legal
  • Site Disclosure

Copyright © 2025 The Cubicle Chick · Theme by 17th Avenue