Thank you, Dana. There are a number of forums and social networks out there for writers generally, but none offered a secure members-only environment where independent and self-published authors could come together to share knowledge, resources, experiences and ideas, collaborate on projects, and provide support and encouragement in a dynamic community setting. And so the concept of a not-for-profit professional association came to fruition. Within our community, independent authors will learn from each other, and become better writers and business people or authorpreneurs.
There are three levels of membership, for aspiring authors, independently/self-published authors and consultants. Our consultant members play a vital role, as they help independent authors succeed by offering advice and articles in our Forums and Community Blogs. We are very pleased to have you involved, Dana, as moderator of our Community Blog, "Savvy Marketing for Independent Authors".
I like the Groups feature, where authors who write in a particular genre can get together and network, and the Forums focused on specific topics like Spelling and Grammar and Building a Platform. What are some of the other benefits to joining AiA?
A number of organizations have offered discounts to our members including marketing packages, video book trailers, non-bookstore sales programs, consulting services, books, courses, workshops and magazine subscriptions.
Within the Groups, members who write in a specific genre will be able to exchange critiques, reviews, contacts, market opportunities and feedback on what has been tried and tested. Groups have their own forums, newsletters, event calendars, photo gallery and blogs. We also have seventeen community Forums on writing and business topics.
Using the Keyword Search, members can search for everything written on a particular topic within individual member's blog and the Community blogs. This simplifies the information gathering process and ensures that the information is specific to independent authors, rather than for authors in general as is the case when using search engines.
I understand that member authors will be able to list their books in the AiA online bookstore.
Yes, our online bookstore lists all books by all members, searchable by title, author or category. We encourage members to support other members by buying books from our community bookstore. The AiA does not earn a commission or charge a fee for this service, but merely facilities the process.
What other features will authors find on the AiA website?
Each member has their own blog. We encourage members to write about their writing and business activities that might help other members, as this information is searchable. In addition, there are Community Blogs including The Independent Review where the community will review books and covers to help members improve their product. It's never too late to make improvements and, if necessary, issue a revised edition.
The home page for each member has a number of features including a profile, links, networking tools, and additional pages to be used for any purpose. Members can also upload files and photos. For example, I have uploaded a Sell Sheet and a contact list for non-bookstore opportunities.
We also have a Services Directory that lists products and services for independent authors, by category. Members can have a service added to the list if they are happy with that service and can genuinely recommend it to other members. The reverse is also true—if feedback from members suggests a service is less than satisfactory it may be removed from the Directory.
It makes no sense to me that independent authors are out there struggling with the business side of writing and constantly re-inventing the wheel, when we can combine forces and come up with solutions for issues facing independent authors.
Authors can find more information on AiA at www.independent-authors.org. Special Offer: To celebrate the launch of the AiA, members who join in February, 2010, will receive an additional three months membership (15 months for US$50.)
Yes, our online bookstore lists all books by all members, searchable by title, author or category. We encourage members to support other members by buying books from our community bookstore. The AiA does not earn a commission or charge a fee for this service, but merely facilities the process.
What other features will authors find on the AiA website?
Each member has their own blog. We encourage members to write about their writing and business activities that might help other members, as this information is searchable. In addition, there are Community Blogs including The Independent Review where the community will review books and covers to help members improve their product. It's never too late to make improvements and, if necessary, issue a revised edition.
The home page for each member has a number of features including a profile, links, networking tools, and additional pages to be used for any purpose. Members can also upload files and photos. For example, I have uploaded a Sell Sheet and a contact list for non-bookstore opportunities.
We also have a Services Directory that lists products and services for independent authors, by category. Members can have a service added to the list if they are happy with that service and can genuinely recommend it to other members. The reverse is also true—if feedback from members suggests a service is less than satisfactory it may be removed from the Directory.
I know you are a children's book author. Tell us a little more about your background.
I am a lawyer by profession, but most of my career has been as a senior executive for two membership organizations: the Australian Institute of Project Management and the Institute of Arbitrators & Mediators Australia. After moving to Singapore in 2004, I worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers as Director, Operations & Finance, Asia.
In addition to my law degree, I have three masters degrees: an MBA (International Management), Master of Commerce (e-commerce major) and a Master of International Trade and Investment Law.
I see the AiA as a merger of my past professional career and my new career as an independent author. I hope to use my business background and education to help other independent authors improve their capabilities as businesspeople.It makes no sense to me that independent authors are out there struggling with the business side of writing and constantly re-inventing the wheel, when we can combine forces and come up with solutions for issues facing independent authors.
Authors can find more information on AiA at www.independent-authors.org. Special Offer: To celebrate the launch of the AiA, members who join in February, 2010, will receive an additional three months membership (15 months for US$50.)
Comments