Indie Author Panel to Share Tips and Resources

If the thought of going "indie" causes you to break out in a cold sweat, leaves you quaking in your boots, and/or chewing your fingernails, you are not alone. Independently publishing a book (what about a series?!) without the backing of a traditional publisher can be a scary proposition. Just ask Valerie, Gretchen, and Beth, three Hoosier authors who faced their fears and became indie authors.

In fact, that's what you'll have the opportunity to do on March 11 at our next ACFW Indiana Chapter meeting. Via Zoom this author panel will share what led each of them to choose the indie route. Then, the discussion will transition to the nuts and bolts of indie publishing as they present:

• a look at the basic decisions 
• tips for keeping costs low
• marketing opportunities

They are excited about sharing what they've learned and encourage chapter members to submit questions before the panel's presentation on March 11. Please send questions to: bethsteury@gmail.com

We hope to see you on March 11! 

“Go Indie and Win: Indie Authors Share Tips and Resources”

 March 11 ~ Noon – 2 p.m. via Zoom

  

VALERIE BANFIELD is a talespinner to the lost, the loved, and the found. When she isn't making up stories, she might be found tangled in a basket weaving project, with a book in her hands, or maybe walking the dog.

She is the author of sixteen novels, co-author of three West Virginia-themed tales, and recipient of the Cascade Award for Historical Fiction.

 She counts her participation in international short-term missionary campaigns among her life’s most blessed and humbling journeys, and firmly believes that when we give our Father control, He rocks our world.

 This Midwest gal wandered to Florida, took a short jaunt to West Virginia, and then moved westward. These days, she’s counting the stars in Indiana and making new memories with her Hoosier kin. Connect with Valerie via her website or email and check out her Amazon author page.

  

GRETCHEN CARLSON’s background in journalism and education fed her heartbeat for writing and sharing stories of hope. Her debut novel, More Than Grit, won the 2018 American Christian Fiction Writer’s Genesis award for the young adult category and the 2017 First Impression’s award.

 Growing up, she spent vacations on her grandparents’ farm in Kansas where she collected memories and heard stories of hard times and strong friendships. Her grandmother waited for decades to share the family secret of how they got electricity, and it was this story that inspired More Than Grit.

 She is a member of Front Range Christian Fiction Writers, American Christian Fiction Writers, and The Storyteller Squad. She is available and loves interaction with public schools, book clubs, homeschool groups, and readers of all ages. Connect with Gretchen via her website or by email and check out her Amazon author page. 

BETH STEURY’s combined experiences teaching the high school Sunday School class, substitute teaching in the public school, and connecting with the teenage staff at the fast-food joint where she claimed a “back booth office” helped inspire her YA “Choices Matter” fiction series. She's a "cheerleader" for saving sex for marriage and for "renewed waiting" because it's never too late to make wiser choices. Her “Waiting Matters … Because YOU Matter” blog helps people of all ages navigate the choppy waters of saving sex for marriage while her “Slices of Real Life” posts find GOD in the day-to-day moments of real life. 

As a genetic genealogy enthusiast and "search angel," she writes and speaks about her experiences as a "foundling" who located her birth parents via DNA. Her journey to find and connect with her biological family is chronicled in the blog series “A Doorstep Baby’s Search for Answers.” She also serves on the executive board of the National Association of Adoptees and Parents. Connect with Beth via her website or by email and check out her Amazon author page.