Indie Inspiration – H.M. Ward – Lisa Lang Blakeney

H.M. Ward is my first pick for the Indie Inspiration Writer Series.

H.M. Ward – The Facts

H.M. Ward is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of New Adult and YA Fiction. While her following began with her YA supernatural novels, her career really took off after publishing her New Adult fiction including “The Arrangement” serials and her big full length novel “Damaged: The Ferro Family“.

Since 2011 she has sold 4 million books. That’s staggering! And because she is a 100% indie author, think about the paychecks she brought home. Her serials cost $2.99 USD and her full length novels cost about $3.99. So you do the math.

In 2013 she had 11 titles appear on the New York Times bestseller list. Ummm…that’s nutty!

Why She’s An Inspiration

One of the things that struck me most about this author is her bravado. First, I love how she writes new adult serials. If you grew up on daytime soap operas and love a drama filled “cliffhanger” then you’ll understand what I mean. But what I really like is how she doesn’t waffle on her decision on writing them.

She writes them. If fans want more, she writes another. She absolutely sticks to her price, unless there’s a special sale or promotion. And she doesn’t buckle under what I feel is unfair whining about how she needs to “end the series” or “she charges too much” for her books.

I cram to understand readers who leave reviews like that. She clearly states EVERYWHERE that it is a serial. How many pages it is and the price. It’s up to you whether you are going to pay for it or not. And let me say this. No one has ever complained that the writing is horrible. Because it isn’t.

The other brave thing I love about this author is how she proudly wears the “indie” title on her chest. In fact, she wrote a really powerful blog post on why she has decided against traditional publishing or hybrid publishing. Because the big 5 have come after her, but she’s said no. Several times.