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Craig Martelle
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Become a Successful Indie Author - 3rd Edition: Work Toward Your Writing Dream Kindle Edition

by Craig Martelle (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 out of 5 stars 673 ratings

Demystifying the tangled web of self-publishing to put you on the road to success.

This is the 3rd Edition, updated in 2023. A motivational guide based on publishing over four million words (mostly with Amazon) to help you see past the hurdles that are keeping you from climbing the mountain of success. Nothing is overwhelming once it's been explained. If you are smart enough to write a book, you are smart enough to do everything else needed to make your indie author business a success.

"Craig, thanks to the book, I went from kicking around vague concepts for my first series to knowing exactly how to proceed with it, and because of that I know it'll be far more successful than it would have been if I hadn't read this."

"This was insightful and motivating, I'm inspired and wiser for it. Thank you, Craig."

"Over the years, I’ve read many How To Books, Self Help Biographies, and Industry Books. Become a Successful Indie Author is one of the best. It reads like a novel, teaches specifics like a field manual, and shines light on pathways through the dark jungle of self-publishing."

Clocking in at over 50,000 words, this guide has something for every budding author as well as those who have already published, but for whom success remains elusive. In this business, there is only one hard and fast rule - you must find readers willing to pay for your stories. It starts with the first sentence. You have to write a gripping tale that people want to read, wrap a cover around the book, and then do the marketing. There’s no doubt that you can do it. Let me show you how. Read it today.

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  1. Book 1 of 6
    Successful Indie Author
  2. Print length
    227 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    March 26, 2018
  5. Reading age
    15 - 18 years
  6. File size
    5.7 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
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  9. Enhanced typesetting
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07BQX2X24
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Craig Martelle, Inc; 3rd edition (March 26, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 26, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.7 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 227 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 673 ratings

About the author

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Craig Martelle

Craig Martelle

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Craig is a million-selling author of science fiction (post-apocalyptic, military sci-fi, and space opera), thrillers, and non-fiction.

Craig retired from the Marine Corps after a long career in the military intelligence community, having worked with most of the U.S. Government's three-letter agencies. After a short stint with physical security, Craig went to law school, graduated summa cum laude, and went into business consulting. From intelligence, to the inner workings of company board rooms, to on-the-ground leadership, Craig has seen it firsthand.

His books are an extension of his experience, putting the trials and tribulations of a fast-paced world into your hands. Whether in Science Fiction, Thrillers, Fantasy, or even his Non-Fiction, you'll find consistent themes of justice and doing right by those who are counting on their leaders. Leadership is a service, not a crown to lord over others.

No matter where Craig went, he always had a book with him. Thanks to 21st Century technology, He now has thousands of books at his fingertips and with him wherever he goes. How many books would he have read on deployments had he not had to carry a physical book?

No one is encumbered like that now. Craig loves the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, Andre Norton, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. He has been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, Craig aspires to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared him to.

Through a bizarre series of events, Craig ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. He never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. He and his wife get to watch the northern lights from their driveway. Their dog has lots of room to run, just until temperatures reach fifty below zero. They have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.

It’s all part of the give and take of life. If they didn’t have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
673 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book packed full of the best advice and consider it a must-read for indie authors. The author excels at motivating authors, and customers appreciate its organization and value for money. The book's pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it worth the time while others express dissatisfaction.

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117 customers mention "Information quality"117 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and packed with practical tips, with one customer noting it's easy to digest.

"...The author is successful, knowledgable, and truly wants to teach others how to succeed." Read more

"...The information is good, but the meta narrative is also good. Here's what I mean:..." Read more

"...with an enjoyable and down-to-earth style making the serious information easy to digest. I heartily recommend it...." Read more

"...and helped organize an astounding amount of research and data for indies, making it much easier for us to find VETTED info on any given topic...." Read more

56 customers mention "Readability"56 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a fantastic and fun-tastic read that is a must for indie authors, with one customer noting it serves as a great resource for any writer starting out.

"...Short and easy to read. It's worth the time." Read more

"...It is also a fun read, with an enjoyable and down-to-earth style making the serious information easy to digest. I heartily recommend it...." Read more

"...So thank you, Craig for writing and publishing this wonderful book." Read more

"...'s take is succinct, occasionally profane and/or funny, and well worth the read. It's easy reading, too...." Read more

54 customers mention "Author content"54 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's content, describing it as an eager guide for indie authors that excels at motivating them, with one customer noting its impressive amount of self-publishing experience.

"Best information for self-published authors you can find. The author is successful, knowledgable, and truly wants to teach others how to succeed." Read more

"...This book helps. Craig Martelle has an impressive amount of experience in self-publishing, and just as important, he has the willingness and..." Read more

"...about what it takes (the majority of time) to become a bonafide money-making writer. He covers a lot of territory in his books, so get ready...." Read more

"...There were so many things I loved about this book but Craig's relatable style and presentation—including the rant section at the back..." Read more

6 customers mention "Value for money"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book worth its price.

"...I wish there were more stars to give... Outstanding value for money!" Read more

"...a book filled with wisdom, encouragement, resources, and the kick in the A$$ we all need once in a while...." Read more

"This book was recommended to me by an author I like to read, and it was worth WAY more than the purchase price...." Read more

"...Did find a few things repetitive but otherwise, well worth it." Read more

5 customers mention "Look"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's appearance, with one noting its crisp design.

"...It is also a fun read, with an enjoyable and down-to-earth style making the serious information easy to digest. I heartily recommend it...." Read more

"...The straight forward approach is easy to understand and the book is designed in such a way that you can easily look back and find the information..." Read more

"...No. However, this book does represent a fairly comprehensive look at turning what could be an expensive hobby into genuine professional success...." Read more

"Good look at what it takes to be successful as an indie author. Lots of practical advice no matter where you are on your author journey." Read more

5 customers mention "Organization"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's organization.

"...The information isn't overwhelming and is provided in a logical, organized manner...." Read more

"This book does a fantastic job of laying out all the things you need to know when starting off as a indie writer...." Read more

"...and even though I have seen the information presented before, it is compiled and related in such a way that I have taken more in...." Read more

"I loved the flow and logical organization...." Read more

6 customers mention "Pacing"2 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it makes the process less intimidating while others say it sucks.

"...Yes, he is a little brusque sometimes...." Read more

"...He demystifies the whole process and makes it much less intimidating...." Read more

"...There's a rambling quality to this guide. Paragraphs don't flow together...." Read more

"A lot of good information and helpful business ideas. A little repetitious at times and I could do without the occasional profanity." Read more

I'm a snob for covers
1 out of 5 stars
I'm a snob for covers
For non-fiction books, I prefer a hard copy. Be warned, that if you get a hard copy of this, the cover is kinda trash and discredits some of what Martell has to say---plus a little bit of false advertising with the cover pictured being entirely different that what a got. It makes me wonder what else hasn't been updated. At best, I'll be hiding this book from my bookshelf even if the information is good.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Bookish
    5.0 out of 5 stars The best information
    Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Best information for self-published authors you can find. The author is successful, knowledgable, and truly wants to teach others how to succeed.
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  • Jason Fowler
    5.0 out of 5 stars No Muss, No Fuss
    Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    If you want to see how one person made it to full-time author status, this is the book for you.

    The information is good, but the meta narrative is also good. Here's what I mean:

    Here's a guy who figured out how to make a living as an indie author. As you read, you pick up on the habits and attitudes he used to make that possible, and you begin to learn how you need to think to make your dream come true.

    Short and easy to read. It's worth the time.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • K. Redmond
    4.0 out of 5 stars A great book for indy authors
    Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Authoring a self-published book is hard enough, but selling it is even harder. It’s a minefield of websites, social media, newsletters, ad buys… you name it. Plus, the field changes every day. This book helps.
    Craig Martelle has an impressive amount of experience in self-publishing, and just as important, he has the willingness and talent to tell his readers how it’s done. I’ve read a few books of this sort in the past year and I have to say this is one of the best.
    On the downside, I found some of the rants in the final chapters to be irrelevant to the main thrust of the book. But still, you don’t have to read them. You’ll get enough out of the book’s core chapters to make it more than worthwhile.
    It is also a fun read, with an enjoyable and down-to-earth style making the serious information easy to digest. I heartily recommend it. I’m surely going to buy some of Craig’s fiction after reading this book!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • DRBCREEK
    5.0 out of 5 stars An Essential Building Block for Indie Authors
    Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    As an Indie author, I write, then read, read, and read some more, always trying to learn from those who’ve been actively working at this self-publishing business for a while. Craig Martelle has been doing this a few years; he has stayed very busy and has a LOT of books published; he has honed his skills and openly shared what has and hasn’t worked for him. He writes without fluff and is a straight shooter. He knows there are different ways of doing things—each person has their own learning styles and business approach, yet he speaks to us in a way that helps us tackle our own dreams. He’s the fellow who wants to make writing profitable, sharing truths about what it takes (the majority of time) to become a bonafide money-making writer. He covers a lot of territory in his books, so get ready. I’ll add that I never rush out to buy anyone’s books, I first let a person’s merit prove their ability to be a “paid” authority on any matter... whether it be $100 or 99 cents. Money is something I refuse to let go of lightly, but Craig Martelle didn’t let me down; my investment into his books has been rewarding. As an indie, you will not find a singular book with all the answers needed to work in this industry. No, you’ve got to figure out which authors write about various topics in the best manner for your comprehension, time, and money. You’ve got to push yourself and read everything worthwhile you can handle, letting your mind soak it in, and for me, this author fits the bill. Craig is personally engaged with the self-publishing community... he’s collaborated and helped organize an astounding amount of research and data for indies, making it much easier for us to find VETTED info on any given topic. I’ll be reading all of his books about writing, for sure, and some others as well to stay OUT of a shrinking box. Onward to my next Martelle book—I’m catching up and a better indie author for it!

    Lana R. Black
    6 people found this helpful
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  • User
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reads in less than a day, but packs enough lessons and resources for a lifetime of writing.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Craig, in his no-nonsense way, did a great job of explaining the keys to becoming a successful Amazon-only self-published fiction writer and outlined a straightforward path to doing so. There are no shortcuts, its a journey for the ones who are willing to put forth the effort, but it is doable. I particularly enjoyed the later chapters (5 through 8) as they really show the process of collaboration and relationship building, along with the key concepts:
    * Write, publish, get feedback, repeat. To do that focus on a specific audience (at least for the first so many books). Write a lot and get the right kind of feedback (know your audience).
    * Help out and network, focus on your audience.
    * Be ready to put in the time and effort.

    Can't wait for a second edition (in a few years or maybe a book related website) that has more resources updated on the ongoing basis (I guess Facebook 20booksto50k group is that). Would love to find out more about picking a genre and sub-genre, developing your voice, finding collaborators and cowriters or getting into anthologies, what not to do, advice on outsourcing some of the work (editing, marketing, virtual assistants, etc.). Would love some guideposts like find a minimum number of writers who are the masters of your genre, read X number of books in that genre. If you were starting from scratch today, knowing everything you know what would your first 100 days, your first year look like? What are the things to nail down before you start, or quit your day job?
    13 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Jay Puranik
    5.0 out of 5 stars Writing your first book? Read this first!
    Reviewed in India on October 25, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent start for beginners or intermediate-level indie authors. Great insights and Dos and Don'ts.
    Report
  • Andrea Lisi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Alcuni del consigli più onesti al mondo su come sviluppare la tua carriera da autore, anche se inizi dopo i 50 anni
    Reviewed in Italy on January 25, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Craig è un mito.
    Da tantissime dritte utili tratte dalla sua esperienza di reale successo in un settore difficile come la narrativa. Lo stile è onesto e da amico, non da dio sceso in terra come si è abituati nel mondo dell'infomarketing.

    La mia frase preferita:
    《Don’t compare yourself to me and don’t tell me I can’t write good books because I write them too quickly. Just because you can’t do this (yet), it doesn’t mean it can’t be done. I don’t give a flying goat fuck what Agatha Christie did in the 1930s. When it comes to writing, I care what Craig Martelle can do in 2018. Period.》
    Report
  • Colleen Simpson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Superbly written advice for an indie looking for success!
    Reviewed in Australia on August 16, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Timely advice regarding the different aspects of making it as a successful independent author. From story building advice, to building a social media presence and newsletter, along with the basics of managing finances and taking care of taxes, this is a clearly written, well-thought read on things to pay attention to as you work towards being a successful independent author.
    Report
  • Angeline Gallant
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Canada on March 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This book provided invaluable tips but also the encouragement I've been needing. It is written in an easy-to-understand style as well.
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  • Miguel Angel Alonso Pulido
    4.0 out of 5 stars Me ha gustado
    Reviewed in Spain on April 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Muy buen libro por el creador de uno de los mejores grupos de FB para escritores (20to50kbooks), repleto de buenos consejos para los aspirantes a escritor y para los que ya han escrito unos cuantos libros. Me gustó especialmente la parte final, en la que recopila alguno de los sermones que a veces suelta en la página: solo esa parte ya merece la compra. Muy recomendable.
    Report

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