Breaking Boundaries: How Lucy Felthouse Forged Her Indie Publishing Path
Some authors set out with a clear vision of becoming indie writers. Others, like Lucy Felthouse, stumble upon it almost accidentally, driven by curiosity and a love for storytelling. Her journey into the indie publishing world wasn’t meticulously planned it unfolded naturally, shaped by changing industry trends and her drive to understand how things worked.
Lucy Felthouse’s Facebook
Lucy has always been an inquisitive person, eager to explore new opportunities. When indie publishing started gaining traction, she experimented, testing the waters with several books. That initial curiosity soon turned into a serious career move. As she regained the rights to previously published works, she saw an opportunity to take complete control creatively and financially by re-releasing them independently. With indie publishing, she could publish on her schedule without waiting for a publisher’s green light or being tied to their timelines.
But the indie path isn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles? Visibility. In an age where a single viral video can make or break an author’s career, Lucy acknowledges that getting her books noticed can be an uphill battle. Despite this, she remains steadfast, focusing on what she can control, such as writing and promoting the best books through social media, newsletters, in-person events, and advertising. Marketing comes naturally to her, as she also works in promotion for other writers, making her well-versed in the strategies needed to get books into readers’ hands.
What does she love most about being an indie author? Freedom. The freedom to write at her own pace, release books on her timeline and join promotional opportunities without restrictions. As an indie author, she can decide on pricing, sales, and distribution, ensuring her books are widely accessible, including on platforms like Kindle Unlimited, Radish, and Ream. Her Ream subscribers even get early access to her works-in-progress, a unique perk for dedicated fans.
Despite the demands of marketing and business management, Lucy still carves out time for writing. She doesn’t outline extensively; instead, she lets the story and characters guide her, jotting down notes as needed to maintain consistency. Ideas come from everywhere: a conversation, a place, an intriguing book cover, and she keeps a notebook brimming with future story concepts. Editing is another area where she doesn’t cut corners. As a professional editor and proofreader, she ensures each book is as polished as possible before release, though she admits that the occasional typo still sneaks through. After all, no one is perfect!
When it comes to romance, Lucy writes from the heart. A self-proclaimed romantic, she enjoys exploring different subgenres, blending romance with thriller, espionage, or action elements. She doesn’t adhere to a strict formula for the chemistry between characters. She trusts them to lead the way. Whether it’s slow burn or love at first sight, she focuses on crafting authentic and compelling relationships.
For aspiring indie authors, Lucy offers crucial advice: research. The publishing landscape constantly evolves, and staying informed is key to success. A professional presentation quality covers, thorough editing, and strategic marketing make all the difference. And when motivation wavers, as it sometimes does, she reminds herself of the hard work she’s put into her career and the readers eagerly awaiting her next book.
So, what’s next for Lucy Felthouse? More writing, more publishing, and more stories to share. Her journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, adaptability, and perseverance qualities that define an actual indie author.
