Indie Author Spotlight: Amra Pajalić
Indie author Amra Pajalić shares the importance of making books accessible to all types of readers by using multiple formats.
[A condensed version of this profile appeared in the May/June 2023 issue of Writer's Digest.]
Amra Pajalić, pen name Mae Archer
Sabiha’s Dilemma, Alma’s Loyalty, The Cuckoo’s Song, The Climb, Return to Me, Hollywood Dreams
(Young adult; romance; Pishukin Press)
Had you considered traditional publishing?
I was very fortunate to be traditionally published with my debut novel, which I have re-released as Sabiha’s Dilemma. I had a dream run with my first book: signed with a top agent, had multiple offers from publishers, was shortlisted for prizes pre- and post-publication, and won a literary prize. Through my traditionally published journey, I received a lovely apprenticeship into writing and publishing, especially when I co-edited an anthology Growing up Muslim in Australia.
As time passed, though, the publishing industry suffered greater economic stress. I was getting more experienced and efficient as an author, honing my skills in writing blurbs to submit my books which were then being used by publishers, but publishing opportunities were shrinking.
I’d been thinking about self-publishing for the past five years and had been undertaking some research about it. The more I learned, the more I felt energized and excited about the possibilities. And on [January 31], 2022, I self-published my first book The Cuckoo’s Song, a short story collection featuring some of my previously published and prize-winning stories.
Why self-publish?
Self-publishing became the obvious choice for me as I genre hop and had a rather voluminous backlist of previously published novels. After writing my debut young adult novel, I fell in love with the characters and wanted to write a series titled Sassy Saints, but after my publisher passed on the second book in the series, Alma’s Loyalty, I shelved this manuscript … for the last 12 years.
I also had two romance novels published under a pen name, Mae Archer, that were also languishing after the imprint was closed and my rights reverted back to me. Self-publishing under my own imprint gave me the opportunity to put all this intellectual property to use and to be able to market all my varied writing under the one umbrella.
Self-publishing appeal?
One of the most energizing and stimulating things about self-publishing has been thinking about myself as a small business owner. With this mindset, I have been focused on how to create a brand that represents who I am and my passions. As a high school teacher, I have had the opportunity to work with many … students who struggle to engage with the printed word. … if you struggle to read then you haven’t found the right book format. As a result, I am focused on making my books accessible for all kinds of readers. All Pishukin Press texts are published in e-book, paperback, hardcover as well as:
- Dyslexic Format Edition—printed in Dyslexic Open 14-point font
- Large Print edition—printed in Large Print Open Sans No Italics 18-point font
- Audiobooks AI—narrated by artificial intelligence using Google technology.
- Audiobooks—narrated by performance narrators.
I am also thinking about the future and opening my imprint to submissions. Within the traditionally published space there weren’t many opportunities for underrepresented authors and so this too will be a focus of my imprint.
Biggest challenge?
Needing to wear different hats. I produce the books by doing my own formatting and covers, and then need to put my marketing hat to promote my books. I am constantly learning new skills and new systems—for example, learning about how to engage with internal promotional opportunities with each distributor, format covers for each platform, design promotional material, advertise in print catalogues through writing organizations and via online platforms. Sometimes it can get quite overwhelming because there is a constant to-do list and not enough time in the day to undertake them.
Wish I’d known:
I could change the publication date on all online platforms. I set the publication date, and while I was planning a soft launch, I found myself under a great deal of pressure attempting to learn all the different platform requirements in the deadline I had given myself. I have since learned to set a much longer publication date and move it up if my editing and advance reviews are ready earlier.
Writing advice:
The best way to improve your own writing is to critique other writers. There is something within us that makes it very difficult to see flaws in our own writing. I noticed this when I watched “American Idol” and all these singers would get up to sing, terribly, and then be shocked at the reaction from the judges. Creating makes us feel good and when we read our books, we are so happy and in love, that we can’t see any issues. However, when we read other writers, we can easily see the flaws. The more we critique other writing, the better we are at being able to see these mistakes in our own writing. When you are developing your craft, find a writing group or a critique partner. Set deadlines to exchange work and be honest and helpful when giving critiques.
Publishing advice:
Understand that as a self-published author, you are a small business. Small businesses operate at a loss for at least the first year as they build a customer base and establish themselves. This means that you will need to have some capital to draw on for your publishing expenses, and you might not earn out or operate in profit. Think about skills that you have that you can monetize to build your small business. I’m funding my publishing costs through freelance writing and workshops, as my day-to-day income as a teacher is for my family expenses. Don’t let this dishearten you, but instead take pride in the fact that you are building a foundation and investing in yourself. You have entered the creator economy, and this is an amazing thing to be a part of.
Marketing Strategy:
Through social media by creating reels and photo graphics that are posted on all platforms via Postly. I publish direct to Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Apple via Draft 2 Digital, and take part in internal promotions through all the platforms I can. I use email subscription services such as Hello Books, Fussy Librarian, and Written Word Media to promote my audiobooks via Audio Thicket and all my e-books via their genre lists. Promotional opportunities via writing organizations such as the library blast with IBPA and catalogue advertising. I am learning Facebook advertising and will be undertaking more paid advertising opportunities. I have also been successful in obtaining funding with the Australian government to establish my online shop and sell direct, as well as receiving an export grant that will reimburse me for marketing expenses.
Don’t Skimp On:
Editing and proofreading. I have been very fortunate that most of the books that I have published thus far were previously published and professionally edited. As I move away from my backlist, I am paying for editing and proofreading to ensure that my books are at a professional standard.
Websites:
Awards and recognition:
- The Good Daughter, re-released as Sabiha’s Dilemma (Pishukin Press, 2022), 2009 Melbourne Prize for Literature’s Civic Choice Award.
- Growing Up Muslim in Australia, anthology co-edited with Demet Divaroren (Allen & Unwin, 2014), shortlisted for the 2015 Children’s Book Council of the year awards
- Things Nobody Knows But Me (Transit Lounge, 2019) shortlisted for the 2020 National Biography Award
About Amy Jones
Amy Jones is the Editor-in-Chief of Writer’s Digest and was the managing content director for WD Books. She is the editor of the Novel and Short Story Writer's Market and Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market. Prior to joining the WD team, Amy was the managing editor for North Light Books and IMPACT Books. Like most WD staffers, Amy is a voracious reader and has a particular interest in literary fiction, historical fiction, steamy romance, and page-turning mysteries. When she’s not reading, Amy can be found daydreaming about Italy or volunteering at her local no-kill cat shelter. Find Amy on Twitter @AmyMJones_5.
