Michael Meyer has published three novels – two humorous and one international thriller – for the Amazon Kindle.  His Amazon page can be found here.

1. Tell me about your books.

Covert Dreams is set in Munich and Saudi Arabia.  A series of frightening dreams is somehow linked to murder.  The Famous Union is a rollicking romp through the halls of academia, where what is what is not.  The Survival of Marvin Baines is a whimsical look at one man’s coping with midlife.

2. How have your sales been?

I hope they will grow.  I depend completely upon word-of-mouth.  Once people know about the existence of my books, I think sales will get much better.  I have complete faith in my writing, but it takes time.

3. Have you tried to publish your books through traditional publishing houses?  If so, describe your experience.

No, I have not.

4. How would you describe your experience with self-publishing in general and Amazon Kindle in particular?

I love it!  I am in complete control of my own writing.  My wife bought me a Kindle, and it was love at first sight.  Amazon has been a terrific partner for me.  Their support staff is awesome.  They seem to always be there for me when I need help.

5. What sort of marketing techniques have you used, and which ones have been most successful?

Unfortunately, I am not good at tooting my own horn.  I try to get as many interviews as I can, and I have advertised a bit, but I essentially depend upon readers of my writing to spread the word.

6. Are there any marketing techniques you intentionally avoided or discontinued, and if so, why?

I learned quickly that people do not like spam, so I have purposefully avoided tooting my own horn except in forums specifically devoted to authors talking about their own work.  The problem with those forums, however, is that the audience is essentially other writers, not readers interested in finding a good read.

7. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about self-publishing that you didn’t know when you started out?

It never hit me that marketing was so important.  I love to write, but I do not like being a salesperson for my own writing.  In addition, I learned that the vast majority of readers, for one reason or another, neglect to post reviews.  As an Indie writer, reviews are very important.  I encourage my readers to post reviews of my books on my Amazon site and then anywhere and everywhere else they choose.  Reviews are like the lifeblood of my avocation.

8. If you could do one thing differently in publishing your books, what would it be?

I stand by my own work as it is.  I put forth so much effort into writing my books, that I cannot imagine doing anything differently.

9. Independent authors face the obvious challenge of marketing their books without the resources of traditional publishers.  What advice do you have for an indie author just starting out?

Do not publish until your work is at its very best.  Then sit back and relax a bit.  It will take time for your writing to be noticed by others.  Enjoy the ride.  It is part of life.

10. What projects are you currently working on?

I just completed Covert Dreams very recently, so I am currently taking a short hiatus, mulling over where I will go next.  I have two humorous novels and one suspenseful thriller now published on Amazon, and I have several future ideas rolling around my mind.

11. If you could market your brand – not just one particular book, but your overall brand of writing – in one sentence, what would it be?

Well-drawn characters in situations that will either make you laugh, cry, or thrill you, each book will relax you or stimulate you at half the cost of a glass of house wine.