M.K. McClintock chose indie writing because of her ability to write and market as she likes.  She explains the importance of editing, as well as which social media she uses (and doesn’t).

1. Pretend for a moment I’m a reader looking for my next book. Pitch me one of your books in five to ten sentences.

A family legacy built on a wild land.  A struggle for justice, love and survival.  Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn’t know existed.  Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana.  Ethan Gallagher takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.

2. What motivated you to become an indie writer?

The undeniable freedom it provides. Writing my way, my prices, my rights.

3. Have you been traditionally published? Why or why not?

Not yet!  I didn’t have the patience to wait for that to materialize.  After speaking with a couple of agents, I realized the process could take quite some time and I was more interested in seeing my books in print sooner rather than later.

4. How have you liked self-publishing so far?

I’ve enjoyed the process.  I like the complete control I have over everything from cover design to book prices and keeping all rights, especially the digital.  The process has been surprisingly simple and relatively stress-free.  Even if I did go with a traditional publisher at some point, I would still opt to self-publish books.

5. Tell me about the marketing techniques you’ve used to sell your books.  Which ones have been the most successful?

I’ve done quite a bit so far from Twitter (which I normally never would have considered) to a blog, book trailers and upcoming virtual blog tours.  I’ve also joined Goodreads and She Writes, both of which are great exposure.  LinkedIn is a recent site for me, though I’d have to say that Goodreads has given my work the most exposure.  I’ve realized though that what I can do is still limited, so I’ve contacted someone to help with promoting and I feel that and book tours will prove to be the most successful.  You definitely have to get out there and market, especially as a new author.

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

I haven’t created a Facebook page or other social media outside of Twitter and I don’t plan to.  I’ve heard arguments for both sides and after a lot of consideration, opted to avoid those avenues.  I feel that with Facebook being as flooded as it is, I can target a more specific audience by going elsewhere.

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

Edit like crazy!  In truth, you do have to watch out for mistakes more than if you had a traditional publisher.  I’d recommend that writers still seek out an editor who can at least go over the manuscript not to just check for grammatical errors, but to check for flow and consistency.  When you self-publish, there’s a greater margin for error, so check it, double check it and then check it again.

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

Set a higher budget for marketing!  That’s been the biggest hurdle and luckily that’s something I can still go back and do.  I would also give myself a bit more time.  I’ve set my own release dates, but I would have given myself an extra month, which I’ll do with the next book.

9. What projects are you currently working on?

The second book in my Montana Gallagher series and the second British Agent novel, both due in 2012.

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

Historical romance with a crime-solving twist and characters with grit.

11. How can readers learn more about your books?

The best places are through my website (mkmcclintock.com) or blog (mkmcclintock.blogspot.com) or by picking one up at Amazon!