I’m pleased to have indie author Melody Balthaser with me today. What does she say about herself?
I’m blessed to live with my husband and teenage son on my family’s farm, nestled between the Catskill and Pocono Mountains, in the scenic Upper Delaware River Valley.
Sharing the transforming love of Jesus, through writing and speaking, is a passion of mine, and I believe with His love we can push through fear to reach our full potential. I’m constantly pursuing ways to surrender to God’s love and blast my fear.
Open water and heights have always terrified me, but in the past few years I’ve snorkeled during a shark feeding and jumped out of a plane at thirteen thousand feet. My bucket list of fear busters continues!
I’d say she also busted through one other fear.
Melody has gone from being a traditionally published author to being an indie author. And that’s what today’s interview is all about. Let’s dive in to our Q&A.
Moving from traditional author to indie author, what challenges did you hit?
Since I’m not very skilled with the computer, I found formatting for paperback and ebook publishing very difficult. I had to pray a lot and remind myself that I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
How did you work through the challenges?
Besides a lot of prayer and quoting Scripture, I just kept at it. I would keep trying something, determining that if nothing else, I was learning what didn’t work and would eventually figure out what did work.
Did you meet drawbacks to indie publishing you didn’t expect?
No, I fully expected drawbacks and to be challenged in the technological aspects, as well as the editing. My husband is an artist and makes his living in graphic design so I knew the book cover design would get done with his help.
I just focused on the fact that it was the way I needed to go and would get there eventually. I was never going to give up because I felt God wanted my stories out there and HE would get it done in His timing and in His way.
What aspect of being indie author do you like best and why?
I like having the rights to my work and being able to make all the decisions.
Interestingly, these were the very reasons for initially going with traditional publishing. I did not have the confidence in myself, or the knowledge of publishing in general, to take it on myself.
Over the four years with a publisher, I gained a lot of insight into what I can accomplish with God’s help.
I think it helped that I had completely surrendered my writing to Him and would have walked away from it altogether if that’s what He’d asked of me. When He didn’t, I knew it was full steam ahead!
What advice would you give to those considering indie publishing?
Because indie publishing is so much work, I’d advise anyone considering it to first submit it to God and let Him direct you. If you feel it is the way He wants you to go, find people that can help you with the areas you are weak in.
As you can attest, Deb, I needed your help with some editing and formatting and was grateful to be able to connect with you.
For book cover design, editing, formatting, marketing and other aspects you need help with, hiring professionals may be the best. Figure a budget and set aside money so you have it available as needed. KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing- Amazon’s indie publishing) has a lot of help available and you may be able to utilize that more cost effectively.
Melody, thanks for being here today and sharing your experience. Being an indie author can be scary–but exciting–and I’m sure my readers appreciate hearing your advice.
Learn more about Melody at her website, MelodyBalthaser.com. And be sure to get her books Seeking Sophie and Chasing Clare.
About Melody’s Books
Seeking Sophie
She wants to belong. He wants solitude.
In 1858 New England, orphaned, indentured servant Sophie Stalz attacks her master in self-defense. Now she must rely on her brother and his friends to protect her. Escaping through the Underground Railroad, Sophie finds herself stranded on an island in the hands of a stranger.
Surrounded by the sea and occupied with the duties of a lighthouse keeper, Jackson Scott just wants to be left alone with his memories. His fortress is about to crumble when his friend deposits Sophie on his doorstep. An old debt needs to be paid and the cost is dear.
As her master is Seeking Sophie, will Sophie and Jackson find a life together free from the past?
Available at Amazon.
Chasing Clare
She wants to be an independent woman. He wants revenge.
The 1850s are coming to a close. A new decade promises more change.
Clare O’Malley is now unemployed and at the mercy of her mother’s matchmaking. Seems like the perfect time to leave Boston for Maine to visit her best friend and resident lighthouse keeper, Sophie Stalz Scott. On Eagle Head Island, Clare hopes to gain clarity, Instead, she loses all focus.
Bringing down Damien Sherman will take proof and a plan. Erik Stalz has neither. He needs to confer with his brother-in-law, Jackson Scott. Erik finds a pleasant distraction on the island until two more guests arrive with a surprise that changes everything.
Clare is chasing her future. Erik is stuck in the past. Their attraction is undeniable and volatile. Will their impact always propel them in opposite directions?
Releasing July 1, 2019
Available at