Demystifying Being an Indie Author

Independently publishing your writing (self-publishing) is an increasingly popular option for many writers today, offering control over your books, your business and maximising your financial freedom. This interactive panel, presented by successful multi-genre authors, publishing both independently and traditionally, will inspire as well as provide practical tips. From the basics of ‘How to do it’ to honest answers about the costs and challenges, book your ticket today to discover if indie publishing is for you. Join us in this whistle-stop guide to publishing your story, your way. 

Speakers: 

Jan Foster – Historical Fantasy & Children’s Author 

Jan writes novels and scripts, in between being a mum and a small business consultant. Before COVID, she volunteered reading with children in her local school, helping them find the joy and escapism in books. Before that, she ran several businesses herself and continues to passionately advocate for small-medium sized enterprises. 

She loves history and folklore, which has fed into her ‘Naturae’ historical fantasy series of novels. Real life heroines and heroes always inspire her (in that order), which is why she offers readers a blend of fiction laced with reality. Being slightly obsessed with Vikings and Tudors, Jan thoroughly enjoys research trips and burying her head in books to flesh out the details of these time periods in her novels. That’s her excuse and she is sticking to it! 

Jan (also writing as J.H. Foster for historical fiction) is based in the North West of England and tries to drag her family and dogs out into the wilds or into windswept castles as much as possible – when it’s not raining! 

You can follow what Jan is up to on social media @janfosterauthor or check out her website for more details on publications and other articles or short stories she’s penned. www.escapeintoatale.com 

Heather G Harris – Best-Selling Urban Fantasy Author 

Heather is a Top 100 Amazon best-selling fantasy author. She used to work as a lawyer, but she is now honoured and privileged to write full-time. 

Heather went to university in Liverpool, where she took up skydiving and met her future husband. Together, they have spawned three little terrors – sorry, children – of their own. Nowadays, the family is blessed with a Great Dane called Sierra, who almost never chews shoes anymore. Sierra is Heather’s dutiful work colleague, sitting for hours beside her while she writes tales of magic, mystery, and love. 

When Heather’s not running around after her three gorgeous children, she is plotting her next book. She daydreams about vampires, dragons, and kick-ass heroines with a Happily Ever After. 

Hannah Lynn/Ella Stone – Award Winning Romance and Fantasy Author 

Hannah Lynn is a multi award winning novelist and all round book lover. 

After growing up in the Cotswolds, Hannah spent 15 years teaching physics, first in the UK and then around Asia and other parts of the globe, all while constantly plotting stories. In 2021 she finally made the leap to full-time author and is incredibly fortunate to spend her days building worlds and falling in love with her characters. 

With over 40 publications spanning a number of genres and translated into a dozen languages, Hannah has proven herself to be both an accomplished and prolific author. 

Now settled back in the UK with her husband, daughter and clowder of cats, she spends her days writing romantic comedies and historical fiction, along with urban fantasy books under her pen name of Ella Stone.