Today on the blog we welcome author Julie Haiselden, with her guest post ‘How to Become an Indie Author‘. Her latest book, ‘Reasonable Doubt?’ was released on 15th April 2019. This post contains affiliate links.

In 2015, my debut novel, Long Shadows was published. My second offering is a Victorian thriller, Evil Echoes and my third, a contemporary soon-to-be-published sequel to Long Shadows, although all three books stand alone.

In a past life, I used to tread the boards and shout the odd stage direction. Currently, I work as a church verger and when I’m not writing, reviewing or blogging, I give talks to local groups and am a volunteer room guide for the National Trust. I am blessed with a marvellous home life as a wife, mother and grandmother.

Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me in this wonderfully crazy self-indulgent adventure.

How to Become an Indie Author

Those of you who have been with me on my self-publishing journey will know that I’ve done it! My book is now out in the world and so far at least, performing well and I’m delighted to announce that four days after launch, I had my first five-star Amazon review. To date I’ve now got three five-star reviews and I am over the moon.

So how did I do it? I had a secret weapon – Stacey from Whispering Stories.

When I wanted to metaphorically shove ‘Reasonable Doubt?’ in a drawer to gather dust, Stacey told me to stop being such a wimp. She held my hand every step of the way from proofreading to cover design and onto publication with publicity completing the package.

As we approached the end of the project, I suggested she offer the help she has given me to others. Finally I think I’ve managed to convince her there are many writers out there who need a virtual friend to achieve their ambition to become a published author.

I searched a few sites to see what was on offer from slick publishing services through to hybrid publishers and found the fees to be huge. In fact as soon as I logged on to one site I had a pop-up person asking how they could help me – yes, it is big business.

What is the difference between the above and Whispering Stories? The answer is very simple – cost. Stacey will be able to offer a bespoke service to give you as much help as you need. She will provide a complete publication service or a pick and mix bespoke hand-holding process and will negotiate her fee accordingly.

So what are you waiting for? If you think that this service will be of use to you then contact Stacey at – [email protected] and let her know. She is hoping to start offering the service very soon to authors. I look forward to seeing your book in print.

One rural village; so many secrets…

Blenthorne nestles in a quiet corner of Cumbria and is home to local entrepreneur, Lizzie Lockwood. Lizzie has returned to the home she loves after an unpleasant hiatus. She is determined to put the past behind her as she concentrates on her thriving business interests and a fledgling relationship.

Her happy bubble is soon burst by the arrival of tainted newcomer, Helen Anderson who is intent on inveigling herself into Lizzie’s life. Hot on her heels is investigative journalist, Percival Lynton Whitaker. As he garners gossip for his impending ‘Reasonable Doubt?’ exposé on Helen, a chance encounter takes him back to a macabre event from yesteryear. Has he inadvertently stumbled across someone who was implicated in a notorious unsolved multiple murder?

Lizzie is far from pleased that the journalist’s focus appears to have shifted. As events play out, she starts to wonder how well she knows her community. Maybe Helen is the least of her worries? Is it possible that among her friends or neighbours lurks a murderer? For all its tranquil appearance, is Blenthorne harbouring a child-killer?

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