by Susan Dennard
You might have seen my book review for Untraceable on Sunday. If not, read it. This book is impressive–and its author, Shelli Johannes, is quite possibly even more impressive.
Why do I have such glowing praise for Shelli? Because she’s done something a lot of us are too scared to do: she has indie-published her debut novel.
But more importantly than that, Shelli has indie-published it right. She has approached it as a professional author who knows the industry, knows what readers want, and knows how to tell a damn good story.
If you want to hear more about her amazing and empowering journey, I suggest reading her blog series on it (which begins here). I was lucky enough to get an interview with Shelli about her publication process, and all I can say is: WOW. She is an inspiration to us all.
When you started writing Untraceable, what was the inspiration behind it? A dream? A musical clip? Plain, old-fashioned brainstorming?
My husband came home one day from being in the remote woods for the weekend and said, “I was so far out–a terrorist camp could set up there and no one would ever know.”
The story started out called Grace Under Fire. And it was about terrorist cells in the wilderness (hides face from embarrassment). Years later, I got rid of the terrorist camp but kept Grace and the wilderness.
It actually came in the quarterfinals in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award of 2009. 1 of only 7 thrillers to make the list.
Wow–I did not know that about the Breakthrough Award! (Can’t say I’m surprised either 
) And what a COOL way for a story to start…mine are always lame dreams, so I’m totally jealous.
What was the biggest challenge for you while writing UNTRACEABLE?
Editing it. Back in 09, I remember agents HATING the terrorist angle but loving Grace and the overall setting (go figure 
) so I had to go back to the drawing board and rewrite the entire plot from scratch. I did that more than once. But that time was the hardest.
You’re taking a different, unique path for getting your book out there, and you’re really showing other writers how self-publish in a professional, and reader-focused manner. It’s obvious you care about your readers more than making some quick cash. When and why did you decide to indie-publish?
For a few reasons:
- I was tired of people telling me a contemporary thriller would not sell well to teens.
- I wanted to see if I co
18 Comments on Interview with Shelli Johannes, author of UNTRACEABLE + GIVEAWAY!, last added: 11/30/2011Display Comments Add a Comment
Ever since I heard about Untraceable, I’ve wanted to get my hands on it so bad
And now I can’t wait for Friday. I really want to know what this big news is…
… SOUNDS UTTERLY, FANTASTICALLY AMAZING ♥ thank you so much for opening this window of opportunity for us! so excited!!! ♥
I just recently heard of this book, and it sounds great!
Gads, I love contemp thrillers!
I love the sound of Grace (quite frankly I think I would have adored the terrorist cells thing) and this sounds great. Definitely will pick this up soon.
What a great giveaway!
I would love to read these!
Great interview! And a major congrats to you, Shelli! I can’t wait to read UNTRACEABLE. I love love LOVE thrillers. And this one sounds amazing.
Oooh can’t wait for the big news on friday and there are some awesome looking books in the giveaway today.
Thanks LTWF girls for doing so many giveaways this month!
Let go of your ego–I struggle with that! Reading your blog was so inspiring, Shelli–I’m not sure yet if the indie road is the best one for me, but reading your success made me smile!
Hi, Shelli~ Congrats on your novel’s debut! The cover is stunning I immediately went to your blogspot but found your journey to self-pubbing confusing after the pricing debate entry. Am I doing something wrong? Also, did you self-publish a paperback before an e-book? Who is Coleman and Stott? Was this part of your $1000 budget? You priced Untraceable right — I will definitely buy! Congrats again! ~ els
ego is what causes me anxiety most of the time
whoa! lots of questions
1) tell me what was confusing. the pricing strategy or me in general (b/c I can be very confusing
2) I dont know – what are you doing?
3) I did ebook and paperback at the same time.
4) Coleman & Stott what I call my company – i thought it sounded very publishing so I hoped it would get me past the naysayers
But now the secret is out. I am so bad at keeping my own secrets
5) my budget was 1000 – I spent about 200o in the end.
6) Thanks! Buy it soon b/c it goes up to 3.99 on monday for ebook and 999 for paperback. I put it on sale for first week
good luck!
it is utterly fantastically amazing – if i do say so myself
good luck
good
im glad people are willing to give contemporary thrillers a chance
good luck to you!
thank you and im glad you like thrillers too! I love them and I dont think theer are enough of them – esp in YA
Speaking as a teen, thank you for not making assumptions about our tastes as an audience! I read plenty of contemporary thrillers and have many peers who do the same. The self publishing angle is also really eye-opening; I’m so used to the negative stigma associated with it, it’s refreshing to see it done professionally.