There are few things in life as personally painful as a breakup. When you’re a businessperson, you’ll learn eventually that changing your vendors and contractors can feel much the same way. Especially if you’ve worked with them for a long period or if they’re friends, or worse, family. And trust me, it doesn’t get easier or feel any better.
Recently, we had to take a hard look at the company that developed our apps and we concluded we had to make a change. We didn’t make it lightly and, while frustrated, it wasn’t a snap decision.
Simply put, continuing to work with them meant frustrated readers and more lost money.
We chose them initially because I’d worked with them in another magazine four years ago, and I knew their interface well. In the last four years, the interface they used had matured little, but they had added on some interesting features — magazine business coaching and a mastermind group.
After a rocky first month, we thought we had the bugs worked out and moved past some “unprecedented” events — server glitches, issues with security keys, and the usual developer bugs we knew to expect. We built in extra time to be sure our readers weren’t affected.
And then came month two, and a different “unprecedented” (there’s that word again) event. Followed by another one in months three and four. Issue number five launched on the app without a hitch and I sent a note with a virtual high-five, telling them they hear me frustrated every month and I wanted to acknowledge the positive.
Which then brought us to month six. And a new massive issue with the iOS version of the app.
When I was again told it was unprecedented, I knew we weren’t speaking the same language anymore, and we needed a change fast.
And so, we’ve built two new apps and they’re now available in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
We hoped we wouldn’t need to ask you to download a new app, but unfortunately, we do. They’re available here:
Here’s the good news. While we built these quickly, the new apps have the same functionality as before, and more.
We’ll share more details as we build them out. Our primary focus is ensuring that our readers can download and use the new apps before we de-list the original apps.
Changes are challenging, but overall we see this as a positive. We’ll be able to create something that helps the indie author community specifically, and we’ll own and control the production schedule and features set. Thanks for helping us make lemonade from lemons, and please know we appreciate your readership.
When Writing Means Business, Storytellers Read Indie Author Magazine
Despite my best marketing efforts, my backlist just isn’t selling. How do I decide whether to go back to the drawing board and refocus the series or cut my losses and unpublish it? At a Crossroads Dear Crossroads, I feel your frustration, love. When a backlist underperforms, it’s like owning a vintage auto that sputters more than it purrs. Do you tune it up or trade it in for a new model? Let’s hash out
I’ve only ever written in one particular genre. I have an audience built there, a decent backlist, and a few ideas for future books. But I just recently got an idea for a story in an entirely different genre—one that I don’t even know I’ll continue past this book. Do I write the new idea or stick with what I know? Pestered by a Plot Bunny Dearest Plot Bunny, The temptation of an off-brand manuscript
My biggest obstacle in my career is profitability. I have a full series of eight books, with great read-through. I do everything I’m supposed to do to advertise them: Facebook Ads, freebies, group promos, daily posts on social media. But I’m still not earning much. How do I make money in this business? Seeking More Sales (Aren’t We All?) Dearest Seeking Sales, Oh, my little crumpet, this profit pickle has so many of us in
We’ll send you our best articles, special offers, and industry updates
Hello! I’m Indie Annie, and I would love to send you a copy of this month’s issue of Indie Author Magazine. Just join our email list and I’ll drop it in your inbox!