At 50-years-old, indie bestselling author began his career as a mystery and suspense novelist.
Now, at 70, Michael Lindley says he’s only just begun.
In the ever-evolving landscape of publishing, Michael Lindley’s journey from a late-blooming writer to a successful indie author serves as a beacon of inspiration. With his gripping Lowcountry Mystery Series, Lindley has mastered the art of publishing independently, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. In this interview with me, Lindley shares his insights on writing, marketing, and the path to financial independence in the literary world.
Jeff Rivera: Michael, for people who haven’t read your books, tell us a little about the genre you write in and what readers can expect.
Michael Lindley: Thanks, Jeff. I actually have two different series of novels. I started writing back in college, but it wasn’t until I turned 50 that I finished my first novel. That milestone made me revisit my bucket list, and writing a novel was a top priority. I self-published my first book in the early 2000s and have since written more. More recently, since 2018, I’ve been writing the Hannah and Alex Lowcountry Mystery Series. It’s a mystery and suspense series featuring attorney Hannah Walsh and Charleston detective Alex Frank, fighting crime and corruption in South Carolina. The first book, “Lies We Never See,” gained traction, and there are now nine books in the series, with the tenth coming next month.
What drew you to mysteries? Why not thrillers, comedies, or romance?
Lindley: I grew up reading various genres, but mysteries always intrigued me. I loved the Hardy Boys, Agatha Christie, and later on, spy thrillers and adventure novels. What draws me to mystery and suspense is crafting a plot that keeps readers guessing and delivering surprising endings that make them want more. It’s the twisting plots and unexpected conclusions that I enjoy most.
When you’re writing, are you a pantser or do you outline meticulously?
Lindley: I’d describe myself as a pantser. I start with a concept and basic premise, and then I let the story reveal itself. The characters and locations are set, but the plot often takes me to unexpected places. It’s as much an adventure for me as it is for the reader. I find tightly outlining a book limits the creative possibilities that emerge during the writing process.
I love that. You began your career at 50, which is inspiring for many. Can you share some thoughts for those starting their dream passion later in life?
Lindley: Absolutely. I’ve always enjoyed writing, but life took me on different paths. I worked in advertising and corporate marketing, but turning 50 made me allocate time to my passion. Now, at 70, I still feel I have many years ahead to write. I retired seven years ago, allowing me to focus full-time on writing and publishing. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
How successful is it possible to be as an indie author selling directly? Can you share some of your successes?
Lindley: The potential is significant. I know authors earning seven figures, and many, like me, making a comfortable six-figure income. I didn’t initially aim for financial success, but it has become quite lucrative. We’re solidly in the multiple six figures now. The key is effective marketing and understanding the tools available to reach your audience.
Can you tell us more about the tools and methods you use to convert ad clicks into sales?
Lindley: Amazon is a massive platform but highly competitive. The challenge is standing out among millions of other books. Selling direct has several advantages: you know who’s buying your books, you get paid immediately, and you keep a larger share of the royalties. However, Amazon remains important for reach. On my Shopify page, I use tools like Unbounce for elaborate sales pages, which have significantly improved my conversion rates. Iteration and optimization of ads and landing pages are crucial.
What struggles did you face before finding success?
Lindley: It’s a tough business with immense competition. Early on, I tried traditional routes, facing numerous rejections. Self-publishing allowed me to control my destiny, but it was still challenging. Initially, marketing investments in ads weren’t profitable. Giving away books or selling at low prices didn’t work well either. Now, I sell book bundles, which has greatly improved profitability. The key was finding the right marketing strategies and continuously improving them.
If you were to give advice to yourself at the beginning of your journey or to others, what would you say?
Lindley: Do your homework before writing your first book. Research the market to ensure there’s an audience for your genre. Invest in training and learn how to effectively publish and market your book. There are many resources available, from free YouTube content to paid courses. Don’t try to figure it all out on your own. Leverage the expertise of those who’ve been down this path.
Michael Lindley’s path from corporate marketing to a successful indie author is a testament to perseverance and smart strategy. His story underscores that with the right approach and dedication, it’s possible to achieve financial independence and creative fulfillment, no matter when you start. For aspiring authors, Lindley’s journey offers a blueprint for turning passion into profit in the dynamic world of self-publishing.
Michael Lindley is an independent author and publisher of twelve mystery and suspense novels. His most recent “Hanna and Alex” Low Country mystery series has frequently ranked as the #1 bestselling mystery series on Amazon with over 10,000 Five Star ratings. His first novel, THE EMMALEE AFFAIRS, was first published in 2008 and climbed to #1 on Amazon for Historical Mystery and Suspense.
