Katie Rankin achieved being a published author at 18. She knew she had a story to tell her within her and took charge. She taught herself about the self-publishing process and published her first novel, A Golden Life.
Her Campus (HC): When did you first begin writing?
Katie Rankin (KR): I have always been interested in writing but never tried to write anything. Around Aug. 2021, I had this idea for a novel, so I started by just writing a chapter. It was so bad, and I completely redid it, but that ended up being the prologue for A Golden Life!
HC: What made you decide to self-publish A Golden Life?
KR: My best friend Hanna was my “ghost reader,” she would read the chapters after I wrote them just for fun! I remember us talking about ten chapters in, and she told me that if this was a book on sale, she would definitely buy it. I started getting more into the idea, so I looked into indie authors and how self-publishing works. I got super into it all and decided A Golden Life was something I wanted to come to life.
HC: Can you describe the self-publishing process?
KR: I made an account with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), which actually taught me a lot about the process. After I finished writing the book, I went through, proofread, and edited it to the best of my abilities. From there, I learned how to create the inside formatting on Microsoft Word from a YouTube video. I also learned how to make a cover with a template on KDP. After I got my work copyrighted, I transferred it all into KDP and then ordered proof copies to see what I liked and disliked. When I got that all finalized, I ordered the final copies and published [them]. It was one of the most frustrating but rewarding experiences learning how to do it all myself!
HC: Can you tell me a little about your process when writing?
KR: Sure! The very first thing I did was write down an outline of my book in a journal. It was super messy and not the exact same as what the book ended up being, but it gave me a guide for my ideas and where I could start. When I write, I like to have the big picture in front of me planned out because it’s easier for me to keep track of where I am in the story and the characters’ development. While writing, I really zone in and focus on what the characters are thinking and feeling at that moment. This is what really helped me develop my writing so quickly.
HC: What advice would you give to anyone looking into self-publishing?
KR: The advice I would give is to be patient with yourself and make sure you are in love with what you have. I struggled hard at first because I wanted everything to be perfect right away–it’s the Virgo in me haha. I realized that in the end, this book won’t be perfect. I didn’t have an editor, a cover designer, an interior designer, or even an agent because I couldn’t afford one by myself. Learning how to accomplish these things was challenging. I almost gave up a lot, but when I realized I love what my book is and how it looks, it was perfect for me. Sure, my cover isn’t professional, and my editing has flaws, but overall I am so happy and proud with A Golden Life. I truly think without patience, none of this would have happened.
HC: How has your experience been promoting your book through TikTok? Do you recommend it for other new authors?
KR: TikTok has been the best for my book. Before I already had my BookTok account, so when I was talking about writing, it was so fun because everyone is so kind and uplifting. I definitely think TikTok is amazing for marketing when targeting readers because of how large BookTok’s impact is. I love thinking of funny different ways to share my book. The best thing about TikTok is getting to talk with people who have read my book either in my comments or my DMs. It makes me so happy feeling so connected with them over something I created.
HC: How did you feel once A Golden Life was published?
KR: It was the most surreal feeling! It was so accomplishing to be able to not only have my book in my hands but insane to see that people also wanted to have it. There was also a sense of relief when it finally all came together. I was definitely emotional. I said this in my dedication, but I never thought I would be able to feel as proud of myself as I did when it was published.
HC: Which character from A Golden Life do you relate to most?
KR: Definitely my girl Golden. I felt so connected with her and the struggles she faced. I genuinely think she is so easy for a lot of people to see themselves in because of how transparent and relatable she is in dealing with mental health. I definitely had a lot of smiles, laughs, and tears writing her!
HC: What’s your favorite book?
KR: Ooh, this is so hard I have so many!! My favorite series of all time is 100 percent the Addicted/Calloway Sisters series by Krista and Becca Ritchie. I fell in love with all of the characters from the first book, and I was not disappointed once while reading the rest. The Core Six holds a special place in my heart.
HC: As of now, do you have any future plans with your writing?
KR: I do! I am actually currently writing the first book in a series I have planned out. It’s going to take longer, but I absolutely love it so far and can just tell it’s going to be something special. I’ve discovered writing is the thing that I love most, so I don’t think there will ever be a time when I won’t be writing something. I would love to spend the rest of my life doing it, and I’m so glad I have realized that now. I also am planning on giving A Golden Life a makeover this summer! With a new cover, editing done, and maybe some bonus chapters added in. I can’t wait!
A Golden Life by Katie Rankin is available on Amazon on Kindle and paperback. You can also stay up to date with Katie’s journey through her TikTok @goldenkatiee.
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