Dale L. Roberts is an accomplished indie author and host of Self-Publishing with Dale on YouTube. Since 2014, Dale pursued a full-time career in self-publishing books and now shares his experience on his YouTube channel devoted to building a successful self-publishing business. His specialties include book publishing, video production, public speaking, and networking. Appearing on numerous YouTube channels and podcast interviews, Dale is always looking for ways to reach a broader audience to share the value of self-publishing books. He lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife Kelli and cat Izzie.
- Where are you from?
Columbus, Ohio (U.S.) - Why do you write?
I’m a lifelong reader and simply wanted to scratch a creative itch when I was a kid. As an adult, I found it to be a natural high for me in helping other people succeed in life and in business. - What do you write about?
I used to write about health and fitness, but more recently pivoted to discussing the business of self-publishing. In 2016, I had my biggest breakthrough as an author, so I started helping other indie authors get their breakthroughs. - Do you have a specific writing style?
I write much like a speak, so it reads as a casual conversation with a friend. My writing is informal while still remaining professional and informative. - What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
Ooo, I tend to not let much impede my writing these days. The biggest obstacles I have are managing my YouTube channel (over 42,000 subscribers) and keeping my email inbox at zero. - Whats the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
It’s hard to cite any one reader since I see a lot of positive comments. More recently, I had readers say “Amazon Keywords for Books” was like their “Keywords Bible.” That made me chuckle and flattered me. - How long have you been writing?
Truthfully, I haven’t seriously been writing very long. I started writing full-time in 2014. - When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
When I was a boy, I wanted to grow up to be a writer and even went to college to become a journalist. But, college wasn’t a good fit for me so I dropped out. Life got in the way and I stopped chasing my dream.
It wasn’t until 2014 that someone challenged me to write a book about health and fitness. The rest is history! - What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
I typically schedule chunks of time devoted to writing. Right now, it’s 4-hour blocks every Saturday. If I have a bigger manuscript I want to complete sooner, then I’ll write more often throughout the week. - What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I absolutely must have an outline. It’s not a big deal if I deviate slightly off the outline, but I cannot go without it. Otherwise, I write and write and write and it’s REALLY boring! - How long does it take to write a book? (if you’ve written one -published or non)
I can complete a 20,000- to 40,000-word manuscript in a month. That’s simply the first draft and is a far cry from the finished product. - Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
If you want to be a better writer, study the craft, practice regularly and hire a good editor. Having an editor has been critical in my development. - What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
Since I write primarily nonfiction, I have little trouble at all. My biggest challenge would be in citing my sources and fact checking. Instead of hiring out for that task, I do it all myself. So, it tends to be a boring process, but helps in creating a credible publication. - What do you think makes a good story?
A book that leads with a good hook and closes in a way that leaves the reader thinking for long after finishing. I believe a good story should impact a person’s life in some meaningful way. - What does your family think of your writing?
My family is extremely supportive of my career as an author, especially my wife. I couldn’t ask for better friends and family who’ve been with me every step of the way. - Do you see writing as a career?
It is! Being a writer is only one avenue I express myself. I’m also a video content creator. So, I guess you could call me a creative entrepreneur since I’m both an author and video creator. - Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
Never give up on your dreams! Follow your passions with relentless pursuit. It won’t always be great at first, but it’ll eventually all work out as it should. - When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Since I was a boy. I took many years off between, but it all came full circle as it should have.
Do you have links that you’d like to share for others to read?
Yes, I’m promoting one of my latest releases, Promotional Strategies for Books which is available at https://dalelinks.com/promobook. Grab a copy to find out various ways to market and promote your book.
Also, you can follow me on my website at SelfPublishingWithDale.com.
International Book Promotion 