Yeah. What Werner said. LOL It is tough however, as Werner can vouch, to go from a press with legitimate distribution to all major bookstores, to publishing through PODs who all major bookstores frown on and for mostly good reasons. It's why I sought out a traditional publisher in the first place. It's all good because my second novel was picked up by a mid-range traditional publisher based on the success of my first book , so I guess I'm moving up the very, very, very, did I say VERY tall ladder that seems to have no top. But at least I am moving up. And quite rapidly as I'm told by others in the industry (racket.) Lord help us all. LOL

Lightning Source works much like Lulu, as I understand it; so Sue, your situation with Never Ceese is something like mine with Lifeblood (my publisher also went out of business). There are a couple of issues operating here. Both of our current printing services will print anything, unlike traditional presses (and bookstores know this, and distrust them for it, even if the book happens to be one that stood on its own merits with a traditional publisher); they also don't --or at least Lulu doesn't-- give bookstores a discount off list price. But you're right; there's also some prejudice against the POD technique itself --which is a wholly separate issue, since many small traditional, royalties-paying presses use it (Silver Lake did). It's part of the larger stigma attached to small presses in general; sort of a "you're not in the same league as the BIG boys" mentality.

Meanwhile, the old mainline houses of Big Publishing still play a game of trying to guess how big a run of books to print every time they publish a book, and almost invariably wind up remaindering or pulping literally tons of their stock, all at a loss. That business model is so insane, and the use of POD so sensible, that their attitude boggles the mind. My guess is that eventually, as the hidebound generation of CEOs passes from the scene and is replaced by a generation more comfortable with, and aware of the possibilities of, computer technology, POD will become the industry standard. But as yet, it's still like trying to get Big Business to switch to green energy.

Levi, you can order Never Ceese all day long. Because my first publisher went under I had to republish my paperback, (same text) through Lightning Source which puts my traditionally published book back in POD status which larger bookstores give the cold shoulder too despite whether it's selling. Sad but true. They can however order the book. I'm working to get back in with a traditional press right now so I can get the distribution that the larger bookstores like.

I'd be more that happy to send you a copy of the hardbacks I'm trying to get rid of though. $5 plus postage. Send me a private message with your address and I'll check on postage and get back with you. ;)

Sweet I tried looking for Never Ceese at the store and couldn't find one Sue, but if I could buy one from you that would be great!

December 1st, yay so if you still need a copy of Never Ceese don't hesitate to contact me for a $5 plus shipping deal on the hardback or you can go anywhere else in the known world to order both it or the paperback.

Just a quick reminder to let you know Never Ceese was in fact short-listed in 2006 for a Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel and garnished a review from the British Fantasy Society who came back before the second book in my series, Forever Richard, was even finished to request an ARC of it.

It is marketed as Young Adult so you might want to keep that in mind as you read however I've just as many adults enjoying these series as I do younger ones. ;)

It is also been called Christian fiction because of a slightly evangelical theme, (which just happened to be a coincidence) and therefore many CBA Christian market readers picked it up thinking it was published by a CBA affiliated publisher. Oddly enough, they enjoyed it. My publisher isn't affiliated with this exclusive group though and produces fiction for general market readers but are respectful of all faiths (a daunting task sometimes.) Nevertheless Never Ceese and Forever Richard have been approved by Spring Arbor for distribution to the Christian market, not the CBA Christian market though so you won't find it being talked about in these circles. CBA publishers don't allow for vampires and werewolves of lore to be written about. They've told me this themselves.

But anyway, I'm looking forward to some discussion here!

I've read "The Count of Eleven" & it was weird maybe cool. I pictured the main character as 'Hugh Grant' (lol, I kid you not) I scored a copy of "The Overnight" & plan on reading that. He's from England & they are on another continent.

Simon, if you're asking me, I'm sure either of those books would be viable suggestions; but not having read them, I don't have any useful feedback about which one would be better to nominate. Maybe someone who's read one or both could give you some advice on that! Any Campbell fans out there in SFR group land?

I have had recommended to me by someone familiar with his work: Alone with the Horrors: The Great Short Fiction of Ramsey Campbell 1961-1991 so that might be a good suggestion? Although I have got a copy his novel Midnight Sun on my shelf...

Simon, I've only read one of Campbell's stories myself, but I know he has a substantial reputation in the genre; I'm sure any book by him would be a popular group read, and probably generate a lot of discussion! Since you don't have a specific book in mind, we can leave the December plan as it is for now, as you said; but between now and the next poll (which should be in late December), you or any Campbell fans reading this can use the time to come up with a specific suggestion.

Not wanting to interfere with the December read but what about something by Ramsey Cambell for a future read? I've not read any of his work myself but I have heard good things...

It's nearly nine o'clock (Eastern time), and no other books have been nominated yet! That being the case, I'd say we can skip a poll this time. If nobody objects, then, our common read in December (for anyone who wants to join in) will be Sue Dent's Never Ceese.

Time certainly flies --November's more than half gone! Usually, I've been posting the polls for our common reads so that they're up for the last two weekends of the month. If I keep to that schedule, I'll need to set up the poll tomorrow. As yet, though, we only have one nomination --which would make a poll something like a Soviet "election!" :-) If nobody has a second suggestion by tomorrow morning, I'll propose just declaring Never Ceese the winner by default.

I'm going to start "Never Ceese" today.

Oh! Good I want to read Never Ceese!

Jim, good suggestion! In fact, I'll withdraw mine, and vote for yours. (I'm going to read Water Witch in December anyway, but I've already read Never Ceese, so I won't have any problem joining in the discussion if the group votes for it. (Next month, I'll put Water Witch in the poll for the January read --assuming that I like it as much as I expect to :-))

I'll toss in Never Ceese A vampire . . . a werewolf . . . Can Two Who Were Wronged Make It Right? by group member Sue Dent. I have it & her next book on my TBR pile & really want to get to it.

Since we don't have any nominations yet, I'll throw one into the ring: Water Witch (Leisure Books, 2008) by Goodreads author Deborah LeBlanc. (Deborah's one of my Goodreads friends, and I've promised to review her book, so I need --and want!-- to not put off reading it any longer.) Quoting from the back cover: "Dunny knew from an early age what it meant to be an outsider. Her special abilities earned her many names, like freak and water witch. So she vowed to keep her powers a secret. But now her talents may be the only hope of two missing children. A young boy and girl have vanished, feared lost in the mysterious bayous of Louisiana. But they didn't just disappear; they were taken. And amid the ghosts and spirits of the swamp, there is a danger worse than any other, one with very special plans for the children --and for anyone who dares to interfere."

I probably will be able to...

I'm game.

So far, nobody's indicated that he/she is opposed to a common read in December; and we've got at least two people (Debbie and I) who are game for one. So, I'd say we're ready to entertain suggestions as to what book it'll be! (If any of us tells a few jokes or does a jig, I guess that would "entertain" the suggestions; but with my voice, I'd better not sing. :-) Okay, sorry, couldn't resist the pun; I'm under control now.)

Debbie, if the group appears to be game for a common read in December, I'll open the floor for suggestions later this week. (Of course, people can always make suggestions earlier as well.) Around the middle of this month, I'll put the books you all have suggested in a poll; so you'll get a chance to vote on what we pick. The voice of the majority rules! :-)

I'll look forward to hearing what the book will be for December :) (if there is one)

For those new to the group --and several people are; a warm welcome to all of you!-- our optional common read for this month is Hell House, by Richard Matheson. We try to offer a common read every month.

That raises a question for everybody. Do we want an intermission from common reads in December? That's a month when many people don't read as much or spend as much time online, what with holiday preparations, gift shopping, etc.; and then too, some folks will be traveling, or hosting company. (On the other hand, what with time off from some jobs, some of us may read more in December!) Personally, I make time for reading no matter what month it is. :-) But I'll be glad to accommodate the group's preference!

Super!

Sorry I'm a little late in announcing the poll results! Storm of Magick received two votes; but the winner, and our common read for November, is Hell House by Richard Matheson, with six votes. I'll put a discussion thread up for it around the beginning of next month, unless someone starts one earlier.

Jim, so far the poll votes are running five to one in favor of Hell House.

Thanks Levi...

I think you might would like book 2: A Ghost From the Shadows better than book 1. Book 2 might be a little more in your vein (as a guy). At least that's what the guys say who read my books.

And although it is a series, it is not necessary to have read each one because each book is a stand-alone mystery.

I just put book 3: A Ghost Meets an Angel on my editor's desk. It was inspired by a trip to the haunted cemetery at Natchez, Mississippi. The goal is to have it ready for e-book in December and then it will follow in paperback about 5 months after that.

Happy Halloween!
www.ElizabethEaganCox.net

I just started Hell House.

Hmm I'll add A Ghost of a Chance to my TR list Elizabeth thanks! :)

You're welcome, Elizabeth. And thanks for letting us know about the review! (Since we'll be doing a common read every month, you or someone else can always nominate a book from this series on a later poll, too.)

Werner... only if members are truly interested, otherwise, really no need to fit it in. A Ghost of a Chance is book 1 in the series. Book 2: A Ghost From the Shadows is in paperback and book 3: A Ghost Meets an Angel will be out in e-book in December and then follow in paperback. I just wanted the Review known to readers of this genre, since it wasn't known to me until a Titter pal brought it to my attention. My publisher had mentioned that Coffee Time was going to put it on their Halloween reading list... but as is the case with professional book review sites, "if and when" is up to the book reviewer. But THANKS for the offer ;-)

Elizabeth

Elizabeth, did you want me to add A Ghost of a Chance to the current poll, since we don't have many options there? My editing possibilities are very limited, but I think I can add a book.

Coffee Time Book Reviews gave a great review of the paranormal mystery novel: A Ghost Of A Chance for Halloween reading. Read the review:
http://coffeetimeromance.com/CoffeeThoug...

The poll for November's common read is up, with two choices this time: L. A. Burton's Storm of Magick and Richard Matheson's Hell House. It'll run until Monday, Oct. 26 --but the sooner you vote, the less chance there is that you'll forget to! :-)

Okay, Jim, I jotted that one down for the list!

I'll nominate "Hell House" again. It's still in my TBR pile.

It probably seems like only yesterday that we were choosing a common read. Actually, it was almost yesterday! :-) Since we decided to do one every month, selection has to be an almost continuous process. It'll be November before we know it, and I hope to post the poll for that month's read a week from today.

So far, we have one nomination, Storm of Magick by L. A. Burton. The floor's open for other nominees!

The poll results for the October common read are in! (Drum roll. :-)) Five of the nominated books received votes. The most votes (four) went to Haunted Lily by Sidney Fox. The 9 Ghosts of Samen's Bane, Hell House, and Blood Red each got two votes, with one vote for The Heart-Shaped Box. So, Haunted Lily will be our common read for October, and anyone who wants to is invited to join in. I'll try to start a discussion thread on it in a couple of days, unless someone else wants to beat me to it. :-)

Sandra, it did post twice --but I messed up the end date on the first one (that's now listed as poll #2), and re-did it; the first time I re-did it was when the computer didn't save it. (By then, I wasn't a happy camper! :-)) I hate the fact that the creator of a poll can't edit it to correct errors and typos, and if I ever rejoin the Goodreads Feedback group, that's the first issue I'll raise!

Only the votes on the top poll (poll #1, as currently listed) will count toward the results (but you can change your vote through midnight on Sept. 27). You're right, though --I'm sure all the books listed would make worthy reads sometime, no matter which one happens to win the poll.

I think the poll did post twice, at least I had two to choose from. I voted in both polls, because I was torn between two books, but I may read all of the books on the list that I haven't read already. They're excellent coices.

It looks like Sydney has it right now. I haven't seen her around lately, though.

I just noticed that I wrote Robert McCammon's name twice on the poll --and I noticed earlier that I misspelled Sidney's first name. Mea culpa! I was typing in a hurry --the computer didn't post the poll the first time I typed it, and I was doing it on my lunch break, so had limited time. :-) Next time, I'll do a better job; but at least we can read it and tell what we're voting for!

Okay, the poll results are in for how often to do our common reads! Interestingly, nobody voted for the old schedule (3x a year); everybody who voted wants something more frequent. One person voted for 4x a year; 3 people voted for every other month; and the winning option, with 5 votes, was every month. So, the group has spoken, and we'll be doing monthly (voluntary) common reads, starting in October.

The poll is up on what to read for that month; it will run until the beginning of the day (midnight) on Monday, Sept. 28 (so, through Sunday, Sept. 27), so be sure to vote! Again, the seven nominees are the same ones from the August poll, plus Haunted Lily and Blood Red. That's the TOP poll, number 1, the first one you see when you click on "polls." (You may notice a virtually identical poll below it, but ignore that one --I messed up the ending date, but had already saved it, and Goodreads software won't let me edit a poll once it's saved. Sorry to clutter up the polls page that way!)

Okay! :)

I'll put it on the list when I set up the poll, Levi!

Blood Red, will be my Halloween read, I guess I would like to nominate it... It doesn't matter. :)

I don't know if it has any direct Halloween connection, but is there any sentiment in this group for doing Water Witch by Deborah Leblanc as a group read for October? Deborah's one of my Goodreads friends, and I promised her a review of that book sometime this fall. On the other hand, my copy of Haunted Lily was a gift from another friend, who's probably going to mistakenly think I don't appreciate it if I don't soon get on the ball and read it! So, I'm torn over which one to nominate. Alas --so many books, so little time! :-)

There's actually a big connection to Halloween in 9 Ghosts. Plus, it has ghosts.

I would like to propose a Halloween themed or someting where the story is set around Halloween for October. Since a lot of October is Halloween why not have a book for the month based during then...

I haven't found one yet, so if anyone knows a good one just chime in!

The results of the common reads yes/no poll are now officially in: 10 yes votes, 0 no votes. "Yes" is the clear winner, so we'll continue to do our common reads!

Since we determined that question scientifically and democratically, I thought we might as well do the same for the question of how often to have a read. So, that poll is now up, and the four options are: monthly; every other month; 4x a year; and 3x a year. Voting is open through Friday, Sept. 18, and I'll announce the group's decision around noon on that day. Once these basic "housekeeping" decisions are made, we'll only need polls to pick the books to read --the first one of those being for October.

Since the nominees on the last poll didn't really get a fair shot in August, with a lot of people on vacation, I thought we'd give them a chance again. So at this point, the slate of possibilities for October is: The Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill; The 9 Ghosts of Samen's Bane by Derek A. Schneider; Gone South by Robert McCammon; Hell House by Richard Matheson; and Duma Key by Stephen King. To these, I'm planning to add Haunted Lilly by Sydney Fox. Before that poll goes up on Sept. 18, does anybody else have any additions --or deletions-- to propose?