A.C. Arthur's Blog, page 10
June 23, 2015
Embraced By A Donovan Book Discussion
We're discussing Parker & Adriana's story tonight at 7pm on Facebook. If you've read the book, please join us!
https://www.facebook.com/events/61641...
https://www.facebook.com/events/61641...
July 8, 2014
Ask The Author
One of the things I really enjoy about going out to book signings and literary conferences is when readers ask questions about my books or my writing process, or even something as simple as, “what’s the last book you read?” Writing a book can sometimes be a very solitary experience, so I’m always ready to talk about my work or the path to getting the words on paper. With that said, I will now be answering questions on Goodreads!
How does this work you ask? Visit my author profile on Goodreads and post your question. When I receive notification of the question, I’ll provide an answer. It’s that simple!
So, ask away!
A.C. Arthur
How does this work you ask? Visit my author profile on Goodreads and post your question. When I receive notification of the question, I’ll provide an answer. It’s that simple!
So, ask away!
A.C. Arthur
May 18, 2014
Behind The Scenes Session 2
May 18, 2014
Moving forward Behind The Scenes will post every 3rd Sunday of the month. As promised last month, today’s session will provide insight for a reader’s favorite question: “What’s taking the book so long to be released?”
For the purposes of this session we’ll look at the production path from a traditional publishing standpoint.
I usually wait until negotiations are over and a contract is signed before I announce a new book deal. This is because the process from an offer being made to the final contract being received can sometimes take months. But once I’ve signed on the dotted line…it’s on! Usually, I submit proposals for new books. A proposal consists of a complete synopsis (beginning to end of book) and three chapters. Once the contract is complete I’ll have concrete deadlines to meet, and depending how long the negotiation process has taken it might be sooner, rather than later. Once the book is completed and I’ve hit send on the email to my editor, it begins its journey through the production process.
My editor reads the first draft and usually gets back to me in a two month period to request revisions. These can range from something large, like plot/character changes, to something small, like a suggestion for altering a particular sentence. We usually only go through this process once, but a book can go through several drafts before reaching its final stage. Once my editor and I are satisfied with the story, the manuscript is submitted to the production department and they send it out to a copyeditor. The copyeditor will look for things like grammar and formatting. They also pick up inconsistencies throughout the manuscript such as eye color, hair length. I love my copyeditor because I often make mistakes in this area. During this time the ebook production department is also working on formatting the digital file for the book, calculating chapter and page count. This process can take up to 2-3 weeks.
I’m given two weeks to go over all of the copyeditor’s concerns. During this time the production team is creating the design for the inside of the book. They are working on the font treatment for the title page chapter headings, as well as what font to use for the text of the book, and how many lines to put on each page. This helps dictate what the final page count of a novel will be. Simultaneously, production and the editor decide what else should appear in the book—a list of my other books, an excerpt of from my upcoming novel, a page calling out the next book in the series, etc.
When I’m finished with the copyedited manuscript it goes back to production to be typeset in compliance with all the design and text elements that were decided upon earlier. These pages take about a month to create and will be called the first pass pages.
I receive the first pass pages and am given two weeks to make sure the book reads as it should and that all the corrections from the copyediting stage have been incorporated. This is the last time I see the book until I receive my author copies. ***Note: All of this is going on while I’ve already started writing the next book. Yikes! Sometimes it’s a task juggling the new edits and writing the new book.
In some cases—this totally depends on the publisher and is usually only with single title books—the final pages are bound into a soft copy with a cover that is close to what the final cover will be. They are called galleys/Advanced Reader Copies, and are useful to marketing and publicity. Galleys/Advanced Reader Copies are sent out to reviewers, radio/tv hosts, bloggers…anywhere that would show interest in the type of book being published, by the publisher. I receive a small number of these copies and sometimes hold reader contests with them or send to specific reviewers that my publisher may not know about.
It takes about six weeks for the pages and the cover to be 100% final. After that, it is sent to the printer. A typical text-only book is meant to be printed around eight weeks before its publication date. Orders for print books are finalized at least 3 months before publication, so the production team can tell how many books the printer needs to create.
Printing and shipping these books to the various warehouses will take about a month, so that they arrive one month prior to publication. Three weeks prior to the publication date, the books are shipped to all the stores and warehouses that placed orders, so that they have time to receive the stock, ship to customers who pre-ordered, set up displays, etc.
And then…you can purchase the book!
When all moves according to plan this process can take up to nine months. This is why when I announce a new book deal in July 2014, if it’s for a print book, you most likely won’t have that book in your hot little hands until June or July of 2015. If the book is heading for ebook only release the process is a lot shorter.
Next session: An Author’s Limitations—The Contract
Moving forward Behind The Scenes will post every 3rd Sunday of the month. As promised last month, today’s session will provide insight for a reader’s favorite question: “What’s taking the book so long to be released?”
For the purposes of this session we’ll look at the production path from a traditional publishing standpoint.
I usually wait until negotiations are over and a contract is signed before I announce a new book deal. This is because the process from an offer being made to the final contract being received can sometimes take months. But once I’ve signed on the dotted line…it’s on! Usually, I submit proposals for new books. A proposal consists of a complete synopsis (beginning to end of book) and three chapters. Once the contract is complete I’ll have concrete deadlines to meet, and depending how long the negotiation process has taken it might be sooner, rather than later. Once the book is completed and I’ve hit send on the email to my editor, it begins its journey through the production process.
My editor reads the first draft and usually gets back to me in a two month period to request revisions. These can range from something large, like plot/character changes, to something small, like a suggestion for altering a particular sentence. We usually only go through this process once, but a book can go through several drafts before reaching its final stage. Once my editor and I are satisfied with the story, the manuscript is submitted to the production department and they send it out to a copyeditor. The copyeditor will look for things like grammar and formatting. They also pick up inconsistencies throughout the manuscript such as eye color, hair length. I love my copyeditor because I often make mistakes in this area. During this time the ebook production department is also working on formatting the digital file for the book, calculating chapter and page count. This process can take up to 2-3 weeks.
I’m given two weeks to go over all of the copyeditor’s concerns. During this time the production team is creating the design for the inside of the book. They are working on the font treatment for the title page chapter headings, as well as what font to use for the text of the book, and how many lines to put on each page. This helps dictate what the final page count of a novel will be. Simultaneously, production and the editor decide what else should appear in the book—a list of my other books, an excerpt of from my upcoming novel, a page calling out the next book in the series, etc.
When I’m finished with the copyedited manuscript it goes back to production to be typeset in compliance with all the design and text elements that were decided upon earlier. These pages take about a month to create and will be called the first pass pages.
I receive the first pass pages and am given two weeks to make sure the book reads as it should and that all the corrections from the copyediting stage have been incorporated. This is the last time I see the book until I receive my author copies. ***Note: All of this is going on while I’ve already started writing the next book. Yikes! Sometimes it’s a task juggling the new edits and writing the new book.
In some cases—this totally depends on the publisher and is usually only with single title books—the final pages are bound into a soft copy with a cover that is close to what the final cover will be. They are called galleys/Advanced Reader Copies, and are useful to marketing and publicity. Galleys/Advanced Reader Copies are sent out to reviewers, radio/tv hosts, bloggers…anywhere that would show interest in the type of book being published, by the publisher. I receive a small number of these copies and sometimes hold reader contests with them or send to specific reviewers that my publisher may not know about.
It takes about six weeks for the pages and the cover to be 100% final. After that, it is sent to the printer. A typical text-only book is meant to be printed around eight weeks before its publication date. Orders for print books are finalized at least 3 months before publication, so the production team can tell how many books the printer needs to create.
Printing and shipping these books to the various warehouses will take about a month, so that they arrive one month prior to publication. Three weeks prior to the publication date, the books are shipped to all the stores and warehouses that placed orders, so that they have time to receive the stock, ship to customers who pre-ordered, set up displays, etc.
And then…you can purchase the book!
When all moves according to plan this process can take up to nine months. This is why when I announce a new book deal in July 2014, if it’s for a print book, you most likely won’t have that book in your hot little hands until June or July of 2015. If the book is heading for ebook only release the process is a lot shorter.
Next session: An Author’s Limitations—The Contract
Behind The Scenes Session 1
April 4, 2014
One of my lovely Street Team members suggested that I host a panel at the Season of Shifter event discussing the behind the scenes of writing life. I am going to work that into our schedule, but I’ve decided to also implement a couple of mini-sessions here at the Lounge, wherein I will share insight into my writing life that as a reader, you may not be aware of.
Today, will be our first session. Welcome to Behind The Scenes!
So, in 2013 I released Passion’s Prey, Wanting You (Parts I & II), Heart of a Donovan, Decadent Dreams, Within the Shadows and Under The Mistletoe. Six books in twelve months and even though some of them were re-releases, I still had to re-read, edit and in some cases re-write, etc. Some of these books were released through traditional publishers and some I published through my own company, Artistry Publishing.
In 2014, I will, prayerfully, have four books and three novellas releasing. The Shadow Shifters: Damaged Hearts Trilogy, Shifter’s Claim, Eve of Passion, Needing You, Embraced By A Donovan—and the re-release of Sing Your Pleasure. Again, some of these books are traditionally released and some are self-published.
With this type of schedule I would be classified as a hybrid author. And I love it!
Being hybrid means that not only do I have contracted books that I must write and turn in on time, but I also have my self-published projects to complete. When prioritizing my schedule, the contracted books must come first, because I could be sued for breach of contract for not completing them. This sometimes means that my self-publishing schedule has to be adjusted. The glory of owning your own publishing company is that you can make said adjustments without threat of legal action.
In all aspects of my hybrid lifestyle I try to be as professional and dependable as possible with my schedule.
Unfortunately, I don’t know about your life, but mine does not always follow the schedule step by step. I work a full-time job, have three children and a husband and a host of family and friends. (So blessed, I am.) So there are times when a release may be pushed back or an appearance cancelled. I learned a long time ago that when change occurs (whether personal or professional), all I can do is assess and continue. I do not have the power or the inclination to do anything else.
So if it seems that a book from your favorite series written by me is taking forever to be released, please consider that is not the only book I am committed to writing. I like to read many types of books which, in turn, means I like to write different types of books. I am absolutely okay with a reader not liking each genre book I write, that’s cool and it’s your opinion (I posted on my personal FB page earlier this morning about my take on opinions). All I ask is that whatever schedule changes may occur, that we all remain respectful adults about the situation. For my part, I will continue to be as forthcoming as I can about the changes and about whatever else I decide to discuss in Behind The Scenes!
P.S. Always check my website for release date changes, new sales about upcoming projects and changes in my appearance schedule. The website is updated on a monthly basis.
Next Session: Why is it taking so long for a book to be released? The journey from writing the first word, to turning the last page.
One of my lovely Street Team members suggested that I host a panel at the Season of Shifter event discussing the behind the scenes of writing life. I am going to work that into our schedule, but I’ve decided to also implement a couple of mini-sessions here at the Lounge, wherein I will share insight into my writing life that as a reader, you may not be aware of.
Today, will be our first session. Welcome to Behind The Scenes!
So, in 2013 I released Passion’s Prey, Wanting You (Parts I & II), Heart of a Donovan, Decadent Dreams, Within the Shadows and Under The Mistletoe. Six books in twelve months and even though some of them were re-releases, I still had to re-read, edit and in some cases re-write, etc. Some of these books were released through traditional publishers and some I published through my own company, Artistry Publishing.
In 2014, I will, prayerfully, have four books and three novellas releasing. The Shadow Shifters: Damaged Hearts Trilogy, Shifter’s Claim, Eve of Passion, Needing You, Embraced By A Donovan—and the re-release of Sing Your Pleasure. Again, some of these books are traditionally released and some are self-published.
With this type of schedule I would be classified as a hybrid author. And I love it!
Being hybrid means that not only do I have contracted books that I must write and turn in on time, but I also have my self-published projects to complete. When prioritizing my schedule, the contracted books must come first, because I could be sued for breach of contract for not completing them. This sometimes means that my self-publishing schedule has to be adjusted. The glory of owning your own publishing company is that you can make said adjustments without threat of legal action.
In all aspects of my hybrid lifestyle I try to be as professional and dependable as possible with my schedule.
Unfortunately, I don’t know about your life, but mine does not always follow the schedule step by step. I work a full-time job, have three children and a husband and a host of family and friends. (So blessed, I am.) So there are times when a release may be pushed back or an appearance cancelled. I learned a long time ago that when change occurs (whether personal or professional), all I can do is assess and continue. I do not have the power or the inclination to do anything else.
So if it seems that a book from your favorite series written by me is taking forever to be released, please consider that is not the only book I am committed to writing. I like to read many types of books which, in turn, means I like to write different types of books. I am absolutely okay with a reader not liking each genre book I write, that’s cool and it’s your opinion (I posted on my personal FB page earlier this morning about my take on opinions). All I ask is that whatever schedule changes may occur, that we all remain respectful adults about the situation. For my part, I will continue to be as forthcoming as I can about the changes and about whatever else I decide to discuss in Behind The Scenes!
P.S. Always check my website for release date changes, new sales about upcoming projects and changes in my appearance schedule. The website is updated on a monthly basis.
Next Session: Why is it taking so long for a book to be released? The journey from writing the first word, to turning the last page.
November 16, 2013
Season of Shifters
2014 will be the Season of Shifters!
Not sure what that means?
Experience the unveiling of The Shadow Shifters. Their world is about to shift once more as the Shadows embark on their biggest challenge yet—keeping their secret. Now that the Stateside Assembly has been established with Rome as their leader, the shifters continue to develop ways to coexist with the human world. Until the possibility of a super soldier emerges. Now, Sebastian Perry and other shadows will face the challenges of undeniable pleasure coupled with a danger that could ruin the world as both humans and shifters know it.
SHIFTER’S CLAIM will release first as a serial eBook. Each Tuesday of July an installment of the story will be released in digital format. Then, at the end of the month the complete print book will be released.
SHIFTER’S CLAIM EPISODE I July 8, 2014
SHIFTER’S CLAIM EPISODE II July 15, 2014
SHIFTER’S CLAIM EPISODE III July 22, 2014
SHIFTER’S CLAIM EPISODE IV July 29, 2014
SHIFTER’S CLAIM FULL PRINT RELEASE July 29, 2014
SHADOW SHIFTERS: DAMAGED HEARTS
What is a New Adult novel and how is it different from an Adult Novel?
New Adult (NA) is the hot new category that everyone’s talking about. NA is a coming-of-age story that focuses on a protagonist embarking on a new phase in their life. It’s the excitement of new beginnings in a new life that’s full of adventure and possibilities. NA protagonists typically range from ages 18 to 26.
SHADOW SHIFTERS: Damaged Hearts
New Adult eBooks ONLY
Join this trio of Brazilian born Shadow Shifter brothers, as they not only grapple with the idea of being shifters in a human world, but navigate the life of a college student and a young man about to fall in love.
April 2014
MINE TO CLAIM
Aidan & Grace
May 2014
PART OF ME
Brayden & Lidia
June 2014
HUNGER FOR YOU
Caleb & Zoe
And don't miss the culmination of the season, my 3rd Annual Reader Appreciation Event, SEASON OF SHIFTERS to be held at Walt Disney World. Visit http://www.acarthur.net/the-season-of... for detials!
Not sure what that means?
Experience the unveiling of The Shadow Shifters. Their world is about to shift once more as the Shadows embark on their biggest challenge yet—keeping their secret. Now that the Stateside Assembly has been established with Rome as their leader, the shifters continue to develop ways to coexist with the human world. Until the possibility of a super soldier emerges. Now, Sebastian Perry and other shadows will face the challenges of undeniable pleasure coupled with a danger that could ruin the world as both humans and shifters know it.
SHIFTER’S CLAIM will release first as a serial eBook. Each Tuesday of July an installment of the story will be released in digital format. Then, at the end of the month the complete print book will be released.
SHIFTER’S CLAIM EPISODE I July 8, 2014
SHIFTER’S CLAIM EPISODE II July 15, 2014
SHIFTER’S CLAIM EPISODE III July 22, 2014
SHIFTER’S CLAIM EPISODE IV July 29, 2014
SHIFTER’S CLAIM FULL PRINT RELEASE July 29, 2014
SHADOW SHIFTERS: DAMAGED HEARTS
What is a New Adult novel and how is it different from an Adult Novel?
New Adult (NA) is the hot new category that everyone’s talking about. NA is a coming-of-age story that focuses on a protagonist embarking on a new phase in their life. It’s the excitement of new beginnings in a new life that’s full of adventure and possibilities. NA protagonists typically range from ages 18 to 26.
SHADOW SHIFTERS: Damaged Hearts
New Adult eBooks ONLY
Join this trio of Brazilian born Shadow Shifter brothers, as they not only grapple with the idea of being shifters in a human world, but navigate the life of a college student and a young man about to fall in love.
April 2014
MINE TO CLAIM
Aidan & Grace
May 2014
PART OF ME
Brayden & Lidia
June 2014
HUNGER FOR YOU
Caleb & Zoe
And don't miss the culmination of the season, my 3rd Annual Reader Appreciation Event, SEASON OF SHIFTERS to be held at Walt Disney World. Visit http://www.acarthur.net/the-season-of... for detials!
February 10, 2013
Introducing The Carrington Chronicles
Every year I try to think of what I can do next. What door can I walk through that had previously been closed to me? How far can I push the envelope before going too far? Since I’m not really sure what “too far” is, I just keep moving forward. At least that’s what I try to do.
So last year I spent a lot of time thinking about stories I’d already written in the hopes of coming up with a fresh idea, a new direction. The idea to re-release an older story didn’t seem terribly fresh and new to me, except for the fact that I was excited about designing a new cover for this particular book—the first one was horrible. I guess I should tell you that I’m referring to WANTING YOU which was originally released in print in 2007. Now, as thoughts of a new cover design continued to flow in my mind I figured it might be good if I re-read the story. As I began to read I fell in love with Jason and Celise all over again. I remembered writing certain scenes and smiling as the intense emotions between these two characters touched me. When I was finished I knew that was the direction I wanted to proceed—intense emotion, no holds barred sex fueled by this emotion, sexy and edgy stories for the reader looking for a little more from a romance novel.
THE CARRINGTON CHRONICLES were born from that idea. This new erotic romance trilogy centers around the Carrington brothers, Jackson, Jerald and Jason. These brothers are everything a romance hero should be: handsome, confident, successful, and intelligent. They’re also possessive, driven, arrogant and not afraid of the sexual desires that lurk inside them. Finding a woman that can fulfill all their needs is a challenge that neither of them is willing to walk away from.
The series opens with the re-release of WANTING YOU (Part One February 1, 2013 and Part Two February 14, 2013). This is Jason’s story as he finally meets the woman he wants but has to fight through the pain of her past and the man that won’t let her go, to claim her. NEEDING YOU is Jackson’s story, where he will come face-to-face with death to save the woman that’s been forced to not only hide her sexual preference, but her true identity as well. Tentative release date: Nov 2013. HAVING YOU will conclude this series with Jerald’s story where two people will learn that what they see is not always what they get. Tentative release date: Spring 2014
THE CARRINGTON CHRONICLES books will be available on Kindle, Nook & Kobo.
My motto for these stories is to love hard, love strong, love forever. For everyone who purchases these books, I hope you enjoy!
So last year I spent a lot of time thinking about stories I’d already written in the hopes of coming up with a fresh idea, a new direction. The idea to re-release an older story didn’t seem terribly fresh and new to me, except for the fact that I was excited about designing a new cover for this particular book—the first one was horrible. I guess I should tell you that I’m referring to WANTING YOU which was originally released in print in 2007. Now, as thoughts of a new cover design continued to flow in my mind I figured it might be good if I re-read the story. As I began to read I fell in love with Jason and Celise all over again. I remembered writing certain scenes and smiling as the intense emotions between these two characters touched me. When I was finished I knew that was the direction I wanted to proceed—intense emotion, no holds barred sex fueled by this emotion, sexy and edgy stories for the reader looking for a little more from a romance novel.
THE CARRINGTON CHRONICLES were born from that idea. This new erotic romance trilogy centers around the Carrington brothers, Jackson, Jerald and Jason. These brothers are everything a romance hero should be: handsome, confident, successful, and intelligent. They’re also possessive, driven, arrogant and not afraid of the sexual desires that lurk inside them. Finding a woman that can fulfill all their needs is a challenge that neither of them is willing to walk away from.
The series opens with the re-release of WANTING YOU (Part One February 1, 2013 and Part Two February 14, 2013). This is Jason’s story as he finally meets the woman he wants but has to fight through the pain of her past and the man that won’t let her go, to claim her. NEEDING YOU is Jackson’s story, where he will come face-to-face with death to save the woman that’s been forced to not only hide her sexual preference, but her true identity as well. Tentative release date: Nov 2013. HAVING YOU will conclude this series with Jerald’s story where two people will learn that what they see is not always what they get. Tentative release date: Spring 2014
THE CARRINGTON CHRONICLES books will be available on Kindle, Nook & Kobo.
My motto for these stories is to love hard, love strong, love forever. For everyone who purchases these books, I hope you enjoy!
February 1, 2013
Do you love The Donovans?
Do you love The Donovans? Can't wait until the next Donovan book is released so you can fall in love with one more member of this fabulous family? Well, listen up...
HEART OF A DONOVAN will release in Kindle, Nook and Kobo formats May 1, 2013. In this book the Donovans will host their annual family reunion on their personal Caribbean island. This year's reunion is so special because Brock Remington & Noelle Vincent (Full House Seduction) will finally be married!
On Oct 11-13, 2013 The Donovan Family Reunion comes to you--the loyal readers--face-to-face. Join us at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel for a weekend full of family gatherings, wedding celebration and just plain fun! To register to attend this event follow this link:
http://www.acarthur.net/the-donovan-f...
HEART OF A DONOVAN will release in Kindle, Nook and Kobo formats May 1, 2013. In this book the Donovans will host their annual family reunion on their personal Caribbean island. This year's reunion is so special because Brock Remington & Noelle Vincent (Full House Seduction) will finally be married!
On Oct 11-13, 2013 The Donovan Family Reunion comes to you--the loyal readers--face-to-face. Join us at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel for a weekend full of family gatherings, wedding celebration and just plain fun! To register to attend this event follow this link:
http://www.acarthur.net/the-donovan-f...
December 31, 2012
Date With A Donovan Contest
ATTENTION ALL BOOK CLUBS!
This contest is just for you! Here’s your chance to win a date with your favorite Donovan.
In 200 words or less, tell us which Donovan (name and book title) your club would like to have a date with and describe your idea of how the date will proceed. The winning club will receive a beautifully designed Donovan gift basket and an online or conference call chat with AC to discuss your favorite Donovan! Contest begins January 1 and ends February 1, 2013. Winning club will be announced February 14, 2013.
Send entries to arthurstreetteam@yahoo.com with DATE WITH A DONOVAN in the subject line. Each entry must include: complete name of the book club, # of members, and contact person’s name, telephone, mailing and email address. ONE ENTRY per book club.
A.C. Arthur
This contest is just for you! Here’s your chance to win a date with your favorite Donovan.
In 200 words or less, tell us which Donovan (name and book title) your club would like to have a date with and describe your idea of how the date will proceed. The winning club will receive a beautifully designed Donovan gift basket and an online or conference call chat with AC to discuss your favorite Donovan! Contest begins January 1 and ends February 1, 2013. Winning club will be announced February 14, 2013.
Send entries to arthurstreetteam@yahoo.com with DATE WITH A DONOVAN in the subject line. Each entry must include: complete name of the book club, # of members, and contact person’s name, telephone, mailing and email address. ONE ENTRY per book club.
A.C. Arthur
August 17, 2012
The Shadow Shifter Series Book Trailer
This was just released this week. Hope you enjoy and share with all your friends!
Shadow Shifters Book Trailer
Seduction's Shift
Shadow Shifters Book Trailer
Seduction's Shift
June 29, 2012
July News from A.C. Arthur
Below please find the link to my July Newsletter. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, just send me an email at acarthur22@yahoo.com.
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.c...
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.c...
