Bena Roberts's Blog, page 21
November 16, 2017
The self-publishing learning curve
At the start of my first novel journey, I was fuzzy eyed. I created an elaborate cover and back page of the book for Kindle. Then everyone started telling me they preferred paper copies. So then I signed up for CreateSpace.
Only now, do I realise that my dreams for a multicoloured elaborate book cover are just too expensive? In fact, the whole book as it is is just too costly to publish.
At the moment the book has nearly 300 pages. The publishing costs are about 7 pounds (without any profit).
So, I have to reduce the number of pages and change the front cover to make it more affordable and to ensure that I garnish some profit from all my hard work.
I aim to reduce the page font from 12 to 9 and then hopefully reduce the number of pages to under 199. Or if possible even more. The cover is going to be completely new, less colour, a CreateSpace image - so hopefully cheaper too. I would like the book to cost about 7.99-9.99 depending on the country. This means that to get any profit or at least 2-3 dollars/Euro per book I need to shave about 2 pounds from the publishing costs.
This is going to be tricky!! But I am nearly there. If I think what I have achieved ...
Started Six Tinder Weeks in June
The first draft finished in September
First Edit and Second Edit in October
Final re-work November and proofreaders.
December - publication.
On top of that, I wrote another ebook in 30 days during the summer! My Amazon Author Profile!
There have been so many lessons learned and I also managed to read close to 40 books in the past five months as well. I know it sounds cliche but I finally love what I do again. After GoMo News ended, I didn't really do anything that I loved. I realise that I love writing!
November 9, 2017
Following #amwriting on Twitter
I have been following #amwriting on Twitter. My twitter name is Bena Roberts
Most of these authors below that I have read (and I have read about 35 books since June) - I found via #amwriting or Facebook.
It marks a change for me and shows me the value of social media. Some of these authors I would have never found with a standard search, in a bookshop or Amazon search. But I am so happy that I did find them!
Indie authors like me really are excellent and do provide great reads. I am so excited to be an author and to join this great list of authors. XX
Resurrect (Whitney Steel, #3)
by Kim Cresswell *
it was amazing 5.00 avg rating ��� 7 ratings ��� published
"A swiftly-paced page-turner that pulls you in and doesn't let go until the gripping end." - Rick Mofina, International Bestselling Author of LAST SEEN After two prominent scientists working at privat ...more
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Resurrect (Whitney Steel, #3)
Cresswell, Kim*
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Nov 07, 2017
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Reflection (Whitney Steel, #1)
Cresswell, Kim*
4.05
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Nov 07, 2017[edit]
Nov 06, 2017
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Knots and Crosses (Inspector Rebus, #1)
Rankin, Ian *
3.83
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Nov 01, 2017
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Trouble in Mudbug (Ghost-in-Law, #1)
Deleon, Jana *
3.93
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Nov 01, 2017
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Beauty and the Mustache(Knitting in the City, #4; Winston Brothers, #0.5)
Reid, Penny *
4.21
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Nov 01, 2017
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Louisiana Longshot (Miss Fortune Mystery #1)
Deleon, Jana *
4.15
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Nov 01, 2017
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Ninja at First Sight (Knitting in the City, #4.75)
Reid, Penny *
4.35
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Nov 01, 2017
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Secrets, Lies, and Alibis: 7 Cozy Mysteries
Quinn, Lucy
4.08
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Oct 08, 2017
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My Favorite Husband(Romantic Comedy Duo, #1)
McCutcheon, Pam
3.23
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Nov 2017[edit]
Oct 08, 2017
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The Current
Dahl, Sarah *
4.38
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Oct 08, 2017[edit]
Oct 08, 2017
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In Ark: A Promise of Survival
Devaney, Lisa *
3.31
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Oct 22, 2017[edit]
Sep 25, 2017
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Under the Cherry Tree
Mills, Lilac *
4.52
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Sep 25, 2017
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Murder in Steeple Martin(Libby Sarjeant #1)
Cookman, Lesley
3.38
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Sep 25, 2017
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All Gods Children Needs Traveling Shoes
Angelou, Maya
4.24
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Oct 08, 2017[edit]
Sep 24, 2017
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Divorcing a Dead Man
Sorensen, Beth*
5.00
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Sep 24, 2017
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Crush at Thomas Hall
Sorensen, Beth*
4.43
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Sep 24, 2017
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Big Girls Don't Cry (Blonde Barracuda, #1)
Lee, Taylor *
3.70
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Sep 2017[edit]
Sep 23, 2017
Writing Romantic Comedy plus suspense
I have learnt so much the past few months.
In June 2017, when I started this novel, I didn't expect to have the joy ride writing it - that I did. As it is near the end, being proofed... I finally have some time to reflect.
What started out as fun and a hobby and ended up as a dream that I love. My star sign has always said you are a born teacher or writer. Well, I taught for the past ten years and I loved it. But, writing is something different. It is as though I was made to write and if I don't write - I feel as though something is wrong. I was born to be a full-time writer and it is a dream that I will pursue in the next few years.
I have already started my next novel, while the finishing touches on Six Tinder Weeks take place. It is so natural now to write for hours on end and then edit for what seems like years on end! Someone told me that the vomit version of the novel is their favourite and I can understand that. Churning out the story is simply exciting. Making it good is where the hard work starts and re-starts. What is scary is that you have to let go. I don't think a novel will ever be perfect, but finishing is vital as is getting it out.
So that is where I am. I love my book. Could I change the end a bit? Well maybe, but I won't! I am selfish. I like my ending. Will everyone else? I hope so. But as I write and read, I realise that everyone is different and you can't please everyone. This book has been such a journey and I am so proud of it.
But back to the point!
What is it like to write romantic comedy plus suspense?
It has been tricky! But I have tried to use a change is the point of view to help me structure the book.
For example, Helen is the main character and I have written in the first person I form. Her story is about romance and self-discovery.
The male lead is CJ. He was called OJ, but that changed for a number of reasons!
CJ is where the action happens. I have written him in the third person (he) form.
I found this really helped me as I hope the readers feel for Helen as they read - but also I can be more creative with the third person when it comes to crime.
It has been difficult finding other authors that have done that, so I am hoping this is my creative genius at play!!
Other authors who I adore like Sidney Sheldon write amazing suspense. With multiple-plots and all sorts of twist and turns. I hope to get there one day - but writing is like anything else only practice makes perfect.
October 16, 2017
Having fun with marketing material for Six Tinder Weeks with Animoto
Six Tinder Weeks!! Get ready! This is my first ever self-made video! I thought I would create a series as I get ready for the book launch. I am already hooked and I am sure there will be a whole load more as I practice!
It is so much fun! You can also make your own here
October 3, 2017
Romantic Comedy Six Tinder Weeks The book cover!
My book is currently with beta readers and I am taking the time to work on my book cover! What do you think?
The book is called Six Tinder Weeks. It will be out soon, possibly November. It is my first novel and a bit of a romantic comedy.
It is not everyone's genre but will offer some fun and is an ideal holiday read.
I would appreciate any feedback!
I am also working on my eBook on Darmstadt Finding a Property which will be out this month.
September 27, 2017
I finished.. but what is my genre?
The good news is that I finished my first novel and am getting it ready for Beta Readers.
The bad news is, one of my good friends read the book and said it is not #Chicklit. So, I know I am writing women's fiction. But I don't know what to call it.
I am toying with Romantic Comedy as she said she laughed continuously. From everyone that I have spoken to in the self-publishing industry, they say that Kindle keywords are vital.
If anyone else was in a predicament like mine, please let me know!
Also, I think I am toying with yet another new book cover. This one to the left might be the winner. What do you think?
