Andrea Pearson's Blog, page 12
October 8, 2012
Halloween IAP: Witch Born
Welcome to today's Halloween Indie Author Promotion!
Amber Argyle -- Witch Born
Kindle, Nook, Amazon (paperback), Smashwords
Q: What is Witch Born about?
Brusenna thought it was finished. She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong.
She was wrong. Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands. Some things can't be saved.
A new threat merges with the old as the Witches’ dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything. Including her life.
Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice?
Q: What movie rating would you give your story, and to which age group is it directed?
A: PG13 for kissing and fantasy violence. Readers ages 10 and up will be fine with it.
Q: Why did you choose to self-publish?
There are a lot of reasons why I chose to self publish. I had an agent and it didn't work out. I had a contract from a publisher, but it was so bad I refused to sign it. I finally found an publisher and we published my first book. It was okay, and I might have published another book with them. Then they refused to publish my next book because they only wanted to see YA from me and it was "too adult". Between that and my pitiful paycheck, I decided I would be happier publishing stories that were GOOD, and making more money doing it.
And I am totally making more money.
Q: What is your favorite Halloween story/movie, and why?
My favorite Halloween movie was The Worst Witch. I totally related to bullied Mildred, as I was bullied in high school. She had long, straight brown hair, so did I.
Yesterday's Halloween Book
Tomorrow's Halloween Book
Amber Argyle -- Witch Born
Kindle, Nook, Amazon (paperback), Smashwords
Q: What is Witch Born about?Brusenna thought it was finished. She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong.
She was wrong. Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands. Some things can't be saved.
A new threat merges with the old as the Witches’ dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything. Including her life.
Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice?
Q: What movie rating would you give your story, and to which age group is it directed?
A: PG13 for kissing and fantasy violence. Readers ages 10 and up will be fine with it.
Q: Why did you choose to self-publish?
There are a lot of reasons why I chose to self publish. I had an agent and it didn't work out. I had a contract from a publisher, but it was so bad I refused to sign it. I finally found an publisher and we published my first book. It was okay, and I might have published another book with them. Then they refused to publish my next book because they only wanted to see YA from me and it was "too adult". Between that and my pitiful paycheck, I decided I would be happier publishing stories that were GOOD, and making more money doing it.
And I am totally making more money.
Q: What is your favorite Halloween story/movie, and why?
My favorite Halloween movie was The Worst Witch. I totally related to bullied Mildred, as I was bullied in high school. She had long, straight brown hair, so did I.
Yesterday's Halloween Book
Tomorrow's Halloween Book
October 7, 2012
Halloween IAP: The Music of Erich Zann
Welcome to today's Halloween Indie Author Promotion!
HP Lovecraft -- The Music of Erich Zann
There is no cover for this short story by HP Lovecraft. It's a masterpiece in early 20th Century horror, and in fact, was the basis for my story, The Music of Anna Morse . Many of Lovecraft's works are in the public domain now, including this one.
Lovecraft is a master of suspense and intrigue. This was the very first story of his I read, and when I brainstormed my ideas for my Katon University Series, I knew I wanted the first novella to be a re-write of The Music of Erich Zann. Most of the novellas are rewrites (with a ton of additional material) of early horror authors, including Lovecraft and MR James.
Beta readers have told me that my version has a creepier/more satisfying ending than Lovecraft's. The Music of Anna Morse wasn't written in a literary style, but is a commercialized version. Lovecraft's story is literary fiction--heavy on back story, but shining in description. The words Lovecraft uses pull readers into the story and give excellent visuals.
Where to find it: Project Gutenberg (to read online--it's pretty short).
I hope you enjoy The Music of Erich Zann by HP Lovecraft!
HP Lovecraft -- The Music of Erich Zann
There is no cover for this short story by HP Lovecraft. It's a masterpiece in early 20th Century horror, and in fact, was the basis for my story, The Music of Anna Morse . Many of Lovecraft's works are in the public domain now, including this one.
Lovecraft is a master of suspense and intrigue. This was the very first story of his I read, and when I brainstormed my ideas for my Katon University Series, I knew I wanted the first novella to be a re-write of The Music of Erich Zann. Most of the novellas are rewrites (with a ton of additional material) of early horror authors, including Lovecraft and MR James.
Beta readers have told me that my version has a creepier/more satisfying ending than Lovecraft's. The Music of Anna Morse wasn't written in a literary style, but is a commercialized version. Lovecraft's story is literary fiction--heavy on back story, but shining in description. The words Lovecraft uses pull readers into the story and give excellent visuals.
Where to find it: Project Gutenberg (to read online--it's pretty short).
I hope you enjoy The Music of Erich Zann by HP Lovecraft!
October 6, 2012
Halloween IAP: Dracula's Party
Welcome to today's Halloween Indie Author Promotion!
Amy Manemann -- Dracula's Party
Amazon (paperback)
Q: What is Dracula's Party about?
Dracula's having a party and everyone's invited, except for Werewolf and Grizzly Bear. Can they put their differences aside to include everyone to have fun together, or will the party be ruined?
Dracula's Party was written with the author's son's 2nd grade class last year, the children did all of the illustrations for the book, and a portion of proceeds goes to the school's PTA.
Q: What movie rating would you give your story, and to which age group is it directed?
A: G - second grade readers and older
Q: Why did you choose to self-publish?
A: I wanted to learn the business. It has enabled me to learn everything about the publishing world from uploading and formatting your book, creating cover designs, to book marketing 101. Though I do hope to be traditionally published someday I'm glad to have had the opportunity to self publish and gain a better understanding of everything involved in getting your book into the hands of readers.
Q: What was your favorite costume as a child, and do you still dress up?
A: One year, I told my mom I wanted to be a pretty witch for Halloween. She created me this fantastic witch costume with a sparkly glittering cape and matching hat and I wore "nice" make up for the event. I do still dress up for Halloween, but usually just in pajamas. It's a great excuse to not do your hair for the day!
Yesterday's Halloween Book
Tomorrow's Halloween Book
Amy Manemann -- Dracula's Party
Amazon (paperback)
Q: What is Dracula's Party about?Dracula's having a party and everyone's invited, except for Werewolf and Grizzly Bear. Can they put their differences aside to include everyone to have fun together, or will the party be ruined?
Dracula's Party was written with the author's son's 2nd grade class last year, the children did all of the illustrations for the book, and a portion of proceeds goes to the school's PTA.
Q: What movie rating would you give your story, and to which age group is it directed?
A: G - second grade readers and older
Q: Why did you choose to self-publish?
A: I wanted to learn the business. It has enabled me to learn everything about the publishing world from uploading and formatting your book, creating cover designs, to book marketing 101. Though I do hope to be traditionally published someday I'm glad to have had the opportunity to self publish and gain a better understanding of everything involved in getting your book into the hands of readers.
Q: What was your favorite costume as a child, and do you still dress up?
A: One year, I told my mom I wanted to be a pretty witch for Halloween. She created me this fantastic witch costume with a sparkly glittering cape and matching hat and I wore "nice" make up for the event. I do still dress up for Halloween, but usually just in pajamas. It's a great excuse to not do your hair for the day!
Yesterday's Halloween Book
Tomorrow's Halloween Book
October 5, 2012
Halloween IAP: Deadly Road
Welcome to today's Halloween Indie Author Promotion!
Tara Neideffer -- Deadly Road
Kindle
Q: What is Deadly Road about?
What happens when the dead seek their revenge?
After a night out with friends turns bad, Lizzie drives home upset, exhausted, and a little tipsy. She ends up making a terrible mistake that leaves her with a dark, disturbing secret.
She is traumatized by what she's done and desperately wants to find a way to make amends with her wrong doing. She soon becomes surrounded by an evil she never knew could exist, and finds help from a dying woman in hospice.
This series of events make her realize that everything in life happens for a reason, and sometimes you have to search the darkness for the answers.
Q: What movie rating would you give your story, and to which age group is it directed?
A: PG13. Anyone over sixteen would appreciate the book.
Q: What is your favorite Halloween story/movie, and why?
I know it sounds cheesy, but I have always loved the old Halloween movies. They are such classics!
Q: When did you discover your passion for writing?
I started writing poems about ten years ago, and really enjoyed it, and then decided to try writing short stories. I discovered I loved writing stories more than poems and this year finished my first full length novel.
Yesterday's Halloween Book
Tomorrow's Halloween Book
Tara Neideffer -- Deadly Road
Kindle
Q: What is Deadly Road about?What happens when the dead seek their revenge?
After a night out with friends turns bad, Lizzie drives home upset, exhausted, and a little tipsy. She ends up making a terrible mistake that leaves her with a dark, disturbing secret.
She is traumatized by what she's done and desperately wants to find a way to make amends with her wrong doing. She soon becomes surrounded by an evil she never knew could exist, and finds help from a dying woman in hospice.
This series of events make her realize that everything in life happens for a reason, and sometimes you have to search the darkness for the answers.
Q: What movie rating would you give your story, and to which age group is it directed?
A: PG13. Anyone over sixteen would appreciate the book.
Q: What is your favorite Halloween story/movie, and why?
I know it sounds cheesy, but I have always loved the old Halloween movies. They are such classics!
Q: When did you discover your passion for writing?
I started writing poems about ten years ago, and really enjoyed it, and then decided to try writing short stories. I discovered I loved writing stories more than poems and this year finished my first full length novel.
Yesterday's Halloween Book
Tomorrow's Halloween Book
October 4, 2012
Halloween IAP: Night Children: Dark Threats
Welcome to today's Halloween Indie Author Promotion!
Scott Bryan -- Night Children: Dark Threats
Kindle, Nook, Amazon (paperback), Smashwords
Q: What is Night Children: Dark Threats about?
Annabelle Foresight loves reading and walks under the moonlight. Her brother Roland loves hunting and lots of action. For 300 year old children vampires, they’ve seen quite a lot.
In this collection of stories they hunt for the Invisible Man and fight witches, vampires, Nazi werewolves, zombies and Mister Hyde. Annabelle and Roland, the Night Children, stand between us and those monsters who would try to kill us.
Q: What movie rating would you give your story, and to which age group is it directed?
A: G rated. It's a Middle Grade book geared for kids from 11 on up.
Q: What advice do you have for those wanting to self-publish?
A: Make sure you and others review your book. Be absolutely sure it’s the best it can be before putting it out there. The ebook is the new query letter. We all have equal footing and a chance to get our stories to the world. Take the chance!
Q: What is your favorite Halloween story/movie, and why?
A: Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein. I love the classic Universal monsters and this one has three plus a cameo of another at the end. Besides, who doesn’t love Costello?
Yesterday's Halloween Book.
Scott Bryan -- Night Children: Dark Threats
Kindle, Nook, Amazon (paperback), Smashwords
Q: What is Night Children: Dark Threats about?Annabelle Foresight loves reading and walks under the moonlight. Her brother Roland loves hunting and lots of action. For 300 year old children vampires, they’ve seen quite a lot.
In this collection of stories they hunt for the Invisible Man and fight witches, vampires, Nazi werewolves, zombies and Mister Hyde. Annabelle and Roland, the Night Children, stand between us and those monsters who would try to kill us.
Q: What movie rating would you give your story, and to which age group is it directed?
A: G rated. It's a Middle Grade book geared for kids from 11 on up.
Q: What advice do you have for those wanting to self-publish?
A: Make sure you and others review your book. Be absolutely sure it’s the best it can be before putting it out there. The ebook is the new query letter. We all have equal footing and a chance to get our stories to the world. Take the chance!
Q: What is your favorite Halloween story/movie, and why?
A: Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein. I love the classic Universal monsters and this one has three plus a cameo of another at the end. Besides, who doesn’t love Costello?
Yesterday's Halloween Book.
October 3, 2012
Halloween IAP: The Crystal Bridge
Welcome to today's Halloween Indie Author Promotion!
Charles M. Pulsipher -- The Crystal Bridge
Kindle, Amazon (paperback)
Q: What is The Crystal Bridge about?
Deep within the emptiness between universes, an ancient creature awakes
and stretches its spidery limbs as it caresses the minds of those in
worlds of matter. With inhuman patience it has waited millennia to be
freed from its prison and the existence of two universes is threatened if
it can find a way out.
Kaden, a teenage boy who can open wormholes to distant worlds, and Aren, a
girl who can read the souls of those around her, will both be dragged into
a war between magical creatures on a distant world that will shape all of
reality and perhaps save us all.
Q: What movie rating would you give your story, and to which age group is it directed?
A: Soft PG13 - some younger than thirteen have enjoyed it.
Q: When did you discover your passion for writing?
A: I wrote a short story about a dinosaur that travels across the country when I was ten. I’m still thinking Land Before Time somehow got ahold of my original manuscript…
Q: What is your favorite Halloween story/movie, and why?
A: The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury. It’s a tradition to listen to a copy on Halloween night and let Ray paint the possibilities for us with his genius words.
Charles M. Pulsipher -- The Crystal Bridge
Kindle, Amazon (paperback)
Q: What is The Crystal Bridge about?
Deep within the emptiness between universes, an ancient creature awakes
and stretches its spidery limbs as it caresses the minds of those in
worlds of matter. With inhuman patience it has waited millennia to be
freed from its prison and the existence of two universes is threatened if
it can find a way out.
Kaden, a teenage boy who can open wormholes to distant worlds, and Aren, a
girl who can read the souls of those around her, will both be dragged into
a war between magical creatures on a distant world that will shape all of
reality and perhaps save us all.
Q: What movie rating would you give your story, and to which age group is it directed?
A: Soft PG13 - some younger than thirteen have enjoyed it.
Q: When did you discover your passion for writing?
A: I wrote a short story about a dinosaur that travels across the country when I was ten. I’m still thinking Land Before Time somehow got ahold of my original manuscript…
Q: What is your favorite Halloween story/movie, and why?
A: The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury. It’s a tradition to listen to a copy on Halloween night and let Ray paint the possibilities for us with his genius words.
October 2, 2012
Halloween IAP: Fateful
Welcome to today's Halloween Indie Author Promotion!
Cheri Schmidt -- Fateful
Kindle, Nook, Kobo
Q: What is Fateful about?
A huge fan of Jane Austen, Danielle hopes to find her own Mr. Darcy when she attends art school in London. She does find the romance she seeks in Ethan Deveroux, but he’s no Mr. Darcy. Her hero is held by a spell which fractures their chance at a happy ending. During the day Ethan is closer to mortal than immortal. Yet, as the sun sets, the powerful magic of an ancient curse returns and the evil of that spell is revealed. When that magic begins, Danielle's fairytale romance ends because Ethan Deveroux is a vampire.
Q: What movie rating would you give your story?
A: PG.
Q: When did you discover your passion for writing?
A: When the stories in my head started haunting me nonstop.
Q: What was your favorite costume as a child, and do you still dress up?
A: Lora Croft from Tomb Raider was probably my favorite, and I do still dress up. Occasionally. And just for the trick-or-treaters. And usually as a witch because I have lots of black and it’s easy.
Yesterday's Halloween Book.
Cheri Schmidt -- Fateful
Kindle, Nook, Kobo
Q: What is Fateful about?A huge fan of Jane Austen, Danielle hopes to find her own Mr. Darcy when she attends art school in London. She does find the romance she seeks in Ethan Deveroux, but he’s no Mr. Darcy. Her hero is held by a spell which fractures their chance at a happy ending. During the day Ethan is closer to mortal than immortal. Yet, as the sun sets, the powerful magic of an ancient curse returns and the evil of that spell is revealed. When that magic begins, Danielle's fairytale romance ends because Ethan Deveroux is a vampire.
Q: What movie rating would you give your story?
A: PG.
Q: When did you discover your passion for writing?
A: When the stories in my head started haunting me nonstop.
Q: What was your favorite costume as a child, and do you still dress up?
A: Lora Croft from Tomb Raider was probably my favorite, and I do still dress up. Occasionally. And just for the trick-or-treaters. And usually as a witch because I have lots of black and it’s easy.
Yesterday's Halloween Book.
October 1, 2012
Halloween IAP: The Music of Anna Morse
Welcome to this year's Halloween Indie Author Promotion!
To start things off, I'm presenting the first of my Katon University novellas. On Halloween, we'll focus on the next two novellas: Whistle, and I'll Come, and Britnell Manor.
Andrea Pearson -- The Music of Anna Morse
Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Q: What is The Music of Anna Morse about?
When Anya, a talented cellist, goes to Ohio to sharpen her skills with wind magic, she has no idea her studies are about to collide with terrifying creatures and people from another dimension.
Based off one of HP Lovecraft’s popular stories, The Music of Erich Zann.
A novelette in the Katon University First Year series. Will take about an hour to read.
Reviews:
"Very intense, with a hint of Edgar Allen Poe." - Teri
"A real page turner. Wonderful descriptions and very fast moving." - Ellen
Q: What movie rating would you assign your story, and to which age group is it directed?
A: Somewhere between PG and PG13. Teenagers 14 and older would enjoy it.
Q: Why did you choose to self-publish?
I enjoy being involved in every aspect of things that directly involve me, and I was always very nervous over potential changes publishers would make in my stories. Self-publishing was the natural choice for someone with my personality.
Q: What was your favorite costume as a child, and do you still dress up?
I always enjoyed dressing up as a princess when I was really young, but in my teenage years, I discovered Phyllis Diller. Having short, curly hair, it was easy to replicate her look. :-) I still dress up if I'm attending a Halloween party.
To start things off, I'm presenting the first of my Katon University novellas. On Halloween, we'll focus on the next two novellas: Whistle, and I'll Come, and Britnell Manor.
Andrea Pearson -- The Music of Anna Morse
Kindle, Nook, Smashwords
Q: What is The Music of Anna Morse about?
When Anya, a talented cellist, goes to Ohio to sharpen her skills with wind magic, she has no idea her studies are about to collide with terrifying creatures and people from another dimension.
Based off one of HP Lovecraft’s popular stories, The Music of Erich Zann.
A novelette in the Katon University First Year series. Will take about an hour to read.
Reviews:
"Very intense, with a hint of Edgar Allen Poe." - Teri
"A real page turner. Wonderful descriptions and very fast moving." - Ellen
Q: What movie rating would you assign your story, and to which age group is it directed?
A: Somewhere between PG and PG13. Teenagers 14 and older would enjoy it.
Q: Why did you choose to self-publish?
I enjoy being involved in every aspect of things that directly involve me, and I was always very nervous over potential changes publishers would make in my stories. Self-publishing was the natural choice for someone with my personality.
Q: What was your favorite costume as a child, and do you still dress up?
I always enjoyed dressing up as a princess when I was really young, but in my teenage years, I discovered Phyllis Diller. Having short, curly hair, it was easy to replicate her look. :-) I still dress up if I'm attending a Halloween party.
September 12, 2012
Halloween Indie Author Promotion Call
Hey, Indie Authors!!
I'm doing a really fun promotion on my blog leading up to Halloween, mainly to help advertise the release of three new novelettes in my Katon University series. (Teen horror: Whistle, and I'll Come, Britnell Manor, and The Music of Anna Morse.) I'm super excited!
Here's how it's going to go:
Each day, or a few days a week (depending on how many people respond), I'll feature a Halloween-themed book on my blog, along with a very short interview of the author (short as in, two questions with their answers).
What do I mean by Halloween themed? Anything and everything that can be thought of as Halloweenish! This would include horror, scary books, vampires, ghosts, witches, zombies, ghouls, monsters, spooky things, etc. If you are wondering if your book would work, shoot me an email. Romance would be fine, but there has to be some scariness in the story, brought on by the "Halloween theme." Halloween-type comedies are also fine.
Note: Your book doesn't have to happen around Halloween time. If it does, that's great! If it doesn't, that's perfectly fine too. :-)
Right now, I'm putting a cap on how many books an author can submit - just two, which will be featured on separate days. I'll email participating authors if that goes up to three. Also, if I have a lot of responses, I'll probably feature two books (from separate authors) a day, in the same post. Which would be fun - you'd overlap with another author and their promotions. :-)
If you're interested, send me an email with all of the following for each book (if you don't include something, I'll just ask you where it is, so include it the first time. :-)):
1. Cover for your book - a good-quality one (send it to me in an attachment - don't make me go searching for it. ;-))
2. Short blurb for the book (no more than 50-65 words. I'll ask authors to shorten as needed)
3. Purchase links (Kindle, Nook, Smashwords, Amazon)
4. Rating for your book (as in, movie rating: G, PG, PG13, R, and which ages you feel would most appreciate it)
5. Answers (no more than 35 words) to two of the following questions (include both questions in your email):
Why did you choose to self-publish?
What advice do you have for those wanting to self-publish?
What is your favorite Halloween story/movie, and why?
When did you discover your passion for writing?
What was your favorite costume as a child, and do you still dress up?
What has worked the best for you as an Indie author (when it comes to being successful)?
Several things to note:
PLEASE read these carefully! :-)
The two stories you submit can be any length: full-length novel, novella, novelette, or short story.
They must be self-published.
Coupons and sales would be a great idea. Include the necessary information in your email to me (if the book is usually one price, but it'll be a different price for the promotion, etc.)
Short stories can be in anthologies, but the anthology must be Halloween themed.
An anthology/compilation of two full-length books would count as your two. Anything with more than two books (50,000 words each, give or take) won't be accepted. I'd suggest submitting the books separately, so you get more air time.
If you submit more than one book, I'll put links to the other in each post.
For each book, give me the above information. You can use the same questions/answers twice if you'd like, or you can answer two new ones for the second book.
Tell me which order you want the books in (for example, if you have a series - let me know which is the first book).
If you have a preference for a day, let me know, and I'll do my best to honor it (no promises, though, and first-come, first-serve). Similarly, if you'd like your days to be on back-to-back days, let me know, and I'll do my best to arrange that.
If you include a coupon, make sure it doesn't expire until at least a week after Halloween (for late comers).
Send this post to as many authors as you can - the more who participate, the better this will be for everyone. It also goes without saying that I'd expect you to do a little promotion for your day - I won't be able to reach nearly as many people as all of us together.
Clear as mud? :-) Leave any questions you have in the comments below, or ask in your email to me. :-)
DEADLINE: September 30, 2012.
This doesn't mean the book has to be published by then. For example, if you've got a story coming out on October 15th, we can feature it on that day or the next day, or whenever you would like. I just need to know by September 30th if you're wanting to be involved.
I'm super excited!!! :-)
I'm doing a really fun promotion on my blog leading up to Halloween, mainly to help advertise the release of three new novelettes in my Katon University series. (Teen horror: Whistle, and I'll Come, Britnell Manor, and The Music of Anna Morse.) I'm super excited!
Here's how it's going to go:
Each day, or a few days a week (depending on how many people respond), I'll feature a Halloween-themed book on my blog, along with a very short interview of the author (short as in, two questions with their answers).
What do I mean by Halloween themed? Anything and everything that can be thought of as Halloweenish! This would include horror, scary books, vampires, ghosts, witches, zombies, ghouls, monsters, spooky things, etc. If you are wondering if your book would work, shoot me an email. Romance would be fine, but there has to be some scariness in the story, brought on by the "Halloween theme." Halloween-type comedies are also fine.
Note: Your book doesn't have to happen around Halloween time. If it does, that's great! If it doesn't, that's perfectly fine too. :-)
Right now, I'm putting a cap on how many books an author can submit - just two, which will be featured on separate days. I'll email participating authors if that goes up to three. Also, if I have a lot of responses, I'll probably feature two books (from separate authors) a day, in the same post. Which would be fun - you'd overlap with another author and their promotions. :-)
If you're interested, send me an email with all of the following for each book (if you don't include something, I'll just ask you where it is, so include it the first time. :-)):
1. Cover for your book - a good-quality one (send it to me in an attachment - don't make me go searching for it. ;-))
2. Short blurb for the book (no more than 50-65 words. I'll ask authors to shorten as needed)
3. Purchase links (Kindle, Nook, Smashwords, Amazon)
4. Rating for your book (as in, movie rating: G, PG, PG13, R, and which ages you feel would most appreciate it)
5. Answers (no more than 35 words) to two of the following questions (include both questions in your email):
Why did you choose to self-publish?
What advice do you have for those wanting to self-publish?
What is your favorite Halloween story/movie, and why?
When did you discover your passion for writing?
What was your favorite costume as a child, and do you still dress up?
What has worked the best for you as an Indie author (when it comes to being successful)?
Several things to note:
PLEASE read these carefully! :-)
The two stories you submit can be any length: full-length novel, novella, novelette, or short story.
They must be self-published.
Coupons and sales would be a great idea. Include the necessary information in your email to me (if the book is usually one price, but it'll be a different price for the promotion, etc.)
Short stories can be in anthologies, but the anthology must be Halloween themed.
An anthology/compilation of two full-length books would count as your two. Anything with more than two books (50,000 words each, give or take) won't be accepted. I'd suggest submitting the books separately, so you get more air time.
If you submit more than one book, I'll put links to the other in each post.
For each book, give me the above information. You can use the same questions/answers twice if you'd like, or you can answer two new ones for the second book.
Tell me which order you want the books in (for example, if you have a series - let me know which is the first book).
If you have a preference for a day, let me know, and I'll do my best to honor it (no promises, though, and first-come, first-serve). Similarly, if you'd like your days to be on back-to-back days, let me know, and I'll do my best to arrange that.
If you include a coupon, make sure it doesn't expire until at least a week after Halloween (for late comers).
Send this post to as many authors as you can - the more who participate, the better this will be for everyone. It also goes without saying that I'd expect you to do a little promotion for your day - I won't be able to reach nearly as many people as all of us together.
Clear as mud? :-) Leave any questions you have in the comments below, or ask in your email to me. :-)
DEADLINE: September 30, 2012.
This doesn't mean the book has to be published by then. For example, if you've got a story coming out on October 15th, we can feature it on that day or the next day, or whenever you would like. I just need to know by September 30th if you're wanting to be involved.
I'm super excited!!! :-)
September 4, 2012
Traditional Publish = Vanity Publishing
I'll be signing in the Sandy Costco the following days:
Monday, September 10, 2012 from 12:00 to 4:00pm
Monday, September 24, 2012 from 12:00 to 4:00pm
Click the link above to get the address. We wanted more days, but September is a very busy month for Costco, and they're working with several companies to get authors in for signings.
The version of The Key of Kilenya I'll be signing is so beautiful! It includes a few changes (we had another round of edits on it), is slightly bigger than the previous version, and includes blurbs on the back from happy readers. :-)
Can't wait to see you there!
On to the topic for today's blog post.
I read an interview a while back of an author who said she considered traditional publishing to be vanity publishing. "Oh? You're with such and such publisher (or are self-published)? Well, I'm with this publisher."
I can't remember who the author was or where I found the interview, but the idea really stayed with me, and I truly believe she was right in many, if not most, cases. Now the Huffington Post has made the same statement, and authors are reacting. (In this article, one person gives several reasons why the statement is true. Read it. It's short and good. Then come back. :-))
I understand why authors would want or need a traditional publisher - not everyone is cut out for self-publishing. But, as the author of the article, Bernard Starr, says, "When you go the traditional-publishing route, you may well find yourself self-publishing without the benefits of self-publishing." Read the article to see what he's talking about.
So, what are the benefits of self-publishing? Here's one: sales. So many traditionally published authors don't get many sales. Another benefit? Real-time reporting on those sales. Most of my author friends will never know how many books they sold. They have to trust that their publisher is reporting things correctly. Another benefit: excellent royalties (30-80% royalties versus the 5-17% in traditional publishing). And so, so many others. It constantly amazes me when people turn away from these things. They say, "Only 1% of self-published authors ever go really big. I've got a better chance in traditional publishing." But if you pay attention to the most recent traditionally published bestsellers, you'll find that the majority of them got started - made a name for themselves - in self-publishing.
Traditional publishers focus on a book for only a short time, then drop it completely, moving on to new authors. Many times, the book hasn't had the chance it deserves to grow in popularity before it is removed from shelves, and any backing the publisher gave it shifts to the next author's book. The book is considered a flop and is permanently on a writer's record. Many authors have to use a pen name to avoid being recognized for having a book that failed. In self-publishing, this doesn't happen. Authors recognize the length of time it often takes for a book to be cultivated into a bestseller, and they're willing to wait for it to happen.
Mr. Starr says, "First-time authors and those struggling to find a publisher should seriously consider self-publishing," and "self-publishing does not close the door on traditional publishing."
He talks about how self-published authors are being hand-selected by traditional publishers, given huge advances, and have actual marketing plans written up and put in place.
As Penguin CEO John Makinson said: "Self-publishing has moved into the mainstream of our industry."
It's a no brainer to me. Find a traditional publisher (if that's your goal) by self-publishing. Make a name for yourself that traditional publishers won't be able to ignore. And get paid while you're doing it. You may find yourself so content in that position, you won't want to sign the contract when the time comes.
In the News:
Is self-publishing the lazy way out?
"Bestselling American crime novelist Sue Grafton has back-pedaled on her description of self-published authors as 'too lazy to do the hard work' following disbelief and anger from the independently published community." Read more of the Guardian article here. (I appreciate Sue Grafton's response to the outcry.)
Beware the companies that want to help you self-publish!
"As with any case where something hard for one person is easy for someone else, businesses have sprung up to take advantage of that in return for a cut of the royalties." (Read more here. Seriously, be incredibly wary of any company that wants to help you self-publish.)
Publishing Is Broken, We're Drowning In Indie Books - And That's A Good Thing
Okay, I can't give a good enough summary for this article - there are too many excellent points. It's fairly long, but incredibly good, and will be well worth your time.
Monday, September 10, 2012 from 12:00 to 4:00pm
Monday, September 24, 2012 from 12:00 to 4:00pm
Click the link above to get the address. We wanted more days, but September is a very busy month for Costco, and they're working with several companies to get authors in for signings.
The version of The Key of Kilenya I'll be signing is so beautiful! It includes a few changes (we had another round of edits on it), is slightly bigger than the previous version, and includes blurbs on the back from happy readers. :-)
Can't wait to see you there!
On to the topic for today's blog post.
I read an interview a while back of an author who said she considered traditional publishing to be vanity publishing. "Oh? You're with such and such publisher (or are self-published)? Well, I'm with this publisher."
I can't remember who the author was or where I found the interview, but the idea really stayed with me, and I truly believe she was right in many, if not most, cases. Now the Huffington Post has made the same statement, and authors are reacting. (In this article, one person gives several reasons why the statement is true. Read it. It's short and good. Then come back. :-))
I understand why authors would want or need a traditional publisher - not everyone is cut out for self-publishing. But, as the author of the article, Bernard Starr, says, "When you go the traditional-publishing route, you may well find yourself self-publishing without the benefits of self-publishing." Read the article to see what he's talking about.
So, what are the benefits of self-publishing? Here's one: sales. So many traditionally published authors don't get many sales. Another benefit? Real-time reporting on those sales. Most of my author friends will never know how many books they sold. They have to trust that their publisher is reporting things correctly. Another benefit: excellent royalties (30-80% royalties versus the 5-17% in traditional publishing). And so, so many others. It constantly amazes me when people turn away from these things. They say, "Only 1% of self-published authors ever go really big. I've got a better chance in traditional publishing." But if you pay attention to the most recent traditionally published bestsellers, you'll find that the majority of them got started - made a name for themselves - in self-publishing.
Traditional publishers focus on a book for only a short time, then drop it completely, moving on to new authors. Many times, the book hasn't had the chance it deserves to grow in popularity before it is removed from shelves, and any backing the publisher gave it shifts to the next author's book. The book is considered a flop and is permanently on a writer's record. Many authors have to use a pen name to avoid being recognized for having a book that failed. In self-publishing, this doesn't happen. Authors recognize the length of time it often takes for a book to be cultivated into a bestseller, and they're willing to wait for it to happen.
Mr. Starr says, "First-time authors and those struggling to find a publisher should seriously consider self-publishing," and "self-publishing does not close the door on traditional publishing."
He talks about how self-published authors are being hand-selected by traditional publishers, given huge advances, and have actual marketing plans written up and put in place.
As Penguin CEO John Makinson said: "Self-publishing has moved into the mainstream of our industry."
It's a no brainer to me. Find a traditional publisher (if that's your goal) by self-publishing. Make a name for yourself that traditional publishers won't be able to ignore. And get paid while you're doing it. You may find yourself so content in that position, you won't want to sign the contract when the time comes.
In the News:
Is self-publishing the lazy way out?
"Bestselling American crime novelist Sue Grafton has back-pedaled on her description of self-published authors as 'too lazy to do the hard work' following disbelief and anger from the independently published community." Read more of the Guardian article here. (I appreciate Sue Grafton's response to the outcry.)
Beware the companies that want to help you self-publish!
"As with any case where something hard for one person is easy for someone else, businesses have sprung up to take advantage of that in return for a cut of the royalties." (Read more here. Seriously, be incredibly wary of any company that wants to help you self-publish.)
Publishing Is Broken, We're Drowning In Indie Books - And That's A Good Thing
Okay, I can't give a good enough summary for this article - there are too many excellent points. It's fairly long, but incredibly good, and will be well worth your time.
