Denise Verrico's Blog: Immortyl Revolution, page 11
November 22, 2011
November 16, 2011
Guest Ami Blackwelder Giveaway
Welcome back Ami Blackwelder!
Contest!Ami has graciously offered an ecopy of her book The Invasion of 2020 to one lucky commenter! Winner will be chosen by random drawing. Deadline to enter is 11/20/11 at 11:59 PM.
Ami has shared some of her experiences with self-publishing.
Is Self-Publishing right for you?
Look at me. My Shifter Evolutions saga is on the shelf at Barnes n Noble in Tampa! Want it in your BnN? Just ask at the front desk and they can order the book for you!
What route I chose and why:
I began writing fiction novels at the start of 2009. I wrote short stories, poetry and non-fiction before that time. After completing my first novel The Gate of Lake Forest I pursued epublishing and found an epublisher, www.ireadiwrite.com, with Michelle. She accepted me and took my sequel novel Prisoners of Pride as well. I then wrote my first historical romance title The Day the Flowers Died and submitted it to Whiskey Press. They accepted it. But at that time, I was really looking into self-publishing and noticed a trend in that direction with many writers, good writers, successful writers. After learning a lot from Michelle, I decided to go my own route and said no to Whiskey Press.
I discovered something all writers should know!
Epublishers, small publishers, indie publishers cannot do anything for your brand and your novel that you cannot do better. With minimal promos, they will take at least 50% of your profits.
I don't sign with publishers now unless they offer non-exclusive rights, so that I may publish/distribute with whomever and wherever I wish. The only exception to this rule is if you are accepted by a BIG-House-Publisher who is also willing to put Money behind the Promos for your book. Which usually means you need an agent.
If you can get an agent-great! Make sure they get you a good deal with a big publisher who has the vision you have so they see the potential and are willing to money where their mouth is.
Otherwise, do it yourself! You can learn!! You will have total creative freedom, get to work intimately with an editor you chose, chose the cover design you want, distribute to where you want, and get all the profits while having the ability to distribute the book as soon as you want as well as stop distribution and make changes whenever you want. No such luck with a publisher.
So, make sure you pay attention to how much you are giving up in exchange to how much you are getting before you sign the dotted line.
That is What and Why. Perhaps many of you are asking...HOW?
Tips:
Find a good editor or two! Find an illustrator or graphic artist!
Createspace.com
Lulu.com (ipad)
dtp.amazon
pubit.com
Promote on a few sites you've researched and like and build your loyal base of fans from there.
Get a website on blogger, or wordpress or weebly (all for free).
Have a presence online on twitter, facebook, kindle and nook forums and pick a few more forums you like related to your book genres.
Build a fan base in your local area with distribution of your books to schools, universities, libraries, and book events everywhere! Ask and you'll be surprised how many say "yes" !
Learn more on my website: http://amiblackwelder.blogspot.com
every Sunday!
Contest!Ami has graciously offered an ecopy of her book The Invasion of 2020 to one lucky commenter! Winner will be chosen by random drawing. Deadline to enter is 11/20/11 at 11:59 PM.
Ami has shared some of her experiences with self-publishing.
Is Self-Publishing right for you?
Look at me. My Shifter Evolutions saga is on the shelf at Barnes n Noble in Tampa! Want it in your BnN? Just ask at the front desk and they can order the book for you!
What route I chose and why:
I began writing fiction novels at the start of 2009. I wrote short stories, poetry and non-fiction before that time. After completing my first novel The Gate of Lake Forest I pursued epublishing and found an epublisher, www.ireadiwrite.com, with Michelle. She accepted me and took my sequel novel Prisoners of Pride as well. I then wrote my first historical romance title The Day the Flowers Died and submitted it to Whiskey Press. They accepted it. But at that time, I was really looking into self-publishing and noticed a trend in that direction with many writers, good writers, successful writers. After learning a lot from Michelle, I decided to go my own route and said no to Whiskey Press.
I discovered something all writers should know!
Epublishers, small publishers, indie publishers cannot do anything for your brand and your novel that you cannot do better. With minimal promos, they will take at least 50% of your profits.
I don't sign with publishers now unless they offer non-exclusive rights, so that I may publish/distribute with whomever and wherever I wish. The only exception to this rule is if you are accepted by a BIG-House-Publisher who is also willing to put Money behind the Promos for your book. Which usually means you need an agent.
If you can get an agent-great! Make sure they get you a good deal with a big publisher who has the vision you have so they see the potential and are willing to money where their mouth is.
Otherwise, do it yourself! You can learn!! You will have total creative freedom, get to work intimately with an editor you chose, chose the cover design you want, distribute to where you want, and get all the profits while having the ability to distribute the book as soon as you want as well as stop distribution and make changes whenever you want. No such luck with a publisher.
So, make sure you pay attention to how much you are giving up in exchange to how much you are getting before you sign the dotted line.
That is What and Why. Perhaps many of you are asking...HOW?
Tips:
Find a good editor or two! Find an illustrator or graphic artist!
Createspace.com
Lulu.com (ipad)
dtp.amazon
pubit.com
Promote on a few sites you've researched and like and build your loyal base of fans from there.
Get a website on blogger, or wordpress or weebly (all for free).
Have a presence online on twitter, facebook, kindle and nook forums and pick a few more forums you like related to your book genres.
Build a fan base in your local area with distribution of your books to schools, universities, libraries, and book events everywhere! Ask and you'll be surprised how many say "yes" !
Learn more on my website: http://amiblackwelder.blogspot.com
every Sunday!
November 12, 2011
Spec the Halls Raises Funds for Charity
The Spec the Halls anthology is now available
at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at the Alliteration Ink website.
Proceeds will go to Heifer International.
The winter holidays are a special time of year - even if you're on a planet that doesn't have winter.
Spec The Halls looks at the winter holidays - both real and fictional - from a speculative fiction point of view. Fantasy, horror, and science fiction take turns showing us this time of year from a slightly different point of view.
This year's anthology includes stories by Kelly Swails, Alethea Kontis, T. Lee Harris, Laura Resnick, Steven Saus, Chanté McCoy, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Kerrie Hughes, Marian Allen, Patrick M. Tracy, Risa Wolf, Jess Hartley, Graham Storrs, Donald J. Bingle, R.T. Kaelin, and Sue Penkivech.
The proceeds of every sale will go to Heifer International. Act quickly - this eBook will only be available for a limited time!
at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at the Alliteration Ink website.
Proceeds will go to Heifer International.
The winter holidays are a special time of year - even if you're on a planet that doesn't have winter.
Spec The Halls looks at the winter holidays - both real and fictional - from a speculative fiction point of view. Fantasy, horror, and science fiction take turns showing us this time of year from a slightly different point of view.
This year's anthology includes stories by Kelly Swails, Alethea Kontis, T. Lee Harris, Laura Resnick, Steven Saus, Chanté McCoy, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Kerrie Hughes, Marian Allen, Patrick M. Tracy, Risa Wolf, Jess Hartley, Graham Storrs, Donald J. Bingle, R.T. Kaelin, and Sue Penkivech.
The proceeds of every sale will go to Heifer International. Act quickly - this eBook will only be available for a limited time!
November 7, 2011
Author interview with John Podgursky
Today I'm pleased to welcome John Podgursky to Immortyl Revolution! John is on tour promoting his book, The One Percenters.
John, toward what age group is your work geared?
It's definitely not for anyone under 16, not only because of the violence and language, but because the theme is really for someone more world-weary.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
It's a psychological thriller. Much of the conflict occurs in the protagonist's head.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
There's no doubt it is Edward. He's part me, part psychotic ax murderer, part naive child. He means well until he doesn't. Or the other way around. He's everything and nothing I want to be.
What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in your genre?
Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin & Hobbes. His fearlessness of being himself and, in my opinion, extreme intelligence concerning the world around us. The mixture of passion and cynicism he displays through his characters reminds me of myself. A boatload of King books didn't hurt either. I enjoyed The Wasp Factory and Lord of the Flies.
What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
I prepare the skeleton beforehand, and then flesh out the details as I write. I write in a stream of consciousness, and then go back to do the research and filler later. I don't like my writing time to be start-and-stop, so this method works best for me.
Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
I don't think I'm experienced enough at this time to be handing out advice.
Who is your publisher, and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?
My publisher is Damnation Books. As you might expect, they deal in dark fiction. You can get an e-copy at their site, damnationbooks.com. A paperback can be obtained at amazon.
What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on facebook or other sites?
Unfortunately, I am a bit of a luddite and don't have a website. However, I welcome questions via e-mail at flyinthewater@gmail.com. I'm on Facebook as well, so stop on by!
Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you'd like to mention?
No, but I do hope to have another novel published by the end of '12, so if you enjoy The One Percenters, keep me in mind!
Thanks for joining me today, John and good luck with your book!
John, toward what age group is your work geared?
It's definitely not for anyone under 16, not only because of the violence and language, but because the theme is really for someone more world-weary.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
It's a psychological thriller. Much of the conflict occurs in the protagonist's head.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
There's no doubt it is Edward. He's part me, part psychotic ax murderer, part naive child. He means well until he doesn't. Or the other way around. He's everything and nothing I want to be.
What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in your genre?
Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin & Hobbes. His fearlessness of being himself and, in my opinion, extreme intelligence concerning the world around us. The mixture of passion and cynicism he displays through his characters reminds me of myself. A boatload of King books didn't hurt either. I enjoyed The Wasp Factory and Lord of the Flies.
What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
I prepare the skeleton beforehand, and then flesh out the details as I write. I write in a stream of consciousness, and then go back to do the research and filler later. I don't like my writing time to be start-and-stop, so this method works best for me.
Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
I don't think I'm experienced enough at this time to be handing out advice.
Who is your publisher, and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?
My publisher is Damnation Books. As you might expect, they deal in dark fiction. You can get an e-copy at their site, damnationbooks.com. A paperback can be obtained at amazon.
What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on facebook or other sites?
Unfortunately, I am a bit of a luddite and don't have a website. However, I welcome questions via e-mail at flyinthewater@gmail.com. I'm on Facebook as well, so stop on by!
Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you'd like to mention?
No, but I do hope to have another novel published by the end of '12, so if you enjoy The One Percenters, keep me in mind!
Thanks for joining me today, John and good luck with your book!
Today I'm pleased to welcome John Podgursky to Immortyl R...
Today I'm pleased to welcome John Podgursky to Immortyl Revolution! John is on tour promoting his book, The One Percenters.
John, toward what age group is your work geared?
It's definitely not for anyone under 16, not only because of the violence and language, but because the theme is really for someone more world-weary.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
It's a psychological thriller. Much of the conflict occurs in the protagonist's head.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
There's no doubt it is Edward. He's part me, part psychotic ax murderer, part naive child. He means well until he doesn't. Or the other way around. He's everything and nothing I want to be.
What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in your genre?
Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin & Hobbes. His fearlessness of being himself and, in my opinion, extreme intelligence concerning the world around us. The mixture of passion and cynicism he displays through his characters reminds me of myself. A boatload of King books didn't hurt either. I enjoyed The Wasp Factory and Lord of the Flies.
What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
I prepare the skeleton beforehand, and then flesh out the details as I write. I write in a stream of consciousness, and then go back to do the research and filler later. I don't like my writing time to be start-and-stop, so this method works best for me.
Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
I don't think I'm experienced enough at this time to be handing out advice.
Who is your publisher, and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?
My publisher is Damnation Books. As you might expect, they deal in dark fiction. You can get an e-copy at their site, damnationbooks.com. A paperback can be obtained at amazon.
What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on facebook or other sites?
Unfortunately, I am a bit of a luddite and don't have a website. However, I welcome questions via e-mail at flyinthewater@gmail.com. I'm on Facebook as well, so stop on by!
Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you'd like to mention?
No, but I do hope to have another novel published by the end of '12, so if you enjoy The One Percenters, keep me in mind!
Thanks for joining me today, John and good luck with your book!
John, toward what age group is your work geared?
It's definitely not for anyone under 16, not only because of the violence and language, but because the theme is really for someone more world-weary.
Into which genre would you say your work falls and why?
It's a psychological thriller. Much of the conflict occurs in the protagonist's head.
Who is your favorite character in your book and why?
There's no doubt it is Edward. He's part me, part psychotic ax murderer, part naive child. He means well until he doesn't. Or the other way around. He's everything and nothing I want to be.
What other writers would you say have influenced your work and why? What are some of your favorite books in your genre?
Bill Watterson, creator of Calvin & Hobbes. His fearlessness of being himself and, in my opinion, extreme intelligence concerning the world around us. The mixture of passion and cynicism he displays through his characters reminds me of myself. A boatload of King books didn't hurt either. I enjoyed The Wasp Factory and Lord of the Flies.
What is your writing process like? Do you do a lot of background research? Do you plot every detail or do you prefer the characters to move the story in new directions, or a combination of both? Do you belong to a critique group and do you find this helpful?
I prepare the skeleton beforehand, and then flesh out the details as I write. I write in a stream of consciousness, and then go back to do the research and filler later. I don't like my writing time to be start-and-stop, so this method works best for me.
Do you have any advice for young or beginning writers?
I don't think I'm experienced enough at this time to be handing out advice.
Who is your publisher, and where are your books available? Are there e-books and hard copies available?
My publisher is Damnation Books. As you might expect, they deal in dark fiction. You can get an e-copy at their site, damnationbooks.com. A paperback can be obtained at amazon.
What is your website and/or blog where readers can learn more? Can they friend you on facebook or other sites?
Unfortunately, I am a bit of a luddite and don't have a website. However, I welcome questions via e-mail at flyinthewater@gmail.com. I'm on Facebook as well, so stop on by!
Are there any upcoming signings or appearances you'd like to mention?
No, but I do hope to have another novel published by the end of '12, so if you enjoy The One Percenters, keep me in mind!
Thanks for joining me today, John and good luck with your book!
November 3, 2011
Chris Lindberg Talks about Self-Publishing/ebook Giveaway
Today, I'm pleased to welcome Chris Lindberg to Immortyl Revolution!
Chris has graciously offered an ecopy of his book, Code of Darkness to one lucky commenter. To enter simply leave a comment for Chris. Winner will be chosen by random drawing. Deadline to enter Friday, 11/11/10 at 11:59 EST. Good luck!
Comments Wanted! Ready to Roll: One Author's Experience in Self-Publishing
By Chris Lindberg
I'll bet every single Indie Author has a unique story about how we came to self-publish our book, and each story has its share of highs and lows. The first high comes at the moment you type that last line and hit 'save.' You lean back from your keyboard, take a deep breath, and savor the moment, reflecting on your accomplishment -- you've just completed your novel, and it feels great.
And then the real work begins: it's time to get your creation ready to meet the real world.
You might edit it two, maybe three times, adjusting the word count, the story line, refining dialogue, scenes, characters. Then, once you feel like it's the best novel it can possibly be, you ship the concept off to the world in the form of a query letter, putting it out in front of editors and agents. These are the people who can make your novel a reality: someday you'll see it on bookstore shelves, newsstand racks, in the hands of people on buses, planes, and trains … and of course, on the New York Times Bestseller List.
Until that first rejection letter rolls in … then you feel your first real low. The letter is polite and has a "it's-not-you-it's-me" tone to it, but it's still a "no thank you". But it's just one person's opinion, so you pick yourself back up, and you eagerly await the next response, knowing the next agent will surely be smarter than the first, and see the true potential of your book. And then the next rejection comes in, followed by another. And then another. And before you know it, you have a pile of letters, all saying your work isn't quite what they're looking for.
At this point do you doubt yourself, and your work? Of course, it wouldn't be human not to. But luckily you've grown a thick skin throughout this process. And you realize that you didn't spend three years pouring character, detail, storyline, and scene onto a keyboard just to have a few people tell you it's not worth bringing into the world.
So you shake it all off, and you decide to self-publish. After all the revisions you've done, you feel your novel is ready to roll. Some people tell you not to, saying that self-publishing will place a stigma on your work, but you're not going to be denied: your novel is a labor of love, and it deserves to at least see the light of day, even if you're the only one who winds up reading it.
So you pick a self-publishing partner (Lulu, iUniverse, CreateSpace, or any number of others), and you move forward: designing a cover, formatting the copy, making final revisions. It takes weeks, maybe months, but at the end, you're holding your finished work in your hands, proud of your accomplishment, and ready to see if anyone else will think it's as good as you hope they will.
That was my experience in getting my first novel, Code of Darkness, out there. I'm currently working on the promotional phase right now: updating Facebook, Tweeting whatever I find worth sharing, doing a Virtual Book Tour, submitting for reviews. And getting some nice feedback so far!
Now I'd like to hear from you: where are you in your publishing process, and what have your experiences been like?
_____
Chris Lindberg's first novel, Code of Darkness, was released in August. You can find out more by visiting http://www.codeofdarkness.com/ , or visiting Facebook and searching on "code of darkness."
To purchase Code of Darkness in paperback or e-book edition, please check out: http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=code+of+darkness
Or search "code of darkness" on Amazon or BN.com.
You can also email him at chris@codeofdarkness.com – he'd love to hear from you.
Chris has graciously offered an ecopy of his book, Code of Darkness to one lucky commenter. To enter simply leave a comment for Chris. Winner will be chosen by random drawing. Deadline to enter Friday, 11/11/10 at 11:59 EST. Good luck!
Comments Wanted! Ready to Roll: One Author's Experience in Self-Publishing
By Chris Lindberg
I'll bet every single Indie Author has a unique story about how we came to self-publish our book, and each story has its share of highs and lows. The first high comes at the moment you type that last line and hit 'save.' You lean back from your keyboard, take a deep breath, and savor the moment, reflecting on your accomplishment -- you've just completed your novel, and it feels great.
And then the real work begins: it's time to get your creation ready to meet the real world.
You might edit it two, maybe three times, adjusting the word count, the story line, refining dialogue, scenes, characters. Then, once you feel like it's the best novel it can possibly be, you ship the concept off to the world in the form of a query letter, putting it out in front of editors and agents. These are the people who can make your novel a reality: someday you'll see it on bookstore shelves, newsstand racks, in the hands of people on buses, planes, and trains … and of course, on the New York Times Bestseller List.
Until that first rejection letter rolls in … then you feel your first real low. The letter is polite and has a "it's-not-you-it's-me" tone to it, but it's still a "no thank you". But it's just one person's opinion, so you pick yourself back up, and you eagerly await the next response, knowing the next agent will surely be smarter than the first, and see the true potential of your book. And then the next rejection comes in, followed by another. And then another. And before you know it, you have a pile of letters, all saying your work isn't quite what they're looking for.
At this point do you doubt yourself, and your work? Of course, it wouldn't be human not to. But luckily you've grown a thick skin throughout this process. And you realize that you didn't spend three years pouring character, detail, storyline, and scene onto a keyboard just to have a few people tell you it's not worth bringing into the world.
So you shake it all off, and you decide to self-publish. After all the revisions you've done, you feel your novel is ready to roll. Some people tell you not to, saying that self-publishing will place a stigma on your work, but you're not going to be denied: your novel is a labor of love, and it deserves to at least see the light of day, even if you're the only one who winds up reading it.
So you pick a self-publishing partner (Lulu, iUniverse, CreateSpace, or any number of others), and you move forward: designing a cover, formatting the copy, making final revisions. It takes weeks, maybe months, but at the end, you're holding your finished work in your hands, proud of your accomplishment, and ready to see if anyone else will think it's as good as you hope they will.
That was my experience in getting my first novel, Code of Darkness, out there. I'm currently working on the promotional phase right now: updating Facebook, Tweeting whatever I find worth sharing, doing a Virtual Book Tour, submitting for reviews. And getting some nice feedback so far!
Now I'd like to hear from you: where are you in your publishing process, and what have your experiences been like?
_____
Chris Lindberg's first novel, Code of Darkness, was released in August. You can find out more by visiting http://www.codeofdarkness.com/ , or visiting Facebook and searching on "code of darkness."
To purchase Code of Darkness in paperback or e-book edition, please check out: http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=code+of+darkness
Or search "code of darkness" on Amazon or BN.com.
You can also email him at chris@codeofdarkness.com – he'd love to hear from you.
Chris Lindberg Talks about Self-Publishing
Today, I'm pleased to welcome Chris Lindberg to Immortyl Revolution!
Comments Wanted! Ready to Roll: One Author's Experience in Self-Publishing
By Chris Lindberg
I'll bet every single Indie Author has a unique story about how we came to self-publish our book, and each story has its share of highs and lows. The first high comes at the moment you type that last line and hit 'save.' You lean back from your keyboard, take a deep breath, and savor the moment, reflecting on your accomplishment -- you've just completed your novel, and it feels great.
And then the real work begins: it's time to get your creation ready to meet the real world.
You might edit it two, maybe three times, adjusting the word count, the story line, refining dialogue, scenes, characters. Then, once you feel like it's the best novel it can possibly be, you ship the concept off to the world in the form of a query letter, putting it out in front of editors and agents. These are the people who can make your novel a reality: someday you'll see it on bookstore shelves, newsstand racks, in the hands of people on buses, planes, and trains … and of course, on the New York Times Bestseller List.
Until that first rejection letter rolls in … then you feel your first real low. The letter is polite and has a "it's-not-you-it's-me" tone to it, but it's still a "no thank you". But it's just one person's opinion, so you pick yourself back up, and you eagerly await the next response, knowing the next agent will surely be smarter than the first, and see the true potential of your book. And then the next rejection comes in, followed by another. And then another. And before you know it, you have a pile of letters, all saying your work isn't quite what they're looking for.
At this point do you doubt yourself, and your work? Of course, it wouldn't be human not to. But luckily you've grown a thick skin throughout this process. And you realize that you didn't spend three years pouring character, detail, storyline, and scene onto a keyboard just to have a few people tell you it's not worth bringing into the world.
So you shake it all off, and you decide to self-publish. After all the revisions you've done, you feel your novel is ready to roll. Some people tell you not to, saying that self-publishing will place a stigma on your work, but you're not going to be denied: your novel is a labor of love, and it deserves to at least see the light of day, even if you're the only one who winds up reading it.
So you pick a self-publishing partner (Lulu, iUniverse, CreateSpace, or any number of others), and you move forward: designing a cover, formatting the copy, making final revisions. It takes weeks, maybe months, but at the end, you're holding your finished work in your hands, proud of your accomplishment, and ready to see if anyone else will think it's as good as you hope they will.
That was my experience in getting my first novel, Code of Darkness, out there. I'm currently working on the promotional phase right now: updating Facebook, Tweeting whatever I find worth sharing, doing a Virtual Book Tour, submitting for reviews. And getting some nice feedback so far!
Now I'd like to hear from you: where are you in your publishing process, and what have your experiences been like?
_____
Chris Lindberg's first novel, Code of Darkness, was released in August. You can find out more by visiting www.codeofdarkness.com, or visiting Facebook and searching on "code of darkness."
To purchase Code of Darkness in paperback or e-book edition, please check out: http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=code+of+darkness
Or search "code of darkness" on Amazon or BN.com.
You can also email him at chris@codeofdarkness.com – he'd love to hear from you.
Comments Wanted! Ready to Roll: One Author's Experience in Self-Publishing
By Chris Lindberg
I'll bet every single Indie Author has a unique story about how we came to self-publish our book, and each story has its share of highs and lows. The first high comes at the moment you type that last line and hit 'save.' You lean back from your keyboard, take a deep breath, and savor the moment, reflecting on your accomplishment -- you've just completed your novel, and it feels great.
And then the real work begins: it's time to get your creation ready to meet the real world.
You might edit it two, maybe three times, adjusting the word count, the story line, refining dialogue, scenes, characters. Then, once you feel like it's the best novel it can possibly be, you ship the concept off to the world in the form of a query letter, putting it out in front of editors and agents. These are the people who can make your novel a reality: someday you'll see it on bookstore shelves, newsstand racks, in the hands of people on buses, planes, and trains … and of course, on the New York Times Bestseller List.
Until that first rejection letter rolls in … then you feel your first real low. The letter is polite and has a "it's-not-you-it's-me" tone to it, but it's still a "no thank you". But it's just one person's opinion, so you pick yourself back up, and you eagerly await the next response, knowing the next agent will surely be smarter than the first, and see the true potential of your book. And then the next rejection comes in, followed by another. And then another. And before you know it, you have a pile of letters, all saying your work isn't quite what they're looking for.
At this point do you doubt yourself, and your work? Of course, it wouldn't be human not to. But luckily you've grown a thick skin throughout this process. And you realize that you didn't spend three years pouring character, detail, storyline, and scene onto a keyboard just to have a few people tell you it's not worth bringing into the world.
So you shake it all off, and you decide to self-publish. After all the revisions you've done, you feel your novel is ready to roll. Some people tell you not to, saying that self-publishing will place a stigma on your work, but you're not going to be denied: your novel is a labor of love, and it deserves to at least see the light of day, even if you're the only one who winds up reading it.
So you pick a self-publishing partner (Lulu, iUniverse, CreateSpace, or any number of others), and you move forward: designing a cover, formatting the copy, making final revisions. It takes weeks, maybe months, but at the end, you're holding your finished work in your hands, proud of your accomplishment, and ready to see if anyone else will think it's as good as you hope they will.
That was my experience in getting my first novel, Code of Darkness, out there. I'm currently working on the promotional phase right now: updating Facebook, Tweeting whatever I find worth sharing, doing a Virtual Book Tour, submitting for reviews. And getting some nice feedback so far!
Now I'd like to hear from you: where are you in your publishing process, and what have your experiences been like?
_____
Chris Lindberg's first novel, Code of Darkness, was released in August. You can find out more by visiting www.codeofdarkness.com, or visiting Facebook and searching on "code of darkness."
To purchase Code of Darkness in paperback or e-book edition, please check out: http://www.lulu.com/browse/search.php?fListingClass=0&fSearch=code+of+darkness
Or search "code of darkness" on Amazon or BN.com.
You can also email him at chris@codeofdarkness.com – he'd love to hear from you.
November 2, 2011
Winners of Halloween Giveaway.
Congrats to Teawench and Mark! Mark wins Bertena Varney's ebook of The Lure of the Vampire and Teawench wins an ebook of My Fearful Symmetry, a t-shirt and some Halloween goodies!
October 30, 2011
Vampire Sociologist Bertena Varney /Halloween Giveaway
Happy Halloween!
I'm thrilled to welcome back Bertena Varney! She will discuss a little of her experience as an author and Vampire Sociologist. She's written a fascinating book on the legends, literature and culture of the vampire that includes helpful links to websites and reading lists. I was excited when she asked me to contribute an article for the book, a portion of which you can read at my website
In addition, Bertena and I are co-hosting a Halloween giveaway! There are two different prizes you can win. Bertena will be giving away an ebook version of her book The Lure of the Vampire. I'm also giving away a prize bundle of an ebook of My Fearful Symmetry, an "I Love New York Vampires" t-shirt with the Twilight of the Gods cover on it, a MFS pen and some other Halloween goodies. To enter for Bertena's book, simply leave a comment that answers her question at the end of the post. To enter for my prizes: You get one entry for commenting on Bertena's post and following this blog (mention in your comment) and another if you like my page on Facebook (Please leave a comment there as well to let me know you're entering.) Become a member of my website and get yet another entry.
Deadline to enter: November 1st, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be chosen by random drawing and posted on November 2nd. Please leave an email so you may be contacted.
Good Luck!
*Ebook prizes are in the published PDF format that may be downloaded onto any computer or reader.
The Perception of Vampires in Society
by
Bertena Varney
While writing my book lure of the vampire, I received many questions and comments that I found shocking.
First people assumed that if I was writing a vampire book then it had to be paranormal romance. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy some paranormal romance, but am more into the historical or mystery vampire fiction. Plus I am not a fiction writer. I love to read it, but I am not that creative.
When I mention that I write non fiction I get the question-- so you think you are a vampire? Uh no!
When I try the academic approach I get weird looks as well. People who haven't experienced a liberal arts program in soft science can't understand how this can be taught in college. They can't fathom that history isn't just American history but history, mythology and folklore of other cultures. Sociologically many people think that one can only teach sociology as it relates to business. In my classes I use a text titled Real World Sociology where we examine sociology on the real world- comic movies games books and monsters. It's a lot of fun, and the kids love it. They said that they couldn't imagine studying sociology could be so much fun.
They then ask what can you do with this study, and I tell them what I do... Teach, lecture tours, on line classes, write and review vampire books, movies and more.
I tell my students, like I tell everyone who has questioned what I do, if you could study, write, lecture and share what you love with people, wouldn't you?
This is the Halloween season, and my favorite time of year. So here is my challenge... Read my book or any other reference book and find three types of vampires that you may not be familiar with and learn more about them. Look at how you have encountered vampires in pop culture in your everyday life.
Open your mind to all of the possibilities of vampires that you may not have encountered. Remember that there is a vampire for everyone.
So after doing this which is your favorite vampire? Traditional like Dracula? Romantic like Henry Fitzroy and Mick St. John? Brooding like Angel? Insane like Spike ? New age like Edward, Damon and Stefan?
So comment below and enter to win a free ebook from me!
You can follow Bertena at this links:Facebookhttp://searchforthelure.webs.com/http://thesearchforthelureofvampires.blogspot.com/http://mysticalevents.webs.com/
Excerpt from My Fearful Symmetry
I reached for the golden door to the ashram, only to crumple to my knees again swooning and dizzy. With the last of my strength, I inched my way on my belly across the open courtyard to my room. The sky above turned from black to purple to lavender. In another thirty minutes, the rays of the sun would cook my tattered flesh into Bolognese. It seemed like a good idea. I collapsed against the paving stones. Deep inside of me a voice called my name—only it wasn't my name.
Shardul!
I lifted my aching head. The sacred spring lay between my room and me. The Goddess stood sentinel above the pool. Hers arms beckoned. The waters hastened healing. I pulled myself over and eased in, letting the water bathe my broken skin. It stung and burned, but at least I knew that I was still alive.
Kali's black face looked down. Her long tongue stuck out as if to taunt me.
I clung with what strength remained to the pool's stone edge. "Is this what you mean about the tyranny of the flesh?" But she didn't answer. She remained silent and oblivious as death. "Bitch…" I lost my grasp on the lip of the pool and slipped below the surface, still gazing into her unseeing eyes.
I thrashed, but couldn't pull myself to the surface. My body sank like a stone. Water filled my throat and nostrils. Consciousness dissipated into an explosion of dots, like colored pixels. My Mum's voice floated in my head.
Hush a bye, don't you cry
Go to sleep my little baby
When you wake, you shall have
All the pretty little horses…
The wavering image above me dissolved into golden skin and waves of dark hair. The Mother reached out two arms and pulled me from the water. The avatar's supple, golden form suggested Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. An aura of pulsating color surrounded her. I sputtered and coughed the liquid out of my lungs, collapsing into my benefactor's arms. My head rested against a bosom soft and rounded, not hard and bony.
She lifted me as if I were a child, bearing me away to my room, and rolled me belly-down onto my bed. My head lay on its side. The hand stroking the wet hair away from my face felt warm. Lips full and red with blood kissed mine. Was this real, or was I hallucinating?
The Goddess anointed and bandaged my wounds. She pressed her own wrist to my lips restore me. Blood never tasted so sweet. Warm tears bathed my face as she kissed my mouth again, a sweep of silken hair brushing over my arm. As she drew back, my eyes focused, and her image became clear.
A pained hiss passed my cracked lips. "Sandhya?"
I'm thrilled to welcome back Bertena Varney! She will discuss a little of her experience as an author and Vampire Sociologist. She's written a fascinating book on the legends, literature and culture of the vampire that includes helpful links to websites and reading lists. I was excited when she asked me to contribute an article for the book, a portion of which you can read at my website
In addition, Bertena and I are co-hosting a Halloween giveaway! There are two different prizes you can win. Bertena will be giving away an ebook version of her book The Lure of the Vampire. I'm also giving away a prize bundle of an ebook of My Fearful Symmetry, an "I Love New York Vampires" t-shirt with the Twilight of the Gods cover on it, a MFS pen and some other Halloween goodies. To enter for Bertena's book, simply leave a comment that answers her question at the end of the post. To enter for my prizes: You get one entry for commenting on Bertena's post and following this blog (mention in your comment) and another if you like my page on Facebook (Please leave a comment there as well to let me know you're entering.) Become a member of my website and get yet another entry. Deadline to enter: November 1st, 2011 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be chosen by random drawing and posted on November 2nd. Please leave an email so you may be contacted.
Good Luck!
*Ebook prizes are in the published PDF format that may be downloaded onto any computer or reader.
The Perception of Vampires in Society
by
Bertena Varney
While writing my book lure of the vampire, I received many questions and comments that I found shocking.
First people assumed that if I was writing a vampire book then it had to be paranormal romance. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy some paranormal romance, but am more into the historical or mystery vampire fiction. Plus I am not a fiction writer. I love to read it, but I am not that creative.
When I mention that I write non fiction I get the question-- so you think you are a vampire? Uh no!
When I try the academic approach I get weird looks as well. People who haven't experienced a liberal arts program in soft science can't understand how this can be taught in college. They can't fathom that history isn't just American history but history, mythology and folklore of other cultures. Sociologically many people think that one can only teach sociology as it relates to business. In my classes I use a text titled Real World Sociology where we examine sociology on the real world- comic movies games books and monsters. It's a lot of fun, and the kids love it. They said that they couldn't imagine studying sociology could be so much fun.
They then ask what can you do with this study, and I tell them what I do... Teach, lecture tours, on line classes, write and review vampire books, movies and more.
I tell my students, like I tell everyone who has questioned what I do, if you could study, write, lecture and share what you love with people, wouldn't you?
This is the Halloween season, and my favorite time of year. So here is my challenge... Read my book or any other reference book and find three types of vampires that you may not be familiar with and learn more about them. Look at how you have encountered vampires in pop culture in your everyday life.
Open your mind to all of the possibilities of vampires that you may not have encountered. Remember that there is a vampire for everyone.
So after doing this which is your favorite vampire? Traditional like Dracula? Romantic like Henry Fitzroy and Mick St. John? Brooding like Angel? Insane like Spike ? New age like Edward, Damon and Stefan?
So comment below and enter to win a free ebook from me!
You can follow Bertena at this links:Facebookhttp://searchforthelure.webs.com/http://thesearchforthelureofvampires.blogspot.com/http://mysticalevents.webs.com/
Excerpt from My Fearful Symmetry
I reached for the golden door to the ashram, only to crumple to my knees again swooning and dizzy. With the last of my strength, I inched my way on my belly across the open courtyard to my room. The sky above turned from black to purple to lavender. In another thirty minutes, the rays of the sun would cook my tattered flesh into Bolognese. It seemed like a good idea. I collapsed against the paving stones. Deep inside of me a voice called my name—only it wasn't my name.
Shardul!
I lifted my aching head. The sacred spring lay between my room and me. The Goddess stood sentinel above the pool. Hers arms beckoned. The waters hastened healing. I pulled myself over and eased in, letting the water bathe my broken skin. It stung and burned, but at least I knew that I was still alive.
Kali's black face looked down. Her long tongue stuck out as if to taunt me.
I clung with what strength remained to the pool's stone edge. "Is this what you mean about the tyranny of the flesh?" But she didn't answer. She remained silent and oblivious as death. "Bitch…" I lost my grasp on the lip of the pool and slipped below the surface, still gazing into her unseeing eyes.
I thrashed, but couldn't pull myself to the surface. My body sank like a stone. Water filled my throat and nostrils. Consciousness dissipated into an explosion of dots, like colored pixels. My Mum's voice floated in my head.
Hush a bye, don't you cry
Go to sleep my little baby
When you wake, you shall have
All the pretty little horses…
The wavering image above me dissolved into golden skin and waves of dark hair. The Mother reached out two arms and pulled me from the water. The avatar's supple, golden form suggested Parvati, consort of Lord Shiva. An aura of pulsating color surrounded her. I sputtered and coughed the liquid out of my lungs, collapsing into my benefactor's arms. My head rested against a bosom soft and rounded, not hard and bony.
She lifted me as if I were a child, bearing me away to my room, and rolled me belly-down onto my bed. My head lay on its side. The hand stroking the wet hair away from my face felt warm. Lips full and red with blood kissed mine. Was this real, or was I hallucinating?
The Goddess anointed and bandaged my wounds. She pressed her own wrist to my lips restore me. Blood never tasted so sweet. Warm tears bathed my face as she kissed my mouth again, a sweep of silken hair brushing over my arm. As she drew back, my eyes focused, and her image became clear.
A pained hiss passed my cracked lips. "Sandhya?"
October 29, 2011
Prize winners and new Halloween Giveaway!
The winners for Jamie Magee's giveaway were Winnie and Nikki. Nikki, we need your email! Tomorrow, Bertena Varney will be talking about The Lure of the Vampire, her book on vampire legends, books and culture. I contributed an article to this book, and we're going to co-host a giveaway. She will be giving an e-copy of her book away, and I'll be giving an e-copy of My Fearful Symmetry.
Immortyl Revolution
Author of Cara Mia, Book One of the Immortyl Revolution the first of a new vampire series.
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