Ricardo Chévere's Blog
January 28, 2015
Authors! Stop devaluing your books!
This is a topic I cannot sugar-coat, because it is the one thing that grinds my gears about the community of self-published authors out there. I too am a self-published author, but I refuse to fall for the much too common and already expected trap called the freebie.
Many of you may have heard this before: "You get what you pay for." So, as an author now, have you ever stopped for just one moment to think about what exactly you are doing every time you offer your work for free? Did you write your book(s) to get reviews? Was that what you had in mind when you were writing? If that's the case, then, by all means, continue doing what you're doing. But, for those of us who expected readers to pay a reasonable price for the pleasure of enjoying the final product of our long hours, days, months, and probably years of work, reviews are definitely not the goal. They are great -don't get me wrong-, and they're helpful in the promotion of our books, but devaluing our work for them is not worth it.
There are specifically two things that really bother me when I see them. One of them is the "experts" who write down lists of things that new self-published authors can and should do to promote their books. In those lists, they always include the freebies. The rationale behind this goes something along the lines of: "By offering a number, or a day of free copies of your books to the readers, you can get a good number of reviews that other readers will look at when deciding whether or not to pick a copy. Plus, those who already read your books will begin the conversation and unintentionally promote them for you." Sounds great, right? But the truth is very far from this, as you'll see with point number two.
If you are a regular visitor of pages like this, then, you may have already noticed that there are now groups where the administrators blatantly post threads specifically for, you guessed it, Freebies. Now, if you still fail to see what's the "problem" with that, let me paste here a representative comment that I have seen in far too many groups, far too many times:
"Wow! That book sounds interesting. I'll put it in my TBR list and look it up in the freebies thread. I figure, why pay for books when you can just wait for them to be free?"
Sadly though, I'm not exaggerating (I wish I was). Because so many insecure, self-published authors have little faith in their work, they end up craving the readers' approval to the point where they are willing to offer it for free. In their ignorance and inexperience, they have completely devalued their books and, in the process, made it even harder for other authors to have decent sales.
There are now readers who feel emboldened enough by this to write directly to the authors, asking for copies of their books in exchange for a review (a review that most times is not even delivered). I don't blame the readers though, after all, it makes sense: Why should I pay for a book that so many others are getting for free?
Authors, when you give your books for free, you are determining their worth. My books are selling well, and they have very few reviews, but the few they have are genuine. A review that comes from someone who got your book for free (in exchange for that review) will usually be positive. It's hard to be completely honest in that situation.
Listen, the theory behind this craziness works, but only if you do it right. You should provide a free copy of your work to a reviewer, but do your homework. How much credibility does that reviewer have? Where will that review be posted? If it will go to a blog, how many active followers does it have? Are the followers of that blog or that reviewer your target audience? Have you read other reviews from that person or blog to determine how professional they are?
I understand that for new and inexperienced self-published authors is incredibly tempting to go with the flow and do what others are doing, but don't fall in the trap. You, and only you, have the power to decide the worth of your work, and worthless books are free.
Many of you may have heard this before: "You get what you pay for." So, as an author now, have you ever stopped for just one moment to think about what exactly you are doing every time you offer your work for free? Did you write your book(s) to get reviews? Was that what you had in mind when you were writing? If that's the case, then, by all means, continue doing what you're doing. But, for those of us who expected readers to pay a reasonable price for the pleasure of enjoying the final product of our long hours, days, months, and probably years of work, reviews are definitely not the goal. They are great -don't get me wrong-, and they're helpful in the promotion of our books, but devaluing our work for them is not worth it.
There are specifically two things that really bother me when I see them. One of them is the "experts" who write down lists of things that new self-published authors can and should do to promote their books. In those lists, they always include the freebies. The rationale behind this goes something along the lines of: "By offering a number, or a day of free copies of your books to the readers, you can get a good number of reviews that other readers will look at when deciding whether or not to pick a copy. Plus, those who already read your books will begin the conversation and unintentionally promote them for you." Sounds great, right? But the truth is very far from this, as you'll see with point number two.
If you are a regular visitor of pages like this, then, you may have already noticed that there are now groups where the administrators blatantly post threads specifically for, you guessed it, Freebies. Now, if you still fail to see what's the "problem" with that, let me paste here a representative comment that I have seen in far too many groups, far too many times:
"Wow! That book sounds interesting. I'll put it in my TBR list and look it up in the freebies thread. I figure, why pay for books when you can just wait for them to be free?"
Sadly though, I'm not exaggerating (I wish I was). Because so many insecure, self-published authors have little faith in their work, they end up craving the readers' approval to the point where they are willing to offer it for free. In their ignorance and inexperience, they have completely devalued their books and, in the process, made it even harder for other authors to have decent sales.
There are now readers who feel emboldened enough by this to write directly to the authors, asking for copies of their books in exchange for a review (a review that most times is not even delivered). I don't blame the readers though, after all, it makes sense: Why should I pay for a book that so many others are getting for free?
Authors, when you give your books for free, you are determining their worth. My books are selling well, and they have very few reviews, but the few they have are genuine. A review that comes from someone who got your book for free (in exchange for that review) will usually be positive. It's hard to be completely honest in that situation.
Listen, the theory behind this craziness works, but only if you do it right. You should provide a free copy of your work to a reviewer, but do your homework. How much credibility does that reviewer have? Where will that review be posted? If it will go to a blog, how many active followers does it have? Are the followers of that blog or that reviewer your target audience? Have you read other reviews from that person or blog to determine how professional they are?
I understand that for new and inexperienced self-published authors is incredibly tempting to go with the flow and do what others are doing, but don't fall in the trap. You, and only you, have the power to decide the worth of your work, and worthless books are free.
July 12, 2014
Author Appearances
Recently, I came to a very important conclusion: author appearances are of supreme importance for new and unknown authors like myself.
I've been dedicating this year (2014) to the promotion of my fantasy/adventure novel, DRAGONS, in fiction/pop culture/comic book/multimedia conventions, but in none was I as successful as in the very last one I went to, SuperCon, in Miami, FL. Granted, this convention was bigger and longer than the previous ones I had visited, but the key to my surprising success at this one in particular was, in one word, panels.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet other fellow authors in those conventions, and they, already experienced in the offering of panels at these conventions, invited me to join them. Of course, I did, and what a great decision that was. In those panels, first, I was introduced as an author and my work was displayed, then, when the Q&A session began, I had the honor to talk directly to an interested audience who wanted to learn as much as possible about the writing process from me (and the other authors as well, of course).
This was my chance, that one very important opportunity that every author should take without any doubt or second thoughts. The answers I gave to the questions made, and the way I expressed myself gained me a following. Many of the audience members visited my table later during the convention, and purchased copies of my books without reservation.
Author appearances are extremely important. Readers who have the chance to talk to the authors feel more confident about the quality they can expect from their books. Plus, you get direct feedback from your readers, a much better, clearer and more constructive kind than the one you read about in reviews.
So, what am I suggesting? Authors, you need to get out there and do book signing events, appear in conventions, book expos, and pretty much any kind of activity that allows you to have direct contact with your readers and fans. Talk to them, listen, and have a great time; after all, they are the ones who turn your stories into books. A story, no matter if its printed and published, if it's never read, it never was.
I've been dedicating this year (2014) to the promotion of my fantasy/adventure novel, DRAGONS, in fiction/pop culture/comic book/multimedia conventions, but in none was I as successful as in the very last one I went to, SuperCon, in Miami, FL. Granted, this convention was bigger and longer than the previous ones I had visited, but the key to my surprising success at this one in particular was, in one word, panels.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet other fellow authors in those conventions, and they, already experienced in the offering of panels at these conventions, invited me to join them. Of course, I did, and what a great decision that was. In those panels, first, I was introduced as an author and my work was displayed, then, when the Q&A session began, I had the honor to talk directly to an interested audience who wanted to learn as much as possible about the writing process from me (and the other authors as well, of course).
This was my chance, that one very important opportunity that every author should take without any doubt or second thoughts. The answers I gave to the questions made, and the way I expressed myself gained me a following. Many of the audience members visited my table later during the convention, and purchased copies of my books without reservation.
Author appearances are extremely important. Readers who have the chance to talk to the authors feel more confident about the quality they can expect from their books. Plus, you get direct feedback from your readers, a much better, clearer and more constructive kind than the one you read about in reviews.
So, what am I suggesting? Authors, you need to get out there and do book signing events, appear in conventions, book expos, and pretty much any kind of activity that allows you to have direct contact with your readers and fans. Talk to them, listen, and have a great time; after all, they are the ones who turn your stories into books. A story, no matter if its printed and published, if it's never read, it never was.
June 28, 2014
Website Under Repair
I was shocked to find my website's domain name (www.dragonsrc.com) up for sale when I tried to post something in the DRAGONS' CAVE today. But, I was assured by Trafford Publishing (the publisher of my books) that everything would be running and back to normal by this next Monday, June 30. Apparently, they've been having some server issues which caused the glitch/confusion.
Anyway, I was going to the website to post the list of panels I'll be co-hosting with fellow authors, Philip McCall and Jeff Carroll, during my next author appearance at Florida SuperCon, in Miami, July 3-6.
Here is the updated and official list of panels:
1) Genre Fiction Writing - Thursday, July 3, at 12:30, in Ballroom 2.
2) Inside the Writing Process - Thursday, July 3, at 5:45, in Panel Room E.
3) The Monster Panel - Sunday, July 6, at 11:15, in Panel Room B.
4) Creating Memorable Characters - Sunday, July 6, at 12:15, in Panel Room E.
I'm hoping to meet more fans, give them some tips on creative writing, publishing and such in the panels, answer their questions, and sign their copies of DRAGONS. See you there.
Anyway, I was going to the website to post the list of panels I'll be co-hosting with fellow authors, Philip McCall and Jeff Carroll, during my next author appearance at Florida SuperCon, in Miami, July 3-6.
Here is the updated and official list of panels:
1) Genre Fiction Writing - Thursday, July 3, at 12:30, in Ballroom 2.
2) Inside the Writing Process - Thursday, July 3, at 5:45, in Panel Room E.
3) The Monster Panel - Sunday, July 6, at 11:15, in Panel Room B.
4) Creating Memorable Characters - Sunday, July 6, at 12:15, in Panel Room E.
I'm hoping to meet more fans, give them some tips on creative writing, publishing and such in the panels, answer their questions, and sign their copies of DRAGONS. See you there.
June 21, 2014
The DRAGONS' CAVE
I've been told many times that I should have a blog to keep the fans interested and up to speed with the latest developments in the world of DRAGONS, but there's a problem with that: I would rather be writing the novel that I would be talking about in that blog. Still, I know that those fans and friends are right, and I should make an effort to keep everyone in the know. So, with that in mind, I created the DRAGONS' CAVE.
Not everyone has a profile here on Goodreads, or Facebook, or Shelfari, but having an Internet connection allows them to visit my website (www.dragonsrc.com). There, I recently added a section called the DRAGONS' CAVE where I'll write about any topics of interest, the progress of the book of the series being currently written, and author appearances. Of course, I'll also come here and keep you posted on the latest, but, you're cordially invited to take a look at the website and write to my email address with suggestions and topics that you'd be interested to read my opinion about.
And, take a look at my next author appearance, both here on this page and on the website, just in case you're in the area: next one, Florida SuperCon, In Miami.
Not everyone has a profile here on Goodreads, or Facebook, or Shelfari, but having an Internet connection allows them to visit my website (www.dragonsrc.com). There, I recently added a section called the DRAGONS' CAVE where I'll write about any topics of interest, the progress of the book of the series being currently written, and author appearances. Of course, I'll also come here and keep you posted on the latest, but, you're cordially invited to take a look at the website and write to my email address with suggestions and topics that you'd be interested to read my opinion about.
And, take a look at my next author appearance, both here on this page and on the website, just in case you're in the area: next one, Florida SuperCon, In Miami.
September 14, 2013
The Next Big Trend
Although to the dislike of many readers, the worlds of the written word and the moving pictures are intertwined. Publishing houses, literary agents and Hollywood scouts are always in the lookout, trying to figure out, as early as possible, what the next big trend will be.
We had the school kids, with their magic wands, their school uniforms and round glasses following the trend set forth by the Harry Potter series. Then, we had the love-struck vampires and werewolves big trend, of which we have some remnants, like a TV series still running strong. Now, seems like zombies are it, with lots of fans eagerly awaiting the new Walking Dead season.
So, what will the next big trend be?
Here's a hint: think Game of Thrones and you'll have your answer.
It is being rumored in literary circles that the next big trend will most likely be DRAGONS.
But, what's keeping it from kicking off? Many reasons could be given, but here is mine, and one that's shared by many people in-the-know:
Almost every book about dragons is set in Medieval or Age of the Sword times (already somewhat of a cliché), and the few that dare to bring dragons into the modern times lose the EPIC element, thus becoming too small to carry the trend into the spotlight.
I've been asked many times: So, what makes your story any different? And my answer is very simple: I have found the way to bring my story into the modern world, with scenarios and elements that the modern reader can relate to, BUT, retaining the supremely important and inspiring grandeur that only a truly EPIC story has.
In so many words, Modern and Epic...
Yes, the next big trend is being predicted to be DRAGONS, and who will carry the trend forward is still to be seen. But, my money is on my series, the only one that the big bookstore chain, Barnes & Noble, used in its one-month promo ads on YouTube and Yahoo alongside Game of Thrones, constantly scrolling both titles: DRAGONS: The Essential Ties and DRAGONS: The Fury.
We had the school kids, with their magic wands, their school uniforms and round glasses following the trend set forth by the Harry Potter series. Then, we had the love-struck vampires and werewolves big trend, of which we have some remnants, like a TV series still running strong. Now, seems like zombies are it, with lots of fans eagerly awaiting the new Walking Dead season.
So, what will the next big trend be?
Here's a hint: think Game of Thrones and you'll have your answer.
It is being rumored in literary circles that the next big trend will most likely be DRAGONS.
But, what's keeping it from kicking off? Many reasons could be given, but here is mine, and one that's shared by many people in-the-know:
Almost every book about dragons is set in Medieval or Age of the Sword times (already somewhat of a cliché), and the few that dare to bring dragons into the modern times lose the EPIC element, thus becoming too small to carry the trend into the spotlight.
I've been asked many times: So, what makes your story any different? And my answer is very simple: I have found the way to bring my story into the modern world, with scenarios and elements that the modern reader can relate to, BUT, retaining the supremely important and inspiring grandeur that only a truly EPIC story has.
In so many words, Modern and Epic...
Yes, the next big trend is being predicted to be DRAGONS, and who will carry the trend forward is still to be seen. But, my money is on my series, the only one that the big bookstore chain, Barnes & Noble, used in its one-month promo ads on YouTube and Yahoo alongside Game of Thrones, constantly scrolling both titles: DRAGONS: The Essential Ties and DRAGONS: The Fury.
June 28, 2013
The importance of outlining
So far, I have published only the first two books of what I expect to make into a seven book series. But, although there is only a difference of 104 pages between them, the time it took me to write them is years appart from each other.
Book one, The Essential Ties, is 546 pages long, and it took me only two years to write. But, book two, The Fury, is 650 pages long and took me three years and ten months to finish writing. That's almost double the time of the first book, and just for little over 100 pages. Why is there such a significant disparity here?
The answer: outlining. It took me just a short week to outline the plot of The Essential Ties, but, for The Fury, due to the excitement of having a published work for the first time ever, I failed to prepare an outline to organize my ideas in a timeline.
An outline of your story helps you to set up surprising events, leaving hints throughout the plot to lead the readers away and then shock them with a huge plot twist. Also, an outline helps you to keep track of your characters' dates and ages, and of the chronological order of events.
After spending such a long time working on my second book, I have learned my lesson; I am now outlining my third book, The Dragon Spirit; I call this, plotting.
Book one, The Essential Ties, is 546 pages long, and it took me only two years to write. But, book two, The Fury, is 650 pages long and took me three years and ten months to finish writing. That's almost double the time of the first book, and just for little over 100 pages. Why is there such a significant disparity here?
The answer: outlining. It took me just a short week to outline the plot of The Essential Ties, but, for The Fury, due to the excitement of having a published work for the first time ever, I failed to prepare an outline to organize my ideas in a timeline.
An outline of your story helps you to set up surprising events, leaving hints throughout the plot to lead the readers away and then shock them with a huge plot twist. Also, an outline helps you to keep track of your characters' dates and ages, and of the chronological order of events.
After spending such a long time working on my second book, I have learned my lesson; I am now outlining my third book, The Dragon Spirit; I call this, plotting.
June 9, 2013
Patience
It is so hard to be patient when what you are waiting for is so exciting. Talk about a long wait when it took me three years and ten months to finish writing the sequel to my first book, and now, the wait continues as I go through the painstakingly tedious process of proofreading and making corrections to a book with 650 pages of text.
But this time around, I'll be patient. I rushed things when publishing The Essential Ties, the first book of the series, and the end product, although a great and fascinating adventure, as describe by some of its readers, was a bit hard to read with the errors that were missed during its production, due precisely to my lack of patience.
This will not be the case with book 2, The Fury; I am taking all the time in the world to produce a book that is easy to read, and a cover art that's truly worth taking the time to look at.
I bet that I'm not the first, nor the last author who messes up things because of his/her impatience, but I can assure you this: I will work patiently to bring you not only a great story, but a great book.
But this time around, I'll be patient. I rushed things when publishing The Essential Ties, the first book of the series, and the end product, although a great and fascinating adventure, as describe by some of its readers, was a bit hard to read with the errors that were missed during its production, due precisely to my lack of patience.
This will not be the case with book 2, The Fury; I am taking all the time in the world to produce a book that is easy to read, and a cover art that's truly worth taking the time to look at.
I bet that I'm not the first, nor the last author who messes up things because of his/her impatience, but I can assure you this: I will work patiently to bring you not only a great story, but a great book.
May 18, 2013
The Essential Ties' sequel...?
Hello everyone,
If you read my first book, DRAGONS: The Essential Ties, you know that I announced its sequel on the very last page; but that was over three years ago, what happened? You may ask...
Life and work happened. As a high scool teacher, time was a luxury I rarely came upon. But I persevered, and now, I can happily anounce that DRAGONS: The Fury is on its way to publication.
Temptative release date: June,2013
More news to come soon...
If you read my first book, DRAGONS: The Essential Ties, you know that I announced its sequel on the very last page; but that was over three years ago, what happened? You may ask...
Life and work happened. As a high scool teacher, time was a luxury I rarely came upon. But I persevered, and now, I can happily anounce that DRAGONS: The Fury is on its way to publication.
Temptative release date: June,2013
More news to come soon...
