Dannika Dark's Blog, page 17
June 9, 2018
Book Sizes and Page counts
One element that some readers use to determine a purchase or even their enjoyment of a book is page count. When you go to retail sites like Amazon, you'll see a page count listed on the product description page. Seems cut and dry, right?
But what readers don't know is that the page count isn't reflective of how long a book actually is or is not. Page count is determined on a number of factors:
1. font size
2. line spacing
3. margin spacing
4. the actual book dimensions
The mass paperbacks are the smaller ones. There may be slight variation in their sizes, but they're around 6.9 x 4.2 inches.
Trade paperbacks are larger and can vary more significantly, like 6x9 or 8x5. Then there are hardbacks, but I'm going to leave that out of this discussion for now. Here's a picture from my personal collection to show the differences.
Most self-published books are trade size (the middle one in the picture above). The print distributor I use does not offer anything smaller. So readers who have devoured a lot of those smaller books are used to the page numbers in relation to size.
You can have a book published in mass paperback with the exact same word count as one published in trade, and the mass paperback will have a larger word count. The smaller paperback has smaller dimensions, so it requires more pages. But on the flip side, that publisher on the trade books might decide to increase their font size and line spacing so much that it exceeds the mass paperback size.
I've occasionally had readers comment that my books are shorter than the last, not realizing they are actually longer. Even my page count listed on retailer sites will show the book is longer. You can also look at the product page on amazon, for instance, and it will show the book dimensions. Hardback books and even trade will increase the font size and line spacing. Grab any book on your shelf that's hardback and compare the spacing between lines and font size to your smaller books. It makes the book bigger and also more comfortable to read.
Most authors I know think in terms of word count. That is our language when referring to book size. If you asked me my page count on any random book, I seriously won't know the answer. ;-)
You can read more about word count HERE.
According to wikipedia:
ClassificationWord countNovel 40,000 words or overNovella 17,500 to 39,999 wordsNovelette 7,500 to 17,499 wordsShort story under 7,500 words
Many urban fantasy books I read seem to average around 90K words, but some are in the 60K range. Every genre seems to have a different average. High fantasy books are often longer, for example.
Sometimes long books feel short, and there's a good reason for that. It was exciting and held your interest. Also, the more action scenes you put in there with shorter sequels (time between action scenes), the fast-pace will make it read like a shorter book. I've had a few readers remark that CHARMING is a novella. It's not! It's a full-length novel. It is shorter than the average length of the Seven Series books, so that probably accounted for some readers feeling that way, in addition to it being more action-packed.
At the end of the day, it's about your experience reading the story. I have read some amazing novellas that I would gladly pay the price of a full-length book.
Just for fun, I am listing all my books below with their actual word count. :) Separated by series so you can see how the series progresses. And based on the average word count for novellas listed above, you can see my novellas fall within the high range. Basically, it's impossible for me to keep it short. Just look at the length of this blog post.
THE MAGERI SERIES
95,254 STERLING
100,138 TWIST
129,956 IMPULSE
130,583 GRAVITY
135,588 SHINE
30,075 THE GIFT (novella)
SIDE STORIES
91,573 RISK
33,149 CLOSER (novella)
THE SEVEN SERIES
112,565 SEVEN YEARS
118,660 SIX MONTHS
106,259 FIVE WEEKS
104,265 FOUR DAYS
109,065 THREE HOURS
106,329 TWO SECONDS
129,142 ONE MINUTE
60,281 CHARMING
33,806 WINTER MOON (novella)
THE CROSSBREED SERIES
100,285 KEYSTONE
105,152 RAVENHEART
104,474 DEATHTRAP
118,476 GASLIGHT
108,812 BLACKOUT
But what readers don't know is that the page count isn't reflective of how long a book actually is or is not. Page count is determined on a number of factors:
1. font size
2. line spacing
3. margin spacing
4. the actual book dimensions
The mass paperbacks are the smaller ones. There may be slight variation in their sizes, but they're around 6.9 x 4.2 inches.
Trade paperbacks are larger and can vary more significantly, like 6x9 or 8x5. Then there are hardbacks, but I'm going to leave that out of this discussion for now. Here's a picture from my personal collection to show the differences.
Most self-published books are trade size (the middle one in the picture above). The print distributor I use does not offer anything smaller. So readers who have devoured a lot of those smaller books are used to the page numbers in relation to size.
You can have a book published in mass paperback with the exact same word count as one published in trade, and the mass paperback will have a larger word count. The smaller paperback has smaller dimensions, so it requires more pages. But on the flip side, that publisher on the trade books might decide to increase their font size and line spacing so much that it exceeds the mass paperback size.
I've occasionally had readers comment that my books are shorter than the last, not realizing they are actually longer. Even my page count listed on retailer sites will show the book is longer. You can also look at the product page on amazon, for instance, and it will show the book dimensions. Hardback books and even trade will increase the font size and line spacing. Grab any book on your shelf that's hardback and compare the spacing between lines and font size to your smaller books. It makes the book bigger and also more comfortable to read.
Most authors I know think in terms of word count. That is our language when referring to book size. If you asked me my page count on any random book, I seriously won't know the answer. ;-)
You can read more about word count HERE.
According to wikipedia:
ClassificationWord countNovel 40,000 words or overNovella 17,500 to 39,999 wordsNovelette 7,500 to 17,499 wordsShort story under 7,500 words
Many urban fantasy books I read seem to average around 90K words, but some are in the 60K range. Every genre seems to have a different average. High fantasy books are often longer, for example.
Sometimes long books feel short, and there's a good reason for that. It was exciting and held your interest. Also, the more action scenes you put in there with shorter sequels (time between action scenes), the fast-pace will make it read like a shorter book. I've had a few readers remark that CHARMING is a novella. It's not! It's a full-length novel. It is shorter than the average length of the Seven Series books, so that probably accounted for some readers feeling that way, in addition to it being more action-packed.
At the end of the day, it's about your experience reading the story. I have read some amazing novellas that I would gladly pay the price of a full-length book.
Just for fun, I am listing all my books below with their actual word count. :) Separated by series so you can see how the series progresses. And based on the average word count for novellas listed above, you can see my novellas fall within the high range. Basically, it's impossible for me to keep it short. Just look at the length of this blog post.
THE MAGERI SERIES
95,254 STERLING
100,138 TWIST
129,956 IMPULSE
130,583 GRAVITY
135,588 SHINE
30,075 THE GIFT (novella)
SIDE STORIES
91,573 RISK
33,149 CLOSER (novella)
THE SEVEN SERIES
112,565 SEVEN YEARS
118,660 SIX MONTHS
106,259 FIVE WEEKS
104,265 FOUR DAYS
109,065 THREE HOURS
106,329 TWO SECONDS
129,142 ONE MINUTE
60,281 CHARMING
33,806 WINTER MOON (novella)
THE CROSSBREED SERIES
100,285 KEYSTONE
105,152 RAVENHEART
104,474 DEATHTRAP
118,476 GASLIGHT
108,812 BLACKOUT
May 18, 2018
Blackout Cover Reveal!
Get ready, because a blackout is coming. The fifth installment in the Crossbreed series is scheduled for an August 14, 2018 release. The release date for the audiobook will be announced at a later time, but it will also be available in audio.
------------------------------------------------------------------
START THE SERIES HERE
BLACKOUT SYNOPSIS
The fate of millions rests on Keystone when they embark on their most important assignment of all…
After what was supposed to be a simple job, Raven and Christian uncover a sinister plot against the higher authority, and the stakes are as high as the body count. The assassins are merciless, with anyone who stands in their way becoming collateral damage. Meanwhile, Raven is still struggling to make sense of her feelings for Christian following a memory wipe.
During a blackout, the city erupts into chaos. With Breed on the brink of war, Keystone has only twenty-four hours to complete a secret mission. Raven seeks help from the most unlikely of places, but at what cost?
It’s a race against time to save lives in this explosive installment of the Crossbreed series.
iBooks Preorder
Preorder is exclusive to iBooks and Gaslight will be available at all the usual retailers on the release date listed above.
“I want you, Raven. I just don’t know how to have you.”
------------------------------------------------------------------
START THE SERIES HERE
BLACKOUT SYNOPSIS
The fate of millions rests on Keystone when they embark on their most important assignment of all…
After what was supposed to be a simple job, Raven and Christian uncover a sinister plot against the higher authority, and the stakes are as high as the body count. The assassins are merciless, with anyone who stands in their way becoming collateral damage. Meanwhile, Raven is still struggling to make sense of her feelings for Christian following a memory wipe.
During a blackout, the city erupts into chaos. With Breed on the brink of war, Keystone has only twenty-four hours to complete a secret mission. Raven seeks help from the most unlikely of places, but at what cost?
It’s a race against time to save lives in this explosive installment of the Crossbreed series.
iBooks Preorder
Preorder is exclusive to iBooks and Gaslight will be available at all the usual retailers on the release date listed above.
“I want you, Raven. I just don’t know how to have you.”
April 11, 2018
Reading order
I get asked by a lot of readers who picked up one of my books what the correct reading order is.
"I just picked up the Crossbreed series. Should I finish reading it or read Mageri series first?"
"I finished the Seven series, but I don't know if I should read the Mageri or Crossbreed series next. Does it matter?"
Yes and no. I've written each series in a way that it's not dependent on another. You won't be lost. There are some obvious crossovers that aren't secret. Like Christian Poe is a side character in the Mageri series, which was my first series. I then later wrote him into the Crossbreed series as a primary character. His Mageri history is not necessary to read Crossbreed, so if you read them out of order, it doesn't matter.
That said, I do have some surprising "twists" that take place in my books. Secret crossovers that only fans who read a different series will get. If you would like to read the books in the order that they were intended to be read (based on the timeline I published them) then be sure to visit my READING ORDER PAGE. This page actually breaks down by book (vs by series) the preferred reading order that will allow you to enjoy those savory twists as nature intended.
That said, I sometimes am not obvious with those major crossovers where I mention names or anything like that. So if you accidentally read the Seven series first and then swing back to the Mageri series, you likely won't even make the connection that it would spoil your Mageri read. Not until you hit a certain part at the end and then you will have that "ah-HA!" moment.
So please feel free to visit the reading order page (link above and also on my menu). And don't think if you've read one series first already that it's messed anything up. And trust me, you'll want to read the Christmas novellas for Mageri and Seven series. Don't think I just threw in some fluffy holiday stuff in there. ;-)
Happy reading!
"I just picked up the Crossbreed series. Should I finish reading it or read Mageri series first?"
"I finished the Seven series, but I don't know if I should read the Mageri or Crossbreed series next. Does it matter?"
Yes and no. I've written each series in a way that it's not dependent on another. You won't be lost. There are some obvious crossovers that aren't secret. Like Christian Poe is a side character in the Mageri series, which was my first series. I then later wrote him into the Crossbreed series as a primary character. His Mageri history is not necessary to read Crossbreed, so if you read them out of order, it doesn't matter.
That said, I do have some surprising "twists" that take place in my books. Secret crossovers that only fans who read a different series will get. If you would like to read the books in the order that they were intended to be read (based on the timeline I published them) then be sure to visit my READING ORDER PAGE. This page actually breaks down by book (vs by series) the preferred reading order that will allow you to enjoy those savory twists as nature intended.
That said, I sometimes am not obvious with those major crossovers where I mention names or anything like that. So if you accidentally read the Seven series first and then swing back to the Mageri series, you likely won't even make the connection that it would spoil your Mageri read. Not until you hit a certain part at the end and then you will have that "ah-HA!" moment.
So please feel free to visit the reading order page (link above and also on my menu). And don't think if you've read one series first already that it's messed anything up. And trust me, you'll want to read the Christmas novellas for Mageri and Seven series. Don't think I just threw in some fluffy holiday stuff in there. ;-)
Happy reading!
March 7, 2018
Gaslight Audible Preorder
Preorder your copy of GASLIGHT here: https://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/Gaslight-Audiobook/B07B8WGV7Z
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 20, 2018
February 28, 2018
About Crossbreed
Lately I'm receiving a lot of messages from readers about the romance element in Crossbreed. Many of you are loving the dynamic relationship between Raven and Christian, and others are shipping other characters.
This is something I wanted to touch on. The Crossbreed series is an Urban Fantasy. But that doesn't mean it can't contain romantic elements. :) Always be aware if you are reading a series where romance is secondary that relationships may not progress in the speed you want (some not at all). It's a tough line to walk when you introduce a romantic sub plot and everyone suddenly has expectations.
The Crossbreed series is about good and evil. It's about cause and effect. It's about a woman struggling to find the line and where everything goes, including her. The Mageri series was about a woman learning where she fits in a world of immortals and also accepting men in her life who fill different roles, from friend to lover to even father. Raven knows where she fits, what she does best, and perhaps that is what frightens her the most.
Writing complex characters isn't easy, because it often requires some unsettling storylines to unfold. In order to get to Z, we have to go A-Y first. It is the heroes journey, which is often of self discovery. They have to make decisions along the way.
Another introduction in this series is an outside element that I'll fondly refer to as "chaos". Chaos doesn't care if you have everything planned out perfectly. In fact, stability and order are what chaos thrives on. The cover of Gaslight is actually the inside of a tornado - an image also shown on the back cover. I had a few readers disappointed it wasn't Christian, but then I have to say I choose the back cover based on what makes sense for the story. The title is also Gaslight, and will shed light on aspects of the plot.
The most interesting part is determining who in Raven's past is the true villain. Who is able to do the most damage and harm, and what their true intentions are, if any. I wanted to leave readers with something to think about, because while there is always a main plot going on, these are not simple 'who-done-it' books. Keystone always has to have a case, and sometimes those cases fold into the lives of the characters. But each character has their own battles. They are all relatively new to this Keystone group and have been through their own personal struggles, some of which has made them incapable of surviving in the outside world. There's a lot going on. The Mageri universe is dark, and we've seen glimpses of that in previous books. There are factions fighting against authorities as well as wanting to expose the entire Breed world to humans. There is a black market which no one can stop. There are ancients who still want power and don't want to conform to this new way of living. There are addicts who feed off of other's light or blood. Their racism isn't one of color or religion but one of Breed.
The story is an arc which spans through the books. There will be twists. There will be things that happen which are rage-inducing. There will also be moments of absolute joy, swoon-worthy moments, comedy, and relief. But hey, if you've read my previous books, then this isn't news to you. ;-)
This post isn't meant to discount any relationships that may or may not develop. Only to say that basing feelings about the entire series solely on the romance element would be missing out on the bigger story.
I hope you are enjoying it. I have mapped out this series and all the pieces for readers to unlock the mystery that is Crossbreed. The overwhelming majority of readers have given me nothing but positive words as well as a desire for more. And more is coming! Thanks to you, Gaslight has become a top 100 bestseller on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
I also plan on writing more PARANORMAL ROMANCE books. These books will focus on new couples in each book that are part of a continuing story - in the same style as the Seven series. I absolutely love romance as a main plot with HEA's and all the good feels. So stay tuned!
Happy reading ~
February 19, 2018
Gaslight is Live!
GASLIGHT
: Book 4:
AMAZON (US)
AMAZON (non-US)
iBOOKS
NOOK
KOBO
GOOGLE PLAY TANTOR | AUDIBLE (March 20)
Paperbacks AMAZON (US) | Available elsewhere
Raven Black returns in another heart-pounding installment of the USA Today bestselling Crossbreed series.
Vampire trafficking is a sinister business, and nobody knows that better than Keystone. After Raven discovers hidden clues in a cold case, the group sets a trap in hopes of catching an elusive criminal. But when the plan backfires, Raven’s world is thrown into chaos, and Christian’s loyalty is put to the ultimate test.
Buried secrets come to light, and the only thing keeping Raven grounded is her insatiable thirst for vengeance. The stakes are high as they travel to a place where the landscapes are as treacherous as the immortals who live there. This time, there’s no room for mistakes.
Will Raven have the courage to tame the violence in her heart before it swallows her whole?
--------------------------------------------------------OTHER EXCITING NEWS:
KEYSTONE (CROSSBREED BOOK 1) IS ON SALE
SEVEN YEARS (SEVEN SERIES BOOK 1) IS ON SALE
MAGERI SERIES (BOOKS 1-3) IS ON SALE
AUDIOBOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT GOOGLE PLAY
Sale prices are subject to change and are limited time only.
AMAZON (US)
AMAZON (non-US)
iBOOKS
NOOK
KOBO
GOOGLE PLAY TANTOR | AUDIBLE (March 20)
Paperbacks AMAZON (US) | Available elsewhere
Raven Black returns in another heart-pounding installment of the USA Today bestselling Crossbreed series.
Vampire trafficking is a sinister business, and nobody knows that better than Keystone. After Raven discovers hidden clues in a cold case, the group sets a trap in hopes of catching an elusive criminal. But when the plan backfires, Raven’s world is thrown into chaos, and Christian’s loyalty is put to the ultimate test.
Buried secrets come to light, and the only thing keeping Raven grounded is her insatiable thirst for vengeance. The stakes are high as they travel to a place where the landscapes are as treacherous as the immortals who live there. This time, there’s no room for mistakes.
Will Raven have the courage to tame the violence in her heart before it swallows her whole?
--------------------------------------------------------OTHER EXCITING NEWS:
KEYSTONE (CROSSBREED BOOK 1) IS ON SALE
SEVEN YEARS (SEVEN SERIES BOOK 1) IS ON SALE
MAGERI SERIES (BOOKS 1-3) IS ON SALE
AUDIOBOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT GOOGLE PLAY
Sale prices are subject to change and are limited time only.
February 15, 2018
Massive Sale!
DO NOT MISS! I have several books on sale for a limited time. Links to retailers who are offering these prices are listed below.
$0.99 - Three full-length books!
AMAZON (US)
AMAZON (ALL OTHERS)
iBOOKS
NOOK
KOBO
GOOGLE PLAY
$0.99
AMAZON (US)
AMAZON (all others)
iBOOKS
NOOK
$0.99
AMAZON (US)
AMAZON (non-US)
iBOOKS
NOOK
KOBO
GOOGLE PLAY
$0.99 - Three full-length books!
AMAZON (US)
AMAZON (ALL OTHERS)
iBOOKS
NOOK
KOBO
GOOGLE PLAY
$0.99
AMAZON (US)
AMAZON (all others)
iBOOKS
NOOK
$0.99
AMAZON (US)
AMAZON (non-US)
iBOOKS
NOOK
KOBO
GOOGLE PLAY
January 13, 2018
Goodreads giveaways
There are two giveaways on Goodreads for you to enter!
KEYSTONE:
Start this urban fantasy series today!
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/273774-keystone
GASLIGHT:
The latest book, which will be available Feb 20:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/274332-gaslight
Please note that these particular giveaways are limited to specific countries, so if yours isn't listed, follow me on Facebook! I hold giveaways there with no country restriction.
We are weeks away from another installment in the Crossbreed series. Hope you are as excited as I am. If you're afraid you might miss the release, sign up for my newsletter, and I'll send you an email with all the purchase links.
And yes, there will be a fifth book in the Crossbreed series, which I'm currently penning. I do not have a set amount of books planned (I get this question a lot), nor will I reveal any potential future plotlines.
Happy reading!
KEYSTONE:
Start this urban fantasy series today!
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/273774-keystone
GASLIGHT:
The latest book, which will be available Feb 20:
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/274332-gaslight
Please note that these particular giveaways are limited to specific countries, so if yours isn't listed, follow me on Facebook! I hold giveaways there with no country restriction.
We are weeks away from another installment in the Crossbreed series. Hope you are as excited as I am. If you're afraid you might miss the release, sign up for my newsletter, and I'll send you an email with all the purchase links.
And yes, there will be a fifth book in the Crossbreed series, which I'm currently penning. I do not have a set amount of books planned (I get this question a lot), nor will I reveal any potential future plotlines.
Happy reading!
December 27, 2017
Gaslight Cover Reveal
It's that time again for another exciting book announcement! GASLIGHT (Crossbreed Book 4) is coming to ebook/paperback on FEBRUARY 20, 2018. Audiobook is also coming your way on March 20, 2018.
------------------------
Vampire trafficking is a sinister business, and nobody knows that better than Keystone. After Raven discovers hidden clues in a cold case, the group sets a trap in hopes of catching an elusive criminal. But when the plan backfires, Raven’s world is thrown into chaos, and Christian’s loyalty is put to the ultimate test.
Buried secrets come to light, and the only thing keeping Raven grounded is her insatiable thirst for vengeance. The stakes are high as they travel to a place where the landscapes are as treacherous as the immortals who live there. This time, there’s no room for mistakes.
Will Raven have the courage to tame the violence in her heart before it swallows her whole?
“I thought you’d never come,” he purred. “Close the door, Precious.”
iBooks preorderTantor Audio preorder
Please note preorder is exclusive to iBooks and Gaslight will be available at all the usual retailers on the release date listed above.
------------------------
Vampire trafficking is a sinister business, and nobody knows that better than Keystone. After Raven discovers hidden clues in a cold case, the group sets a trap in hopes of catching an elusive criminal. But when the plan backfires, Raven’s world is thrown into chaos, and Christian’s loyalty is put to the ultimate test.
Buried secrets come to light, and the only thing keeping Raven grounded is her insatiable thirst for vengeance. The stakes are high as they travel to a place where the landscapes are as treacherous as the immortals who live there. This time, there’s no room for mistakes.
Will Raven have the courage to tame the violence in her heart before it swallows her whole?
“I thought you’d never come,” he purred. “Close the door, Precious.”
iBooks preorderTantor Audio preorder
Please note preorder is exclusive to iBooks and Gaslight will be available at all the usual retailers on the release date listed above.
November 7, 2017
Seven Years Sale
If you haven't started the Seven Series or know someone who loves a good romance, SEVEN YEARS (Book 1) is on sale on Amazon only (Full price everywhere else)AMAZON (US) http://amzn.to/1a8iiEBAMAZON (all others) http://smarturl.it/ub17l4
