Shelli R. Johannes's Blog, page 7
April 1, 2014
10 ways to write a page turner!
There are 10 easy ways (in my opinion) to keep up the pace (or suspense/tension) of a novel. This can be for any book to keep the reader clipping along and turning the pages.
10 steps to a page turner
1) Create short chapters - most of mine are 1500 to 2000 words. (It can't be 250 word chapters with 1000 chapters in the book. Thats' just annoying :)
2) End on the conflict, forcing the reader into the next chapter. (I call it the inverted climax curve! I'm smart huh?)
3) Keep your narrative short. At the end, go through and cut back scenes with too much setting or exposition. I say try to cut them in 1/2. (Actually, I should do this in my conversations as well. I'm sure my friends would appreciate it.)
4) Use short sentences when you want reader to feel rushed into reading. Longer sentences help to slow it down and create tension as well as a break before you ramp back up again. (I call this the roller coaster feeling. Make your reader sick :)
5) Add a ticking time bomb. This can be an actual time countdown or a lead in to knowing something is coming soon. (This even works in the ebay auctions I bid on. There's just something about a clock that creates stress.)
6) Create a strong opening line in every chapter that yanks the reader in. (I tend to spend more time on this than I do finding my dangling modifiers. I do not recommend that :)
7) Create strong closing lines that tease the reader to turn the page. (Do not let them put that book down! If you have to drag them on to the next chapter by their bookmarks)
8) Torture your MC - have her make mistake so actions get thrown back in her face. (I talk to my MC. "Oh you think that's bad, wait until I give you this!" I know I'm nutzo)
9) Raise the stakes each time it looks like resolution may be about to happen. (Give your reader the feeling of "oh thank God" and then take them to "WHAT the hell!"
10) Allow room to breathe. (You don't want them to pass out. Not good PR....But not too much room :)
Feel free to ask me questions! :)http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
10 steps to a page turner
1) Create short chapters - most of mine are 1500 to 2000 words. (It can't be 250 word chapters with 1000 chapters in the book. Thats' just annoying :)
2) End on the conflict, forcing the reader into the next chapter. (I call it the inverted climax curve! I'm smart huh?)
3) Keep your narrative short. At the end, go through and cut back scenes with too much setting or exposition. I say try to cut them in 1/2. (Actually, I should do this in my conversations as well. I'm sure my friends would appreciate it.)
4) Use short sentences when you want reader to feel rushed into reading. Longer sentences help to slow it down and create tension as well as a break before you ramp back up again. (I call this the roller coaster feeling. Make your reader sick :)
5) Add a ticking time bomb. This can be an actual time countdown or a lead in to knowing something is coming soon. (This even works in the ebay auctions I bid on. There's just something about a clock that creates stress.)
6) Create a strong opening line in every chapter that yanks the reader in. (I tend to spend more time on this than I do finding my dangling modifiers. I do not recommend that :)
7) Create strong closing lines that tease the reader to turn the page. (Do not let them put that book down! If you have to drag them on to the next chapter by their bookmarks)
8) Torture your MC - have her make mistake so actions get thrown back in her face. (I talk to my MC. "Oh you think that's bad, wait until I give you this!" I know I'm nutzo)
9) Raise the stakes each time it looks like resolution may be about to happen. (Give your reader the feeling of "oh thank God" and then take them to "WHAT the hell!"
10) Allow room to breathe. (You don't want them to pass out. Not good PR....But not too much room :)
Feel free to ask me questions! :)http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
March 31, 2014
Rashelle Workman's Season 2 is coming :)
It's coming. April 19th. Whoot! I'm so excited to share this series with you.
Rashelle is a great friend and her first season has done amazing! You have to get it!
It's so popular - she's doing a whole other season! yay!
The first book in the second season of Blood and Snow is entitled VAMPIRE LIES. I'm releasing the volumes a little differently this time. Instead of 12 smaller volumes and a bunch of short stories, there will be at least three full length novels.
You can pre-order book 1 by clicking HERE .
In Season 2 there will still be plenty of Snow White and her true love, but the story will be told from Jasmine's point of view.
Here's this summary:
Genre: YA Fractured Fairytale
Blood and Snow Season 2
Book 1 ~ Vampire Lies
*** Eyes like violet sapphires. Wings of smoldering fire. Consume your true love's blood. Become the Eternal Vampire. ***
Once upon a time there lived a vampire with wings and the genie who loved her...
Born of the seven magics, Jasmine is different in every way, including the obnoxious wings on her back courtesy of the original Vampires. She wants to be normal, to be a regular teenaged girl.
When a gorgeous dark-haired boy named Laeddin shows up and promises to sneak her away from all her problems and hide her in the human world, she agrees.
But an evil lurks in her nightmares, a man with red eyes. It doesn’t take long for Jasmine to realize that no matter how far she tries to run from who she is, he’s only a dream away. He wants her. He needs her. He acts as though he loves her.
It’s becoming harder and harder to tell the difference between the path that’ll lead to her happily ever after, and the path that’ll lead to her destruction as well as all magic.
Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to be entered into my monthly drawing. Click HERE .
Have you read the first season of Blood and Snow? If not, Amazon is running a special right now where you can get all 12 volumes for only $1.99. Get it HERE . http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
Rashelle is a great friend and her first season has done amazing! You have to get it!
It's so popular - she's doing a whole other season! yay!
The first book in the second season of Blood and Snow is entitled VAMPIRE LIES. I'm releasing the volumes a little differently this time. Instead of 12 smaller volumes and a bunch of short stories, there will be at least three full length novels.
You can pre-order book 1 by clicking HERE .
In Season 2 there will still be plenty of Snow White and her true love, but the story will be told from Jasmine's point of view.
Here's this summary:
Genre: YA Fractured Fairytale
Blood and Snow Season 2
Book 1 ~ Vampire Lies
*** Eyes like violet sapphires. Wings of smoldering fire. Consume your true love's blood. Become the Eternal Vampire. ***
Once upon a time there lived a vampire with wings and the genie who loved her...
Born of the seven magics, Jasmine is different in every way, including the obnoxious wings on her back courtesy of the original Vampires. She wants to be normal, to be a regular teenaged girl.
When a gorgeous dark-haired boy named Laeddin shows up and promises to sneak her away from all her problems and hide her in the human world, she agrees.
But an evil lurks in her nightmares, a man with red eyes. It doesn’t take long for Jasmine to realize that no matter how far she tries to run from who she is, he’s only a dream away. He wants her. He needs her. He acts as though he loves her.
It’s becoming harder and harder to tell the difference between the path that’ll lead to her happily ever after, and the path that’ll lead to her destruction as well as all magic.
Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to be entered into my monthly drawing. Click HERE .
Have you read the first season of Blood and Snow? If not, Amazon is running a special right now where you can get all 12 volumes for only $1.99. Get it HERE . http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
March 11, 2014
Indie Publishing in YA (Special FREE Event offered by ALLi - the Alliance of Independent Authors))
YA and Children's Authors - Live Self-publishing Q&A Session (Hosted by ALLi - a IndieReCon sponsor)
Next Tues 18 March 3pm EST / 7pm GMT - All Welcome!
Are you a children's or YA author thinking about self-publishing, or already self-publishing?
The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) is hosting a FREE live Q&A session on YouTube on Tuesday 18 March where ALLi Director, Orna Ross, will be fielding your questions to Shelli Johannes (AKA S.R Johannes) who writes for the YA/New Adult markets, and Karen Inglis who writes for pre-schoolers and up to age 10/11.
Send us your questions
If you'd like to ask Shelli or Karen about any aspect of self-publishing for their markets,please add your question on this form in advance and we'll try to include your question in the schedule.
You'll also be able to comment during the session using the YouTube chat functionality.
We hope to see you there - just turn up to http://www.youtube.com/user/IndieAuthorALLi at 3pm EST / 1pm PST / 7pm GMT
Note: You do not have to be a member to attend. But if you are interested in joining ALLI, you can do so through the button on Shelli's web site for a 10$ discount (89$) Guests:
Shelli, based in Atlanta, is a YA writer, the award-winning author of Amazon bestselling thrillers, Untraceable and Uncontrollable. After earning an MBA and working in corporate America for over 15 years, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. She organizes the highly successful indie author online conference, IndieRecon, and is a founder member of author co-operative, The Indelibles. Unstoppable (book 3 in her YA thriller series) is scheduled for May 2014. Shelli is YA advisor to The Alliance of Independent Authors.
Karen, who lives in London, was an early adopter of children's self-publishing in the UK and has successfully placed her three children's books The Secret Lake, Eeek! The Runaway Alien and Ferdinand Fox's Big Sleep in bricks and mortar stores in London and sold over 7,000 books across Kindle and print. She has also recently self-published a children's book app.
Please tell your friends :)
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
Next Tues 18 March 3pm EST / 7pm GMT - All Welcome!
Are you a children's or YA author thinking about self-publishing, or already self-publishing?
The Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) is hosting a FREE live Q&A session on YouTube on Tuesday 18 March where ALLi Director, Orna Ross, will be fielding your questions to Shelli Johannes (AKA S.R Johannes) who writes for the YA/New Adult markets, and Karen Inglis who writes for pre-schoolers and up to age 10/11.
Send us your questions
If you'd like to ask Shelli or Karen about any aspect of self-publishing for their markets,please add your question on this form in advance and we'll try to include your question in the schedule.
You'll also be able to comment during the session using the YouTube chat functionality.
We hope to see you there - just turn up to http://www.youtube.com/user/IndieAuthorALLi at 3pm EST / 1pm PST / 7pm GMT
Note: You do not have to be a member to attend. But if you are interested in joining ALLI, you can do so through the button on Shelli's web site for a 10$ discount (89$) Guests:
Shelli, based in Atlanta, is a YA writer, the award-winning author of Amazon bestselling thrillers, Untraceable and Uncontrollable. After earning an MBA and working in corporate America for over 15 years, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. She organizes the highly successful indie author online conference, IndieRecon, and is a founder member of author co-operative, The Indelibles. Unstoppable (book 3 in her YA thriller series) is scheduled for May 2014. Shelli is YA advisor to The Alliance of Independent Authors.
Karen, who lives in London, was an early adopter of children's self-publishing in the UK and has successfully placed her three children's books The Secret Lake, Eeek! The Runaway Alien and Ferdinand Fox's Big Sleep in bricks and mortar stores in London and sold over 7,000 books across Kindle and print. She has also recently self-published a children's book app.
Please tell your friends :)
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
March 4, 2014
Author Branding 101 by Louisa Clarkson
Today on the blog we have Louisa Clarkson of Indicated to give the 101 on author branding, an important step in marketing your words. Without any further ado here is Louisa!____
No doubt you’re familiar with brands, their advertising slogans and logos (unless you’re a troll living under a rock bridge). Like McDonalds for example, is highly recognizable with the golden arches, the red and yellow and their branding statement “I’m Lovin’ it”.
From a marketing perspective, the colors and branding statements helps customers recognize it and influence them to buy the products. Red means passion and love, it stands out, and is used to stimulate people to make quick decisions. Yellow is bright and sunny, grabs attention and evokes feelings of happiness and joy. “I’m Lovin’ it” implies you will enjoy the food.
Branding is a brilliant and important tool for authors too. Our writing style, book themes/genre, covers, our author website(s), branding statements, and even our personalities, all shape our brand. Let’s look at these things in more detail, and start building a brand that knocks Stephanie Meyer from her perch!
Writing Style
Your writing voice, writing style, tone and even choice of words, is what a reader bonds and fall in love. No one else writes the way you do. These component make your author style unique, and helps your readers recognizes your writing.
Two examples of very distinct writing styles are Doreen Virtue, author of Healing With the Angels, who has a very motivating and inspiring style and tone, which compliments her self-help and spiritual brand. While Eion Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl children’s series, has a very tongue in cheek voice that tickles a child’s funny bone.
Books Themes and Genre
The genre(s) and themes that you write about is what readers will associate with you, and what they’ll expect from you in future. For example, Stephen King is synonymous for horror, supernatural themes, and a few drama novels. Readers would never associate Stephen with comedy. That would be like McDonalds selling pizza!
For those of you published in multiple genres, or if you’re planning to write in more than one genre, it’s recommended to use pen names to separate the brands, unless your books have a common element such as magic or fantasy that filter through them. Start small with one genre and build a fanbase, like Stephen did, then expand into other genres.
Book Covers
A book cover, its artwork, font and colors should reflect the tone, style and genre of the book(s). For example, on Suzanne Collins Hunger Gamesseries, every book features a Mockingjay, which is a distinct symbol for these books, and is even used for the film posters. Each book also uses the same square font for the book title and author name, and a different color to reflect the tone. Book 1 has a black cover representing a bleak society, hopelessness and oppression, typical of the dystopian genre. Book 2 is red which is symbolic of war and fighting back. Blue features on blue to show hope and freedom.
These elements need to be kept consistent when publishing a series to help the reader identify your books and brand. If you self publish, try to use the same cover designer to maintain the style.
Author Website
The function of the author website is the same as the book covers. It should convey to any visitors the style and tone of your books, reflect aspects of your personality, hobbies or interests, and it can feature a logo to represent your brand. Here’s a cool website by paranormal romance author TF Walsh, which reflects the romantic and supernatural elements of her books, and her love of everything fantasy. The black gives a creepy and dark tone, while red highlights the romance and passion.
Branding Statements
A branding statement defines who you are as an author, the types of books you publish, aspects of your personality, who your target audience is, and helps readers to find you. For example, mine is “crafting whimsical, inspiring fantasy adventures that keeps tweens reading for days.” I could have used John Grisham’s Number 1 Bestselling Author, but it’s boring (zzzzz) and doesn’t tell me anything about his books.
Personality and Perception
Part of an author’s job is to build a public image that reflects their personality and brand. Aussie author Morris Gleitzman has a cheeky, fun brand, which supports his humorous children’s books. This is what draws readers to him and keeps them loyal. But if he were to go and post rude or adult’s only jokes on his social media accounts, there’d be public outrage. Always remember who your target market is and who might be reading.
Branding is such a huge topic, and this is but a small, but important part of it.
I’d love to know what your branding efforts you’ve made. Do you have separate brands for your books? Have you created any distinct features on your covers or logos? C’mon. Share you branding statements, so I don’t feel like such a dork! If you don’t have fun, then make one up. Promise I won’t laugh.
About Louisa Clarkson:
Louisa Clarkson is the author of The Silver Strand, the first in the Mastermind Academy tween fantasy series for 9-12 year olds. Creative endeavors called, and she left her Environmental Engineering career to study a Masters in Creative Writing and pursue her writing dreams. In the months she spent researching how to promote her novel, she found bits of information here and there, but no complete author resource. As such Indicated was born. Indicatedfeatures book promotion guides and a comprehensive database of where to find book promotional opportunities like book review bloggers, free and paid advertising opportunities, guest posts, authors interviews and so much more.http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
No doubt you’re familiar with brands, their advertising slogans and logos (unless you’re a troll living under a rock bridge). Like McDonalds for example, is highly recognizable with the golden arches, the red and yellow and their branding statement “I’m Lovin’ it”.
From a marketing perspective, the colors and branding statements helps customers recognize it and influence them to buy the products. Red means passion and love, it stands out, and is used to stimulate people to make quick decisions. Yellow is bright and sunny, grabs attention and evokes feelings of happiness and joy. “I’m Lovin’ it” implies you will enjoy the food.
Branding is a brilliant and important tool for authors too. Our writing style, book themes/genre, covers, our author website(s), branding statements, and even our personalities, all shape our brand. Let’s look at these things in more detail, and start building a brand that knocks Stephanie Meyer from her perch!
Writing Style
Your writing voice, writing style, tone and even choice of words, is what a reader bonds and fall in love. No one else writes the way you do. These component make your author style unique, and helps your readers recognizes your writing.
Two examples of very distinct writing styles are Doreen Virtue, author of Healing With the Angels, who has a very motivating and inspiring style and tone, which compliments her self-help and spiritual brand. While Eion Colfer, author of the Artemis Fowl children’s series, has a very tongue in cheek voice that tickles a child’s funny bone.
Books Themes and Genre
The genre(s) and themes that you write about is what readers will associate with you, and what they’ll expect from you in future. For example, Stephen King is synonymous for horror, supernatural themes, and a few drama novels. Readers would never associate Stephen with comedy. That would be like McDonalds selling pizza!
For those of you published in multiple genres, or if you’re planning to write in more than one genre, it’s recommended to use pen names to separate the brands, unless your books have a common element such as magic or fantasy that filter through them. Start small with one genre and build a fanbase, like Stephen did, then expand into other genres.
Book Covers
A book cover, its artwork, font and colors should reflect the tone, style and genre of the book(s). For example, on Suzanne Collins Hunger Gamesseries, every book features a Mockingjay, which is a distinct symbol for these books, and is even used for the film posters. Each book also uses the same square font for the book title and author name, and a different color to reflect the tone. Book 1 has a black cover representing a bleak society, hopelessness and oppression, typical of the dystopian genre. Book 2 is red which is symbolic of war and fighting back. Blue features on blue to show hope and freedom.
These elements need to be kept consistent when publishing a series to help the reader identify your books and brand. If you self publish, try to use the same cover designer to maintain the style.
Author Website
The function of the author website is the same as the book covers. It should convey to any visitors the style and tone of your books, reflect aspects of your personality, hobbies or interests, and it can feature a logo to represent your brand. Here’s a cool website by paranormal romance author TF Walsh, which reflects the romantic and supernatural elements of her books, and her love of everything fantasy. The black gives a creepy and dark tone, while red highlights the romance and passion.
Branding Statements
A branding statement defines who you are as an author, the types of books you publish, aspects of your personality, who your target audience is, and helps readers to find you. For example, mine is “crafting whimsical, inspiring fantasy adventures that keeps tweens reading for days.” I could have used John Grisham’s Number 1 Bestselling Author, but it’s boring (zzzzz) and doesn’t tell me anything about his books.
Personality and Perception
Part of an author’s job is to build a public image that reflects their personality and brand. Aussie author Morris Gleitzman has a cheeky, fun brand, which supports his humorous children’s books. This is what draws readers to him and keeps them loyal. But if he were to go and post rude or adult’s only jokes on his social media accounts, there’d be public outrage. Always remember who your target market is and who might be reading.
Branding is such a huge topic, and this is but a small, but important part of it.
I’d love to know what your branding efforts you’ve made. Do you have separate brands for your books? Have you created any distinct features on your covers or logos? C’mon. Share you branding statements, so I don’t feel like such a dork! If you don’t have fun, then make one up. Promise I won’t laugh.
About Louisa Clarkson:
Louisa Clarkson is the author of The Silver Strand, the first in the Mastermind Academy tween fantasy series for 9-12 year olds. Creative endeavors called, and she left her Environmental Engineering career to study a Masters in Creative Writing and pursue her writing dreams. In the months she spent researching how to promote her novel, she found bits of information here and there, but no complete author resource. As such Indicated was born. Indicatedfeatures book promotion guides and a comprehensive database of where to find book promotional opportunities like book review bloggers, free and paid advertising opportunities, guest posts, authors interviews and so much more.http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
February 23, 2014
IndieReCon 2014 starts Tues! It's free and online
15 reasons why you should register for IndieReCon Today!
1. Keynote speakers J.A. Konrath and Barry Eisler are hosting a two hour chat to honestly answer any questions you have.
2. Find out how to face your fears and how to focus on your writing, being creative, and writing to your readers with Bob Mayer, Alicia Vancil, RaShelle Workman, Susan Kaye Quinn, Orna Ross, C.S. Lakin, and Rachel Aaron.
3. Find out all the nitty gritty details on self-publishing basics like pricing, distribution, and formatting from top industry professionals like Miral Sattar, Peter Bowerman, Joel Friedlander, and The Passive Guy (David Vandagriff).
4. Build your marketing skills and publicity skills with K.P. Simmons (InkSlinger PR), David Gaughran, Lori Culwell, Michael Alvear, Jim Kukral, Joanna Penn, Angela Ackerman, and Martha Carr.
5. Chat with bestselling authors Chelsea Fine and Chelsea Cameron on how it is to be a hybrid author. In addition, you will hear from Lara Perkins (Andrea Brown Literary agent) on how it is to agent hybrid authors and find out secrets (including information about audio books) from some bestselling indie authors that make up the Indelibles.
6. It's FREE!
7. We have fun contests!
8. Since it's online, you can stay in your PJs and we won't laugh at you. :)
9. There are huge giveaways! Yeah... HUGE! (Hint - Begins with a KO and ends with a BO :)
10. Learn about awesome organizations that support indie authors including: KOBO, IndieReader, Shelf Unbound, Indelibles, Author Marketing Club, AuthorAd Network, Alliance of Independent Authors, Goodreads, and Bibliocrunch.
11. Discover some great new indie authors to read.
12. Join our live podcast with the guys from Write Publish Repeat (Sean Platt, Johnny B. Truant, and David Wright)
13. Did we mention it's FREE?
14. Because it will be epic! (At least we think so.)
15. Find out tips in how to maximize your book exposure with leaders from Goodreads, Kobo, Smashwords, IndieReader, and Amazon.
Every single blog post, chat, vlog will be packed with all the information you need to help you on the self-publishing path.
IndieReCon will help you learn all the dirty secrets about the indie pubbing industry and help you succeed.
February 25-27 from 10 am -10pm EST times.
Tell your friends!
Hang out with us all day. Hourly posts. Tons of chats. A few vlogs and webinars. Check out the amazeballs online.
If you want to receive updates on the conference, go to our web site and enter your email up in the left sidebar to register and receive updates so you don’t miss out!
See you there!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
1. Keynote speakers J.A. Konrath and Barry Eisler are hosting a two hour chat to honestly answer any questions you have.
2. Find out how to face your fears and how to focus on your writing, being creative, and writing to your readers with Bob Mayer, Alicia Vancil, RaShelle Workman, Susan Kaye Quinn, Orna Ross, C.S. Lakin, and Rachel Aaron.
3. Find out all the nitty gritty details on self-publishing basics like pricing, distribution, and formatting from top industry professionals like Miral Sattar, Peter Bowerman, Joel Friedlander, and The Passive Guy (David Vandagriff).
4. Build your marketing skills and publicity skills with K.P. Simmons (InkSlinger PR), David Gaughran, Lori Culwell, Michael Alvear, Jim Kukral, Joanna Penn, Angela Ackerman, and Martha Carr.
5. Chat with bestselling authors Chelsea Fine and Chelsea Cameron on how it is to be a hybrid author. In addition, you will hear from Lara Perkins (Andrea Brown Literary agent) on how it is to agent hybrid authors and find out secrets (including information about audio books) from some bestselling indie authors that make up the Indelibles.
6. It's FREE!
7. We have fun contests!
8. Since it's online, you can stay in your PJs and we won't laugh at you. :)
9. There are huge giveaways! Yeah... HUGE! (Hint - Begins with a KO and ends with a BO :)
10. Learn about awesome organizations that support indie authors including: KOBO, IndieReader, Shelf Unbound, Indelibles, Author Marketing Club, AuthorAd Network, Alliance of Independent Authors, Goodreads, and Bibliocrunch.
11. Discover some great new indie authors to read.
12. Join our live podcast with the guys from Write Publish Repeat (Sean Platt, Johnny B. Truant, and David Wright)
13. Did we mention it's FREE?
14. Because it will be epic! (At least we think so.)
15. Find out tips in how to maximize your book exposure with leaders from Goodreads, Kobo, Smashwords, IndieReader, and Amazon.
Every single blog post, chat, vlog will be packed with all the information you need to help you on the self-publishing path.
IndieReCon will help you learn all the dirty secrets about the indie pubbing industry and help you succeed.
February 25-27 from 10 am -10pm EST times.
Tell your friends!
Hang out with us all day. Hourly posts. Tons of chats. A few vlogs and webinars. Check out the amazeballs online.
If you want to receive updates on the conference, go to our web site and enter your email up in the left sidebar to register and receive updates so you don’t miss out!
See you there!
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
February 7, 2014
Go For Gold by Shannon Delany
Watching the Olympics, I'm struck by the importance competition holds in human culture--and in books. Every day there are several thousand new books published. The fact we can find anything amid such a sea of words never ceases to amaze me.
So how do any of us get our book noticed and then keeping getting our books noticed? I wish I knew some formula for an author's success, but I don't think there's a foolproof one so I think the best thing we can do--ever--is our best.
It's what I've tried to do since my first novel, 13 TO LIFE, came out in 2010. I keep pushing myself and I have two very different series to show for it.
So, if you asked me…
Write your best book. Love it. Be passionate about every stage of its creation. And most importantly? Write the book you want to read--the book in your heart.
I believe we all have an amazing story to tell--do it and don't let anyone stop you.
About the Author:Find Shannon and her 13 TO LIFE series and WEATHER WITCH series on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, Amazon, and at ShannonDelany.com. And this year? Follow her as she builds a picture book with a talented singer-songwriter!
Destiny and Deception:
The sensational fourth novel in the 13 to Life series sees Jessica and the Rusakuvas fighting to overcome one of their biggest challenges yet.With the threat of the mafia seemingly gone and the company's headquarters in Junction destroyed, Pietr Rusakova is adjusting to being a normal teen and Jess is realizing normalcy may not be what she wanted after all. But both Jess and Cat know the truth--that normal can't be taken for granted. When a new danger stalks into their small town, Alexi decides he must overcome his issues with the mother who abandoned him to be raised by wolves and make a brand new deal to save his adopted family.http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
January 30, 2014
Street Team Links To Get You Started
If you were wondering what a street team is and how it can help you as an author, we have the answers for you!
The Thrill Seekers: SR Johannes' Street TeamStreet Teams: Why you need one and how to create one | Steena Holmes on Writers In The Storm BlogWhat is an Author Street Team? | Kate Tilton on BiblioCrunchStreet Teams for (Indie) Authors - When, Why, Pros, Cons | Penny Reid on Reid Romance #IndieChat – Street Teams | Twitter chat with Kate Tilton and Leigh Ann Kopans via BiblioCrunchWhy Authors Need Street Teams | Amanda Luedeke on MacGregor LiteraryAuthor Street Teams | Twitter chat with Kate Tilton via BublishThe Street Team – an indie author’s secret weapon | Kobo Writing LifeThe Balancing Act of Author Street Teams by guest @K8Tilton | Kate Tilton on RachelintheOCWhat exactly is a Street Team? | Karin Tabke on Writer Unboxed
Take a look at these great articles and chats and let us know:What do you think about street teams? Do you have one or want one? Do you not want a street team?
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
The Thrill Seekers: SR Johannes' Street TeamStreet Teams: Why you need one and how to create one | Steena Holmes on Writers In The Storm BlogWhat is an Author Street Team? | Kate Tilton on BiblioCrunchStreet Teams for (Indie) Authors - When, Why, Pros, Cons | Penny Reid on Reid Romance #IndieChat – Street Teams | Twitter chat with Kate Tilton and Leigh Ann Kopans via BiblioCrunchWhy Authors Need Street Teams | Amanda Luedeke on MacGregor LiteraryAuthor Street Teams | Twitter chat with Kate Tilton via BublishThe Street Team – an indie author’s secret weapon | Kobo Writing LifeThe Balancing Act of Author Street Teams by guest @K8Tilton | Kate Tilton on RachelintheOCWhat exactly is a Street Team? | Karin Tabke on Writer Unboxed
Take a look at these great articles and chats and let us know:What do you think about street teams? Do you have one or want one? Do you not want a street team?
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January 23, 2014
Self Marketing by Mike Hartner
Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici, FreeDigitalPhotos.netCongrats! You’re published. In today’s world, in many cases, it won’t matter whether you are self-published, or published by one of the Big Six. You will need marketing.
Marketing. Yes, that ugly word. What, you mean my book doesn’t sell itself? Nope. Sorry to disappoint, but you are one of nearly a million people who have self-published this past year. Finding your book, for any but the most diligent (read: friends and relatives) is going to be a crapshoot. So how do you make your odds better?
1. Blog tours. Orangeberry.com has them. Pumpupyourbook.com has them. And there are others out there. They schedule you on blogs that work with them, and then send you a list of material they want. Some material that they like to use includes: Chapters, for chapter reveals; character interviews, to get a better feel for the characters; author interviews, in which you answer questions about yourself and your book and your publishing journey; top ten lists by you; and a plethora of other information. Blog tours are the 21st century equivalent to book store tours. Except you are doing them in cyber-space. And they can be fun. So go out and enjoy them.
2. Reviews. This falls into several time frames. To do this properly, there are things you need to be setting up PRIOR to the release of the book.
Netgalley.com - $350 set up. Six months. It gives newspapers, book sellers, etc... a chance to look at your book before they decide to stock or review it. Sometimes it can lead to reviews.Newspapers - ARCs of the book should be given to media 3-4 months in advance of the release to give them a chance to read it and respond. Remember, they have busy lives too.Internet book reviewers (book bloggers) - There are lists out there. They are genre specific, and will definitely help you contact reviewers who will look at your book. Like newspaper columnists, though, they are VERY busy. Many of them need to be booked four months in advance. Not all. But, if you give them four months, they are guaranteed to appreciate your efforts even more, regardless of whether they agree to help you.Amazon book reviewers - Amazon has lists that include their top ten reviewers. And if you pick through these one at a time, and contact them, then some will help and others will not. But give them a time frame.... the more leeway the better. They, too, are busy.
3. Contests/Awards. You can enter all sorts of contests for your book. Make sure that you’re in the right genre, though.
Chanticleer Book Reviews - This site has a contest for every genre.IBPA (Independent Book Publishers Association) has the Ben Franklin Awards.Other independent book contests are out there. Google them.Local book awards - Every state and province has book awards for local authors. You can’t win if you don’t play.
4. Associations. There are many associations, including Independent Book Publishers Association. Membership in them will give you discounts for participation in some of the contests and services like: Netgalley, LightningSource, trade shows, etc... I HIGHLY recommend IBPA. But, look around. If they’re not right for you, some one else will be.
5. Trade Shows. Throughout the year, there are trade shows all over the world:
London Book Show -- AprilBookExpoAmerica (BEA) - MayBeijing (usually September)Frankfurt (October)There are others in your state or province.American Library Association (ALA)National Educators Association (NEA)NewYork State Library AssociationCalifornia State Library Association...This list is endless.
Two points about trade shows. They are OPTIONAL. They get exposure to your book out there, but don’t stress if you can’t afford to go to every one of them. Pick your conventions wisely. You may decide to go to the ALA without going to the NEA. That’s okay. There’s some member overlap, but not a lot.
6. Free Sites. IF you join Kindle Direct Program (KDP) they will allow you to have free days -- up to five across three months -- as promotion days. There are hundreds of spots around the internet that advertise to kindle users, e-readers, etc.. that will help you to publicize FREE days, provided you give them reasonable notice. By reasonable, I think minimum two weeks.
7. Social media. Put up a Facebook author’s page, a Twitter feed, your own website, Pinterest pictures, etc. Look into badredheadmedia.com to find Rachel Thompson (@RachelintheOC), a social media guru, who can help you grow your brand.
8. Google Adwords. Theadwordsguy.com and JP help you to use Google Adwords and landing sites to generate interest. You pay per click, but it helps to show you which genres and keywords resonate interest with your book.
9. Reader websites. Goodkindle.net is one example. These are websites dedicated to individuals who read e-books. There are plenty of them, and for a small fee, you can be a part of their book list on their site.
This list is by no means comprehensive, but it describes most of the areas that I have delved into to help promote my book. You don’t have to do them all at once. Pick and choose according to your whims. But get out there and try something to improve your exposure to the massive number of readers out there. Now go out there and market!
Also, don’t forget that "FRONTLIST sells backlist." In short, the best way to sell this book... is to write the next one. So don’t get hung up in the promotions area for too long.
And, if you’re getting overwhelmed with it all, ask for help from an author’s assistant like Kate Tilton.
About the Author:
Mike Hartner was born in Miami in 1965. He’s traveled much of the continental United States. He has several years post secondary education, and experience teaching and tutoring young adults. Hartner has owned and run a computer firm for more than twenty-five years. He now lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with his wife and child. They share the neighborhood and their son with his maternal grandparents. You can visit Mike at his website.http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
January 16, 2014
Book Trailers: Should I have one for my book? by Mallory Rock
So the pressing question so many have...Are book trailers worth it?
The answer is not a simple one, as it is both yes and no. It really depends on numerous factors. Each author needs to think about and examine these factors to determine what type of trailer will work for you and your book. I believe a trailer can work for almost every book, but the trick is knowing what type of trailer to create. Now let’s start with the types of trailers that could be useful for authors.
You have the informational trailer, which can be used quite well for non-fiction books like this:
Next you have cinematic book trailers, which can be used for a number of fiction genres and are modeled in a movie trailer style, like this:
Then you have the animated trailer, which can be used for childrens, some fantasy, and satire. Like this:
And last is the branding or interview trailer, which is more focused on the author and the message than the individual book and can be used with almost any book. Like this:
So how do you know which type is for you? Well let’s look at some of those factors that can make a difference.
* What genre is your book? In general the YA audience tends to be the most accepting of the visual medium, and therefore has a greater potential to yield results in the cinematic trailers. On the other end of the spectrum, non-fiction books tend to yield the best results with an informational trailer. With animation childrens and middle grade are best, but you have to weigh that against how much of your target audience will see your trailer. This does not mean that if you do not have a YA, middle grade or a non-fiction book you should not have a trailer. The branding or interview trailers can work for any book, but need to be catered to their target audience.
* What if I am on a tight budget? This can be approached in a number of ways. Starting with using either the informational if it works for you or the branding/interview trailers. These can be produced at a much lower cost generally because it is a much simpler video and process. If you have a book you think HAS TO HAVE the cinematic trailer, it can be done in a wide range of pricing. Now keep in mind you get what you pay for so, finding a great deal is good, but make sure you look at samples before committing to anything.
Once you have pinned down what might work for you and have someone creating your trailer, how do you know what to look for? What makes a good book trailer?Keep it brief. People value their time and generally have a short attention span when browsing the internet through things such as trailers.Be authentic. The tone and feel of your trailer should reflect the content of your book.Music matters. Music sets the tone and flow of a trailer, so be sure it accurately represents your material and is engaging!Make it seamless. All of your imagery, transitions and text should flow together creating one flowing piece. You do not want choppy pieces all pasted together. A good way to see if your content works well and has flow is to watch the trailer while muted. If it still stands up and is engaging without that mood setter you are on your way.Give them information. Be sure to end your trailer with the url to your website for more information and also let them know where your book is available for purchase and/or when.
So now you have your trailer done, but what do you do with it? There are several places that are a must and free for you to place your trailer.Upload to youtube as a starting point. When you do this use your keywords! What terms are people searching to find you or your book and additionally what are potential readers searching? Keywords can make a huge difference in getting that trailer seen on youtube.Using that youtube video, embed the trailer on your author website. Announce and blog about it for its reveal.Authors are able to add videos to their author page on Amazon.You can also add the video to your author page on Goodreads!Find a video book review blogger and try to get your trailer featured. You will have a better impact with a video blogger as their audience is already watching videos. You will get more views and possible sales/reviews this way.Have a way to display and play your trailer at events like author signings, conventions, etc.Now looking at all of this information what can we deduce? I think it is safe to say there is a very wide variety of trailer options that range from self made branding videos to professionally produced cinematic and/or animated trailers. Find what works best for you and your book and run with it. Make sure the quality is there and be ready to work at it. Having a trailer does nothing if you dont put it out there and use all the resources available to you. Having a trailer is one more great promotional piece to add to your marketing arsenal and in the end that is what all authors are looking for...another piece to the puzzle leading to success in this flooded business. Ask yourself what you can do to make your work stand out next to the others and then go for it.
About Mallory Rock:I work with authors to bring their literary works to life through covers, interior graphics, layout & formatting, cinematic book trailers, custom world maps, web graphics, and promotional materials. I am the art director at the author PR firm Novel Publicity, cover artist & print formatter for Evolved Publishing, and also work with Amy Edelman providing custom cover services to Indie Reader clients. I have worked with authors like NY Times Best Seller Bella Andre and recently worked with major Hollywood producers, The Tannenbaum Company, creating a look book for a fantasy novel turned screenplay.
I am an avid reader and enjoy books across many genres. But I have a very fervid love of dystopian anf fantasy novels. I have been known to devour up to a book a day when my busy schedule permits. I enjoy combining my love of literary works with my artistic skills to help authors bring their work to life visually. Find out more about me on my website.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
The answer is not a simple one, as it is both yes and no. It really depends on numerous factors. Each author needs to think about and examine these factors to determine what type of trailer will work for you and your book. I believe a trailer can work for almost every book, but the trick is knowing what type of trailer to create. Now let’s start with the types of trailers that could be useful for authors.
You have the informational trailer, which can be used quite well for non-fiction books like this:
Next you have cinematic book trailers, which can be used for a number of fiction genres and are modeled in a movie trailer style, like this:
Then you have the animated trailer, which can be used for childrens, some fantasy, and satire. Like this:
And last is the branding or interview trailer, which is more focused on the author and the message than the individual book and can be used with almost any book. Like this:
So how do you know which type is for you? Well let’s look at some of those factors that can make a difference.
* What genre is your book? In general the YA audience tends to be the most accepting of the visual medium, and therefore has a greater potential to yield results in the cinematic trailers. On the other end of the spectrum, non-fiction books tend to yield the best results with an informational trailer. With animation childrens and middle grade are best, but you have to weigh that against how much of your target audience will see your trailer. This does not mean that if you do not have a YA, middle grade or a non-fiction book you should not have a trailer. The branding or interview trailers can work for any book, but need to be catered to their target audience.
* What if I am on a tight budget? This can be approached in a number of ways. Starting with using either the informational if it works for you or the branding/interview trailers. These can be produced at a much lower cost generally because it is a much simpler video and process. If you have a book you think HAS TO HAVE the cinematic trailer, it can be done in a wide range of pricing. Now keep in mind you get what you pay for so, finding a great deal is good, but make sure you look at samples before committing to anything.
Once you have pinned down what might work for you and have someone creating your trailer, how do you know what to look for? What makes a good book trailer?Keep it brief. People value their time and generally have a short attention span when browsing the internet through things such as trailers.Be authentic. The tone and feel of your trailer should reflect the content of your book.Music matters. Music sets the tone and flow of a trailer, so be sure it accurately represents your material and is engaging!Make it seamless. All of your imagery, transitions and text should flow together creating one flowing piece. You do not want choppy pieces all pasted together. A good way to see if your content works well and has flow is to watch the trailer while muted. If it still stands up and is engaging without that mood setter you are on your way.Give them information. Be sure to end your trailer with the url to your website for more information and also let them know where your book is available for purchase and/or when.
So now you have your trailer done, but what do you do with it? There are several places that are a must and free for you to place your trailer.Upload to youtube as a starting point. When you do this use your keywords! What terms are people searching to find you or your book and additionally what are potential readers searching? Keywords can make a huge difference in getting that trailer seen on youtube.Using that youtube video, embed the trailer on your author website. Announce and blog about it for its reveal.Authors are able to add videos to their author page on Amazon.You can also add the video to your author page on Goodreads!Find a video book review blogger and try to get your trailer featured. You will have a better impact with a video blogger as their audience is already watching videos. You will get more views and possible sales/reviews this way.Have a way to display and play your trailer at events like author signings, conventions, etc.Now looking at all of this information what can we deduce? I think it is safe to say there is a very wide variety of trailer options that range from self made branding videos to professionally produced cinematic and/or animated trailers. Find what works best for you and your book and run with it. Make sure the quality is there and be ready to work at it. Having a trailer does nothing if you dont put it out there and use all the resources available to you. Having a trailer is one more great promotional piece to add to your marketing arsenal and in the end that is what all authors are looking for...another piece to the puzzle leading to success in this flooded business. Ask yourself what you can do to make your work stand out next to the others and then go for it.
About Mallory Rock:I work with authors to bring their literary works to life through covers, interior graphics, layout & formatting, cinematic book trailers, custom world maps, web graphics, and promotional materials. I am the art director at the author PR firm Novel Publicity, cover artist & print formatter for Evolved Publishing, and also work with Amy Edelman providing custom cover services to Indie Reader clients. I have worked with authors like NY Times Best Seller Bella Andre and recently worked with major Hollywood producers, The Tannenbaum Company, creating a look book for a fantasy novel turned screenplay.I am an avid reader and enjoy books across many genres. But I have a very fervid love of dystopian anf fantasy novels. I have been known to devour up to a book a day when my busy schedule permits. I enjoy combining my love of literary works with my artistic skills to help authors bring their work to life visually. Find out more about me on my website.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
January 10, 2014
Chelsea Fine's PERFECT KIND OF TROUBLE Cover Reveal
Today we are excited to be sharing the cover for Chelsea Fine's Perfect Kind of Trouble!
PERFECT KIND OF TROUBLE (Forever E-Book; June 3, 2014; $4.99)Daren Ackwood is a bad boy with a mysterious past. He’s the kind of guy who knows he can get any girl he wants. Kayla doesn’t do bad boys—in any sense of the word. They have a tendency to leave scars and dust trails in their wake, and Kayla isn’t running short on either. So when Daren rolls up to her father’s funeral in his shiny sports car, Kayla knows she needs to keep her distance during her brief stay in this tiny God-forsaken town. She’s here to take care of her father’s will, nothing more. The trouble is, Daren doesn’t see it that way. And he usually gets his way.
Amazon | B&N | iTunes
About the authorChelsea lives in Phoenix, Arizona, where she spends most of her time writing stories, painting murals, and avoiding housework at all costs. She's ridiculously bad at doing dishes and claims to be allergic to laundry. Her obsessions include: superheroes, coffee, sleeping-in, and crazy socks. She lives with her husband and two children, who graciously tolerate her inability to resist teenage drama on TV and her complete lack of skill in the kitchen.http://feeds.feedburner.com/Faerialit...
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