Shelli R. Johannes's Blog, page 9

Fall into Reading - 9 books at 99 cents

FALL into READING! .99 SALE on NINE HOT New Releases and 

Bestselling Titles!








The temperatures are dropping, and it's a great time to cuddle up 

with a new book!



So for One Week Only, we've dropped the price on NINE HOT 

New Releases and Bestselling Titles, and combined them with 

a chance to WIN Amazon gift cards, 

ebooks, and more!



Check it out and spread the word~












ALL for only 99 cents this week!


**The Only One  by Magan Vernon --  "Sweet and sexy!! Loved it! 

This is the  type of story you read again and again." --#1 New 

York Times best selling  author Rachel Van Dyken





**Dominus  by Christine Fonesca --  "A thrilling end to a 

fantastic supernatural  series!" --Leigh Talbert Moore, bestselling 

author of The Truth About Faking





**Dragonfly  by Leigh Talbert Moore --  "The characters were intriguing, 

the  mystery and story were interesting and definitely have ME WANTING  MORE!!!!!!!" --Mandy, The Romance Bookie





**Crossing  by Stacey Wallace Benefiel --  "Beautiful. Heart wrenching. 

A true  tale of love. It'll make you laugh, cry, and have you running 

out to buy a  tube of red lipstick." --RaShelle Workman, bestselling 

author of the Blood  and Snow series





**ClockwiseR  by Elle Strauss --  A great follow-up to the super fun CLOCKWISE (ed note: Clockwise is free!)! More time-travel 

adventures, more scary cliffhangers. The writer's strength in 

describing battle scenes and war time add to the historical parts. 

The resolution was not what I expected. Great writing and a fun book! -  Leigh Talbert Moore, bestselling author of The Truth About 

Letting Go





**Protected  by Cindy Hogan --  "This anticipated sequel sizzles with 

equal parts thriller, suspense and romance. A spine tingling 

story I could not put down." - C.K.Bryant, author of Bound





**A Spy Like Me  by Laura Pauling --  "Move over Gallagher Girls, 

there's a new spy in town! A Spy Like Me is a fast paced, high 

energy ride through Paris that left me almost as breathless as 

Pauling's hot hero. Super fun beginning, great story, and an 

ending that won't disappoint!" --Gemma Halliday, NYT best 

selling author of Spying in High Heels





**The Pack - Retribution  by L.M. Preston --  "The action in this book 

was phenomenal! There was never a dull moment. Shamira 

and the group were always fighting off the bad guys and with 

style too." --P. Bradish, Amazon Reviewer





**Untraceable  by S.R. Johannes --  "This thrilling story is a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception and teen romance.  The 

action flows like a brisk mountain stream interspersed with 

rapids, holding suspense to last page." -- Kirkus Review 






* * *




Enter to WIN!













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RockABet by Kelly Polark

Today, I'm playing band manager to celebrate the release of Kelly Polark's ABC's of rock 'n' roll picture book, ROCKABET: CLASSIC EDITION. 



Are you ready to rock A to Z? Let's roll through some music history! ROCKABET: Classic Edition introduces classic artists of rock 'n' roll in catchy couplets. This fun book promotes the arts, literacy, and learning the ABC's. Cute illustrations depict musicians in a childlike manner. Reading rocks!





Tell me your rockin' picks if you could create your own band.



Band Name: 

First Gig: 

Lead vocals: 

Lead guitarist: 

Bass guitarist:

Drums:

Keyboards (optional):

Who would you choose for your supergroup and why?



Here's a


ROCKABET: The CLASSIC EDITION can currently be purchased online at Amazon or at select bookstores. Hardcover books will be available at various online retailers and stores in October.



Kelly Polark is Kelly Polark is a married mom of three and a children's educator and author from the Midwest. She has been featured in Spider, Ladybug, and Highlights Puzzlemania. Her published books include BIG SISTER, BABY BROTHER and HOLD THE MUSTARD! by Meegenius and ROCKABET: CLASSIC EDITION. In her free time, Kelly plays with her family, reads books, and sings along at rock concerts. 



Visit her websites, BOOK RECS OF THE ROCK AND FAMOUS (www.bookrecsthatrock.blogspot.com) and KELLY POLARK (www.kpolark.blogspot.com). Find her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AuthorKellyPolark) and on Twitter, too (@kellypolark)! 



She is also the author of BIG SISTER, BABY BROTHER and the upcoming HOLD THE MUSTARD! from Meegenius. Come visit her on Facebook and Twitter! Check out her website and celebrity book recommendation site, Book Recs of the Rock and Famous.












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Huffington Post: 50 things under 50$ (book promotion)

This article was in Huffington Post today ad offers some great ideas.

==========================

These days it seems like everyone's book marketing budget is a little tighter. If you're feeling the pinch, or if you're just looking for some great free stuff to do on your own, here are some tips that can help keep you on track. Along with the tips, I've also linked to other articles I've written on the various topics, in case you want to dig deeper:

Buy your domain name as soon as you have a title for your book. You can get domain names for as little as12.95. Tip: When buying a domain always try to get a .com and stay away from hyphens, i.e. penny-sansevieri.com - surfers rarely remember to insert hyphens. You should also consider using your keywords in your domain because it'll help you rank better. Social media is great, but don't use your Facebook or Twitter pages as your "website" - you should own your domain and have a site. Period. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/penny-c-sansevieri/how-to-build-the-perfect-_b_1932184.html


Head on over to Wordpress.com and start your very own blog (you can add it to your website later): http://www.huffingtonpost.com/penny-c-sansevieri/ten-reasons-why-you-shoul_b_839231.html




Set up an event at your neighborhood bookstore. Do an event and not a signing, book signings are boring!




It's all about content these days so why not create a calendar for content? Often if you aren't sure what to write, or when, a content calendar will keep you on track. You can plan the calendar around your free time (though you should blog weekly) and around holidays or events that may tie into your book.




Then, while you're at it: brainstorm content ideas and start a content folder you can always refer back to when you aren't feeling "inspired" to write anything.


For the rest of the list, head over to Penny Sansevieri's article at Huffington Post, CEO and founder of Author Marketing Experts, Inc.,


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Some great marketing posts!

How Does Time Impact Your Book Publicity

http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-5-pillars-of-book-publicity_12.html




The Role Of Connectivity & Book Publicity

http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/connectivity-book-publicity.html




How Can Authors Measure Social Media Success?

http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-do-you-measure-social-media-success.html




25 Ways For Authors To Break Through & Establish A Legacy

http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-do-authors-break-through.html




Do You Market Your Books Doggy Style?

http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/book-marketing-doggy-style.html




Will Social Media Save Your Book?  http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-big-is-your-social-media-following.html




Why Authors – and Publicists & Publishers Need A Therapist

http://bookmarketingbuzzblog.blogspot.com/2013/04/why-authors-need-therapist.html





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Bookanista: Reconstructing Amelia

I picked up this book at RWA in the spring. Didn't think anything about it until a friend starting talking about it and compared it to Gone Girl.



Sold.



This is a little different of a book - since it is technically adult - but it is about a teen's angst and partly from a teen POV so I decided to try it. 



This book was so good, I wanted to talk about it. I loved it! 



I will say there was one subplot that felt a little forced, but it didn't ruin the book for me. It is told in alternating view points of Kate (the mom's) present day investigation and Amelia's POV in past tense (the 15 year old) time leading up to the event of her death. It's also told using emails, text messages, and Facebook statuses so its very technology focused which is different and really worked.



Below I listed my top 10 things about this book! But first what it's about.



Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight





A stunning debut novel in which a single mother reconstructs her teenaged daughter's life, sifting through her emails, texts, and social media to piece together the shocking truth about the last days of her life.

Litigation lawyer and harried single mother Kate Baron is stunned when her daughter's exclusive private school in Park Slope, Brooklyn, calls with disturbing news: her intelligent, high-achieving fifteen-year-old daughter, Amelia, has been caught cheating.

Kate can't believe that Amelia, an ambitious, levelheaded girl who's never been in trouble would do something like that. But by the time she arrives at Grace Hall, Kate's faced with far more devastating news. Amelia is dead. 

Seemingly unable to cope with what she'd done, a despondent Amelia has jumped from the school's roof in an act of "spontaneous" suicide. At least that's the story Grace Hall and the police tell Kate. And overwhelmed as she is by her own guilt and shattered by grief, it is the story that Kate believes until she gets the anonymous text: 

"She didn't jump."

Sifting through Amelia's emails, text messages, social media postings, and cell phone logs, Kate is determined to learn the heartbreaking truth about why Amelia was on Grace Hall's roof that day-and why she died.

Told in alternating voices, Reconstructing Amelia is a story of secrets and lies, of love and betrayal, of trusted friends and vicious bullies. It's about how well a parent ever really knows a child and how far one mother will go to vindicate the memory of a daughter whose life she could not save



Top 10 things:



1) I felt this mom's pain. It was heart wrenching. Find out out a teen is dead has to be horrible for any mom. Especially a single mom.

2) The bond between mom and daughter is special. This mom did everything right yet there was still a break down. I think this portrayed a real relationship.

3) It was very Gone Girl meets Pretty Little Liars. And I love both of those.

4) This book is a about how small secrets can grow into bigger problems. They can sneak up on you and fester slowly.

5) If i learned one thing it is : that quality is better than quantity. The quality is the emotional connection while the quantity is only physical.

6) It brings to light the issue of bullies. That they can be girls and they can be cruel. 

7) It touched me how a young beautiful smart girl who had everything going for her could still get pulled in the wrong direction

8) It was a page turner because I needed to know what happened - like Kate. The desperation bled off the pages into my heart.

9) It made me think about how important we think work is until something tragic happens and then it all doesn't seem worth it in the end.

10) The writing was beautiful. It was different



Pick this one up if you want a break from traditional YA books!



For other Bookanista books:






Lenore Appelhans showers praise for HALF LIVES by Sara Grant
Shari Arnold gushes about HYSTERIA by Megan Miranda
Shannon Messenger adores THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US by Kasie West
Tracey Neithercott is mad for EARTHBOUND by Aprilynne Pike
Kimberly Sabatini dishes about ROSE UNDER FIRE by Elizabeth Wein
Katy Upperman can't get enough of AUDREY, WAIT! by Robin Benway


















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Call for street team members! incentives and bonuses :)

Call for Street Team Members!

I would like to invite you all to join in my new street team. The first mission will launch on August 5th, the first monday of the month.





What the heck is a street team?

A team of fans/supporters who rally behind an artist and receive perks. They help to spread the word about an artist and their works. They use them in the music world.



As you know, I hate asking for support without giving back in some way -  so these street teams are a way to set up a "give and take" system. A way for me to support those who have been so generous in supporting me. 



What do you get for joining the Street Team?

There isn't a huge time commitment to being a member. As a member, you will join the online Facebook group and help spread the word about my books. In return, you will receive:


A special welcome pack - which includes a "cool" badge for your blog along with bookmark, pen, signed bookplates, press kit on the book, and more.
Help choose a street team name.
A free ebook of your choice with a chance to win more.
A Facebook members only group for an open discussions on the books, indie publishing, or marketing.
Monthly missions - A monthly drawing for members only if you complete the special mission. The prizes will include book gift cards, books, ARCs, query critiques, and other fun stuff.
Inside scoop on my books, the writing process, and publishing.
Receive 1 ebook and or swag pack a year for a giveaways on your blog.
A date with George Clooney. (ok that is a lie) :)
Coffee talks - come visit me at my appearances and hang out for coffee afterwards.
If you have a blog, you will get first dibs in my blog tours/giveaways/special events.
Access to exclusive content in my newsletter– such as character dossiers, character diaries, and more.
Free quarterly chats where I will answer any question you have (unless it is about a spoiler). :)
And other fun surprises!
But mostly, a new friend. :)

Ways Street Team members can participate:

You can do whatever you feel comfortable doing. Here are some ways you can participate.


Join the Facebook group and get to know me. :) (Not that I am that interesting!)
Invite other readers (adults or teens) to join our team.
Talk the books up on social media when you feel inspired - pinterest, FB, Twitter, wattpad, tumblr etc.
Lead contests on your social media platforms. (I can provide giveaways.)
Spread the word to family and friends about my books.
Take promo materials to local writers groups, coffee shops, conventions, etc.
Suggest one of my books for any book club in your area.
Skype or Google me into your book club (for free) or schools to discuss book and writing.
Recommend me to your middle or high schools as a speaker.
Recommend my books to your local library.
Talk the books up at your local indie store.
Post flyers in places where teens hang out - like school news boards, coffee shops, grocery stores, etc.
Use hashtags to get discussions going on books.
Post honest reviews on any site like Goodreads, Shelfari, Amazon, Barnes and Noble etc.
Add my books to your Goodreads lists.
Post about books on Launch days and cover reveals.
Post about author news such as awards, appearances etc.


What this is NOT!


A group of spammers.
For people who do not like my book(s) or me. (boo! hiss!)
People who just want freebies.


This is ONLY for those people who either read and loved my book, who want to play an active role in supporting me, or plan to read my books and want to be a part of something fun and unique.




Why am I doing this? 


To connect more to the readers who love my book and get the word out about my books in a more personal way. 
This one-on-one connection allows me to connect more on a personal level to thank you for your ongoing support!



If you are interested:

If you are interested in joining this team, please fill out the form below (or go to this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/197cBhVPmvHjTHktM7HGvKeIjwtR3r0r-Uvzcg4VZLCs/viewform) and you will receive a formal invite to the group. We'd like to find at least one liaison in each state and set up a team leader (more on this later). The first mission will be announced on Aug 5th.



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Indie-structible: Stories from the indie publishing jungle

Another way to celebrate "indie-pendence day" this week is by giving back and paying it forward.

Jessica Bell is compiling and editing an anthology called, INDIESTRUCTIBLE: INSPIRING STORIES FROM THE PUBLISHING JUNGLE, which will launch September 16, 2013. It will be sold as an e-book for 99c for the first six months. 

After that, it will be offered for free. Forever. During the time that it will accrue royalties, I will donate them all to BuildOn (www.buildon.org) who's mission is to break the cycle of povery, illiteracy and low education through service and education.



If you might be interested in spreading the word about this anthology (it’s for a great cause!), sign up here! :)



=============



For a giveaway of a signed copy Adam Kunz's book, One Tiny Secret, and some special swag - go here. The giveaway will last through weekend.



=============


INDIESTRUCTIBLE: INSPIRING STORIES FROM THE PUBLISHING JUNGLE




Need motivation and inspiration to self-publish? Have you done all the research you can, but still feel ambivalent about the idea? Indiestructible: Inspiring Stories from the Publishing Jungle brings you the experiences of eleven Indie authors—their passions, their insights, their successes—to help you make the leap into indie publishing. 




This is not a how-to guide. This is the best of the indie tradition of experienced authors paying forward what they’ve learned, giving you guide posts to help you on your journey. 




The personal essays in this book will leave you itching to get your work into the hands of readers and experience first-hand all the rewards of indie publishing.



All profits from Indiestructible: Inspiring Stories from the Publishing Jungle purchases will be donated to Build On.



=============


ADD TO GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17857351-indiestructible


Contributing authors in alphabetical order are:

Alex J. Cavanaugh — http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/
Angela Brown — http://publishness.blogspot.com/
Anne R. Allen — http://annerallen.blogspot.com/
Briane Pagel — http://www.thinkingthelions.com/
C.S. Lakin — http://www.cslakin.com/
Ciara Knight — http://www.ciaraknight.com/
Cindy M. Hogan — http://cindymhogan.blogspot.com/
D. Robert Pease — http://www.drobertpease.com/
Dawn Ius — http://dawn-ius.blogspot.com/
Emily White — http://emilytwhite.blogspot.com
Greg Metcalf — http://myfreesentences.wordpress.com/
Jadie Jones — http://www.jadiejones.com/
Jessica Bell — http://www.jessicabellauthor.com/
Karen Bass — http://www.karenbass.ca/
Karen Walker — http://karenfollowingthewhispers.blogspot.com
Kristie Cook — http://www.kristiecook.com/
Laura Diamond — http://lbdiamond.wordpress.com/
Laura Pauling — http://laurapauling.com/
Laurel Garver — http://laurelgarver.blogspot.com/
Leigh T. Moore — http://leightmoore.blogspot.com/
Lori Robinson — http://loriannrobinson.blogspot.com/
Melissa Foster — http://www.melissafoster.com/
Michael Offutt — http://slckismet.blogspot.com/
Michelle Davidson Argyle — http://www.michelledavidsonargyle.com/
Rick Daley — http://mydaleyrant.blogspot.com/
Roz Morris — http://rozmorris.wordpress.com/
S.R. Johannes — http://www.srjohannes.com/
Stephen Tremp — http://authorstephentremp.blogspot.com
Susan Kaye Quinn — http://www.susankayequinn.com/
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Indie-pendence Day! Celebrating Indies

Today, my indie shout out goes to the amazeballs, Adam Kunz, author of One Tiny Secret.



For those who don't know Adam, he's not only a sweetie pie but he's been part of an awesome writing team, CA Kunz (with his mom, how cute is that!). This is his first break out on his own and is getting amazing reviews!



Today, he's giving away signed swag and a signed copy of One Tiny Secret.



**Stay tuned because I am also giving away a HUGE swag pack later this week.



===========







**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for 17+ due to language, violence, and sexual content. 



Just one tiny secret has the potential to ruin everything.



Being the daughter of the sheriff in a small town like Holden Ridge means that eighteen-year-old Danielle "Dani" Marks' life is under constant surveillance. She's made a habit of staying under the radar by being a floater among social circles at school, which has kept her out of trouble--until now.



After a missing persons case stirs up the entire town, Dani finds herself caught right in the middle of the scandal. When she's labeled a possible suspect, things quickly go from bad to worse. The sudden return of her old flame, Parker Reed, manages to make her whole situation even more complicated. 



When an elusive unknown person begins to blackmail Dani by threatening to reveal her deepest secrets, Dani refuses to play along. That is, until the person's actions take a violent turn. Holden Ridge loses its sense of quaint town security, and Dani is caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse.



Who can she trust when anyone around her could be a suspect? 



One thing's for certain though: Never underestimate the power of one tiny secret.



===========



Adam is giving away a signed copy today!



Enter to win!




a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Bookanista Cover Love: Faking Normal by Courtney Stevens

Today is the special cover reveal of Courtney Stevens, Faking Normal:

Alexi Littrell hasn’t told anyone what happened to her over the summer. Ashamed and embarrassed, she hides in her closet and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does. 

At school, nobody sees the scratches or her pain. The only person she connects with is the mysterious Captain Lyric, who writes song lyrics on her fourth-period desk for her to complete. 

With pencil marks and music, Alexi carves out a comfortable space for herself as she and the Captain finish each other’s songs – words on a desk feel safer than words spoken aloud. 

But when Bodee Lennox, the quiet and awkward boy next door, comes to live with the Littrells, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend who understands her better than anyone. He has secrets of his own and knows all about suffering in silence. 

As they lean on each other for support, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her find the courage to finally speak up. 

Love this cover!



1) I hear the cover in real life ia A-Maz-ING with tons of special and sparkly stuff. :)

2) I love this girl. Red head with freckles. Not the normal gal you see on covers. 

3) Creates some mystery - I want to know 'what's up with the trees?'



Faking Normal will be released from HarperTeen on February 25, 2014. (earlier than the date listed on Amazon, woot woot!)



You can add Faking Normal to your Goodreads shelf and/or pre-order Faking Normal on Amazon.







Cover Reveal Contest: 




A few deets on the prize package! The winner receives: 



 - A signed ARC of Faking Normal 

 - A hand-painted cover rock by Courtney 

 - Signed postcard 

 - Silicone “Channel Your Brave” bracelet 



Since hand-painted cover rock isn’t usual book swag, you might want a little background. In Courtney's family, they paint rocks for significant events. (how cute is that?)



And, the bottom of the rock contains a sneak peek spolier!



Enter by filling out the Rafflecopter below.

(U.S. only. Giveaway ends July 8, 2013.) 



 
a Rafflecopter giveaway 







About the author:







Courtney C. Stevens grew up in Kentucky and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. She is an adjunct professor and a former youth minister. Her other skills include playing hide-and-seek, climbing trees, and being an Olympic torch bearer. Faking Normal is her first novel.





You can find Courtney here:

Email – channelingbrave@gmail.com

Twitter

Tumblr

Facebook 













Other Bookanista Posts include








Lenore Appelhans is bewitched by CHARM AND STRANGE by Stephanie Kuehn




Stasia Ward Kehoe delves into DANCER, DAUGHTER, TRAITOR, SPY by Elizabeth Kiem




Elana Johnson and Nikki Katz adore THIS IS W.A.R. by Lisa & Laura Roecker




Gretchen McNeil  is wowed by THE WIG IN THE WINDOW by Kristen Kittscher






Katy Upperman praises WORST CASE OF PASKETTI-ITIS by Kris Asselin

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Authors of UtopYA Ultimate Giveaway

The countdown has been going on for months, and now it’s almost time! 







One of the most fun conferences of the year is about to happen, and some of your favorite authors attending UtopYA want to celebrate. 



We’ve gotten together, and have some amazing prizes so everybody can join in the fun!



2 ways to win prizes: 1 for those attending and 1 for those not attending.



1) Ultimate Swag Pack Giveaway (for those attending Utopya)




Some of your favorite authors have gotten together to give you their very best swag. I’m not talking about a signed bookmark (although those are included)—this prize pack includes the following:

·        Leather bracelet from Tiffany King

·        “Grant’s Cupcake” tee shirt from Sarah M Ross

·        Lavender/Spearmint bath salts from Heather Self

·        “Nick Rocks my World” mug and bath soaps from Ella James

·        Skull Necklace and other prizes from Amy Jones

·        Keychain from Morgan Wylie

·        Signed mini-poster and other prizes from Quinn Loftis

·        Custom USB loaded with books and Necklace from Laura Elliott

·        Modified Swag Pack from CA Kunz

·        Estilorian Swag Pack from Raine Thomas

·        Bracelet from SR Johannes

·        Archers of Avalon tote bag and coffee mug from Chelsea Fine

And that’s just part of the prizes you can win!  So now that you’re salivating and reaching out your “gimme, gimme” hands, you’re probably wondering how to enter. We’re giving you a few options:

1.   Make a video hyping UtopYA and the authors of UtopYA. Then, post this video on FB or Twitter and email it to sarah@sarahmross.com (so we don’t accidentally miss it in the Twitterverse. This video can be short and sweet – basically telling people that UtopYA is coming and about the amazing authors that are going.

2.   Make a FB banner or meme hyping UtopYA and the authors of UtopYA. This is the same concept of the video, but for the more camera shy folks out there. Then, change it to your banner and email it to sarah@sarahmross.com to have your entry counted.

*We’re not giving a whole lot of instruction on how to do this on purpose. We want you to be creative! Get those juices flowing! Want to make a Utop rendition of “Call Me Maybe”? Or post a video of you stalking your favorite authors before you stalk them in real life at Utop? A meme of Grumpy Cat at Utop with the authors? The possibilities are endless! But make it creative! All the participating authors will vote on the one that WOW’s us the most.  



And remember: This part of the contest is open to peeps attending UtopYA only! Prizes to be picked up at UtopYA!!






2. Signed Books (for those not attending)




Not able to make it to UtopYA this year? Don’t worry! 




We have a great giveaway for you too! Enter the Rafflecopter below to win some amazing autographed paperbacks! (Open to US residents only! Sorry!!)




a Rafflecopter giveaway




Can’t wait to see you all at UtopYA!!
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