Jamie Sinclair's Blog, page 18
April 16, 2012
Book Sales and Blog Views
Morning,
Lovely day for it! By it, I mean not working. The sun is shining, I've already written 500 words of the latest book and I've yet to have breakfast. Mind you, I did eat enough Calzone yesterday to sink a Venetian Water taxi.
Anyway, I was getting a tiny bit concerned that I hadn't sold a book in 24 hours. I know, I know, ridiculous. But I generally sell at least one a day. Anyway, all is well. I woke up and checked my sales and have shifted four copies over night so we're back on track.
I also took a look at traffic to this blog. I've had about 1200 visitors since I began posting and this week there has been more American visitors than UK or anywhere else. You are all most welcome of course.
In other news I'm hoping to launch a new book this week so expect updates on that shortly. Until then, if you haven't already, drag yourselves over to Amazon and buy a copy of something I've written. Or, tell someone else too instead.
Bye for now...
Lovely day for it! By it, I mean not working. The sun is shining, I've already written 500 words of the latest book and I've yet to have breakfast. Mind you, I did eat enough Calzone yesterday to sink a Venetian Water taxi.
Anyway, I was getting a tiny bit concerned that I hadn't sold a book in 24 hours. I know, I know, ridiculous. But I generally sell at least one a day. Anyway, all is well. I woke up and checked my sales and have shifted four copies over night so we're back on track.
I also took a look at traffic to this blog. I've had about 1200 visitors since I began posting and this week there has been more American visitors than UK or anywhere else. You are all most welcome of course.
In other news I'm hoping to launch a new book this week so expect updates on that shortly. Until then, if you haven't already, drag yourselves over to Amazon and buy a copy of something I've written. Or, tell someone else too instead.
Bye for now...
April 11, 2012
Agent rejection
Afternoon gang,
Just a quick update. Some time ago I sent out a few extracts to agents for The 24 Hour Jazz Cafe. I forget when but it's a good couple of months.
Anyway, today the post lady brought me the rejection from my chums at Aitken Alexander Associates. It was a standard letter aside from one handwritten line at the bottom:
"Is an interesting story, so don't give up".
Apparently not interesting enough to add to their lists though. Still, no harm done. As ever we move on to the next thing, which is to make more of my back catalogue available via Kindle. More news on that as it happens.
Just a quick update. Some time ago I sent out a few extracts to agents for The 24 Hour Jazz Cafe. I forget when but it's a good couple of months.
Anyway, today the post lady brought me the rejection from my chums at Aitken Alexander Associates. It was a standard letter aside from one handwritten line at the bottom:
"Is an interesting story, so don't give up".
Apparently not interesting enough to add to their lists though. Still, no harm done. As ever we move on to the next thing, which is to make more of my back catalogue available via Kindle. More news on that as it happens.
April 6, 2012
5 * Review!!
Morning folks,
I've just had a five star review of All the Fun of the Fair. Needless to say, I'm well chuffed.
There's a link to the review here, but since it's so good I've also pasted it in below.
"This is my first Jamie Sinclair book and I was mightily impressed. It begins by introducing us to a selection of dysfunctional characters, living lives on the edge of society - social misfits. Gradually as their stories unfold to us, their lives touch each other tangentially, coalesce in some cases, and I found myself fascinated. It is a difficult book to stop reading!
I enjoyed the style, the dipping in and out of lives, the eventual realisation that many were interlinked. I also loved Jamie Sinclair's use of vocabulary. We have so many nuances in our language - we are lucky and should use them. Each apparent synonym conveys a different shade of meaning and I love to see the language used more extensively. The denoument of the book is wonderful. Some of the characters 'came good' and reached within themselves for the sake of others. Some managed, through finding each other, to excise the poison of their past relationships. (Slime balls still remain slimeballs though, but we relish their downfall!) This is altogether a satisfying and enjoyable read and I thoroughly recommend it."
I've just had a five star review of All the Fun of the Fair. Needless to say, I'm well chuffed.
There's a link to the review here, but since it's so good I've also pasted it in below.
"This is my first Jamie Sinclair book and I was mightily impressed. It begins by introducing us to a selection of dysfunctional characters, living lives on the edge of society - social misfits. Gradually as their stories unfold to us, their lives touch each other tangentially, coalesce in some cases, and I found myself fascinated. It is a difficult book to stop reading!
I enjoyed the style, the dipping in and out of lives, the eventual realisation that many were interlinked. I also loved Jamie Sinclair's use of vocabulary. We have so many nuances in our language - we are lucky and should use them. Each apparent synonym conveys a different shade of meaning and I love to see the language used more extensively. The denoument of the book is wonderful. Some of the characters 'came good' and reached within themselves for the sake of others. Some managed, through finding each other, to excise the poison of their past relationships. (Slime balls still remain slimeballs though, but we relish their downfall!) This is altogether a satisfying and enjoyable read and I thoroughly recommend it."
April 4, 2012
Progress on the sequel
Evening all,
Bloody freezing isn't it? Scotland was superb. I got very drunk. Stella and Glenmorangie. It's how I roll.
Anyway, I am now basing scenes from my new book in Ayr, following my successful research trip at the weekend. Mitch and a character currently named Annabel are holed up in a cottage near Ayr for reasons which will become apparent later. Suffice to say, it's because Mitch needs to keep out of Rupert's way.
This is the first time I've written a series and it's really interesting getting to interact with the characters again and use the back story to develop a new plot.
In other news, still no redundancy news so my full-time writing plans are still on the back burner. But fresh from last months strong sales I have already sold half a dozen copies this month so, just for now, I'm going to leave All the Fun of the Fair at its current price. I believe it's worth it, simple as that.
My Twitter followers are creeping up and traffic to this blog is going up too so it's all positive. I just need to keep reminding myself this is a building process. I have plenty of material and aim to have another two books at least available for sale within the next six months.
In short, all good. Thanks for reading, you're making me smile!
Bloody freezing isn't it? Scotland was superb. I got very drunk. Stella and Glenmorangie. It's how I roll.
Anyway, I am now basing scenes from my new book in Ayr, following my successful research trip at the weekend. Mitch and a character currently named Annabel are holed up in a cottage near Ayr for reasons which will become apparent later. Suffice to say, it's because Mitch needs to keep out of Rupert's way.
This is the first time I've written a series and it's really interesting getting to interact with the characters again and use the back story to develop a new plot.
In other news, still no redundancy news so my full-time writing plans are still on the back burner. But fresh from last months strong sales I have already sold half a dozen copies this month so, just for now, I'm going to leave All the Fun of the Fair at its current price. I believe it's worth it, simple as that.
My Twitter followers are creeping up and traffic to this blog is going up too so it's all positive. I just need to keep reminding myself this is a building process. I have plenty of material and aim to have another two books at least available for sale within the next six months.
In short, all good. Thanks for reading, you're making me smile!
March 30, 2012
Sales, promo and followers
Evening folks,
It's been a sunny week here. Perfect for walking along the canal or on the beach. Sadly I've spent most of it in a warehouse working. But it's the weekend now and I'm off to Scotland tomorrow to catch up with chums.
The positives of this week are I received my first ever comment on one of my blog posts which was super. I have also sold 78 books this month which is a new high. I remain convinced that if I ever find the time to promote more I'd sell pretty well. Anyway there is one more day of March left so I'd like to pass the 80 mark if possible. Given that my latest effort, All the fun of the Fair, is priced slightly higher, it's all good.
If you are reading this, tell your friends to buy my book! If you don't have any friends, open the window and shout to a passing stranger. All help gratefully accepted.
Finally, I entered a competition this week. It was in Good Housekeeping magazine believe it or not, shown to me by the wife's Aunt. The prize is publication of the novel by Orion and a £25,000 advance, as well as an introduction to the agent Luigi Bonomi. Results not announced until May. Needless to say I submitted a chunk of The 24 Hour Jazz cafe so fingers crossed. Bottle of champagne (or summat else nice) for Auntie Helen if I win.
That's it for now. I'm going to try and write a few words of the follow up to The Jazz Cafe before bed.
Thanks for reading, following and buying. As ever, it's appreciated and keeps me from going postal during working hours.
It's been a sunny week here. Perfect for walking along the canal or on the beach. Sadly I've spent most of it in a warehouse working. But it's the weekend now and I'm off to Scotland tomorrow to catch up with chums.
The positives of this week are I received my first ever comment on one of my blog posts which was super. I have also sold 78 books this month which is a new high. I remain convinced that if I ever find the time to promote more I'd sell pretty well. Anyway there is one more day of March left so I'd like to pass the 80 mark if possible. Given that my latest effort, All the fun of the Fair, is priced slightly higher, it's all good.
If you are reading this, tell your friends to buy my book! If you don't have any friends, open the window and shout to a passing stranger. All help gratefully accepted.
Finally, I entered a competition this week. It was in Good Housekeeping magazine believe it or not, shown to me by the wife's Aunt. The prize is publication of the novel by Orion and a £25,000 advance, as well as an introduction to the agent Luigi Bonomi. Results not announced until May. Needless to say I submitted a chunk of The 24 Hour Jazz cafe so fingers crossed. Bottle of champagne (or summat else nice) for Auntie Helen if I win.
That's it for now. I'm going to try and write a few words of the follow up to The Jazz Cafe before bed.
Thanks for reading, following and buying. As ever, it's appreciated and keeps me from going postal during working hours.
March 25, 2012
5* Amazon Review
Evening folks,
That's right gang, I have received my first five star review for Playground Cool! Ironically, or not, it's from the same lady who posted such a favourable review of All the Fun of the Fair. She is now my number one fan!
Needless to say I've tweeted about the review, put it on Goodreads and on Kindleboards, it's satisfying stuff.
Anyway, here's an extract:
Mr Sinclair has certainly mastered the art of writing credible fiction from both a woman's and a man's point of view. The story held my attention right the way through and had me laughing, crying, getting angry, rooting for the underdogs and screaming at the lying, cheating sc*mbags!
I think it is a little grittier than the mainstream Chick-lit I have previously read and I personally think that actually makes it better.
That's right gang, I have received my first five star review for Playground Cool! Ironically, or not, it's from the same lady who posted such a favourable review of All the Fun of the Fair. She is now my number one fan!
Needless to say I've tweeted about the review, put it on Goodreads and on Kindleboards, it's satisfying stuff.
Anyway, here's an extract:
Mr Sinclair has certainly mastered the art of writing credible fiction from both a woman's and a man's point of view. The story held my attention right the way through and had me laughing, crying, getting angry, rooting for the underdogs and screaming at the lying, cheating sc*mbags!
I think it is a little grittier than the mainstream Chick-lit I have previously read and I personally think that actually makes it better.
March 24, 2012
First sale of All the Fun of the Fair
Afternoon kids,
Much satisfaction today as I sold my first copy of All the Fun of the Fair in the UK. As regular readers will know this is my third Indie publication and the first which I have listed at a higher price. I can't help but think the recent positive review I received has helped.
Fingers crossed it's only the beginning.
Much satisfaction today as I sold my first copy of All the Fun of the Fair in the UK. As regular readers will know this is my third Indie publication and the first which I have listed at a higher price. I can't help but think the recent positive review I received has helped.
Fingers crossed it's only the beginning.
March 21, 2012
4 * review of my new book
Evening folks,
I received a great review of my latest effort All the Fun of the Fair today. Here's the review in full:
This book is not my usual genre but I was looking for something a little different, bimbled across this and thought I'd give it a crack.
As the blurb says, this book revolves around Alfie, a man with a dark past, and how a chance meeting sends his life down a different route.
But it is so much more than just his story. It is also the stories of several other people connected to Alfie - be it by location, job or just friends/acquaintances. Minor characters in Alfie's story become major characters with their own tales, often told from several perspectives. In this way the book comes across sometimes as episodic. It takes you through highs and lows, love, heartbreak, quite a few tears and some pretty funny laugh out loud moments.
The characterisation is fantastically imaginative in parts and this works extremely well. Spelling, grammar (to the best of my knowledge) and formatting spot on. If I have any criticism, it would be the author's tendency to us obscure words that I had to keep looking up. Admittedly not too much of a chore with the Kindle's on-board dictionary, and certainly not enough to ruin the enjoyment of the story, but mildly irksome nonetheless.
As the book featured so many interesting characters - both major and minor - there is plenty of potential for future continuation and I, for one, would be up for reading more.
Thanks
I received a great review of my latest effort All the Fun of the Fair today. Here's the review in full:
This book is not my usual genre but I was looking for something a little different, bimbled across this and thought I'd give it a crack.
As the blurb says, this book revolves around Alfie, a man with a dark past, and how a chance meeting sends his life down a different route.
But it is so much more than just his story. It is also the stories of several other people connected to Alfie - be it by location, job or just friends/acquaintances. Minor characters in Alfie's story become major characters with their own tales, often told from several perspectives. In this way the book comes across sometimes as episodic. It takes you through highs and lows, love, heartbreak, quite a few tears and some pretty funny laugh out loud moments.
The characterisation is fantastically imaginative in parts and this works extremely well. Spelling, grammar (to the best of my knowledge) and formatting spot on. If I have any criticism, it would be the author's tendency to us obscure words that I had to keep looking up. Admittedly not too much of a chore with the Kindle's on-board dictionary, and certainly not enough to ruin the enjoyment of the story, but mildly irksome nonetheless.
As the book featured so many interesting characters - both major and minor - there is plenty of potential for future continuation and I, for one, would be up for reading more.
Thanks
March 20, 2012
Network blogs and Amazon tags
Evening dear reader,
Today's big news is that I've changed my Twitter profile pic to be the cover of my latest book All the fun of the Fair. Will it help sales? Unlikely. But it looks good.
Also, I've joined Networked Blogs and as such now have five followers for this blog! Hello followers!! Welcome aboard. Spread the word.
I'm also making a bit more effort on Kindleboards which has resulted in a sharp increase in the number of 'likes' and clicks on my book tags on Amazon which can be no bad thing, although it has yet to led to an increase in sales.
With that in mind I've sold just shy of sixty copies so far this month which is great by my own standards. I have also written 2500 words of the second in my crime thriller series.
Crikey, I nearly forgot. In a fit of drunken ambition last night I submitted an extract of The 24 Hour Jazz Cafe to a couple of agents. I won't name them in case they read this and feel obliged to represent me (HA!) but based on past experience I'm not holding my breath.
Until next time...
Today's big news is that I've changed my Twitter profile pic to be the cover of my latest book All the fun of the Fair. Will it help sales? Unlikely. But it looks good.
Also, I've joined Networked Blogs and as such now have five followers for this blog! Hello followers!! Welcome aboard. Spread the word.
I'm also making a bit more effort on Kindleboards which has resulted in a sharp increase in the number of 'likes' and clicks on my book tags on Amazon which can be no bad thing, although it has yet to led to an increase in sales.
With that in mind I've sold just shy of sixty copies so far this month which is great by my own standards. I have also written 2500 words of the second in my crime thriller series.
Crikey, I nearly forgot. In a fit of drunken ambition last night I submitted an extract of The 24 Hour Jazz Cafe to a couple of agents. I won't name them in case they read this and feel obliged to represent me (HA!) but based on past experience I'm not holding my breath.
Until next time...
March 17, 2012
Facebook, Twitter, Book Promotion!
Me again folks,
Today marks my first full day on Facebook. So far I have 14 friends and 10 'Likes' of my Book Promo Page. Obviously this is pretty good but I'll need it to be a lot better if it's going to translate into significant sales.
As such, get yourself there and 'Like' my page. The more the merrier. Then, tell your friends and finally, buy my books, it's the only way. Look upon it as a kindness. I want to be full-time writer. I can't do that unless you buy stuff I write. Then I can write more stuff and the process will feed itself!
So to recap, Like, Share, Buy.
Thanks
Today marks my first full day on Facebook. So far I have 14 friends and 10 'Likes' of my Book Promo Page. Obviously this is pretty good but I'll need it to be a lot better if it's going to translate into significant sales.
As such, get yourself there and 'Like' my page. The more the merrier. Then, tell your friends and finally, buy my books, it's the only way. Look upon it as a kindness. I want to be full-time writer. I can't do that unless you buy stuff I write. Then I can write more stuff and the process will feed itself!
So to recap, Like, Share, Buy.
Thanks
