S.M. McEachern's Blog, page 7
February 19, 2014
Worlds Collide Excerpt!
I am on to the proofreading and ebook formatting stage. Seriously, it won’t be long now. I’m really excited to get it published! Everyone has been so patient and supportive, I think it only fair I give you a snippet of Worlds Collide:
Squinting up at the sky, Jack ran a hand through his hair. His confident demeanor faltered for a split second. I held my breath, wondering if anyone else had noticed. Then his mouth curved into a self-assured smile.
“That policy doesn’t apply to me, General.” There was a note of challenge in his tone, but he softened it with his next words. “I mean, if you can’t trust the next president to keep state secrets, who can you trust?”
Okay, that’s all for now! The book will be up on Amazon soon 
Filed under: My Posts
February 15, 2014
eBook Format-Poll: Which eReader do you read Sunset Rising on?
A reader left a comment for me today that warrants further investigation. What eReader did you use to read Sunset Rising? It’s an important poll, because the answer will help me decide whether or not to list “Worlds Collide” solely on Amazon or have it available in other eReader formats for a limited time.
When I originally published “Sunset Rising,” I had it available in all ereader formats. Why did I end up taking it down from other ebook stores? For a couple of reasons. As a Canadian independent writer, there are a only two ebook stores I can directly list my novels on: Amazon and Kobo. In order to list on any other ebook store, I have to go through a third party. Why? Because of taxes. It’s an IRS issue. Amazon has set themselves up to deal with this issue, but not all ebook stores have. Kobo is Canadian, so the IRS doesn’t apply.
When I originally published SR, I went through Smashwords, a company set up to distribute ebooks everywhere, including Apple and Barnes & Noble. Smashwords is a great company and, honestly, my only issue with them was “control” over where my book was placed and how it appeared. I listed SR as young adult, so Apple listed it in Children’s Literature (perhaps this is why I only ever made one sale on Apple). In fact, it showed up in Children’s Literature in a number of ebook stores. I also had an issue with how the book description was showing up; it was one, long run-on paragraph in many ebook stores. I eventually figured out that this has to do with putting the blurb into HTML language, but I figured that out after I left Smashwords. I only have nice things to say about Smashwords employees – they’re friendly, efficient, and go above and beyond to help their clients.
So why did I end up leaving Smashwords? The issues I mentioned combined with low sales. I’ll be honest, I made a total of 15 sales through Smashwords. The rest of the downloads were free coupons. On Kobo I made 5 sales and zero downloads on free days. Through the Amazon select program… let’s just say I’m into the five digit range for sales and downloads combined. With Amazon, I’m able to promote the book for free for a limited time and/or drop the price as low as 99 cents. Yes, I know I can do this on other ebook sites; however, the difference is Amazon’s algorithms. Every time my novel is downloaded, I climb their best seller list. Every time I receive a review, it counts toward my ranking. The more reviews I have, the more credibility I offer future readers. In other words, Amazon select allows for a dynamic relationship between reader and writer that benefits us both. It’s win-win.
During my time with Amazon select, SR has shot up on the Amazon bestseller a few times. Over Christmas and into January, it was in the top 20 paid bestseller list in three different categories. It made in the top 10 in action/adventure romance. Writers can’t buy that kind of exposure. It’s you, the reader, who puts a book on the bestseller list. So, THANK YOU!!
With all that said, I do know there were some of you that read SR on a Nook or a Kobo. It would be helpful to know how many readers only have a Nook or Kobo to read “Worlds Collide.” If you’re one of them, can you please leave me a comment here? I’d like to take a count.
By the way, some of you asked why I’m not with a traditional publisher. I’ve written two query letters to two agents in my life, and the anxiety involved in writing those query letters really wasn’t worth it. Agents are very specific about what queries catch their attention. Most have website examples to show how to write one and how not to write one. What a writer writes is also extremely important, since it’s the job of the agent to sell it to a publishers. Hence, what publishers are looking for in a book will determine what an agent is looking for. The research alone is an enormous time suck. And the two query letters I did write, I tried to sell SR as a dystopian trilogy, which I recently discovered that both “dystopian” and “trilogy” are taboo in the publishing world: click on Publisher Weekly to read article. I realized I could be spending my time trying to write query letters (and no doubt still receiving rejection letters) or I could write books. I chose the latter. My time is important to me, so I prioritize. I’m not saying I wouldn’t go with a publisher – in fact, I’d love to get my books on bookstore shelves because they are gorgeous in print (thanks to my cover artist). I just don’t want to spend the time trying to find an agent to represent me. I’d rather be writing.
I’m looking forward to hearing back from all you! Thanks again for your support. Each and every one of your emails and comments mean a great deal to me
PS – Just about done editing Worlds Collide. It will be off to the proofreader within the next day or two. I’m anxious to release it! I think you’ll be surprised…
Filed under: My Posts
February 12, 2014
Edit round two and why we need editors.
I finished the first round of editing for Worlds Collide! I sent the manuscript back to my editor (let’s call her Jo) yesterday. As soon as I get it back, I’ll work on it round the clock again to get it off to the proofreader. I know it’s a time-consuming process, but an important one. Jo picked up a few things that really emphasized the need for editing. Like one of my characters who was “imprisoned”, but still had his computer in his pocket (nope, not Jack.) A reference to a movie that was ironically at odds with a story arc in the novel. Yeah, I realize I’m ratting myself out. Letting you all know I’m not perfect (gasp!). Which is why I need Jo. Editors are the photoshop of the writing world.
I’ll keep you posted
Filed under: My Posts
February 7, 2014
Another Update on Worlds Collide
Just wanted to let you know I received the manuscript back from the editor and I’ve been working through her edits ever since. She congratulated me on a “clean” manuscript, so she didn’t have many edits to do… Mmmm… I’m hoping to get through them all and send the manuscript back to her by Monday. It shouldn’t be much longer. Thanks again everyone! Sorry for the delay!
I’ve had some great feedback from the ARC Giveaway too. I LOVE getting emails from my readers
Filed under: My Posts
February 2, 2014
Satellite Story #6 – Leisel Holt
As promised, I’ve written a satellite on Leisel Holt, which you can find by clicking here. It was actually a little trickier to write than I originally thought since Leisel is a clinical psychopath. In an article published by Psychology Today, Dr. William Hirstein describes a psychopath as uncaring, shallow, irresponsible, insincere speech, narrowing of attention, lack of realistic long-term goals, selfishness and violence (click on link to see the full article). It’s tough to write a character devoid of feelings for others! Hopefully, I’ve achieved it, though.
This satellite also has a HUGE spoiler for Worlds Collide!! I’m not kidding. So read at your own risk Hopefully you’ve had a chance to check out the other satellites. They have cross-over appeal with WC as well.
I’ll keep you updated on the progression of Worlds Collide. My sincerest apologies for being late! As soon as I get the edited manuscript in my hands, I’ll work on it around the clock.
I hope you’re all having a great weekend!
Filed under: My Posts, Satellite Stories
January 29, 2014
Worlds Collide Release Update!
Well, it’s a good news/bad news scenario for the release date of Worlds Collide. I’ll give you the bad news first, because hearing bad news first always seems to make the good news seem gooder (is that word?). Unfortunately, Worlds Collide is still being edited so I won’t be able to meet the anticipated January 31st release date 
My bad. I’m new to the publishing industry and didn’t realize how much time is required to edit a manuscript the size of mine (over 115,000 words!). However, I’d rather get it right than release a novel that hasn’t been properly polished.
Now for the good news. I’ve had feedback from the beta readers and I’ve done a lot to incorporate their comments into the manuscript. The story is much richer now and the flow between Worlds Collide and Book 3 (yes, I’ve already started writing the third book!) is stronger. And because the release of Worlds Collide is delayed, I’ve started writing another satellite story entitled, “Leisel Holt”, which is about – you guessed it – Leisel Holt. Like the other satellites I’ve written, this story will have cross-over elements to Worlds Collide. So if you haven’t read the satellites yet, you might want to read them before WC is released.
I wanted to give a huge THANK YOU! to all readers who gave Sunset Rising a review on Amazon!! Reviews give a book an enormous boost in the rankings and they helped put SR in the top 25 paid Amazon bestseller list in 3 different categories for three weeks running – it was actually in the top 5 for sci-fi action/adventure romance for two straight weeks Reviews also open doors to marketing venues, and lots were opened for me. Again, thank you to everyone who gave me a review and recommended SR to their friends!!
I’d also like to give a big shout-out of appreciation to everyone who participated in the Worlds Collide ARC Giveaway! I sent out a pre-edited version of the novel to all the winners last Sunday. I’ve already heard back from one winner just today and she said she, “loved, loved, LOVED it!” This makes me VERY happy Here’s the official winner list:
Fizza Y.
Elise V.
Kristi M.
Rachel N.
Sarah Y.
Leeta
Bettyjo Z.
Sandra G.
Cheryl
Wendy H.
Linda J.
Reina
Amand M.
Alan
Enjoy your week! I’ll get to back to work on the satellite story and promise to keep you posted on Worlds Collide.
Filed under: My Posts
January 15, 2014
Cover Reveal – Worlds Collide and 15 ARC Giveaway!
In a desperate attempt to escape execution, Sunny O’Donnell and Jack Kenner find a way out of the Pit and into a world still believed to be toxic with radiation. Under the brilliant sun for the first time in their lives, they not only discover that earth has healed from nuclear war, but there are people living outside the Dome.
In Worlds Collide, the second book of the Sunset Rising trilogy, Sunny and Jack must continue a life of subterfuge in order to stay alive and find a way to free the Pit. But in their attempt to save the urchins, they uncover the horrifying truth about President Holt and the evil he could unleash on the world.
Note to reader: The story of Worlds Collide (Sunset Rising Book #2) begins exactly where Sunset Rising left off. It is strongly recommended that if you read Sunset Rising first. If you haven’t read it yet, then you’re in luck – it’s on sale at Amazon for just 99 cents!
For a chance to win one of 15 Advance Review Copies of Worlds Collide, go to my Facebook page or visit one of the awesome blogs below:
Michael Scifan
The Book Hookup
Books Expectations
Random Smiles
Addicted Readers
Step into Fiction
Good Luck!
Filed under: My Posts
January 13, 2014
Jan 15th Worlds Collide Cover Reveal and Giveaway!!
I’ve set up a small blog tour for the cover reveal of Worlds Collide (Sunset Rising #2) for January 15, 2014. And in anticipation of its release at the end of this month, I’m going to giveaway 15 advance ebook copies! So if you’re looking for a free copy of Worlds Collide, go to my Facebook page or visit one of the awesome book blogs below (where you just might find your next great read!):
Filed under: My Posts
January 4, 2014
“Worlds Collide” (Sunset Rising #2) Blurb
Hi everyone! It’s the world’s worst blogger back again. I’ve been busy this holiday season driving across eastern Canada in ice storms, snow storms and -40 celsius with windchill kind of weather. Northern New Brunswick never ceases to amaze me with miles and miles of…well…nothing. It’s a big conservation area so it would be nice to see an animal once in while just to throw some excitement into the drive 
Since I’ve been back, I worked on a blurb for Worlds Collide and set up a Goodreads page you can check out. I’ll repost the blurb here:
Worlds Collide (Sunset Rising #2)
In a desperate attempt to escape execution, Sunny O’Donnell and Jack Kenner find a way out of the Pit and into a world still believed to be toxic with radiation. Under the brilliant sun for the first time in their lives, they not only discover that the earth has healed from nuclear war, but there are people outside the Dome.
In Worlds Collide, the second book of the Sunset Rising trilogy, Sunny and Jack must continue a life of subterfuge in order to stay alive and find a way to free the Pit. But in their attempt to save the urchins, they uncover the horrifying truth about President Holt and the evil he could unleash on the world.
Hopefully this wets the appetite without giving too much away!! I’ve heard back from a few beta readers and the response has been way better than expected – so I’m happy! A few little things to tweak before it goes to my editor. I’m really looking forward to releasing Book Two soon!
P.S. If there are any book bloggers out there that would like to participate in the cover reveal and giveaway, please contact me!
Filed under: My Posts
December 19, 2013
Sunset Rising 99 cents for the Holidays!
The Amazon free promotion is officially over today. I want to shout out a huge THANK YOU! to everyone who supported me. The promotion exceeded my expectations and I’m truly gobsmacked (I love that expression! It’s so visual.). Throughout the entire three days, Sunset Rising stayed in the top Amazon free, even making the #6 bestseller spot for all genres. It was the #1 bestseller in Young Adult, Mystery, Romance, Dystopian, and a few others genres as well. And already the novel has received several 5 star reviews on Amazon, which really gives me an enormous boost as a debut author. As I say, my expectations were exceeded. Thank you all again for your tremendous support!
On the heels of all this excitement, I’ve decided to put Sunset Rising on sale for 99 cents over the Christmas holidays. If you enjoyed the novel, please recommend it to a friend Merry Christmas!
Filed under: My Posts
