Isis Sousa's Blog: Tragic Books' news, page 5

The Job of an Editor: Interview with Clare Diston @ Human Voices Editorial Services

In the book-ish world we are often reading interviews with authors, sometimes with illustrators/cover artists and only once, I saw an interview with a reader. I am yet to see one with an editor.

While the author creates the story, the editor polishes that raw material, making it presentable for the readers, making it structured. In other words, the work of an editor may be as important as the author, but too often readers and media don't think about it.

Tragic Books/Isis Sousa owes a great deal of respect and admiration for the work of Clare Diston @ Human Voices Editorial Services! TB invites you to read the interview and get to know more about what she does and her ideas.

1 How did you become a book editor? Is it something you always wanted to work with or did it take you by surprise?

I’ve always been obsessed with books, and I’ve been reading and writing for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t particularly think about being an editor when I was a child – I just knew I wanted to do something to do with books and words. At university I did an English degree and a Creative Writing Masters, and then I did some courses on editing and proofing, and got a job as a marketing copywriter. It was in the last few years that I started to think, “Wouldn’t it be cool if I could spend my days doing a bit of editing, a bit of writing, a bit of proofreading? Hey, actually … why don’t I do that?” So I left my job and became a freelancer and now it’s just words, words, words every day. I love it!

2 What is the most and least fun about your work? And what’s the most challenging aspect of your profession?

The most fun thing is the variety. One day I’ll sit down and write an article about the therapeutic benefits of knitting, the next day I’ll edit a murder mystery or a science-fiction novel. That’s also the most challenging aspect – you have to be disciplined with your time and make sure you prioritise projects correctly, so that nothing gets less than your full attention.

The least fun thing is the tax return at the end of the year. I’m sure it’s the bane of most freelancers’ lives. Some of the questions on tax return forms are so complicated, even a professional editor can’t make sense of them!
3 Which genres do you love the most, both as reader and editor?

As a reader I love literary fiction, magical realism, sci-fi and fantasy, and I adore short stories. For editing, I love encountering books that I might not otherwise have come across. In fact, editing has really broadened my reading horizons – I read more sci-fi now than I used to because I have edited some, and I really enjoy editing murder mysteries, which I don’t read so often for pleasure.

4 Who are your favourite authors or stories?

I’m a huge fan of Japanese writers. There’s Haruki Murakami, of course, but allow me to take a moment to bang the Yoko Ogawa drum – I came across her a couple of years ago and she’s one of my favourites. I can’t get enough of Ali Smith and Gabriel Garcia Márquez and Toni Morrison and Isaac Asimov. I also love David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas, Hugh Howey’s Wool and Michel Faber’s The Book of Strange New Things.

5 What is your opinion about the self-publishing/indie market today?

I think it’s fantastic that the self-publishing market is flourishing as much as it is. Most of the writers I work with are self-published rather than traditionally published, and I think it’s great that there are now so many ways for authors to get their books out there, to readers. I think the stigma around self-publishing is fading (especially as huge, popular successes have started coming out of the indie publishing industry) and I’m all for anything that brings more books into the world.

6 Apart from editing manuscripts, which other services do you offer at Human Voices?

I also proofread (that’s checking for spelling, grammar, etc) – I do that for books, short stories, poetry, essays, articles, blog posts. I copywrite as well – blogs for businesses, copy for websites. And I have also done some ghostwriting of articles for magazines. Basically, if you need words, I’m your girl.

7 If you could give 3 quick tips for the authors out there to prepare their manuscripts for the editing process, which would they be?

1. Make sure you ask for the right service first. If you have a very rough draft and just need some general feedback, get a manuscript review or some beta reader feedback first. You don’t want to pay for in-depth, thorough edit and then have to do it again once you’ve rewritten the entire book.

2. Know what you want. One writer might want American English so they can pitch their books to an American audience. Another may need an editor to focus on tightening up dialogue, or improving scene-setting. If you have something in particular you want your editor to look at, make sure you let them know.

3. Get an accurate word count. Many editors (like me) base their fees on word count, so having an exact word count is really important. And don’t forget to include all the front and end matter: prologues, dedications, even contents pages and blurbs.
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Visit: http://humanvoices.co.uk/ - Clare works with indie and established authors and students.
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.:Clare's Quick BIO:. Clare Diston is a passionate bookworm and word-lover, and she is lucky enough to work as a freelance editor and proofreader at her business, Human Voices Editorial Services. She writes and edits fiction and non-fiction books, essays and articles, and works with native and non-native English speakers. She also reads fifty books every year and blogs about them at http://www.50ayear.com/

Bonjour! See you in Paris @ the I. A. Mag Master Classes 2016!

As most of you may know, I earn my bread as a digital painter / illustrator, doing book covers, posters, cd artworks and the like; and being and author, writing stuff is just an expensive hobby of mine (which sometimes I wonder if I should continue with...)

So, my deary, in a few days, this amazing event is going to take place in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, in Paris and I am one of the very fortunate ones who will attend, learn, meet and greet some of the greatest names of the CG industry.

I have been there last year as well, and what I learned there has definitely lifted my level of knowledge in the craft and broaden my vision as artist.

.:Here, the list of speakers marking their presence and the event's pitch:.

Learn From 16 Internationally Renowned Artists Including : Dan Holland ( Pixar ), Nicolas Prothais ( Disney ), Andrew Schmidt ( Dreamworks ) Craig Mullins, Aaron McBride ( ILM ), Raphael Lacoste ( Ubisoft ), Marc Brunet ( Cubebrush.co ), Carlos Baena ( Animation Mentor ), Ian McQue, Fausto De Martini, In-Ah Roediger ( Sony Imageworks ), Mark Theriault, Marc Simonetti, Allan McKay, Anselm von Seherr-Thoss, Simon Holmedal +

Recruitment Sessions, Portfolio Reviews + Live Competition and many surprise Guests! All Tickets Include a Special Wacom Discount + Free Tuto.com credits + One Imagine FX Free Digital Issue and more … Follow our Attendee Group on Facebook to get the latest news

Learn more about it here: Visit: http://www.iamag.co/features/event/it...

.:Exclusive Giveaway:. to my GoodReads followers

I was surfing on Twitter enjoying the page of Zombie Sam, who makes soundtracks for films and the like, when I discovered the cool giveaways he posts exclusively for his fans and followers. (hint!)

They were cool handmade drawings, done by Zombie Sam himself, picturing Tim Burton's universe. The giveaways are engaging and personalized, making them one of a kind.

It was then I got very inspired by his ideas and realized... I had never done such intimate giveaways JUST and DIRECTLY to my followers & friends.

An artist/author like ME can only thrive with the support of cheerful, positive, fun people like YOU and I am very blessed to have you around...

So, here's to YOU, my GoodReads follower:

*..:1 Hardcover copy of The Night of Elisa - SIGNED and with DEDICATORY.:..*
Will be shipped if you live in the UK, Scandinavia, Europe, CA and the US.

Do you live outside those regions? You can still participate - but you will win an Ebook on your fav format, Kindle or Epub! :D

All you have to do is to leave a reply or "hello" on this blogpost ^.^ The winner will be announced on 3rd April, 2016.

Don't be shy :D

Good Luck and have a nice day!

Hey, What's your Twitter?

Finally, finally, finally, I made an account on Twitter! :)

I will be posting book excerpts, quotes and illustrations of my works as well as my book reviews and some promos - maybe a little bit of music too ;)

Are you there? Let's add each other, say hell-o? :D

Carpe diem!

My Valentine's Gift for YOU: Kindle FREE e-books!

Looking for a Valentine's gift for yourself?

You need to look no further, mon chérie! Tragic Books and Isis Sousa have a promo waiting for you this 14th February: FREE KINDLE E-BOOKS - episodes 1 + 2 of A Cold-Hearted Phoenix.

Search for "A Cold-Hearted Phoenix" on your local Amazon. ONLY THIS 14th February!

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_n...

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...

GoodReads author Ben Starling's new book: "Something in the Water" - Check it out!

Since I no longer have a book blog, I'm participating on fellow author Ben Starling's Blog Tour right here, on GoodReads!
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GoodReads author Ben Starling is now publishing his new book: Something in the Water, An Ocean Romance

""""""""SYNOPSIS""""""""
What if to be with the man of your dreams…you had to give up your life? On the verge of losing her job, side-lined journalist Teal Douglas is forced to travel to the South Pacific to profile a powerful businessman. But with her almost-but-not-quite fiancé Bear discouraging her every step of the way, she may not be able to save her career or her relationship.

When corporate criminals invade paradise, Teal teams up with former boxer turned marine biologist Perry Stanley to investigate. As she discovers the true intentions behind the new fishing operations, she must either accept the plum promotion that will save her career or—with Perry—defend the island with more than her life.
""""""""EXCERPT""""""""

Something in the Water – Chapter 1 begins…
New York, September

He didn’t look like the hotel guests, the business people, or the tourists. He didn’t move like them either.

He brushed past me as I climbed off my Vespa, stilettos in hand, outside the entrance of the Waldorf Astoria. Had he smiled at the radiance of my scarlet ball gown? Or was he amused by my battered Converse sneakers?

As a valet approached to take my scooter and helmet, I spotted my boss, Malcolm, waving hello from the lobby. He was approaching the glass doors that separated us when I noticed a small wooden box on the ground. Two steps later, I had picked it up. Who could have dropped it?

No one was close by, so I turned. The only man who’d passed me was already a half block away, gliding beside the cars that waited for the lights to change at the end of the block. Was it his?

What I knew for sure was that now wasn’t the time to be tracking down the little box’s owner. I should hand it in to reception and concentrate on the evening ahead. For a few seconds, I relaxed as I studied the hotel’s confident, soaring opulence—a world unknown to me before my arrival from Nantucket four years ago. The smooth texture of the box, however, drew my thoughts back to it. Was there something valuable inside? What if it did belong to that man, and he never returned to collect it? I turned the box over—and caught my breath.

“How on earth…?”

Malcolm emerged in front of me. “Hello, darling, you look absolutely—are you okay?”
I thrust my sparkly evening shoes into his hands, and hitched up my shawl. I was about to give chase when a convertible Ferrari lurched to a stop beside me.

“Going my way, babe?” its driver shouted, over the thrum of the engine.

But my dress was redder, and I got the better start.

You can find the rest of Something in the Water, Chapter 1 at http://ben-starling.com/chapter-one/

............>>>>Something in the Water, An Ocean Romance is available on Amazon. http://bit.ly/SITWbtour2am


""""""""QUESTIONS & ANSWERS""""""""

First of all, tell us a little about yourself. If you could choose anywhere in the world as a location to write, where would it be?
By the ocean, of course! The problem is, I’d keep looking out the window, wandering along the beach, going for a swim and whatever I was writing might never get finished. So I think I’d better stay in London for now.

What excites you about writing?
When my characters grow in proportion to my readers’ expectations; when apparently unrelated plot strands join in a Gordian knot; when my writing elicits a wide range of powerful emotions; when my editor smiles.

Love is an important theme in your work. Why is it so important to you?
Many will have heard of the idea that people live either love- or fear-based lives. I hadn’t heard of this train of thought until quite recently: I began reading about it, following my partner Melisa’s death. She was the first person to have discussed it with me. It’s a fascinating idea that seems to explain many things—including why we get the political leaders, the financiers, the people in positions of authority that we end up with...who then cause many of the world’s problems.

With more love-based leadership and less decision-making based on fear, the world would surely be a more stable and happier place. In my writings, I attempt to explore possible outcomes that might be achieved with various applications of this concept.

Fear-based approaches are not de facto. Love-based conciliatory approaches are possible. We have a choice—if only we could find the way to reach a stasis with this as the generally accepted principle. It’s the transition that’s the trick, but through education, I believe this is possible.


""""""""BEN STARLING ON THE WEB""""""""
Here are some links to find Ben Starling and his work on the web:

www.amazon.com/author/benstarling

www.twitter.com/benstarlingauth

www.facebook.com/authorbenstarling

www.facebook.com/ben.starling.author

www.goodreads.com/ben-starling

www.ben-starling.com

* * *
Good luck with your new book, Ben :D

Hello 2016, Goodbye 2015! A late new year’s post and random thoughts

Thank you, for the friendship, for the readership and for the support! This I must say before anything else!

After a December where I worked to the bone, and a couple of relaxing and artsy weeks off for holidays, I am back and welcome you into 2016. Okay, I’m a bit late… But who cares?

First the new year thing: I don’t make promises or resolutions. I do some strategic planning and try to accomplish most of it along the year. Then in the end of the year or beginning of a new, I evaluate what I have accomplished or failed to. That simple.

Now, my thoughts about random things from 2015:

My best read: Drum rolls…. For… Frankenstein, please! I had watched the movie by the time it was released, and read the story in different versions. I read the original/integral English version this time… Boy how I cried reading that book… My lips twitched and tears flooded my bed, when I read The Wretched telling his story. Oh my.

Nicest TV series: Would you be surprised if I told you it was The Walking Dead? No? I wouldn’t either! (Now, I think The Transporter may win this year!)

In the bookish world: I have been blessed enough to come across amazing people. Great authors and readers who are a joy to talk to and trade ideas with. From the book communities I have a profile on, like GoodReads, BookLikes and Library Thing, GoodReads is for me the best place to make it happen. So kudos to GR!

By the way, that LibraryThing… is really a thing! I thought I was antisocial to some extent… until… I came across LibraryThing! :P Does any author/reader get that thing? I have the impression it was created by librarians, for librarians – to catalogue books and that’s IT! :) Hm… Okay, you can run a giveaway there, too.

Last, but not least… I will be promoting other authors on my GR blog. Because the world is an amazing huge place, I will be promoting fellow authors on my GR blog ;) So stay tuned!

New website! TragicBooks.com - Almost forgot, http://tragicbooks.com is now online! Finally, a brand new website for you, the reader!

And that’s all, folks!

Eleanor's Gift Virtual Blog Tour - starts this Monday, 23rd November!

RBTL (Read Between the Lines) Blog Tours & Tragic Books proudly present:

Eleanor's Gift Virtual Blog Tour
Stay tuned for giveaways, interviews, reviews, guest posts and more on the following awesome Blogs:

Read Between The Lines - Nov 23
Between the Pages - Nov 24
Jody's Book Reviews - Nov 25
The Romantic World of Leigh Anderson - Nov 25
Dante Eternal's Virtual Bookshelf Nov - 28
BooksChatter - Nov 29
Donnie Darko Girl - Dec 1
My Word - Dec 2
Literary Musings - Dec 3
Dowie's Place - Dec 5 {Red}
Relaxed Reads - Dec 6
BooksChatter - Dec 7

Come and join us!!! :D

Reach more readers and reviews – here are some tips of what has worked for me

First of all, this is a post where I share the experience of what has worked for me so far. My books have a very specific niche, they are not for everybody – and each book out there may have tactics that may work better than those here…

The other thing is that I am a brand new author myself (author by accident) and am still trying to find my spot in the light – and note I sell very few copies a month as such - , however, these few tips I am sharing are starting to build up positive results for my work. Without further ado… Hope it helps you as well!

On Publishing:

- Publish your work on multiple platforms – Amazon, Smashwords, LULU, Blurb, Draft2Digital, etc. Plan your book distribution globally. Doing that, you will open the doors to potential readers from several countries, who are able to buy your work from their favorite shops and webshops. (When you make your work available at one channel only, such as Amazon, you give your potential readers no options, no freedom in choosing where she /he would like to buy your book.)

Have no budget? No problems! I never have one as well. I publish my print books via LULU. It means the only expense I need to have (once the manuscript is ready and edited) is to purchase a proof copy for approval. (In my case, I like to have the print copy proofed, too. But if you can’t pay a person to do that, take it easy and do it yourself, ask a friend, or exchange services with another author.)

- Multiple formats are important. When you publish your work as only ebook or only paperback, again, you limit the options for your readers. Everyone or most people like to read in a favorite format or specific format in a specific situation. For example: I like to read ebooks, but some days, due to eye fatigue, I like to read only print books. By making your book out in different formats, you make your work more desirable to potential readers.

- If you publish only ebooks, remember to make them available as Epub as well (not only as Kindle, as I see many authors doing). On the book giveaways that I do, 60% + of the winners always request Epub. It is only in the US that I’d say 50% of the winners on my giveaways request Kindle format. Not everybody has a Kindle or Kindle app – so get your book on LULU, Smashwords, Draft2Digital – these are free and will distribute your book worldwide as Epub + you can set a Kindle, too, of course, and have both formats!

Marketing:
Here are some free or very affordable ways to make some nice marketing to raise awareness of your title and get some reviews:

- Giveaways – Set up a print book giveaway on GoodReads, there are very cheap ways to do it, as for example, giving away one print copy to people in your country, if you don’t have a budget.

Can’t make a print giveaway? No problems, chap! Make ebook giveaways (remember to have both Kindle and Epub freebies available!). Two great sites for ebook giveaways are LibraryThing.com and BookLikes.com - it won’t cost you a thing, other than sending the files to the winners! Voi lá!

- Are you part of GoodReads groups? There are many groups where you can make a thread and offer free copies of your book in exchange for a review and those copies can be ebook :)

- If you have a little extra, you can purchase a Blog Tour service, or Blitz for as little as 30$, the smallest packages. Blog tours are a nice way to do some PR and reach new readers. You can use it also to giveaway free e-books.

- Partner with other authors and bloggers, by exchanging links or paying/trading ads in their blogs

- If you have a little extra budget, partner with a Facebook group, magazine, newspaper, website where you can place an ad. Remember to select those according to your niche. If you write horror, you may advertise with a partner that has a horror audience/readership, for example.

- Fair price: I have seen some author selling their books at horrible prices. If your book is too expensive, less likely people is going to buy it. A fair price makes readers happy :)

- Social media (my opinion, feel free to disagree): keep the bloody social media social! There’s nothing more annoying than people trying to sell books - or whatever –on social media :P

Write a new book
This is something I first heard and learned of Mark Coker, founder of Smashwords: Your new book is the best marketing tool for your other books. Write something good, great, and after some books, your titles will market each other. Don’t forget to include samples of previous books on your new books :)

If it takes too long for you to write a novel, don’t get stuck: write a short story, then, heh!

That’s all, folks!

Book Excerpts on GoodReads

Hey guys, have you noticed something interesting lately?
I found out yesterday that it is now possible to add excerpts to the books here on GoodReads. So I did it with 3 of my titles:

Click on them and have a taste of what the printed editions may look like :)
Other book excerpts coming soon!
Have a cozy reading and enjoy the illustrations!