Christa Simpson's Blog, page 29
August 18, 2013
Pricing Paperback Novels
As you know, I am still rather new at this publishing thing. I only first published my debut e-book, Twisted, with Amazon and Smashwords for their premium distribution channels, in February. On August 1, 2013 I published my second book, Twist & Turn, and I found the formatting process to be so much easier than the first time around, which brings me to now. I’m ready to put my stories in print. I have successfully formatted my print edition and commissioned a cover. Here’s my new cover, by the way. 
It’s in review with CreateSpace as we speak. So, I ask you this, both as an author and/or reader. How much is too much?
Twisted by Christa Simpson. Book 1 in The Twisted Trilogy. A sassy New Adult romance with a paranormal twist.
I specifically went the affordable route when publishing my first e-book. $0.99 was the price point and the release went magically well, with no pre-release parties, cover reveals or giveaways. What can I say? I was new. But the sheer volume of sales still blows my mind to this day. I have yet to see a day where I don’t sell an e-copy of that book. I continue to watch my book fall on and off the best-sellers lists from day to day. Most months my US sales are by the far the leader, but my UK readers give them a run for their money at other times.
After some careful consideration and hair pulling I decided to value my next piece at $2.99. I am still satisfied with that decision. My book is still ranked in the top 100 in two sub-genres which makes me very happy. 
Though the sales are not near the numbers I was pulling in with book one at the lower price point, I will certainly see more income following this route and I find that the readers are actually reading the story, rather than just buying it on a whim and letting it sit in their Kindle for ages.
Twist & Turn by Christa Simpson. Book 2 in The Twisted Trilogy. A sexy romance with a love triangle and a paranormal twist.
Getting to the point of this post, now that I’ve efficiently rambled on beyond the point of retaining your attention, I wonder how you as an author or reader decide to purchase a paperback novel online. Personally I have never purchased a physical book online, as I visit the local Indigo or Chapters when I feel the need to hold a book in my hands. I love walking into a bookstore by the way and I wouldn’t exchange that for the world. Anyways, for those of you who do buy or sell books online, I wonder how important price is.
First, I see how much I am being charged for a single print copy of my book with CreateSpace. Add in shipping charges from the U.S. to Canada for a bulk order and it’s just barely worth printing my books at all.
My first book is 238 pages long. I have arranged for it to be distributed in 6×9 format. How much would you be willing to pay for a comparable book these days?
How much does it cost to mail a single book from the U.S. to Canada? Will my Canadian readers be raped at Customs? I’m an indie author after all, so I want to consider what the actual cost will be for my readers when all is said and done, so I can price my book accordingly. I think I might just have to break down and order a book myself to see how this works.
Any info you can provide is greatly appreciated. If you are an author who has joined CreateSpace’s expanded distribution, I’d love to hear your experiences from being involved in that. Thanks so much!!
August 4, 2013
Everyone loves a good giveaway!!!
In celebration of the release of Twist & Turn, I’d like to offer a chance for you to win an e-copy of the first two books in The Twisted Trilogy. It’s a sexy, sassy, new adult romance with a paranormal twist. Enter now!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!
July 31, 2013
Wish Me Luck!!!
Today’s the day I click that publish button!!! Wish me luck!!!
Twist & Turn by Christa Simpson
July 30, 2013
The Twisted Trilogy by Christa Simpson
Are you ready for this??!! Twist & Turn, book 2 in The Twisted Trilogy, releases on August 1, 2013!!!
Add it to your Goodreads shelves now!!! http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18074803-twist-turn
July 29, 2013
Jump Start My Heart
http://www.amazon.com/Christa-Simpson/e/B00BMTKM24
Twist & Turn by Christa Simpson. Release Date: August 1, 2013
July 28, 2013
The Kiss That Shattered Her World
Twist & Turn. The kiss that shattered her world.
July 27, 2013
Give Me More!!!
You’ve asked for more of Edwin and Abigail and, in light of Twist & Turn set for release on August 1, 2013, here’s a little taste of what you’ll get…
Twist & Turn by Christa Simpson. Cover by Kellie Dennis of Book Cover By Design.
“I pissed you off?” he said, smirking.
I slapped him playfully. “Eddie. You don’t need to jeopardize everything you worked so hard for. That’s all I’m saying.”
“You’re avoiding the question. Admit it.”
“I admit that men drive me crazy; especially you. As for Cam, he’s a mature adult, he can make his own decisions. He just made the wrong one.”
Edwin laughed, a devious glimmer twinkling in his aqua blue eyes. “So you’re saying I’m more of a man than him.”
“Edwin!”
“It’s okay, you don’t have to agree with me, I know it’s true.”
I got up from the couch and shoved him as I passed. I retrieved a bottle of water from the fridge and returned to the living room, relieved that I didn’t have to be totally miserable all night alone. That’s when I found Edwin sitting in my spot. He knew how picky I was about my spot.
“Excuse me,” I scolded.
“What?” he asked, smugly.
“Don’t act like you don’t know. Get out of my seat!”
“Make me!” he taunted.
“I’ll make you alright.” I put down my water bottle and yanked on his thick-muscled arms. He didn’t budge an inch. “Edwin,” I whined. “My spot was warm. Please!” I pleaded.
He sat with his feet planted firmly on the floor and his godly arms folded over his chest. I yanked and yanked, but he didn’t move. His smiled curved even higher.
“You asked for it. Now I’m gonna have to lay the smack down on you,” I announced.
“Oh, I’m scared now.”
Having too much fun to stop, I walked behind the couch, wrapped my arms around his neck and flung myself over the top the sofa. He willingly submitted to the attack and, though I may have knocked him out of my spot, I unintentionally flattened myself beneath him.
“I see you got your place back,” he growled, softly.
I inadvertently smiled, but secretly wished it didn’t feel so good to be wanted by him.
“I’m gonna kiss you now,” he warned, as he closed his eyes. He eased closer, then fastened my lips to his with a soft and sensual caress that could only come from Edwin’s mouth. His large hands drew up my sides and cupped my bare breasts, as though he were worshiping them.
That’s when I pushed him off of me. “Eddie! What do you think you’re doing?”
“Mmm,” he moaned, as I awkwardly scrambled to get out from under him. He couldn’t wipe the wide grin from his face.
“Fine! You can have my spot!” I snapped.
He laughed, low and rough, and slid aside. “You can have it. I already got what I wanted.”
Copyright © 2013 Christa Simpson. All rights reserved.
More COMING SOON!!! Don’t forget to add my books on your Goodreads shelves!
Twisted: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17448458-twisted
Twist & Turn: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18074803-twist-turn
A Twist of Fate: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18074818-a-twist-of-fate
July 21, 2013
Surrender To You COVER REVEAL
This contemporary romance, by one of my besties, is one that I guarantee will tug at your heart strings, but is totally worth the agony.
Release Date: September 1st, 2013
Cover Designer: Samantha Bagood at Cover Pub
http://coverpub.samanthabagood.com/
(This book contains mature language, content and situations, suitable for 17+)
Here’s the Synopsis:
Stefan never thought she’d come home…
After five long years, she’s within his reach and he’s determined to find out what she kept hidden from him, while hoping that his own secret won’t tear them apart again.
Simon never expected to fall in love with her…
Asking her out had been impulsive, but suddenly the Doctor is falling for this woman who makes him ache like nobody else ever has and he’s determined to make her his.
Elizabeth never knew she’d feel so strongly for two men…
Torn between the love of an ex she pushed away in the past and the love of a new man that makes her feel alive again, she must make a decision that will ultimately result in a broken heart for one of them.
When tragedy strikes, will she be confident in her final decision?
AUTHOR BIO:
C.S. Janey is a lover of all things romance. ‘Surrender To You’ is her debut adult contemporary romance novel. When she is not reading or writing, she likes to spend her free time sleeping, rollerblading, spending time with her family, discovering new and interesting things on the internet, and making new friends through social media.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
C.S. Janey is looking for authors – indie or traditionally published – to be listed at the back of this novel! More info can be found at the link below, where you may sign up if you wish. The only requirement is that you must be published on or before August 31, 2013. The list will close at 11:59 pm on August 9.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OjaGtCrakJf5LCVIYL-kmoDlPuMGrxHnF8Qb6cSefrs/
For more info on C.S. Janey:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17904728-surrender-to-you
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorcsjaney
Twitter: www.twitter.com/csjaney
Website: http://authorcsjaney.wordpress.com
July 10, 2013
Ladies, meet Cameron Clarke!!!
Twist & Turn by Christa Simpson
Reality slammed me flat in the face when I noticed a client lingering by the empty reception desk. The man was facing away from me and yet he still managed to exude such confidence. The way his short, dark blonde hair was spiked in a sophisticated disarray was incredibly attractive. Then there was the way he stood with his hands casually tucked in the pockets of his expensive, black suit.
I knew I had to approach him.
“Hi. Can I help you with something?” I blurted, looking forward to setting eyes on that face of his, hopeful that it would be as intriguing as the rest of the package.
He spun around to face me and attacked me with his gorgeous features. I could not believe my eyeballs. His eyebrows hung low over his squinted sunset-shaped eyes. If eyes could smile, then his were beaming at me. Excitement flooded my chest with the instant realization that Taylor, the receptionist, was nowhere to be found.
When he caught my captivated stare, he glanced down momentarily, then wrinkled his sexy forehead, raising his eyebrows and giving me a better look into those gorgeous crystal eyes. Oh. My. God. If possible, this man just got cuter.
I could have torn that face out of the nearest heartthrob magazine, just like I would’ve liked to tear that sexy suit off of him to see what sleek muscle he had hiding beneath it.
I fluttered my eyelashes, as he extended out his hand. I gently gripped it for a shake. When he smiled, our hands latched together and my knees grew weak. Then he drew my hand to his perfect pink lips and time seemed to stand still. He smoothly kissed the back of my hand and lowered it, my fingers lingering in his firm masculine grip.
Old fashioned. I like that. “Can I help you?” I breathed.
Oh shit! I just said that!
His gaze slipped casually down my body and, before I could tear my own eyes away, he struck me again with the most breathtaking blue eyes. When my lips parted, air slipped through them, as his mouth curled into a smile as glorious as the rest of him.
“You already have. Cameron Clarke. Pleased to meet you.” He released my hand, but never removed that smile from his face and it was making it difficult for me to breathe. Think. Speak. There was no other way to put it: he was smooth and I was dazzled.
See, you can like Cameron too!!! ;D I hope you do, because he’s coming out on August 1, 2013 in Twist & Turn!
June 27, 2013
Twist & Turn Cover Reveal
Here it is: my new cover!!! Hot, right?
Cover Designer: Kellie Dennis of Book Cover By Design
Twist and Turn is Book 2 in The Twisted Trilogy. It will be available for purchase on August 1, 2013. Please add it to your Goodreads shelves!!! www.goodreads.com/christasimpson
Cover Designer: Kellie Dennis of Book Cover By Design
If you haven’t read Twisted, not to worry, my betas who hadn’t read book 1 agree that this novel can stand alone. Of course I recommend that you do read #1 first, so you better understand Abby’s conflict and Edwin’s role, and for $0.99 why wouldn’t you??!!
Here are links for book 1: www.amazon.com/Twisted-The-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00BLP8TJM
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twisted-christa-simpson/1114796087
A special thanks goes out to my cover designer: the fabulous Kellie Dennis of Book Cover By Design.
Website: www.bookcoverbydesign.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bookcoverbydesign
If you’re looking for a book cover, I highly recommend that you consider her for the job! Check out her site to see the amazing pre-made covers available for purchase right now!
So, what do you think? Do you like it? 
