R.J. Blain's Blog, page 22

I’ve made an error! Smashwords doesn’t have preorder functionality (but it does have wishlisting!)

After a reader made a comment, I investigated Smashwords to discover it doesn’t actually have a preorder functionality. It does have wishlisting and following of authors to send reminders.

If you like to preorder/buy everything, I recommend that you use my per novel patreon. Books are a $5.99 each (for all titles that aren’t anthologies within $4.99 and 7.99; on average, you’ll save $1-2 a book.) Bonus: you’ll receive the book ahead of retail release. You also don’t have to track what comes o...

Just an FYI: 101 Ways to Die is being deliberately underpriced.

Long story short: With the inclusion of the pilot story (which is this book’s bonus short story), the book is going to be over the standard $6.99 wordcount threshold. Since Amazon readers (who do not buy on Smashwords or through Patreon) won’t have access to the story, the price will be increased to $5.99 as planned at all vendors. (as the Amazon version is below wordcount threshold.)

A reminder: If you want the $4.99 rate, you need to either preorder or buy on release day. No vendor will hon...

How I will be addressing the Amazon Problem: an exclusive short story at all vendors except Amazon.

The title says it all. I hate the idea of punishing readers because they like a certain version of a book, and I generally prefer reward methods. So, moving forward, I will be doing the following:

1: Release dates will remain unchanged, with my Patreon users receiving the book (with special author note) 3-5 days prior to the release date.

2: I hired a new proofing editor. (Side note: none of my editors are paid less than $1k/100,000 words. I value my staff, they are paid only once for work...

Discussion: I may change how I publish my books moving forward.

Amazon has struck again in the form of a reader, who was very probably trying to be helpful without understanding the damage they’re doing. (I REALLY understand that most readers who use this tool are trying to help. The reality is… good intentions, shit roads.)

As such, I’m thinking about making some significant changes to how I publish in the future. This is what is being considered:

For all books currently up for preorder…

1: I would be moving all Amazon release dates back a month. (...

Doggone Mess has released!

Today is your last day to acquire the book for $6.99. (The price increases to $7.99 tomorrow.) Happy reading!

Single, female lycanthrope: check.

Bills to pay: check.

A bounty for the hottest single lycanthrope on the block: check.

As the sole holdout of the corporate buyout of her apartment building, Joyce Gray is determined to transform her stubborn pride into a masterpiece in order to stay off the streets. Dipping her hands into the dark world of bounty hunting would give her t...

Warning re: Tantor Media’s Royal States Audiobooks

Starting sometime in September, the process to transition from Tantor’s production to Cameron Hill/Keira Grace for the Royal States books will be heavily underway.

While I am trying to make sure there are two distinct editions (uploading my own under other contracts), I cannot guarantee that Audible will preserve the Tantor Media versions of the audiobooks. (On my end, I am doing everything I can to make certain this is so.)

In the case of Audible, If it is an audiobook I produced, and I h...

Reminder: Doggone Mess’s Price Increases on May 17, 2023.

If you want to buy the book at $6.99, you need to either preorder it or purchase it on release day (May 16, 2023.) I will not be delaying the length-induced price change, so expect the process to begin early in the morning on May 17.

Why the price increase? $6.99 is what I charge when the books range between roughly 80,000 to 120,000 words. The book is 145,000 words. Due to the extra length, there were a lot of additional expenses, so… price change is necessary.

Please make certain you eit...

The Future of My Audiobooks

I did a blitz poll on Facebook earlier today, inquiring about if people were only using audible. (It was supposed to be a yes or no question, but as it tends to go, it expanded.)

Most people who follow me know about the audiobook nightmare that is audible. But, I also try to be accessible. And there are many readers who simply use audible and will not use any other platform.

My personal dislike of Audible/ACX and the blatant abuses of creatives there comes second to readers. (However m...

Reviews, ratings, and reasons why some people think I’m a moron…

I made some mistakes this morning. At the top of the list was using my phone to check my facebook notifications… one day, I will learn. That day, apparently, is not today.

But, I do feel I need to address something.

Today, I was informed that authors who disregard 1-2* reviews and do not listen to and accept their (the reviewers’) criticism are morons.

I’m a moron. I’m fine with this. But I’m not fine with the general entitlement readers seem to have, that their dissenting vote enti...

A Guide to R.J.’s Upcoming Releases! (2023 to early 2024.)

Welcome to your mid-year guide to all things upcoming! Here’s your one stop shop to know which books are coming out when, changes to plans, etc, etc, etc.

Doggone Mess, May 16, 2023: Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Kobo | Apple Books

Price: $6.99, price will increase to $7.99 on May 17, 2023. (Due to length of novel.) Either preorder to lock in the lower rate or buy on release day if you want it at the lower price.

101 Ways to Die, June 2, 2023: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Ap...