Nick Jones's Blog, page 3

OCTOBER - Some thoughts on Amazon and KDP Select

Hi All,

Self-publishing comes with so many advantages. Control, direct relationships with readers, immediacy and control. Did I mention control?

It also comes with it’s own set of challenges (note I didn’t say problems). The main one is marketing and promotion. How do you get your book see in a sea of competition. Amazon offer a number of tools designed to help an author promote their baby.

‘Kindle Direct Publishing’ offer a ‘select’ option. This provides 5 days in which to make your book free in return for complete exclusivity (i.e., you aren’t then allowed to offer your book on any of the competitor sites, such as apples’s ibooks, kobo or nook etc).

The idea is that you generate interest in those free days and hope that translates into actual sales further down the line. 

For me KDP select presents an interesting dilemma. Amazon are by far the biggest retailer, and if I can get traction there then all good, but are those free days really worth the exclusivity?

Let me share some numbers based on my experience so far.

The free days can be any days, individual or concurrent but must be used within your three month (exclusive) period. I made ‘The Whisper of Stars’ Free for 3 days. I did a lot of promotion in this time. Facebook, Twitter, paid ads and email hits. I shifted 4,000 free books. Sounds a lot, and I was pretty excited about that to be honest. My book on 4,000 kindles…. ooooooohhhhh!

Then, the day after it was back to its original price of £2.99. 

I sold 41 books that day.

41 Books. I nearly cried.  Seriously, that is a good amount and means a lot to me. I was suddenly number 15 in the Sci-Fi charts. It felt good. Really good. I started imagining (dreaming) of it settling down to maybe 10 or 20 a day….

But then, as expected, sales dropped of a cliff and I was back to 1 or 2 books a day. Literally back to where I started.

So, I ran another promo, using up my last 2 days of FREE promo. Again, lots of freebies, a few sales and then back again. To be clear, I am more than happy to give books away for free. But, the question now is whether I am better selling 1 or 2 books a day on multiple channels or sticking with the kindle exclusivity for the odd boost.

For me, it’s not about income. It’s more about reaching readers. Apple, particularly with the release of the oversized iPhone 6 (and plus) and iPad mini, finally have a viable reading platform. There are a number of users on those devices that might never read me if I remain in Amazon’s pocket.

With the release of ‘The Embers of Hope’ imminent I am starting to wonder whether I just get my work ‘out there’ in as many ways as possible. Either way I will continue to experiment and write my findings here.

I have recently removed ‘The Calling’ from KDPSelect. So, to all you Apple, kobo or nook readers out there. Help yourself. It’s FREE!

iBOOKS     GOOGLE PLAY     NOOK     KOBO  

September 2014 - Multitasking

The concept of multi-tasking has always been an interesting one to me. Is it actually a smart way of working? Or are we just distracted and doing lots of things quite badly? I do wonder if people who claim to be ‘good’ at multitasking are potentially just stretching themselves too thin over too many things. Not always I’m sure, but I think it’s likely they aren’t being particularly effective.

This from Gina Trapani, author of Upgrade Your Life.

Doing two things at once, like singing while you take a shower, is not the same as instant messaging while writing a research report. Don't fool yourself into thinking you can multitask jobs that need your full attention. You're not really having a conversation while you write; you're shifting your attention back and forth between the two activities quickly. You're juggling. When you juggle tasks, your work suffers AND takes longer--because switching tasks costs.

When your brain switches its attention from one task to another, it takes time to get into a new train of thought. You lose any momentum you had on the first task, which costs you on the next switch. On the internet or in an office where distractions abound, switching tasks can cost hours. A recent study showed that office employees who were interrupted while they worked took an average of 25 minutes to get back to what they started.

If you've got work that requires engaged thinking—like reading, writing, or even just a serious phone call, stop juggling and start single-tasking.

–––

If you need proof, try this… it’s horrible!!!   Top score 56!

http://www.smart-kit.com/games/how_to_multitask/

So, what does this mean to me?

I know myself well enough to know that I get bored easily. Once the so called ‘creative bit’ is out of the way I am keen to move on and ‘create’ something new. That can be quite dangerous when plotting a book… for obvious reasons. Someone needs to write it after all, and when I look around… it’s just me…I am a master of procrastination, I am en expert at finding something else that needs doing.

Why not use this, I thought. 

I’ve heard it said by others writers that they have a number of projects on the go at once. It’s early days for me and that idea seemed overwhelming initially; I was only just managing to keep the current novel going, how was I supposed to keep MORE in my head?!

For me – and I suspect this is normal – the process of writing a novel has numerous stages. Some examples are: Research, idea generation, plot development, character development, editing, proofing and marketing. I aspire to write something every day but writing time is limited and I need to be organised.

That’s when it hit me. 

Why not create a few projects (novels, short stories, episodes) at various stages. Then, when I am feeling bored of one, a bit lazy, needing to shift things up, I can JUMP over. It’s an effective form of diversion! One that feels like skiving, like ‘getting away with NOT doing what I’m supposed to be doing yet I am still being productive.

It isn’t multi-tasking as such, its more like multi-threading! Perhaps it’s my years working at agencies but it feels like I have multiple clients, all with projects at different stages. All I need to do now is decide WHEN I work on them.

So, this week I am editing Embers of hope but also working with Ian on Character development for ‘DOWN-STREAM’, my time-travel serial. 

Multi-threading, NOT multi-tasking – I might be kidding myself but at least I’m not bored!

AUGUST 2014 - First draft done!

I’ve had headache for 5 days now; tells you something – hopefully that it’s simply time for a holiday.

So, I’m off for a week in the sun and I’m going with a happy heart because draft 1 of ‘The Embers of Hope’ is done. It’s been another roller coaster ride. Some days it felt like I was born to do this and others were spent, head in hands wondering if I should just chuck in the towel. Which – I am assured – means I am a writer. You know, a real one.

We shall see.

The writing process was different this time around; I think my first draft is stronger this time in terms of prose and description. It feels more ‘solid’ than my first draft of Whisper did. However, at the moment it doesn’t ‘hang’ together quite right. I read something recently that described the process of reading, or more accurately ‘the feeling’ you get when reading. When it’s ‘right’ you get something called ‘flow’. It just rolls and the words disappear as the story carries you away. I have felt it when reading and at times have felt that when reading back my own work (which is odd in itself) but true. So, that is the aim. 

Constant flow.

Also, with this one I have created multiple plots; 3 story lines that come together at the end. I wrote them independently and then stitched them together into a novel. It’s left me with lots to do to get the story to ‘flow’ but I am confident it will work. The document (86,000 words) is now with my Editor Stephen Parolini. He’s one in a million and has given me a number of buck-ups JUST when I need them. A level of trust was built during the first book so I I have shared with him earlier this time in the hope he can get more involved. Trust is so important because writing comes from the heart, it is personal and in the early stages quite raw. I’m very excited this time round. Nervous, yes of course but also excited.

When I return from my holidays (headache free) I will be hitting the editing process and working through Steve’s feedback. The aim is to launch the book in November. I can’t wait for people to read it! The reviews are stacking up nicely on Amazon UK, US and Goodreads for Whisper, which will really help when the sequel arrives.

Nick

AUGUST 2014 - Photo-shoot

I’ve had some great comments on the cover of ‘The Whisper of Stars’ so thought I would share some of the background to how it was created. I knew I wanted it to feature my main character and nod to the fact that the book is a thoughtful kind of Science Fiction. Stu, Jo and I got together to discuss the kind of feel we were after and stu sent me some options for style and model. Obviously as soon as I saw Chanelle I knew she was Jen! In fact, I went back and re-write some sections of Whisper of Stars to include her red hair! Interestingly the final cover looks like we shot it in a studio! Massive thanks to Tim Baker for the use of his woodland. It was great fun.

You can see some of the pics from our shoot here.

http://iamnickjones.com/galleries/167134/whisper-of-stars-cover-shoot

Nick

JULY 2014 - The Embers of Hope

It’s a strange thing writing. I mean, obviously it’s a weird thing to do. Trying to figure out words that sit in the right order and just ‘feel’ right is an odd way to spend your time. That’s only part of it though. Plotting is also a weird one. For a long time I have had the ending to my second book ‘The Embers of Hope’ clear in my mind. But, as the end approached the characters and situations began conspiring against my initial ideas. I was struggling…But with a little help from my friends – Don’t we all need that sometimes? – I relaxed, took a breath and had a rethink. The ending is re-born! and because of the characters input (yes, they do feel like real people now with their own rules and opinions) and good advice it will be all the better for it.

I thought it would be fun to share with you the VERY FIRST draft of the cover to the sequel. It’s a good distraction on the nights when I can’t string a sentence together (verbally or on the page). Be good to know what you think… a good companion to the first book?

Yes, that is Hugh Jackman as a placeholder (he hasn’t confirmed yet but I’m hopeful he will be up for the shoot). If not I’m sure Stu Key will come to the rescue with someone suitable.

Nick

P.s.Oh and don’t forget Goodreads. It really is a good site and well worth a look. Pasting your Amazon reviews there would be a huge help in my quest to be read too. Since joining I’ve gained some fans in Canada!
 : )
 
 

JULY 2014 - Goodreads

I wanted to tell you about a brilliant site for anyone who loves books.

www.goodreads.com

Goodreads is a simple idea really. It’s a kind of virtual book shelf, helping you to keep track of books you have read, are currently reading or plan to read. It also allows you to see other peoples bookshelves if they have similar titles to you. It’s a great way to discover and share books (and remember what you have read in your life!) Not too heavy. It’s definitely one for the readers.

I have been getting some great interest there too and (unlike Amazon) am creating connections to readers rather than just consumers. Goodreads currently have 20 million active members!

So, why not join up? It’s free and we can be friends which would be nice!

Also, if you have been kind enough to review my book on Amazon why not add your review on Goodreads too? It REALLY helps me to gain readers and in many ways is more powerful than Amazon. I have been contacted directly by readers on Goodreads and can SEE people adding my book to their bookshelf to read! Great fun. As I said, Amazon is great for consumers (it's the main place people buy books) but Goodreads is ALL about readers.

Oh, and finally. Check out this lovely screenshot of ‘The Whisper of Stars’  It sat at No.1 in the charts for  a whole weekend. Okay, so it was the No.1 FREE book but still. 4,500 downloads is a nice feeling. It’s dropped off a cliff now but it was nice while it lasted : ) Thanks to all of you for helping promote and review the book which has undoubtably helped it along.

Nick

 

 

JUNE 2014 - Inspiration

Writing a sequel. It should be easier right? I’ve made the world and created the characters. Just press play. 

I wish. 

I decided to take a week out and just write. Really give myself the time to get my head down and stick a dent in the word count. I took myself off to the Forest of Dean and holed up in a cabin for a few days.

I admit, it had a hot tub! but it was all about the writing (for the majority of the time). It was all going well until day 3. Suddenly, without warning, I just stopped and couldn’t write anything. I had a classic ‘creative wobble’ and just didn’t know what I wanted the sequel to be, or where it should go. It ALL felt wrong.

The interesting thing is what happened next. Rather than panic (my usual mode at times like this) I just relaxed (yes, the hot tub was involved) and spent the ENTIRE day thinking.

Just thinking.

You know, staring off into space...

When do we ever get the time to do that??

And, guess what? It worked. The following day I cut a load of scenes (hard but necessary) and then introduced some excitement back into it. I actually wanted to write the scenes in my head and then BAM. I was off again. Then, when I got home I completely cleared my pinboard and filled it with imagery to help me write. I knew the next few chapters would be the hardest scenes in the book.

Now I'm pleased. It's exciting again and feels EXACTLY like the sequel to Whisper should.

Take a look… can you guess where we’re going in book 2?

MAY 2014 - Book Launch!

Well. What a night. Thanks again to the 120 people who made the effort to come out and listen to little ole’ me. Cheltenham Racecourse Panoramic Restaurant ended up being the perfect venue. Everyone had a glass in hand and an amazing view to accompany it. I spoke for thirty odd minutes (I amazed even myself!) about the book itself, the industry and the writing process. Some great questions too which I really enjoyed and then it was freebie handout time. It was truly an amazing experience for me to see so many people clutching a copy of my book. After that, it was curry time. Plenty of beer and great food. 

I have been getting some great feedback already from people who have started reading. And even a few who have finished the book AND REVIEWED IT! Thanks for that. And also seen a nice spike in kindle sales, which is exciting. 

Now, after all that planning and adrenalin it’s back into the quiet seat again. Been working on the sequel to ‘The Whisper of Stars’. It was all going so well but then, logic struck again. NO SPOILERS AHEAD : )

One of the themes of the sequel is how, even in a heavily policed society, people manage to group together and fight oppression. Who these people are though, and how they come together is a tough challenge.

Planing session with Ian next Friday. Well needed…

Check out the pics here.

March 2014 - Finito

The novel (The Whisper of Stars) is done. Finished, Finito. I could go on forever tweaking and improving but at some point you have to say ‘I’m done’ So….. 

‘I’m done.’

Thanks must go to Stephen Paolini for ironing out the plot holes (big and wide) and giving me the right balance of advice, encouragement and work to do.
His new novelette 'Duck' is out and well worth a read.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00IMRQ64W

My novel is now being proofed by the Eagle-eyed (does that have a cap and hyphen?) Sarah Kolb-Williams.

www.kolbwilliams.com

The interesting thing is that of course, the sequel HAS to fit within the world I created in the first book. This is a good problem to have in a way, as I spent so much time creating the world and characters. But it does mean I have to be careful and not break rules or contradict what characters have done or said. I read a fantastic article the other day that talked about Logic and how to apply it to your characters. It’s helped massively to just step back, forget where I would ‘like’ the plot to go and ask, ‘What would the characters do logically?’ What would their next step REALLY be?

The other thing I have discovered is that in real life I want people to get along, and my characters get included in that! Which doesn’t bode well for well paced, exciting fiction. So, now I have the basic plot threads I am going back over it and making it a little harder for everyone, throwing in some good old conflict. People never do what you want them to, and that's life.

One thing is for sure. The sequel is going to be deeper and richer.

Here’s hoping I will be too.

: )

70,000 words to go...


 

Feb 7th 2014 - Mapping out the year

Nothing can really prepare you for writing a novel. I can’t think of anything else that takes you on such a roller coaster of emotions. Literally within the same week there can be elation and a complete sense of failure. All the advice I gathered said the same thing. Just write and don’t look up, keep on tapping away. Of course, having good people around you helps but you can’t beat just sitting there and putting the miles in.

So, the Whisper of Stars is finished and safely in the hands of my editor, Steve Parolini. Steve helped me revise and shape the story, spotting some obvious areas where I had smoothed over some difficult subject matter. Lazy? Me? The next steps are for Steve to improve it. I then have a copy proofer lined up to ensure it’s ready to go out into the world.

So, while they do their magic I have started working on the sequel. Ian, who helped me plot out the first, is on-board and we are mapping out the central storyline and a number of sub-plots. It’s exciting to think that in a year or so ‘Whisper’ will have a follow-up. I’ve mapped out a plan for the year which includes some short stories too. Looking back it is nearly a year since my board looked like this. It’s kind of good to know there is a method in the madness..

 

The Board back in March 2013