Mandy M. Roth's Blog, page 77
December 18, 2012
Immortal Ops Interview in Raven Mag Dec Issue!
Curious about my Immortal Ops Series? Want more info? Check out the FREE online publication–The Raven Magazine!
December 11, 2012
Raven Books Over Half-Million Self-Published Titles sold!
Michelle Pillow and I have decided to do an end of the year sum up each year. We think its important to keep our readers in the loop. After all, you’re the reason we do what we do. You’re who have made The Raven Books a success. Thank you so much!
The following center bit is taken from last year’s sum up. It tells the story of how Raven came to be so perfectly that I couldn’t possibly do it justice again… so of course, I just used it as is.
“It was difficult to decide to launch a self-publishing/small press endeavor. Even with the support of my friend and fellow author, Michelle M. Pillow, it was still a hard decision to make. So, let me put you in my mindset for mid 2009-2010. I’d had some issues with one of my publishers. I won’t go in to who or what but it’s safe to say that I did not elect to renew my time released contracts with them. Already many of my titles with them had reverted back to me. I’d down some outsourcing, re-releasing several with Samhain Publishing and Ellora’s Cave Publishing but I simply had too many coming out of contract at one time for either publishing house to get out in a timely manner. Plus, I would hear from my editors, this is great but I want some new (non-previously pubbed) work from you. I understood where they were coming from but my readers had other demands. My inbox was exploding with requests/demands for the next books in existing series. Many of the series at that point were out of contract and without a home.
The pressure began to mount as did the emails from readers. After talking with Michelle and realizing she was in the exact situation as I was, we thought, well, we could try publishing them ourselves. Keep in mind, this was still very “new” to authors. We’d already spent years being pointed at and singled out because we were at e-first publishing housing. (We’ve been published since 2004 and it was with an e-first/ebook publisher.)
I know I was actually told I wasn’t a “real” author because of the publishing houses I was with and that I needed to post my sales number to prove I was actually making any money. Insulted, and frankly ready to kick a few select persons straight in the teeth, I elected not to post my sales numbers. It was none of their damn business. I didn’t ask to see their income, asking to see mine was rude.
It was pointed out more than once that I might as well be vanity published instead of bothering with Samhain and Ellora’s Cave and other e-first pubs. I am NOT the only author who went through this. I believe the majority of us with these companies from nearly the start dealt with this. It was just the way it was. So, when it came to 2009-2010 time frame I’ll admit to being gun shy about wanting to publish my own books—re-release or not.
Michelle and I talked and talked and talked and decided nothing ventured, nothing gained. We’d stood up against the naysayers with small press and came out the other side smiling, we’d do the same with self-publishing. We’d already been heavily involved in The Raven Happy Hour. It actually comes from a nightclub in my Daughter of Darkness books that was hugely popular with my readers, so much so that it spawned into an online free ongoing story and an online hangout for our readers and fellow author friends. It was wildly popular and very time consuming. It already had a following, a name and we were known for Raven-ish promos so it was a no brainer to call our self-publishing endeavor The Raven Books.
It also was a no brainer to tackle new territory with Michelle. I am a cover artist as well as an author. I’ve done covers for many, many houses (over 500 covers to date) under the brush name Natalie Winters so we already had a professional cover artist at our disposal and I was already doing websites for so many people I lost count, why not do The Raven Books as well? Michelle worked hard teaching herself to format ebooks for us as well as countless other administrative tasks that would bore a normal person to tears. We put out a call and interviewed possible editors and final line editors. We found several we were comfortable with and hired them out on a per book basis.
We started small, hosting a shopping cart site, uploading our formats, having people buy directly from us. Then, one day we read a news release about Amazon opening its doors to indie/self-pubbed titles. We decided, why not? Barnes and noble did the same and then ARE and others did as well. By July of 2010 we were listed our self-pubbed titles on Amazon, BN, ARE and smashwords (who in turn sends to Sony and Diesel and others).
Putting the titles back in front of the masses was hugely successful. That was when we knew we had a “home” for our out of contract books. Self-pubbing!
More titles came out of contract and we went through the process of hiring editors to go through them again, doing edits, new cover art, new ads, the works. As we were able to get a fair number of them back in front of readers again we realized we could actually write something totally new and self-publish it. Immortal Ops 4 was the very first book I wrote totally with the idea I would publish it. Strategic Vulnerability didn’t just do as well as the other books in the series which I’d gotten rights back to and re-released, it did better!
From there other stories were born with the idea I’d be the one publishing them. It was amazing how creatively energized I felt. I knew I didn’t need to worry about certain things my other publishers would and wouldn’t allow in books. I had the freedom to write what I wanted and how I wanted it. Such an awesome and muse librating thing.
I also realized I could do a side project I’d always wanted to do but couldn’t without hurting my author name branding. I wanted to write contemporary westerns that were erotic. Now, the erotic part isn’t really a stretch for me. It’s the contemporary western part that was vastly different from everything written under the Mandy M. Roth name. Thus, my pen name, Rory Michaels was born. It was a great way to keep the branding I’d established and focus on a new one just related to contemp westerns. All the Rory books are new and never before released. And to date I’ve published several new (never before released) Mandy M. Roth titles as well (Strategic Vulnerability, Master of the Hunt, Winter Solstice and Adam’s Angel). *UPDATE… We’ve pubbed a hell of a lot more than these that are original now [image error] ) Also, I write under the names Reagan Hawk and Kennedy Kovit–both bestselling on Amazon.
Yesterday, I was finally able to sit down and go through my sales reports. I mean, really go through them. I decided to do every report from my top three sales vendors. The goal was to see what books/series were selling well and which had something left to be desires. I have many books and many series. I need to know when to pull focus. I figured this would be a help. Boy did it ever!
As I compiled the data from July 2010- Dec 2011 (from Amazon, BN and ARE) I was stunned at the unit sale numbers coming in. I already knew how much money had been made. I track that very carefully. But this was actual numbers of unit sales clear as day before me. In my mind I’d somehow thought I’d sold maybe 20,000 ebooks. (No, that number doesn’t jive with my income earned but I didn’t really think hard on it. I knew I was earning more per title than I had when they were with other small presses so I naturally assumed it meant a lower unit sales number than what it was.)
Much to my shock and delight, I saw that I was OVER 60,000 self-pubbed ebooks sold from Jul 2010-Dec 2011 *THIS NUMBER HAS CHANGED AND IS UPDATED BELOW* just at the top three. Note: not all my books have been out this entire time. They have been released over the time. I was over the moon with excitement. The number does NOT include any FREE ebooks giving away through KDP select (that total is around 10kish). The total is ONLY units sold and ONLY my selp-pubbed units sold. Not Michelle’s. I would never release her or any author’s sales numbers. None of my titles still with Spice, Samahin or Ellora’s Cave were factored into this. The over 60,000 does NOT include sales figures from the titles when they were with other publishers, these are ONLY the numbers from them being published by me. So be mindful, these numbers are on most titles that are re-releases and just a very few new works. These had already sold first and second editions at other pubs so I was stunned to see them perform this well for me.
To me this was a huge milestone. It added validity to all the hours, all the hard work, all the sleepless nights of getting the Raven going. We honestly have put in many 18 hour days. It also proved to me that we truly have the best community of readers, friends and fellow authors out there.
I’m sure someone will try very hard to dismiss this accomplishment or belittle it. Sadly, there are many who can only find the negative in things. That’s fine. I’ve been dealing with those people since I started writing just over 8years ago and since I was first published. I’ll be dealing with them until I drop, I’m sure. What matters is that I’m ecstatic over the numbers. They’re not what New York could move but they are what “I” could move and that makes each and every single one so VERY important to me. Thank you for helping me reach this personal milestone and for sharing this journey with me to date. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow will bring.
Are Michelle and I moving totally to self-publishing (Raven) only? No. We still have offers from large houses and still have titles with Harlequin Spice Briefs, Samhain Publishing, Virgin Black Lace, Pocket, Ellora’s Cave, Random House, Running Press, Adam’s Media and more. We love the Raven and the freedom it provides. But we also love what other houses provide us as well. Every experience we’ve had to date has helped to mold us into the authors we are today. These sales numbers for my self-pubbed titles are being shared because I’m proud of them and simply wanted to share with “friends, readers and fellow authors”.
I’ve always been extremely supportive of fellow authors and have always appreciated my readers beyond words. I hope these numbers inspire others and that we as authors/readers move forth together as a united front in the publishing community and continue to move the industry forward.”
Updated Numbers: Raven Jul2010-Dec2012 sold over a half million self-published ebook titles!
Michelle and I want to extend a giant thank you to all our readers. Without your support, your hard work and dedication with helping to spread the word about us and Raven none of this would have been possible. Thank you and Happy Holidays!!!!
Mandy Roth & Michelle Pillow
December 9, 2012
CONTEST: King of Prey Series-contest now closed winners listed in comment section
To help bring more attention to my King of Prey Series I’m having a contest. How can you be entered to win? Simple, comment here (comments MUST be on http://mandyroth.com/blog/ on this post) on my blog. I’ll use Random.org to select winners. What does the winner win? EBOOK copy of King of Prey (Book I in the King of Prey Series. Contest goes through Dec 18th. I’ll pick two winners and announce both in the comment section of this blog post.
CONTEST: King of Prey Series
To help bring more attention to my King of Prey Series I’m having a contest. How can you be entered to win? Simple, comment here on my blog. I’ll use Random.org to select winners. What does the winner win? EBOOK copy of King of Prey (Book I in the King of Prey Series. Contest goes through Dec 18th. I’ll pick two winners and announce both in the comment section of this blog post.
December 6, 2012
Research that makes me sad
I love to research for books. In fact, if I’m not careful I’ll get lost in the research side of things. Its my nature. I’ve always been this way and always will be this way. Every so often a research topic comes my way for a book or series that I don’t love researching–that the more I dig into it, the more my stomach turns. Still, I research the topic in depth to be able to take snippets and weave those throughout my stories. This is one of those days… a day when, while I LOVE to research, I HATE the topic I’m researching. Its a necessary evil… part of the backbone of a series and how the men came to be. And while its not a pretty part of the world’s history, its a true and accurate part of history–a part that helped spawn the series I’m working on (yes, an existing series). I’ll be here, sickened and pissed for all the innocent lives lost and the victims of this horrendous dark part of our history.
Mandy
December 5, 2012
New Issue of Raven Magazine
The Brand new issue of Raven Magazine is now up and LIVE. Don’t forget, its FREE!
The strangest things can make you thankful
It has now been just over a month since Mr. Mandy was let go from his job. The dynamics around the house have certainly changed. He’s taken over a lot of the “mom” duties. This has been a huge help. Its freed up a large portion of my time so I’m getting lots of great word count in. Also, knowing I’m now the only bread winner for a family of five is super motivating to make sure word count is done. There is no more “well the muse isn’t feeling it” or “I’m getting interrupted”. Basically, all the excuses are gone. Do or do not… there is no TRY–(thanks Yoda). Come hell or high water the word count is there which is actually helping to fuel the muse fire.
The more I find myself writing the more I WANT to be writing. Characters and ideas wake me up in the middle of the night again demanding to have their stories told. I’ve outlined countless books, lost myself in research again and typed until my hands hurt… just like the writing high I went on my first year being published.
I never thought I’d be thankful for something as horrible as a job loss, but I am. His job loss has brought us closer. It’s brought the entire family closer. It’s also helped me find my nonstop, crazed burning desire to be typing until my eyelids stick to my eyeballs again.
Thank you everyone for your words of encouragement, for being there for me and my family, for buying my books to help make sure I can keep doing what I love and that my family is provided for and most of all thanks for listening to me rant and be silly online whenever the mood strikes me.
December 4, 2012
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Russell James
Marketing with Mandy Author Spotlight: Russell James
Q: Tell us a little about your experience with Samhain.
A: Publishing Dark Inspiration with Samhain has been great. My editor, Don D’Auria, is supportive and insightful. Angela Waters created my cover art and when I saw it, I was blown away. I hope she does my second book, Sacrifice.
As far as marketing the book, it is everywhere. My brother bought a copy in Japan. A seller in New Zealand contacted me for biography information. It is amazing.
Q: What tips/tricks do you use for marketing or promoting your own titles?
A: I have a slew of short stories that backlogged while I was writing Dark Inspiration and Sacrifice. They are out doing the rounds. I see a real jump in hits on my website every time one is published and often see a jump in sales as well.
I am also taking advantage of as many guest blogs and interviews as I can. As a new author I’m trying any avenue I can find to get the word out.
Q: What is one thing you’d want to tell a newer author, just coming into the game?
A: Patience rules. It may take a long time to hone your skills to the point where you are published. It may also take time to find that lucky combination of your great work and an editor on the prowl for the type of story you have written. Never let this long process get you down. Success is about perseverance.
I recommend taking a writing class, in person or online. You will learn a lot, whether you think you will or not.
I also recommend a writing critique group. I started our Minnows Literary group with some sharp people from the online class we all took. Not only have I had novels published since we formed, but other members of the group have been published, won several poetry contests and started an internationally recognized blog on writing.
Q: Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
A: My current novel is called Sacrifice and released in July 2012. In it, five friends return to Long Island thirty years after high school graduation. They find out that an evil spirit called the Woodsman might be stalking the town again. They thought they had killed it just before graduation. The backstory of that horrible night in 1980 unfolds in parallel with their efforts to kill the thing for good in the present.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your current WIP’s?
A: My next novel is called Black Magic. A sorcerer arrives in a dying town near the Everglades and opens up a magic shop. Four boys buy innocuous table magic tricks, but they unleash more power than anyone imagined. It is up to a few townspeople to save all of south Florida from complete destruction.
Q: How did you get into writing?
A: On long car trips, I would tell my wife stories that I had been mulling over in my head. For Christmas one year she got me Stephen King’s On Writing and told me other people would want to hear the stories I created. I devoured the book and thought that maybe I could put pen to paper and be a writer.
I am a technical writer in my day job, so I thought it wouldn’t be that hard. Two writing classes, one writing coach, six rejected novel length manuscripts and ten years later, here I am.
Q: How do balance family and writing?
A: First off, my wife is a supportive saint about my writing. If there is a deadline to hit and I am behind, she demands we carve out some time so I can get it done. After all, she bought me On Writing so the whole thing is here fault.
Second, my real world job has a lot of travel involved. That puts me in hotel rooms with a lot of time on my hands each night. Writing keeps me out of trouble.
LINKS:
December 3, 2012
What do you want?
Finishing up a short story that is a prequel to the Daughter of Darkness books. Hope everyone is interested in reading about Gwen before she met Pallo, Caleb and Giovanni. I’m also doing something very exciting with the Immortal Ops Series. Can’t tell you just yet. Super secret. AND (yeah, there is more sweetness) Valkyrie book III will be out this coming year. I know many of you have been waiting for the third book in the trilogy. I appreciate that you all understood there were some hiccups with contracts. That has passed. [image error] I’d love to hear what else you’d like me to revisit from my backlist. Do you have a favorite book or series you want more of? Tell me!
December 2, 2012
New Releases!
The much anticipated next book in the King of Prey Series is now out!
Rise of the King (King of Prey) by Mandy M Roth
Paranormal Bird Shifter Romance
Warrior, bastard, outcast, traitor to his kind, these are all labels Lazar has worn for the past several years, since he took a stand against the actions of a mad king. He’s defended the Kingdom of the Hawks even though the blood of the Falcons runs through his veins. He’s bedded their women, drank their mead and protected their king. None of that makes him one of them. An empty pit has been in his stomach for years, believing his true mate perished long ago. When he learns she’s alive, he has to not only win her over, but also make her understand men who can shift into birds aren’t the things of nightmares. They’re real, and he’s one of them.
Sabrina lives a relatively sheltered life. Her overprotective uncle means well but can sometimes go too far. When he shows up with a sexy hunk she’s dreamed about, it’s all Sabrina can do to control her emotions. As old lies are uncovered, she has to decide if she should open her heart to a man who has made using women an art form and who also happens to have wings. Plus, he’s more than just any old shifter male. He’s the rightful king of the Falco, and it’s time he rose to his position and accepted his destiny, even if that destiny includes her.
WARNING: This book contains hot, explicit sex and violence, a dominant, alpha, bird-shifting male who has the rules of seduction memorized and who finally understands he has to take a stand for what he wants. It has a heroine who, while young, knows she won’t settle for anything less than she deserves and who finds herself being taught things that make her blush.
BUY LINKS
In the mood for something erotic with light bdsm themes, alpha male shifters and out of this world? How about Trading Teon by Reagan Hawk?
Trading Teon (The Beast Masters) by Reagan Hawk
Paranormal/Sci-fi/Shapeshifter/ BDSM/Menage MFM
The Beast Masters Series, Book 1
Garon and Lorne, shapeshifting males of the Ralenium race, are fierce guns for hire in the universe. When a cargo ship transporting women charged with crimes by the Galactic Star Union arrives on their planet, the men make the traders an offer they can’t refuse. Planet Ralen is sorely lacking in women, and the males have an inborn desire to dominate, to tame females and to reproduce. When their inner beasts’ clocks start ticking and the burning need to spread their seed consumes them, they go on the hunt for the perfect female. Too bad both men want the same woman.
Teon, a lady with a place in high society, thought life as she knew it was over when she was wrongfully charged with a crime by her stepmother. A prisoner en route to a barren planet to serve her sentence, she’s presented with an opportunity to start over again on the planet Ralen. The catch is she has to be willing to be claimed by two males. Not just any males mind you, two burning hunks who are ready to fight to the death if need be to share her bed.
Warning
Novella contains graphic language, light BDSM play/themes, extreme alpha male shifters who cannot wait to get a collar on their female to brand her as theirs for life, women willing to submit and scorching hot sex scenes. If you don’t like strong men who take control in the bedroom and sometimes out, or if you’re in the market for long, drawn-out plots, this isn’t the series for you. This novella is hot and dirty and won’t apologize for that fact.
BUY LINKS
How about saddling up with a contemporary western erotic M/F romance?
The Cowboy (Blazing Hearts) by Kennedy Kovit
M/F Contemporary Western Erotic Romance
Blazing Hearts Series, Book 2
Jake spends his days training horses and his nights training women in the bedroom. The women are simply a means to an end—a way to find release. The woman he wants took off like a thief in the night years ago, leaving him wondering each and every day where she is and if she’s all right. It’s her he wants in his bed. It’s her he wants to do kinky things with. When Teresa arrives back in town without warning everything changes. She wants a relationship with him. He wants far more than that. He wants total surrender, but is she really willing to give it?
Rating: This novella contains steamy sex scenes, light BDSM, a hero who is all about getting the heroine into bed and teaching her things good girls just shouldn’t know, and a couple who has had feelings for one another a whole hell of a lot longer than they’re willing to admit. This novella isn’t for everyone, and if you don’t like your sex dirty, your men alpha and your women willing to learn, then this isn’t the book for you.
M/F erotic contemporary western romance set in small town America.
BUY LINKS
