Shiloh Walker's Blog, page 164

Lets talk Master Resale Rights… (repost)

Yes…you've seen this before. I plan on posting once a month, perhaps. Or at least until asinine sites like ebay & ioffer stop letting people abuse copyright owners' rights. BTW, this stuff also applies to writers who aren't me. For modern works, after 1978 and somebody is claiming to have 'master resale rights' or "I'm the copyright owner" or any crap like that over a work…it's very likely FALSE. Copyright remains in place for the author's lifetime, plus 70 years. Info on that can be found at copyright.gov – a nice government-y website so don't be fooled by the BS.

Okay, I'm hoping some people out there researching 'master resell rights' stumble onto this page. Or I hope some of the people mistakenly claiming to be 'authorized ebook resellers' find this page.

Because I've got news for you.

You can't buy the resale rights to my work…unless you go through me, and I can't sell them to you, because it would be conflict with my contract to my publisher. Which could get me sued. Which is why I'm pretty certain other authors out there aren't likely to be doing this either.

You can resell a paperback, because after all, there is just the one copy.

But you can't resell ebook after ebook after ebook because that's not selling one copy-that's making new copies and you know what that does? That violates my copyright. I own the rights to my work. Me. Just me.

I contract with my publisher and they publish the books. Through my publisher, I may sell the foreign rights (and please, dear God, I'd really love to), I can sell the audio rights (please God, I would love to) and other assorted rights. I own the rights. They are mine. You can't buy a 'master resale right' to anything I've written, because I won't give it up.

If somebody claims they can give you master resale rights, you were lied to. Possibly by mistake, possibly with the intention of deceiving you, I don't know. Email the publisher if you don't believe me-ask the person claiming the 'resale rights' bit who their contact at the publisher was. But don't shell out money to somebody who claim to give you master resale rights to ebooks.

Now this isn't to say there aren't books out there with 'master resale rights'. I see all this 'set up your own ebook biz' and all the ebooks are self-help and do-it-yourself, and maybe, just maybe, those do come with legit resale rights.

But if you think Nora Roberts sold her resale rights to somebody who in turn now sells them out to others so they can sell a slew of them on ebay for a few bucks when the author doesn't see a red cent for all her hard work, you're wrong-somehow, I suspect Nora Roberts is a little too smart for that. She doesn't do it. Neither does Shiloh Walker, neither does Larissa Ione, neither does Lauren Dane, neither does any fricking writer I've talked to about this…and yeah, writers do talk about it. A lot.

Publishing doesn't work that way.

Ebook publishing doesn't work that way.

This is about rights. Plain and simple rights. When people 'create' digital copies of our work, they are making new copies-that is copyright infringement-and that violates our rights. Plain and simple. It violates our rights and if somebody came in and rode roughshod all over your legal rights, you'd be bit upset. You do not have the legal rights to resell our works, no matter what you were told.

And if anybody who was told this is reading this…seriously, completely seriously, I want to know who is telling you. You were misinformed. A lot of people have been misinformed and that circle won't stop until we get to the root of it all.

Feel free to email me. Shilohwalker(at)gmail.com. Of course, if you're emailing me just to tell me how I mean I am for wanting people to respect my fricking rights…don't waste your time. I'm really handy with that delete button and I don't waste my time arguing with people who can't understand that I'm entitled to have my rights respected, the same way others want their rights respected.

BTW, if other authors reading this wanna do the same & spread the word…well, the more readers who are aware, maybe the fewer sales those bastards will get.  Some people are thinking-you're telling them where these are! But plenty of people already know.  And it won't get better until more people speak up and take action.

Plus, readers can also help if they want.  On ioffer, if you see a modern author, be it romance authors you already read or people like Stephen King, Nicholas Sparks, whoever, there's a report item button down at the buttom-click it-report that you believe the item is still protected by copyright and you'll be notifying the author.  Hell, leave notes on the buying page by 'asking a question' if you want telling the would be buyers they are buying stolen property and you can refer them to this page at the FBI- http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/cyber/ipr/anti-piracy.  iOffer got nasty with me a few times and tried to close my account when I did such things.  I pointed out that they can't allow people to buy and sell stolen goods and then try to shut down my account when I inform them people are buying & selling stolen goods, which is what copyrighted material is.  They opened my account back up very, very fast.

With ebay, you can also report items suspected of abuse.  It's more work, requires an ebay account and it works best if you can get the seller to send you the list of books. But if you're not an author, this is actually awesome. Then you can get the list of items, report them and if I'm one of the authors… SEND IT TO ME! *G* Be my spy! (Yes, I'm bad.) If you click on report item, it will give you a bunch of drop down menus…you want:

Counterfeits and copyright violations (after that, if the listing showed it as being on a CD-probably did, ebay policy now makes it a violation to email stuff) click on:

Bootlegs and counterfeit media… then from there:

Media on Recordable formats (CD-R, DVD-R, VHS Tape, etc.)

Once you get there, mention something like…

Message: Claiming modern works in public domain-the list of books I saw were all copyrighted.

Please note, this DOESN'T apply to classical works. Only to works put into print after 1978.  Tom Sawyer is public domain. Bronte is public domain. But those aren't the books the majority of these people are selling.

And I will warn you, although most of the time the sellers just slink off once the auctions are shut down, some of them do get testy.  I'm mean for not wanting them to make money…*even though they do it by stealing from me, making it harder for me to earn my rightful living*, I'm taking food from their kids, even though they are doing it in a dishonest, dishonorable fashion, not to mention the example they are setting…so if readers decide to do this, be aware, somebody might get nasty in response.  Ebay also has gotten irritated with me.  Imagine, expecting them to take action when people are selling illegal goods on their site.

The Friday 56, TEMPT ME edition…AND Cincy signing tomorrow!

closest because it's open on my laptop while I get a PDF ready for a few bloggers…

The entire six minutes, she was reliving that kiss, the way he'd looked at her, the way her skin buzzed when he touched her. Her body was all but vibrating with arousal by the time his car came to a halt.

About the Friday 56

Grab the book nearest you. Right now
Turn to page 56.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST

Also…signing tomorrow!  lots of authors…

Barnes & Noble

West Chester, Oh

2.12.2011

1-3pm

If you live in or around the area…would love to see you!  I know some of the other Vamps and Scamps authors will be there… Jules Bennett, Dianne Castell, Luann McLane and Janice Maynard…plus more! Check the rest out at BN's site. http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/event/3082469

Author rants, epic fails, the blahs and what have you

First, for those who've been worrying about me on on twitter…I'm still alive.  I'm just down and I've got the the blahs.  I need some time away.  I'll be back around.

Second…onto author rants and the epic-failness of such.  There was a big, epic, screeching whine about unprofessional blogs and how these don't benefit an author.

First…well, most blogs are run by readers as a labor of love.  They don't get paid.  So, technically, by definition, I reckon they aren't professional…by definition.  But, by my definition of professional, an author who goes on an epic-y rant about a blogger's lack of professionalism, all because the blogger gave a subjective opinion in her book review…well, um…I don't consider that professional, either.  The fact of the matter is, most reviews are subjective, because we are reading them and discussing our thoughts related to the work, right?

Now if we were discussing the technical aspects-unfinished sentences, bad editing, etc?  Sure.  Put that out there as objective criteria.  (FYI, I use unfinished sentences, it's part of my writing style, I'm fine with it, I know some don't like it.  That's fine.  I'm not changing how I write and if it causes a negative review?  I'm fine with that.)

But if the book didn't work because of plotting issues, they didn't like the story, the character…whatever…that's subjective.  As a writer?  If you don't want to go insane in this biz, it's best to just learn to accept it.  If you can't? Don't read reviews.

Back in 9/2010  , I posted this…

There are certain things that just don't do a writer any good at all…

Things like…

Screeching about bad reviews.  Deal with it.  It's going to happen.  Everybody is entitled to an opinion and when you rail about somebody not liking your work, you're basically telling them they aren't entitled to their opinion.  Move on.

Want to rail about it? Go ahead. But you might want to be aware…it's not going to help things, change things…unless it changes them for the worse. You can't deny a reader the right to voice their opinion. You just can't.

My two cents? Save the upset until one of them gets personal and attacks you and doesn't say anything about the book. And instead of screeching? Call a friend. It will save you grief in the long run.

Signing & Q & A set up in Asheville, NC, and this and that…

This is going to be at the Barnes and Noble at Asheville Mall on Friday March 25…

Still confirming a few things, but it will be that evening.

If you live in or around the area…pretty please hope to see ya!

3 South Tunnel Road

Asheville, NC 28805

This may be out this month…just gotta get it back from edits and get it loaded. I'm figuring out how to format as I go, so that's saving me a little bit of time. It's just a matter of correcting and fiddling… bleh. (FYI, formatting bites. I hates it)

Also, ebook only for now. I may eventually combine this and Beg Me together for a print edition, but that's a matter of timing, time, figuring it out…and time is something I have very little of so I'll just have to work it in as I'm able.
The blurb…

Tempt me…

She's a temptation he can't resist…

Roxanne 'Rocki' Monroe's life is full of secrets and hidden heartaches. Cole Stanton would love to heal her pain and chase away the ghosts of her past, but she's just a complication he doesn't have room for in his life.

Or so he thinks.

It doesn't take Cole long to realize he's more than willing to let temptation get the best of him, more than happy to deal with complications if that's what it takes to get her. What he has and what he needs are two different things…and what he needs is Rocki.

**will be made available on Nook, Kindle & thru Smashwords. more info posted as I have it…

I'd like to get a few advance reviews done up.  Have a book blog and think you can turn around a review in a week or so?  If so…please leave a comment below with a link to your blog. Honest, fair reviews are all I ask for…if you love the book, awesome.  If you hate it, that's fine…as long as you explain why in the review.

Please note, if you don't have an active, current, established blog…as in one that was started before today and one that was already reviewing books…before today…then you're not very likely to be considered.  Well, unless you have scads of followers and well, it will kind of be useful…*G*  cuz, yes, that's the point of reviews.  Getting the word out to readers.

Please note, this is not a contest.  If you've got questions about contacting me for ARCs, you can leave them here in regards to this book or, for other works, see my FAQ page…questions not directed through those channels are deleted.  Not trying to be mean, but trying to keep up review requests has become too much.

And…. last but not least… LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!!!  If You Hear Her

Have you commented…

We're up to over a hundred comments… have you added yours to the thread?

it's hereIt's an easy way to help save a man's life…and time is running out.

If You See Her…

The blurb….

A FACE IN THE MIRROR

Hope Carson may not look like a survivor, but she has escaped an abusive ex-husband and recovered from a vicious assault. Now she endures the painful memories and suspicious rumors surrounding her involvement in the attack. Her ex is a cop, so the last people she trusts are law enforcement officials—and she certainly doesn't trust how the local DA makes her feel inside.

Remy Jennings should know better. He has no business falling for a woman who he suspects may have a deeply troubled mind. And even if he did make a move, she'd bolt like a frightened rabbit. But how can he deny a burning desire that threatens to consume him? As Hope's past catches up with her in the worst way, Remy is determined to break through her defenses, earn her trust, and keep her safe in his arms—before it's too late.

No cover yet… no release date yet… but once I have them…

Why the Indie projects… filed under… Qs I get asked a lot…

I've had some people emailing me and asking why I'm doing the stuff with my indie projects a lot.

Especially since last summer I was warning people not to look for fame and riches if they go the do-it-yourself route with self-digital publishing.  I still don't think you're going to find it, especialy if you're a NEW writer, especially if you haven't found a reader base, and especially if you aren't willing to invest in in things like editorial services, cover art, etc.  Shoot, I  still haven't found fame and riches.  And how long have I been writing?

Anyway.  Those who are curious…here's the deal.

With some stories… like the one I'm doing with Larissa and Stephanie, and then again, the one with Hunter's Choice, stories that were previously published yet I still had rights to…it makes sense.  Another publisher isn't going to take these.  But those who prefer ebook over print, this gives them the option, right?

Other stories, like Beg Me or Tempt Me, could they go to one of my epublishers?  Yeah.  Possibly.  But one of the things I've always loved about my epublishers is that I could turn in a rough idea several months in advance, then the story a few months before release, have my cover, my blurb, etc… and still have my release date.  This worked…for me…because I'm not always an organized thinker and these shorter stories were kind of a brain break for me.

I've never been a writer who uses a synopsis, who turns in a completed idea before the story is done.  My NY publishers/editors don't require this of me… the shorthand term, from what I can understand, is 'buying on spec'… they take the rough idea, some sample chapters, and a rough outline and they offer me a contract based on this.

Previously with my epubs I'd had a similar freedom, although without the upfront money offered-and I was fine with that–I'd turn in a rough idea, without a synopsis and then the story came later, and the synopsis came with the story, because I just don't know where a story is going until I've written it.

I've never missed a deadline in my career, knock on wood, and please God, let that continue. Not once.  If somebody tells me that a book is needed by a set date?  I get it to them.

But that freedom I'd previously experienced is kind of going away.  Books are wanted earlier-not just partials, but completed books.  This isn't a bad thing for those who don't work as I do, and it's not a bad thing for the presses who are growing.  Except when you're working it in around busy schedules that include contracted works for other publishers, it makes it tricky.

Another problem is… it doesn't work as well for me.  As I'm not offered a contract from my epublishers until the book is completed and turned in…well…not even my NY pubs require that.  And they offer a better deal-they'll offer me a contract based on an idea with a few roughed out chapters and an idea.  They don't require me to 'work on spec'.  In short, they aren't requiring me to invest time on a project with no guarantee it will be accepted.  They've already accepted it, and offered me a contract.  Before I've done much more than a few chapters.  I don't have that with my epubs and I also don't have the freedom I used to have.

This long, drawn-out rambling explanation leads to this… the indie projects are just giving me the freedom I need.

Now try to understand…I'm not knocking anybody.  For an organized writer, this set-up isn't going to be an issue.  But that's not me.  I am not an organized writer, I never have been and I know I probably frustrate people.  But what works for me…well, it kinda of works for me, and I can't change how I write, and how I work to suit somebody else.  Chances are, with my paranoias, I'd screw things up anyway.

I'm just not always able to work within certain confines.  They work for some.  They don't work as well as for me.  They stress me out.  When I'm stressed, I don't work well.

Plus… those indie projects are playing out pretty fricking well right now.  I've made more on Beg Me that I did on Crazed Hearts and Tarnished Knight combined-frankly, my sales on Tarnished Knight sucked and that was my favorite Grimm book.  I realize the fact that Beg Me is almost a niche book, and that plays into the sales, and I know the fact that I've got a reader base to draw on plays into it.  But if it's working… well… it's working, right?

I don't plan on not writing for my epubs any more.  Some things will just go better there–I've got readers who are really into my Grimm series and many of them love print.  I'm still not sure about how to do the print deal on my own, although I'll figure it out sooner or later.

Right now, I'm just having more freedom with the indie things-the freedom I used to have with my epubs.  I need that freedom-it's a stress reliever.  I'm at a point where I need stress relievers…not stress-inducers.   And I'm still muddling through things, playing with covers on my own, the right amount of promo, finding 'the' freelance editor, etc…although man, I wonder if Sara Reinke would hire herself out to be my freelance editor.  Forever.  She's one of those few authors who did the editing thing and the author thing and from what I saw when she did an edit for me?  Whoa…I can't edit worth crap.  She can. Rambling, rambling…

Back to the issue at hand.

The indie things are a way to let me breathe.  A less stressful way of letting me tell a story on my timetable, a way of letting me get a story out on my timetable…a way of having a little more control over things.  Contrary to popular opinion, writers don't tend to have that much control once the book leaves their hands.

I confess, I'm a control freak, and sometimes, I just need more control.  This way…I have it.  And it's paying me pretty decent.  Why mess with a good thing?

Saturday snippets… a treat for my blog readers

You all are always hanging around, even when you don't comment.  So here's a treat…it's not from a WIP, but since I'm editing it, hey, it counts, right?

Something peeked out from under the bed and he leaned forward, grabbed it. The second he touched it, his skin buzzed. Her scent grew stronger. She'd touched the book.

She had been here. He could all but feel her. Where was she? His skin vibrated and he ached, deep inside his chest. His heart began to beat quicker, pounding, hard and insistent.

With each beat, his mind seemed to scream at him.

Find her.

Find her.

Lifting his head, he searched for Kelsey and found her standing at the door, staring at him with a bemused expression on her face. And she wasn't alone.

There was a man with her.

A vampire.

The vampire barely glanced at Dominic, rested a hand on Kelsey's shoulder. "I need to speak with you."

The voice was familiar. So was the face.

The dream—that fucking dream.

With startling clarity, he could remember the dream. His witch, standing at the edge of a skyscraper, staring down like she longed for nothing more than to step off the edge into oblivion. And the vampire.

This vampire.

He didn't realize he was growling.

He didn't realize he had lunged for the vampire.

Not until a pale hand closed around his throat and he was suspended in the air. Dominic didn't give a flying fuck—he couldn't choke to death.

"You fucking moron, do you have a death wish?" the vampire snarled.

Lashing out with a foot, Dominic demanded, "Where in the fuck is she?"

"Who are you talking about?" Dark blue eyes stared at him. They glowed with banked power. Dominic could feel that power, battering at him, slamming into him and threatening to send him back to his knees. Except he was still dangling several feet in the air.

Half-crazed, Dominic felt the bloodlust rise in him and he tore at the other vampire's hand, instinctively trying to break that grasp. Pain shot through him as the vamp's hand tightened, crushing his throat.

"Where in the fuck is she?" he demanded again.

Or at least that was what he tried to say. It came out "Waaaa . . ." His throat was crushed and he could taste his own blood.

Yield.

The vampire hadn't spoken.

His blue eyes bored into Dominic, glowing. Yield.

But Dominic could still smell her. Could still feel her presence, though it was fading.

The fingers on his throat tightened. But instead of scrabbling at the hand that held him effortlessly in the air, Dominic took his fist and used it to smash at the vampire's elbow. Distantly, he heard bone crack.

He hit the floor, but he had only about two seconds to enjoy it before he was sent flying across the room. He crashed into the wall, oblivious to anything and everything.

No… they don't have an easy time of it.  This is why Nessa drove me fricking NUTS while I was writing her book…

The Friday 56… Hunter's Fall Edition

Because Hunter's Fall is open on my desktop…doing edits.  It's the closest…

Such a short time she'd walked this earth. Seventeen years, to the day.

About the Friday 56

Grab the book nearest you. Right now
Turn to page 56.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog.
Post a link along with your post back to this blog.
Don't dig for your favorite book, the coolest, the most intellectual. Use the CLOSEST.

If you had a chance to save a life…

In your lifetime, there are few moments when you're given the opportunity to directly save another person's life.-Bryan Mealer, HuffPo

If you had a chance to save somebody's life, and it didn't take all that much… would you do it?  Well, here's that chance.

A few days ago, I blogged Marrion P'Udongo, a minister in the Congo who has dedicated his life to his people. Not just ministering to them in the way people might think…but risking his life on a regular basis.

Paraphrased…he says…(paraphrased because I suck at trying to get exact words down)

"My job as a minister isn't just about trying to lead people to heaven, but caring for all of them while here on earth."

In 2003, he hid 70 people in his house as the militia tore the town apart.  He could have been killed for what he did…but he did it anyway.

He has reached out to the child soldiers in the Congo, trying to give them the chance to be children…not child soldiers, but children.

He's a voice for the numerous women and girls who are raped in the eastern Congo.  He works with orphanages that care for the children who've lost their parents in the war.

He's a husband.  He's a father.  He's a hero.

He's also dying.  He was recently diagnosed with acute renal failure and he needs a transplant.  You can imagine they probably don't have the sort of resources in the Congo that might be found in other countries.

While the loss of any life is tragic, this man is a hero who has touched countless lives in that bit of the world-and you rarely hear much about the devastation there, the horrors, the tragedies.  Wars have raged there for years.  Yet all we hear is a blip every now and then.

Children living as soldiers.  Families slaughtered. Women and girls are endlessly raped, their abusers never brought to justice.  This man is one of the few that will speak for them.  And if he dies…will there be another to take his place?

Some of the pastor's friends are trying to raise money via indiegogo to pay for the transplant and time is running out.  I made a donation but I want to do more.   Romanceland has rallied behind communities devastated by hurricanes and it's rallied behind the black-footed ferret…maybe we can do something to help this amazing man.  This is a small something, but everything starts small, right?

So… for every comment left here in this thread, up to four hundred, I'm donating an additional dollar on top of my previous donation.  If 400 comments are left (at my blog-not FB, Goodreads, etc) I'll donate $400.  Now… to help maybe inspire others to give…if you donate via this page (they accept paypal, too, so international readers can enter!) with a minimum donation of $5.00 via paypal, then your name is entered to win:

an ARC of Hunter's Fall, personalized to the winner, drawn randomly

Any donation of $5.00 or more to the fund will be entered.  You can simply forward the confirmation from Indiegogo to contest4shiloh@gmail.com and that will be your entry.  I received mine and there is no personal data included, no name, address, nada.

Now… anybody who's hung out at my blog has probably noticed I kind of believe in the power of giving-there's a sort of magic to it.  Karma, reap what you sow…good things come back on those who give.  Not right away, but it happens.  Sometimes in hidden blessings, sometimes in more obvious ways, but there is power in it.

Whoever makes the largest donation to help this amazing man is going to receive huge, sloppy kisses from me…um, scratch that… how about books.  An ARC stack.

*this is all all or nothing-one winner gets them all*

An ARC of Hunter's Fall
ARCs of all three books from my upcoming romantic suspense trilogy
An ARC of my upcoming Grimm book, Locked in Silence

ARCs will not be immediately available…will be mailed later, but the recipient will get them before release date, I promise.

And…if you're a blogger and you want to help out even more…click here.

Info gathered via indiegogo, HuffPo and various googles…