Eldon’s Comments (group member since May 30, 2016)

Eldon’s comments from the Support for Indie Authors group.

Leslie wrote: "I had heard (perhaps apocryphally) that you reduced your ranking in amazon's algorithms for every time someone went to the book's page and didn't buy it."

I have never heard of this, Leslie. Could you perhaps share where you heard this bit of information?

Sounds like click bait to me. Steer clear.

Valerie wrote: "Anna Faversham wrote: "A. wrote: "You can get more categories from Publisher Rocket or a neat free tool called BKlink.com. Choose catfinder and enter your ASIN in the slot. Lots and lots of categor..."

That is correct Valerie :)

A. wrote: "You can get more categories from Publisher Rocket or a neat free tool called BKlink.com. Choose catfinder and enter your ASIN in the slot. Lots and lots of categories are there you can copy and dow..."

Publisher Rocket is my go to :)

Anna Faversham wrote: "I wish I could think of 10 good categories!

I've been wondering who the heck would be searching for 'metaphysical visionary'."

There are a number of tools available to help you with categories. i can't drop links here, but PM me if you're interested :)

A. wrote: "I haven't done this but this is a tip from Bryan Cohen's challenge webinar. Have a list of 10 good categories you want your book listed besides the two you get. Go to amazon and do a contact on the..."

Nice tip!

Anna Faversham wrote: "I can't believe it. I've just looked at my latest book which is one I have found very difficult to put in a genre - the most accurate I could find was speculative fiction - and Amazon UK have put i..."

Nice to see you around too, Anna :)

Anna Faversham wrote: "Gail said "For example, there was one book the author chose Lit & Fiction/Scandinavian (perfect for one of my books), which is not one of the 'generic' choices we are able to choose from initially...."

Hey Anna! As Gail has said when you upload to Amazon you chose two categories but by NO means should you stick with just two. The more exposure you have, the better your chances, right? If you send KDP Help an email they can place your book in up to ten categories of your choosing. So, chose wisely :)

Gail wrote: "Thanks Eldon!"

Anytime! And Dave Chesson is great at answering any questions you have on the product as well :)

Gail wrote: "Does anyone use Publisher Rocket for choosing the best Amazon categories for your books? I'd like to add more categories/change the ones I have and ran across it. Would love to know your thoughts (..."

Hi Gail! I have had Publisher Rocket since it was known as KDP Rocket. It is an invaluable tool well worth the investment. Especially once you begin AMS ads.

Afalstein wrote: "Trying to give out ARCs to websites and bloggers, but I'm worried. My manuscript is pretty much finished, but it's in Word Doc form, and I've just started the cover-making process. If I start sendi..."

I wouldn't worry too much about copyright. In giving out review copies you should consider the format each reviewer prefers. Many bloggers will only accept physical copies. Others prefer epub or mobi depending on their device. It's important to check before you send :)

B.A. wrote: "I have used chapter borders on a first page and vector graphics for dividers. I happen to like them and enjoy a book that has them. It adds a little touch of extra care to the book whether it is an..."

Totally agree B.A. :)

Iain wrote: "P.D. wrote: "Some things to consider:
- graphics add to your delivery cost at Amazon, which lowers your royalty. Especially if you are adding the graphic in 20 times, rather than adding it once and..."

Great point Iain!

P.D. wrote: "Some things to consider:
- graphics add to your delivery cost at Amazon, which lowers your royalty. Especially if you are adding the graphic in 20 times, rather than adding it once and referencing ..."

Great info P.D.! Thanks for the input :)

Phillip wrote: "I like them. They add a little character. That being said, I'm not a fan of stock images that I've seen in other books. I want the illustration to be as unique as the text that flows beneath it."

Good point. Stock images can detract from the effect.

Just wondering how people feel about chapter ornamentation in an ebook? Does the image add to the reader's enjoyment, or clutter up the landscape? Does it depend on the image?

That was most helpful :)

Thank you Anna!

Graeme wrote: "Hi Eldon. I often precede it with action or gesture, just like normal dialogue.

E.g.

He thumped the boardroom table and snapped, "That plan will never work."

She squeezed her fists, her fingerna..."

Thanks Graeme! I've heard different things on the proper treatment. Separate line or together.

Here's a question for the group. When writing internal dialogue, do you begin on a new line always, or not?