Carole’s Comments (group member since Oct 19, 2016)

Carole’s comments from the Navigating Indieworld Discussing All Things Indie group.

That's a big one, CL. Michael won best in Horror for Monsterland two years ago. They announce it in the Huffington Post. I won for the first time with them last year. (Not sure which book, lol) but I had entered for years and didn't get anything.

Thanks, Ted. I'm proud of him.

I'm happy for you CL- I'll try and buy from one of those other places tomorrow. ;)

Congrats!! Erica!!

The first time I won an award I didn't know until my publishing rep from Createspace called to congratulate me. My first book was chosen as one of Kirkus' Best of 2012. You can't enter the book- it named to the list by people at Kirkus. It was a big honor, I was told and not many books are picked. I think they only choose from people who have their books reviewed by them. I paid for the review in a package Createspace sold me. The second award I received- I had no idea the book was entered, either. At this point, I had about five books out. It was the NABE Pinnacle Award. Again, I didn't enter the book. While I felt Kirkus outweighed NABE, I realized the books with awards on the covers were selling better. A reviewer asked me to place one of my son's books in the Rebecca Reads Awards. I was hesitant- there was a charge. I had entered the books in another award program that cost about one hundred dollars and the books didn't win- so I didn't want to throw away money. She kept urging me to do it, so I decided to try.
I also decided to enter the books in the Foreword Review Book of the Year. Did I think our books would win? No- was I surprised when they started getting awards- yes. I spoke with industry people. They told me, many books are entered and most don't win anything. Some of these places have librarians and reviewers who take the idea of giving out awards seriously.
Others are just money-making machines for the person advertising it. Either way, I've entered all my books- some won- others did not. Buying editorial reviews or paying to enter did not guarantee a ribbon. Some of these sites will hound an author to take a publicity package after they won- authors don't need to- the award speaks for itself.
I believe the awards have helped up with recognition and set the books apart from other books on Amazon. It says someone thought the book was good enough to recognize it. We've won money, and in some cases, I think clout. I was leery of saying any of our books were award-winning- but they are. They competed against their peers and have been recognized. It is no coincidence that my son's book Monsterland - which won Best Horror on numerous sites was picked up by a publisher.

It's not for presale on Amazon?

Good stuff.

shared!!

Thanks guys. I️ was troubled by it. Holding those ranks have been harder and harder

https://the-digital-reader.com/2017/1...

Great answer, Josie. I never engaged, but one time some of Michael's supporters did and the group of reviewers attacked his book. I tried to put out the fire by asking everybody to be respectful of each other- (while I didn't like their review, we are not afraid of negative comments- everybody is entitled to an opinion. I hate when people square off)- they then attacked my books. Goodreads would not remove the image from mine- it's a kid's book and they put a provocative image up- it was clear they hadn't read my book-I wrote Goodreads, but they sided with the trolls. The trolls blocked me so I couldn't read their comments. I realized if you a e going to do this, sometimes it is not fair and you have to have a thick skin. You also have to be a little like Elsa in Frozen, Let it GO!

Faith wrote: "Alex wrote: "problem is the blurb. Can you do anything with this?"

It’s the same old story, isn’t it? There you are, trundling through the evening sky in your Lancaster bomber when reality’s torn ..."
You are brilliant- Faith!!

Burned Rubber

Stone Cold Ashes

First Degree Burns

I would put something in the book to validate the title.

The same to everybody!! Love you all!!

Here is a general Holidays wishes thread- Please feel free to wish everyone a happy- whatever!!!

For those in the states and elsewhere who celebrate- Happy Thanksgiving!!! Wishing everyone peace and joy!

hahah- doing three things at once, as usual!!!

Thanks Anna!!!

Nice review on The Feathered Quill!!

http://www.featheredquill.com/

lol

shared!!

Erica wrote: "Sweet! Thank you, Carole. :) Just let me know if you have any restrictions on countries."

I'd like to keep it in the states.