Erica’s Comments (group member since Jan 10, 2017)

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

Sorry I have been a little hit and miss on here lately. Been busy crafting for the holidays, prepping the Facebook release party and book signing next week for my new book, and starting a new side business with my husband. Plus all the other daily stuff. Lol congrats Alex on the releases, voted Carole, and clapped for both your wonderful articles Carole and Amy!

Thanks Josie! Keep us posted. :)

It depends on where you give them away at, Amy. I agree with Ted. I did 3 giveaways through Goodreads. I was lucky and two of the winners we're serious winners who left reviews. The other winner was someone who was winning 1-2 books everyday and had no reviews. I know a lot of other authors who saw that happen frequently with their giveaways on Goodreads. The only thing it was good for was building followers. However, I have had some luck with paperback giveaways through bloggers and on my personal social media sites.

They are one of the biggest self publishing platforms out there with a print on demand option. They do have a $50 set up fee but often offer coupons to waive the cost. You'd have to buy your own ISBN. If you have your own ISBN, you can do both IS and Createspace, so long as expanded distribution is disabled on Createspace. Many bookstores prefer to buy from IS because they are not owned by Amazon (a competitor).

I am finalizing details on the book release party! I will send everyone an email in the next couple days with a schedule and other info. I have room for 1, potentially 2 more childrens authors but I need to know by tonight if you are joining. Thanks everyone!

I am waiting for the createspace phase out. Especially with the kdp paperback program. I still need to get all my books on Ingram Spark, but their quality isn't as good. *Sigh*

Thanks!

I will gladly review your book Rocio. Email me. :)

Thank you for the offer, Conny! I sent you and email.

From past experience, the only benefit to Goodreads giveaways has been to build a following on Goodreads. I don't mind paying my book cost and shipping for that. However, the rate of reviews per book given away is low, so I am certainly not paying a huge fee when it is likely I won't even get reviews. There are plenty of other avenues for giveaways that are free or cheaper. I will start to consider other options.

I just saw I missed Nancy. Following you now. Love the hat by the way!

Thanks. I just saw that I have an email too. If I am reading it correctly giveaways will only be open to US residents when the change-over occurs too. So not only are you paying, but your audience is decreased?? Maybe I am reading that wrong?

That is frustrating...I wonder if they are trying to weed out Indies. When does this start? It mentions an introductory timeline, but has it started yet?

Thank you CL and Sam!

Thank you, Amy! This one took much longer than I expected. It feels good to finally have it finished and ready for release. :)

Congrats Carole on your review! And best of luck CL with your preorders!

Book 5 is set and ready for release on December 7! This one was by far the most challenging. It has been completely worth it though. My 4 year old has my proof copy and she has been asking to read it every night before bed. She also "reads" it to her sister using the illustrations as a guide. There couldn't be a better feeling. :)

I am having a Facebook release party December 7/8/9 at https://www.facebook.com/events/15065...

Please feel free to join us for games and prizes. If you go to the page, you can select "going" to get a reminder when it gets closer. I have a GREAT line-up of other children's authors who will be joining us and hosting giveaways of their own. I am so excited!

I absolutely have a spot for you, Judy! I am happy to have you back again for this party. I got your email. :) Thank you!

Posted this in the other thread, but I will post here too. :) Happy Thanksgiving! One thing I am thankful for this year is this incredible and supportive group of authors. You make all the struggles that come with being an indie author bearable and make the good times even better!

I just created the event page. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/15065...