Carrie’s Comments (group member since Mar 08, 2017)

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

Thank, Sam! I do like that also and am gonna leave it in.

Hello, everyone!

I'm trying to make my book's blurb shorter and snappier. I've been told that my current one is too long and was reminded of people's short attention spans. So, with those things in mind (and keywords people search for on Amazon), I set about reworking it. What do you think?

---

In her thirteenth life, Aven Dovenelle is truly happy. She's settled into the now witchcraft-friendly Salem where she has opened her own shop and made great friends--there's even a possibility of love.

Despite her contentment, the truth of Aven's existence haunts her. She is cursed to live life after life, with all the memories of her horrific past. Hope may come in the form of a mysterious white raven, who has shadowed Aven through each of her lives.

But a malevolent force from Aven's past isn't finished with her. Driven by vengeance and hate, his attack will bring Aven to her knees.

The cost of her happiness and freedom could prove too high as Aven uncovers the truth about her curse and that dark magick lingers.

--- OR even shorter ---

Despite being content in her thirteenth life, the truth of Aven’s existence haunts her. She is cursed to live life after life, with all the memories of her horrific past. When the elusive white raven, who has shadowed Aven through each of her lives, finally reveals itself, it may hold the secret to her salvation.

But a malevolent force from Aven’s past isn’t finished with her. Driven by his hatred of the witch, his attack will bring Aven to her knees.

The cost of her happiness and freedom could prove too high as Aven uncovers the shocking truth about her curse and that dark magick lingers.

---

Thanks!

I think my novel is a bit different because of the strong female protagonist. I mean truly strong--not whiny and unsure of her powers, afraid or unwilling to use them, or scared of the consequences. If something needs to be handled, Aven will handle it (but sometimes not well!). She's a bit hardened and bitter from the trauma of her previous lives, and many times unapologetic. While this may sound unappealing, you discover why she's this way and then begin to identify with her and root her on. (These aren't my words but reviewers! (Thankfully!))

Theodore wrote: "Have had significantly better luck with ENT and..."

Hi, Theo! What is ENT?

I've tried several times with Facebook ads and they are not worth it at all IMHO.

Pat wrote: "Carrie -
I read a little in this genre, so I'll give it a try. I read the description, it appears to an adventure I would like to read. I need to take a break from my normal reading."

Thank you so much! What format would you like and where should I send it?

You are so great for offering to do this, Ruth! I'm a new author (I quit my job in order to follow my dream) and my first book came out on April 1st. (Happy dance!)

It's contemporary fantasy/magical realism with a strong female protagonist and written mostly in 1st person but with a few chapters in limited 3rd person. There's also some chapters from the perspective of an animal, the white raven.

Here are the details: The White Raven

Thank you!

Marie - that's a good way to look at it as I am paying per click. No clicks, no cost = free advertising! LOL. But I am getting lots of views.

Thomas - thanks for confirming my suspicions. I knew it was wrong but I needed some validation. :-) My cpc is .75 but I plan to increase that once the paperback is available. I think I'm getting a good amount of views but I have nothing to compare that to.

I've had a Goodreads ad running for about 3 weeks with zero clicks. I started with a review excerpt from a fellow author, then I changed it to showing the hook, and now I've changed it again to show a few reviews excerpt and the price.

If this latest change doesn't generate any clicks or (gasp!) a sale, I was thinking of doing something a little different (at least, different for me anyway).

"If you liked Practical Magic (the movie) and did NOT like Discovery of Witches, give this book a try. Free on KU or 3.99"

Part of me thinks this is kind of crass and I don't want it taken as if I'm disparaging DoW. What do you think?

Or, is it really just a fact that ads on Goodreads just don't work?

Hello, Pat. You are so kind to make this offer!

I'd love for you to give my book, The White Raven, a read if you find the description interesting. It's contemporary fantasy/magical realism with a strong female protagonist and written mostly in 1st person but with a few chapters in limited 3rd person. There's also some chapters from the perspective of an animal, the white raven.

Thanks in advance for considering!

Carrie

C.L. wrote: "Mine are matte and I know what you mean about the schmutz (agreed - good word) but I got a glossy as a comparitive and decided to stay with the matte. For my genre it just makes it fit in better th..."

You gotta go with what works!

Side by side comparison. Not sure if you can see all the shmutz on the matte one on the left, but it's awful. And the darkness! I had to lighten the cover immensely to get the output I wanted (on the right).

Theodore wrote: "The CS glossy covers are superb! I think you will be very happy."

Got the proof today and you are right. The glossy rocks!!

The only noticeable difference is the interior of Ingram/Lightning Source books is in a bolder font t..."

Good to know, thanks!

Theodore wrote: "The CS glossy covers are superb! I think you will be very happy."

Good to hear!!

Thanks for all the great feedback! I've had wonderful experiences with CS customer service. I wish more companies were as helpful and responsive! They are sending me a replacement proof for free with expedited shipping.

I was really surprised, unhappily so, at how dark the cover came out. I'd read articles about this and was prepared for it, but WOW. I hope my lightened cover turns out better this time. Fingers crossed. (Plus, the matte finish holds fingerprints like mad! Looks terrible on a darker cover. This latest proof is on glossy so I can see if that's any better.)

Hi! I just got my paperback proof from Createspace today and I'm concerned about the quality. There's a noticeable amount of glue poking out from the spine binding and the cover paper seems a little cheap. Does anyone have issues with Createspace's production quality? Also, have you done both Ingram and CS? If so, is Ingram's quality any better?

Thanks!

X. wrote: "Congratulations!"

Thank you!

Sam (Rescue Dog Mom & Writer) wrote: "Awe, please give him a hug for me! Thanks! Hugs!!"

I will! He loves hugs

Sam (Rescue Dog Mom & Writer) wrote: "NICE DOG!! Er... uhm... I mean... Congratulations! Wishing you sales and success! Hugs!!"

He IS a nice dog! Thanks! :-)