J.A.’s Comments (group member since Feb 22, 2011)

J.A.’s comments from the Q&A with J.A. Konrath group.

I signed the contract 2 years ago, prior to my ebook adventures.

Timecaster will be an ebook. Sadly, since my publisher has the rights, it will no doubt be expensive.

I write when I need to. If I'm working on a particular project, I'll write 12 hours a day until it's finished.

But I don't write every day.

Websites are nice to have, but I don't think they're necessary anymore. A blog is fine.

My sci-fi book TIMECASTER, written under my pen name Joe Kimball, will be out this year. It features Jack Daniels's grandson as the hero, and Harry McGlade III.

Jenna wrote: "J.A. wrote: ">>How important is eBook formatting?

Extremely important. I pay Rob Siders (www.52novels.com) to do my formatting."

I hate to say this, but I've gotten quite a few people come to me ..."

Yeah, they're both swamped. But they're worth waiting for.

Brenda wrote: "I think I remember that you once said you do use an agent for subsidiary rights. I'm working hard to get at least two books ready for Kindle. Let's say a big time NY agent called me today, breathle..."

It depends on what your goals are.

If Hollywood wants to pay me, I'll take the money and run.

I went through Brilliance, Jenna. They took care of it.

Thanks all for the continued kind words.

Jack Daniels does play a role in my upcoming thriller, FLEE. The hero is a female spy named Chandler, and it's the most action-packed book I've ever written.

In fact, it's the most action-packed book anyone has ever written.

Coming in March...

Steven wrote: "Ok I have to say I am addicted to your writing. Shaken was the first of the Jack Daniels stories I've read and now I have to read them all and your Draculas story was so friggin awesome I keep tell..."

Getting a movie made in Hollywood is like winning the lottery. In other words, it's nothing to pin your hopes on, because chances are high it won't happen.

That said, the one book of mine I think would make a great flick is Origin. I wrote that specifically going after the Jurassic Park crowd, and could imagine the action figures and toy tie-in sales. I'd love to see someone like Tony Scott or Renny Harlin tackle it.

1. What does your wife think about the change in your income over the past year or two? Did she always know it would happen for you eventually or is she truly amazed?

She always believed it would happen. I had my doubts.

2. Have you purchased any big-ticket items recently...or will you soon?

I have plans on buying Nebraska. I will rename it Joebraska and invite all of my friends to visit. You can come if you bring beer.

3. What is 'Just Is'? I see the cover on your blog and it has your name as well as your cover artist's name. New book coming soon?

It's a graphic enovel, specially tailored to e-ink. Coming soon...

4. Is 'Flee', the upcoming spy novel you're co-authoring with Ann Voss Peterson, strickly e-book or will it be released by a traditional publisher? (And how on Earth did you hook up with her?)

Ann is an old friend from my conference days. We'll release the print version ourselves. No legacy publishers need apply.

5. Is 'Flee' the start of the super-secret co-author novel series you blogged about before that will make you a million bucks? (If not...what is it?!?!?)

No, that's something else I still can't talk about. Flee is the start of a new series that may eventually make me a million bucks. It's a very hot book.

6. Do you like movies with gladiators? Have you ever been in a Turkish prison? Did you know Scraps is a boy dog?

Hmm? Sorry, I wasn't paying attention. Too busy looking at a grown man, naked.

Sarah wrote: "Fellow AE author here. Your honesty about the changes in the industry warm the cockles of an author's heart. Looking for your take on switching genres by same author within ebook market. Do your re..."

I have some J.A. Konrath fans, some Jack Kilborn fans, some who like both. I think using different names helps to give fans different expectations.

Tyson wrote: "Hi Joe,
This is part comment and part question. The end of Shaken felt like one of those "to be continued" moments from a TV show, so will the new book literally pick up where the last left off or..."

It'll stand alone and also be a continuation.

I did this same thing with Fuzzy Navel and Cherry Bomb. One comes right after the other.

There is also an upcoming book, SERIAL KILLERS UNCUT, which will fill in a lot of gaps in my books and my co-author, Blake Crouch's books.

Milton wrote: "Joe -- I'm a newbie mystery author, but a veteran audiobook voice talent and producer. Do you think there is a market for the audiobook version of novels being written by all these Konrath Konvert..."

I do. But I have no idea how to exploit it. I'm fortunate that my ebooks have sold their audio rights.

Bobbie wrote: "Joe, what is your take on the self-publishing route for authors who have a very limited budget to work with?

Many author hold out hope that they will be picked up by or offered a contract the old..."

You can get a professional cover, proofreading, and formatting for about $800. That's well worth the investment, and a lot less than a legacy publisher would take if you signed a book contract.

Stay indie, unless they offer you a crapload of money.

Bobbie wrote: "Are publicists a necessary evil, even for a self-published author?

Are they worth the expense?

Can a self-published author receive a good return on their investment in a publicist's services, w..."

I've got a decent publicist for Shaken, who has set up several nice bits of publicity for me.

But on my own, I don't use them. In fact, I've stopped doing interviews and public appearances. This hasn't hurt my sales at all. In fact, they've gone up.

In an ebook world, it just isn't necessary to bust your butt doing promotion.

Jennifer wrote: "I have two completed manuscripts that I've been trying to publish traditionally. I've been met with a lot of "great, but I can't sell it" from agents. Still, I'm afraid to jump into self-publishi..."

Go back to April 2009 and start reading my blog. it'll give you a Master's Degree in Self-Pubbing.

http://jakonrath.blogspot.com

>>How important is eBook formatting?

Extremely important. I pay Rob Siders (www.52novels.com) to do my formatting.

>>Is it okay to sell eBooks in PDF format, or does that leave an author's work too wide open and make it too easy for people to pirate?

There's nothing wrong with piracy. It's no different than getting books at a library, buying them used, or lending them to your friends.

Those who oppose piracy haven't done enough research.

Bobbie wrote: "Joe, do you think that the Big 6 (publishing houses) have a chance of surviving if they quickly create a self-publishing offshoot of their individual companies?


No.

At least, not in their present form. The market can no longer sustain them.