Let's get you published.

[Ian]

I'm thinking of a pen name "Bi Mi Book" I think it has a ring to it. Better than my initials IT hmmm

[[deleted user]]

Ian wrote: "I'm thinking of a pen name "Bi Mi Book" I think it has a ring to it. Better than my initials IT hmmm"

LOLOLOL...too funny!

[Van]

Hi, I'm Van and I've just published my debut novel

I just wanted to stop by, see how you are all doing and mention Draft2Digital. A decent alternative to Smashwords. It get's your book to Amazon, B&N, Kobo and Nook in less than a day and to Ibooks in 3-7 days.

I'd be happy to help with any questions associated.

[Deborah]

Hi Van, perfect timing! I'm just fiddling with getting my debut onto D2D and I can't figure out how to get the copyright page, endmatter etc. auto generated (as it says it will). Did you use that facility, or just do your own? I can't find anywhere to click a link, yet they are telling me it should be there...!

[Van]

Deborah wrote: "Hi Van, perfect timing! I'm just fiddling with getting my debut onto D2D and I can't figure out how to get the copyright page, endmatter etc. auto generated (as it says it will). Did you use that f..."

Deborah wrote: "Hi Van, perfect timing! I'm just fiddling with getting my debut onto D2D and I can't figure out how to get the copyright page, endmatter etc. auto generated (as it says it will). Did you use that f..."

Hey Deb,

Yes, I've used the auto-generator option for the Title, Copyright, Dedication and About the author page . Pretty happy with how it came out.
In "Layout"-->once you select these options and give the details whereever necessary (for dedication you can just copy and paste your stuff, it will format it. And about the author, fill out all the details) hit the "Save&Continue" button which will take you the next page "Preview Book Layout". Here you can download the epub, pdf and the mobi formats of your book to check how the auto-generated pages turned out. If you are not happy with the way they turned out, you can just hit "Back" edit these pages again and repeat the process.
Once your happy the way the book turned out, you can hit "I have reviewed this manuscript and approve it for public release" it will take you to the publish page where you can select the stores.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
Good luck,

-Van.

[Deborah]

Van wrote: "Deborah wrote: "Hi Van, perfect timing! I'm just fiddling with getting my debut onto D2D and I can't figure out how to get the copyright page, endmatter etc. auto generated (as it says it will). Di..."

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer this - I wasn't getting the check boxes on my screen, which was what was confounding me, so I tried my small travelling laptop instead and, lo and behold, there they were on the screen!
Now its all uploaded and working fine - thanks! :)

[Van]

Deborah wrote: "Van wrote: "Deborah wrote: "Hi Van, perfect timing! I'm just fiddling with getting my debut onto D2D and I can't figure out how to get the copyright page, endmatter etc. auto generated (as it says ..."

Glad you got it all worked out.
It might have been the browser on your computer. I've used Google chrome on mine. Were you using internet explorer? If so, try Chrome the next time.
And if that doesn't help, contact their support team (support@draft2digital.com). Somebody usually gets back to you within the same day.

Have you a good rest of the weekend,

-Van.

[Deborah]

Thanks for the advice - I used to use Chrome but my laptop is so stuffed with things I decided to remove it - might just download it again once the machine has had the major debugging its booked in for!

[Carol]

Ian: First, I want to thank you for starting this topic. I have completed three novels - none pubished as yet.

Back in May you commented on the questionable value of critique groups, and I have to say I agree. There is the occasional benefit, but I learned early on that a writer has to have the confidence in their own judgment to know when a critique or comment applies to their work and when it does not. Take what you can use and leave the rest on the table for someone else. I have received some critiques that were invaluable to me, and others that were just plain laughable.

Some critics (usually new writers themselves) spout platitudes such as: "Your story has to start out with a bang, a hook, some action." Sometimes, yes. But do you really want to be the one to break that news to Anita Shreve? How about Anne Tyler? Pat Conroy? When it comes to critiques, it would be wise to consider the source, and know what you're trying to accomplish with your own work.

[Ian]

Ah the prodigal son returns to this group. Yes I have been away on my travels and left you unattended, apologies for that, however, let me explain what I have been doing and it may help some of you as well.

CJ; I agree whole heartedly.

Now this is going to be a lengthy post.

A couple of months ago I had some interest in my book and a recommendation to a publishing house, a lead if you like. I looked at my book and decided, once again, that it just wasn't good enough even though the lady who recommended me is a best selling author with that house.

Co-incidentally at the same time another writer, who I respect immensely took an interest in little old me.

And guess what he taught me?

I really could not write! I had a foundation, a story, but my means of putting it across was floored. Sure I knew about head hopping, passive verbs etc.

As Yoda would say, "Depressed I was."

Over the last two months he has patiently, subtly and sometimes down right rudely, taught me how to tell a story with written words.

Now to give you an idea of the process he put me under, in two months I had 1777 words finished and completed to his satisfaction. Thus the lack of interaction here.

Now you may say "two months?" But;

As a new writer, I suffered constantly from a need to keep the reader engaged, action, action, action. Ie as CJ said in the last post--no confidence in my ability to keep the reader through my writing and that dreaded 70/80k word count.

Strip out all the useless words, cut the fat, etc etc. We have all seen the blogs.

I read Neil Gaimans 'The ocean at the end of the lane' what a great book, loads of fat etc in that, but it all reinforces the story.

Word count, I hear you say, "F**k word count", is what my man said, and then these words, "A story will take as many words as it take to tell it correctly."

Now how has this helped me?

I stripped the first 5 chapters of my book and put them away, apparently they are a novel/ novella on their own.

I have just pre-edited 30k words in 2 weeks, roughly 4-5 hours per day. Now bear in mind, this is probably the third draft of these 30k words and I am not finished with them yet. It equates to roughly 2 paragraphs per hour. And I am only nearly happy.

I have learn't that comma's seem to have a mind of there own.

Pace, this is the most important, now if I write something I don't even look at the word count. I look at where I am and think, "Let's just get Greman Ramjook to the hole tonight." he can fall down it tomorrow.

And then I look at every word.

Why?

I hate disappointing my helpful author with shit, and if he bears with me and I get to his exacting standards, well, hopefully my readers will, eventually, get a fantastic product.

So

a) This is where I have been
b) If you see someone who has just posted on Twitter say "I have just knocked out 9k words, and I finish the book tomorrow," well you have to wonder about the quality.

b) Writing is 10% writing and 90% hardwork

c) It is worth the hard work when your Beta reader says "It's like reading a film" and your whip master sends you a mail saying "Congratulations, you are now a writer.....ps the hard work starts now!"

Dooh!

Hmmm this turned into a bit of a rant, hell after what I have been put through, I just felt like letting off steam.

If you want to have a look at the chapter that got through his sturdy eye it is on,

www.thethiefandthestalkerstone.weebly...

But only if you like fantasy.

Good to be back,

Ian

[Rebecca]

Ian, I sat down to work this a.m. feeling mentally dowdy. I am on a deadline for the 6th book in a series that has taken me by surprise in terms of its popularity. I am not an unseasoned writer - traditionally published for 25 years, a list here and there, indie for the last 3 years. Happy as a clam. But in the last month I have fallen back into the word count game and I feel like I have gorged on junk food - sluggish, uninspired, just want to take a nap. TY so much to you and your author friend for the reminder today. Greatly appreciated.

[Rebecca]

Wow, just read the first chapter. Wow. What a beautiful picture you paint, drawing the reader in. The door opened with a song not a creak. Good grief, this is going to be wonderful.

Now, to work.

[[deleted user]]

Ian, rant or not, your words are inspiring.

Word count, I hear you say, "F**k word count", is what my man said, and then these words, "A story will take as many words as it take to tell it correctly."

I totally agree. As long as each word counts for the pace of the story and adds to the plot, characters, setting etc, who cares how many there are. It's daunting for a new writer to google "approximate word counts for various genres", look at the results and then try to make their story "fit". It's forced if you try to make it fit.

Pace, this is the most important, now if I write something I don't even look at the word count. I look at where I am and think, "Let's just get Greman Ramjook to the hole tonight." he can fall down it tomorrow.

Uber important. If there is no pace, then the reader gets confused, lost and gives up.

b) Writing is 10% writing and 90% hardwork

So sad, but so true. Banging out the story is the fun part, rewriting can even be fun because you get to know your characters and plot so much better and then editing and polishing...blech!

Just one more thing Ian...head hopping, oh my I love to do that and the lady who is critiquing one of my novels (see my comment to CJ below) just about came off the rails in one of my chapters I was doing it so much. "Please, please, please fix this!" was basically what she said. I had to smile because I could actually hear her saying it.

Anyway, glad to hear that you are on your way with your book.

@CJ - critique groups are fabulous and I agree that a person should take what they can from it and leave the rest. Every comment helps in some way, though, maybe how to do it and maybe how not to do it.

I have my NaNoWriMo novel (first draft) in the hands of one of my fellow writers from my writing group. She has been published twice in OnSpec so I feel she is qualified to give an honest critique of my work. WOW, I have not been disappointed. She is blunt, honest, doesn't sugar coat what she thinks is wrong, praises the stuff I've done right and has been immensley helpful. She has gotten through 32 of 41 chapters and just sent the first 32 chapters worth of notes to me last night. For a first draft, I have to say that I expected more problems and therefore am happy to say that the problems she found are easy fixes (head hopping being a big one). It is encouraging to receive something of such value to help me become better at something I love to do.

I agree, that while some stories should start with a 'bang' it's not necessary, as long as the story starts with a great 'hook' that makes the reader want to continue to read.

I'm not published, I have three manuscripts written and am working on all of them to improve what I love to do. I just attended a writers conference this past weekend and learned so much. I look forward to pulling those seminars up in my mind as I write .... and I have blubbered too long. :)

[[deleted user]]

Ian, very nicely done. I used to read fantasy when I was younger, but I don't anymore. I understand the world though. You opened it nicely with the brief history of the trees and the world.

I IMMEDIATELY empathised with the young boy "Ghost" and felt the sorrow for the loss of his mother and the panic at the thought of his sister's responsibility. There is a tenderness between the two that I saw as soon as she opened the door and said good morning. There is a lot of emotion in that whole thought process and conversation. You set up the premise of the story very well. I know the conflict so far (the battle beneath the earth) and I know that Shorelle, although knows her responsiblity, is unsure and scared.

I got all this just from the first bit ... as she closes the door and leaves. You given me connection with the characters and for me that is paramount to my enjoyment of a story.

I didn't read the rest but I will after work (just had a bit of a break).

But, like CJ said, this doesn't start with a bang (a least up to what I've read) and yet it drew me in. Anyway, I have to get back to work for a bit.

[Ian]

Thank you both for the kind words, I know fantasy isn't everyone's cup of tea.

The pace thing is one of the points that I felt I learn't the most and why I wanted to share the experience with others, but perhaps I did not explain it correctly. It isn't the pace of the story, more the pace of the writer.

I used to set myself av1500/2000 word target a day. Some go higher, some go lower, I have seen 9k a day twitter posts. My point, via advice, is this can be daunting for us newbie writers reading these fantastic word counts. It also knocks the fun out of it and leads to a lot of crap being put down only to be trimmed later.

I was told to "Find your own pace." Released of such pressure odd things happen, the words written are much better, need less rewriting, There is no disappointment. Thus my comment, I'll get Greman to the hole tonight--he can fall down it tomorrow.

The other advantage of this relaxed approach is that I already know what I'm going to write about tomorrow and have all day to think about it.

This isn't the correct approach for everyone, but the point of this group is to share what works for us. Let's face it....still haven't published a book!

Once again thanks for the kind words, I shall beach Cutter in Estorelll tonight, he can then have a rest until tomorrow!

[Rebecca]

Couldn't agree more on the pace of the writer. I used to write a chapter a day and it was much better than thinking about word count. I came to a natural stopping point and had a natural starting point. I actually pick up more words on edit than I do when I simply set out to write. It's amazing, I can slash 1,000 words and pick up 1200.

I am not a fantasy reader but I have to say it is a genre that is best suited to a visual writer.

[Carol]

The best criticism I ever received required some humble introspection before I realized its value. At first I was angry because it wasn't exactly presented in a tactful manner (and could have been). It was "in your face." But it was also dead on. It had to do with head-hopping (a malady common I think to new writers). When I settled down and took a good look at it, though, I could see her point. I did a a rewrite and learned a lot in the process.

I have just recently begun a fourth novel and I am amazed at how much more polished it is from the get-go. It is a learning process, but all writers must go through it if they want to improve their craft.

And, good for you, Ian. I hope you see success from all those changes. I paid for a mentor service with one of my books and it was money well-spent. She was SO professional and helpful. She didn't "tickle my ears," by any means, but she did give some very positive feedback, as well as some helpful suggestions.

[Rebecca]

LOL, I pay to have someone abuse me. Even when I was publishing in New York I used the same freelance editor I use now. I used her before I sent to my regular editor. She was is always completely honest but what's great is she offers viable options. She's been amazing. I always tell her my career is over if she ever quits. We're on book 28 now.

[Evelyn]

As for word count per day, what is this? Who needs it? I never ever count the words I've written until the book is finished - totally finished, edited and ready to go. Then I wonder how much it is! Why? Because sometimes a scene is difficult to write, especially if I have to research some point of history (I write factual historical novels. Other times it comes easier. Sometimes I have a whole afternoon, others I only have an hour or so. So I don't worry about it. It takes as long as it takes.

[[deleted user]]

Evelyn wrote: "As for word count per day, what is this? Who needs it? I never ever count the words I've written until the book is finished - totally finished, edited and ready to go. Then I wonder how much it is!..."

I agree totally...great advice and thoughts.

[Carol]

As to word count, my books tend to be on the long side too (100,000 to 120,000), but, at least in the case of a physical bound book, I can understand the concern as, the more pages, the higher the cost to the publisher to print. This is not true of ebooks.

Other than that, as a reader I am certainly not intimidated by a book's size. Some of my favorite books weigh in on the heavy side! ;)

[Sarah]

Mine always tends to run on the low end of 2,000 words for ebooks. I tend to be specifically a short story person for some reason.

[[deleted user]]

Ian, I just read the rest. Very nice. It's a great start. I just thought I would let you know. I love how we learn about the stones throught the conversation and how you ended the segment. It's clear where the story is going.

[Deborah]

I say, Ian, that's more like it!
What a difference to the old version - keep it up :)

A month ago I published my debut fantasy (through Draft2Digital - highly recommended for non-techies like me) - (not the novel you read, Ian, but an earlier work) - and it featured highly from the word go in Amazon's Hot New Releases Top 100 and now has nine reviews, all 5 star, and is selling steadily :)

I have to say, I would probably not have managed this without the grillings I've gone through with my writer's group - I would say they have been my biggest asset. Clearly, you have to have a quality group (I'm lucky, most of us are published writers of one variety or another), but I would absolutely recommend trying to find a good group if you can - a fantastic resource I would not be without.

[Carol]

Deborah (and anyone else who has a writers' group), how do you go about finding a good writers' group. I was in one online a couple of years ago and it was really helpful, but it finally just lost its oomph and died out. I'd love to find one.

[[deleted user]]

Well, you could always start one of your own CJ, if there isn't one started where you live.

I took a creative writing course at my local community college and the group ended up forming a small writing group...there were4 or 5 of us to begin with and now we have about 15. It's been a year and it's a slow growth, and, I live in a smaller city, but we are all like minded and we help each other a lot.

We are sponsoring a "Get Published" seminar this fall so hopefully we can generate some more interest at that. We have a publisher and a self-published author as the guest speakers.

[Deborah]

I'd agree with Pam, if there isn't one near you, start one!
The one I belong to began as a subdivision of the local Literary Society. When that folded, we kept on going. Members come and go, but a small core remains the same, and fresh blood is always welcomed. I just found us a new member here on Goodreads, who didn't have a clue that other SFF writers existed in his home town of Brighton, UK, where we are based.

[[deleted user]]

I would say our core is the same Deborah. We have had members come an go as well. I guess it's just the nature of the way writers, or I suppose any group, operates.

[Ian]

Hi Debby, long time no speak. Congrats on your book. What's the amazon link? Tried to look under the email name I had for you but could not find it.

Glad it is selling well, keep it up!

[Deborah]

Thanks Ian, been so busy with the release and promo (and a full time job!) haven't had time for much else!

Find it on Goodreads at:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18...

And/or Amazon UK at
http://www.amazon.co.uk/THE-PRINCES-F...

You have to look it up under my author name, Deborah Jay :)

[Ian]

Hi Debby,

I will have a look tonight, like you, full time job. Fantastic cover art , almost 3d. Who did that for you, if you don't mind me asking.

Ian

[Deborah]

Ian wrote: "Hi Debby,

I will have a look tonight, like you, full time job. Fantastic cover art , almost 3d. Who did that for you, if you don't mind me asking.

Ian"

Thanks! I love my cover, and so does almost everyone else - only had one negative when I did the cover reveal, by someone who thought it was an 'appalling cover, and badly photoshopped'!!!

I saw a cover I really liked on http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2011/0... - a really great place to study cover design - and I contacted her to ask who had done it. Turned out she'd done it herself, so I asked if she'd consider doing one for me, and she said yes :)
Jennifer Quintenz is her name, and she now has 2 of her own books out with gorgeous covers, all her own work.

[Abby]

My publisher is always looking for great books. They do traditional and co-op publishing and also have every service a writer may need. Check them out here:

www.mediawebpublishinginc.com

[[deleted user]]

Hey Authors and New Writer!

I wanted to share this amazing collaboration between four great Goodreads fantasy authors with you all and invite you to join the promotional book club here on Goodreads.

No need to purchase anything to join in and read about these great books. You may feel free to ask the authors about their experiences in writing and publishing.

There are also opportunities to win free giveaways, learn more about the authors, and join in on virtual events.

The Club will be open from now until January 1, 2015.

https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Alora]

Hi everyone.

My name is Alora Dillon and I am writing to share what I have learned in the past year.

I am a new writer when it comes to fiction. I had never published for the public eye any of my personal stories I have written over the years... And there are LOTS. Always fearful of rejection, I've kept my story ideas shelved, hidden away even from myself after writing them. (Let's face it, we are our own worst critic, right?)

Anyway, I took a course last year that opened my eyes to writing Non-fiction and how to self publish.

I did as I was instructed and opened my own publishing company, registered for 100 ISBN numbers from Bowkers, signed up with Lightning Source as a publisher and started writing How To books... let me tell ya, NOT FUN!

BUT... what I did notice is that now that I am OFFICIALLY a publisher, I can EASILY get my indie books published for MYSELF and it costs $79. That is the LS set up fee. THEY do all the distributing once you upload your book. They send you a proof if you decide to purchase it, like $15 overnight AND they distribute the digital edition to hundreds (and I do mean hundreds and hundreds) of worldwide digital book sellers to sell on their sites.

I published a book on AKITAS of all things and it does scarily well each month! So, I am thinking now that I should try it with my YA fiction... only, I have to wait until the 90 days are up with KDP Select in order to go digital worldwide.

So, what I am basically getting at is if publishing for myself is worth it, then it should be for you too. I will post my results once I get my physical book out there and let you know how it goes. Then, if you want, I can walk you through the simple steps on how to set up your own publishing company so you can make the profits! I can make at up to 90% on all sales minus print costs which is minimal.

I hope this made some sense... and if not, feel free to PM me and ask me what on earth were you talking about? :-)

Good luck with everyone who has taken the courage to share your life's blood in the form of characters coming to life on paper... or digital screen! :-)

Regards,

Alora

[Jorden]

Just crossed that finishing line.

Published Destiny's Hand
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

This book is inspired by soul crushing life experience and fantasies of world domination.

This was a very delicate and complex book for me to write. Someone less stubborn would have picked a simpler story for their first published book, but I am a mental masochist.

This tale dives deep, but it stops short of hard sci-fi with a familiar space village like setting. I also try to have humor throughout and am very curious as to how that's received.

It has more of a focus on mystery and intrigue than sex and violence, with humor added I hope it will win positive reviews. Funny but not silly sci-fi is my favorite kind.

[Marie]

great thread can't believe it's been going so long and I've only just noticed it. I hope everyone has been having success with their books. I'm trying the traditional route so far but not having much luck.

[S.L.]

I used Createspace.com and Smashwords.com with KDP however if you use KDP you ant use any other publishing site for 90 days.