I suppose at some point I should like write down blog topics so I don't find myself bereft of things to say for weeks at a time. But, let's face it, I ain't too good at this whole talking to people thing.
The last little blurb was about my wonderful busy life, and I am looking forward to at least four more weeks of busy. Of course, that is assuming I finish the book on time.
Unlike Blood of Two, editing this book has been intensive (and I do hope it shows). Things have fallen to the wayside while I've concentrated on the book; Facebook, Twitter, workshop forums, industry news perusing, reading (I haven't read a book in two months), marketing, and my short stories.
It makes you wonder how successful author's have time for the talk show circuit. Well, not really. You have to figure they went through much the same at some point in their careers, but then they reached a point where they had money to farm some of this junk out.
At some point, an author becomes proficient in their writing and the rough draft isn't quite as rough as it once was, which makes the author's initial editing easier. Some author's even claim their rough draft is what they forward to their editor's.
Success will often bring money. The author reaches a point where they can hire editor's they trust to do the work I do now. I'm not talking about these editor's you find online at some editor warehouse, where they go back and pull one down from a hook and hand off your manuscript. I mean someone who works with the author with a genuine desire to see an end product that matches the author's intent.
I could probably do some digging and tell you exactly how many hours of my life could be saved if I had the money to buy me one of those.
Then there is the marketing. First of all, I suck at it. I couldn't sell a Goo-Goo Cluster half price to a group of starving junior high students stuck on a bus in middle of a snow storm. I can't even begin to imagine what a professional could do for my sales. Again, there comes a point in the author's life where the money comes available for such luxuries.
The laughable part of this, at least in the Indie world, this rambling post actually makes a silly little circle. You can't have success without good marketing, you need a well-edited product to market, and you need money to hire an editor. But, you don't get money without some semblance of success.
In a large way, it all boils down to luck.
There are many get-rich-quick schemes out there in the world of Independent authors, but those are reserved for the hacks that have little to no desire to put out quality. Those of us who want to create a durable product, we have to stretch those get-rich-quick schemes out over several years.
And hope for a little luck.
So, I will continue on with my busy life and keep plugging away at editing. And I am loving every minute of it. I am learning my craft, and (hopefully) improving. I'm still a couple of years away from completing the most popular get-rich-quick scheme and I continue to search for four leaf clovers. Will I be reach in the end? Who cares. When it is all said and done, I will have written a story I can be proud of.
I suppose, in some pompous way, I think that is what separates me from some of the others. I'm not here for the money. I'm not here for the fame. I am here because I have stories to share. When a stranger sends me an e-mail, posts on my page, or tells me face to face that they enjoy my stories, then I have found something greater than the dollar bill.
Showing posts with label indie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indie. Show all posts
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
The Most Intelligent Orc in the World
It's a freebie, and another installment in my Tales From Nilrus project. Princess Elanya is in this story again, as well as Malik, Prince Eldric, Qa'Veck, and General Grunsch. I enjoyed writing it, and I hope you enjoy reading it.
Here are a few links:
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble
iTunes
Diesel eBookstore
KOBO
Sony eBookstore - this link is to my author page as they do not have this story yet.
Progress on book two for the Drums of Rallinwar series is going well. I hope to complete the brain purge (rough draft) within the next couple of weeks. Full bore editing will begin in June, with a target publishing date somewhere in September.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
A Different Perspective
I look back some twenty years ago when I dabbled a bit with writing a book and I see a different outlook on writing. Back then, before I was ready to write, I had big dreams. I would be another big time writer. My books would be side by side with King and Grisham at the front of the stores.
How things have changed.
I suppose one of those changes is the fact that bookstores are becoming more and more difficult to find. Like it or not, technology has changed the face of the book world. The most important change, for me, is my perspective on my writing career. I'm a few years older, and a bit more aware of the reality of writing. Having a title share the headlines with Terry Brooks is a long shot. It is still a goal, but it is no longer get there quick or give it up. I like to think there will be a day when my writing attains that quality and reach.
Twenty years ago, the dream of quitting my job and writing for a living had a different perspective as well. I would write a few hours in the morning and play the rest of the day. The goal was a life in luxury. Now? Not so much.
Last night was another one of those nights where life interfered. It happens a lot to us writers. Outside of our imaginary worlds we still have real world commitments; things that need to be done around the house. I wanted to write a few thousand words last night. I really did. Somehow, some way, my adult responsibilities hovered over my keyboard and kept my fingers at bay. This was when I realized just how much my perspective has changed when it comes to writing success.
I still want to make money off my imagination, but it's different now than twenty years ago. I want to make enough to quit my job so I will have time to write. Not so I will have time to play, but to write. I want to spend as much time as I can writing without work getting in the way. My duties at home do not get in the way of writing, it is my job that gets in the way. At forty some odd years old, I just want my writing to sell enough that I can concentrate on writing more. That's quite a bit of difference from twenty years ago.
I still want to write "that book", I think most of us do. I think that dream will always remain. I want people to look back on one of my titles and say "That is the book that changed the face of the genre." That thought never even crossed my mind twenty years ago. It was all about the money, which is likely why I never succeeded in getting anything written back then. Today it is all about the writing.
It's just a different perspective.
How things have changed.
I suppose one of those changes is the fact that bookstores are becoming more and more difficult to find. Like it or not, technology has changed the face of the book world. The most important change, for me, is my perspective on my writing career. I'm a few years older, and a bit more aware of the reality of writing. Having a title share the headlines with Terry Brooks is a long shot. It is still a goal, but it is no longer get there quick or give it up. I like to think there will be a day when my writing attains that quality and reach.
Twenty years ago, the dream of quitting my job and writing for a living had a different perspective as well. I would write a few hours in the morning and play the rest of the day. The goal was a life in luxury. Now? Not so much.
Last night was another one of those nights where life interfered. It happens a lot to us writers. Outside of our imaginary worlds we still have real world commitments; things that need to be done around the house. I wanted to write a few thousand words last night. I really did. Somehow, some way, my adult responsibilities hovered over my keyboard and kept my fingers at bay. This was when I realized just how much my perspective has changed when it comes to writing success.
I still want to make money off my imagination, but it's different now than twenty years ago. I want to make enough to quit my job so I will have time to write. Not so I will have time to play, but to write. I want to spend as much time as I can writing without work getting in the way. My duties at home do not get in the way of writing, it is my job that gets in the way. At forty some odd years old, I just want my writing to sell enough that I can concentrate on writing more. That's quite a bit of difference from twenty years ago.
I still want to write "that book", I think most of us do. I think that dream will always remain. I want people to look back on one of my titles and say "That is the book that changed the face of the genre." That thought never even crossed my mind twenty years ago. It was all about the money, which is likely why I never succeeded in getting anything written back then. Today it is all about the writing.
It's just a different perspective.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
No Reviews For You!
Let’s get this straight, before I go off on my rant: I like Amazon. I buy several items from them, including most of my reading material. On top of that, they are the key e-tailer for my books. My writing is sold through several different vendors, but Amazon has the broadest audience which translates into the most sales.
However, I do have a problem with one of their policies and how they implement it.
I ask my readers to write reviews, not only for my works, but for others as well. In turn, I feel it is my responsibility to write reviews also. Why?
1. I ask my readers to do it, so I should too.
2. As a writer, I crave feedback, so I assume others are the same.
3. I want to do all I can to support fellow Indie Authors.
4. A good book deserves praise.
5. A bad book deserves a bad review.
6. There are too many paid for reviews out there and the real reader needs to offset the bots.
Of all the reviews I have contributed, two of them were bad reviews, but all of them were honest reviews. Doesn’t matter. I received an e-mail from Amazon today stating that two of my reviews (the bad ones) do not comply with their customer reviews guidelines.
Understand, I am not arguing the validity of this guideline. I like it, to a point. There are pros and cons to it, but the Customer Review is broken, and not just with Amazon. More on this later.
The problem I have: They only removed the two bad reviews. If Amazon was honestly removing my reviews because of the stated guideline they would have removed ALL of my reviews.
If I am in direct competition with the authors who received my bad reviews, I am also in competition with the rest of them that received more complementary reviews. (by the way, I seldom give 5 stars…er, gave)
My reviews were removed because the author of the book that received my latest review complained about the one star he deserved. It stood in stark contrast to the many 5 star reviews he paid for. Just FYI, the book had an average rating of 4.2 on Amazon, while on Goodreads and Shelfari, its average rating was 2.
As I mentioned earlier, the customer review process across the Web is broken. It is no secret that companies pay for good reviews. Authors are no different. There are companies that sell reviews to authors. To achieve a four or five star rating on Amazon is easy; you just need the money to do it. This is one of the reasons I do not give five star ratings for anything, not just books.
Amazon is trying many things to combat this issue, but it is a losing battle. The only way to combat this issue is for actual customers to post honest reviews of products, be it a book or cellular phone. Right now, I believe the best way to find honest reviews of books is to find them on Goodreads. For the most part, the reviews appear honest.
However, I do have a problem with one of their policies and how they implement it.
I ask my readers to write reviews, not only for my works, but for others as well. In turn, I feel it is my responsibility to write reviews also. Why?
1. I ask my readers to do it, so I should too.
2. As a writer, I crave feedback, so I assume others are the same.
3. I want to do all I can to support fellow Indie Authors.
4. A good book deserves praise.
5. A bad book deserves a bad review.
6. There are too many paid for reviews out there and the real reader needs to offset the bots.
Of all the reviews I have contributed, two of them were bad reviews, but all of them were honest reviews. Doesn’t matter. I received an e-mail from Amazon today stating that two of my reviews (the bad ones) do not comply with their customer reviews guidelines.
“Specifically, sentiments by or on behalf of a person or company with a directly competing product are not allowed in Amazon.com Customer Reviews. This includes reviews by authors, artists, publishers, manufacturers, or third-party merchants selling the product.”
Understand, I am not arguing the validity of this guideline. I like it, to a point. There are pros and cons to it, but the Customer Review is broken, and not just with Amazon. More on this later.
The problem I have: They only removed the two bad reviews. If Amazon was honestly removing my reviews because of the stated guideline they would have removed ALL of my reviews.
“…sentiments by or on behalf of a person or company with a directly competing product…”
If I am in direct competition with the authors who received my bad reviews, I am also in competition with the rest of them that received more complementary reviews. (by the way, I seldom give 5 stars…er, gave)
My reviews were removed because the author of the book that received my latest review complained about the one star he deserved. It stood in stark contrast to the many 5 star reviews he paid for. Just FYI, the book had an average rating of 4.2 on Amazon, while on Goodreads and Shelfari, its average rating was 2.
As I mentioned earlier, the customer review process across the Web is broken. It is no secret that companies pay for good reviews. Authors are no different. There are companies that sell reviews to authors. To achieve a four or five star rating on Amazon is easy; you just need the money to do it. This is one of the reasons I do not give five star ratings for anything, not just books.
Amazon is trying many things to combat this issue, but it is a losing battle. The only way to combat this issue is for actual customers to post honest reviews of products, be it a book or cellular phone. Right now, I believe the best way to find honest reviews of books is to find them on Goodreads. For the most part, the reviews appear honest.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Know What to Expect
When I jumped into the world of becoming and Indie author, I pretty much knew what to expect. Or, I suppose, more of what NOT to expect.
I was not going to become an overnight success.
I was not going to make millions on my one title.
I was not going to grab the attention of a major publisher.
I was not going to let any of this slow me down.
It is really quite amazing to see how many of my peers expect the opposite. I know of one author (and have read of many more like her) who published her book and expected it to sell in blockbuster numbers. One of the problems was that the extent of her energy ended when she published the book.
Several weeks passed and her sales were non-existent. She vented on her personal Facebook account about how people she thought were friends had obviously not supported her by purchasing her book. That vent was the first time many of her friends even knew she had written a book.
Never mind the quality of work. If you do not expend energy on marketing, you lose. Unfortunately, there are a million ways to lose on marketing.
Research, research, research, research. Before you publish and after you publish, research. One marketing path may work for one author and fail for another. A lot of it is a gamble, so you have to decide which avenue is worth the gamble for you.
I recently ran an advertisement on Goodreads.com because of the success stories I had seen about it. It is relatively inexpensive, and it reaches my target audience. I have sold books because of this campaign. Not a lot. I still have my day job, but through that campaign, I was able to reach more people. My audience has grown, and I only spent the money I felt I could afford to lose.
The Leaf Pendant was released as a freebie. Yes, it is another story, but it is also another marketing tool. And this one cost me nothing. That short story has garnered sales and increased the size of my audience. I have broadened my exposure.
I didn't expect the world to know C. Hollis Gunter when I published Blood of Two, I did expect to have to tell the world who I was. Nobody will open up their web browser and google your name if they don't know your name. So, tell me, why do you expect instant sales of millions and an invite to Oprah?
I hesitate to call marketing work, because I have seen work (from a distance) and that ain't it. Marketing takes time. Time that could be spent writing your next masterpiece. Your next masterpiece won't matter any more than your first if you don't spend some of that time to spread the word.
If you write, and that is all you want to expend your energy on, then know what to expect.
I was not going to become an overnight success.
I was not going to make millions on my one title.
I was not going to grab the attention of a major publisher.
I was not going to let any of this slow me down.
It is really quite amazing to see how many of my peers expect the opposite. I know of one author (and have read of many more like her) who published her book and expected it to sell in blockbuster numbers. One of the problems was that the extent of her energy ended when she published the book.
Several weeks passed and her sales were non-existent. She vented on her personal Facebook account about how people she thought were friends had obviously not supported her by purchasing her book. That vent was the first time many of her friends even knew she had written a book.
Never mind the quality of work. If you do not expend energy on marketing, you lose. Unfortunately, there are a million ways to lose on marketing.
Research, research, research, research. Before you publish and after you publish, research. One marketing path may work for one author and fail for another. A lot of it is a gamble, so you have to decide which avenue is worth the gamble for you.
I recently ran an advertisement on Goodreads.com because of the success stories I had seen about it. It is relatively inexpensive, and it reaches my target audience. I have sold books because of this campaign. Not a lot. I still have my day job, but through that campaign, I was able to reach more people. My audience has grown, and I only spent the money I felt I could afford to lose.
The Leaf Pendant was released as a freebie. Yes, it is another story, but it is also another marketing tool. And this one cost me nothing. That short story has garnered sales and increased the size of my audience. I have broadened my exposure.
I didn't expect the world to know C. Hollis Gunter when I published Blood of Two, I did expect to have to tell the world who I was. Nobody will open up their web browser and google your name if they don't know your name. So, tell me, why do you expect instant sales of millions and an invite to Oprah?
I hesitate to call marketing work, because I have seen work (from a distance) and that ain't it. Marketing takes time. Time that could be spent writing your next masterpiece. Your next masterpiece won't matter any more than your first if you don't spend some of that time to spread the word.
If you write, and that is all you want to expend your energy on, then know what to expect.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Looking Back
2012 is winding down and instead of waiting around for its grand exit, I figured I would take a look back at the year now. And what a year it was.
In January I was sitting on a completed rough draft of Blood of Two feeling a bit discouraged. I had shelved the manuscript because it was the first of many in that story line, which is not an easy sell for a first time author. Don't take that wrong; I don't walk away from difficulty, but from what I understood it was such a hard sell that it would be counter-productive. So, Blood was shelved and work was underway on a stand alone novel .
Progress on Condr (the stand-alone novel) was labored, which is why I felt discouraged. It is, without a doubt, a story that will get written, but it now sits on the shelf where Blood of Two once resided.
In May I purchased a cheap book for my Kindle. The story was engaging, though the prose was littered with errors. Even some of the phrases used had no business in a fantasy setting. I was quite surprised to find that the author was an Indie. No publisher had gotten their hands on the manuscript (and it showed), but it was selling. Thus began my travels down a road that has really changed my life.
I began in earnest to edit Blood of Two, with a little help from my friends. A breath of life had permeated my writing and the obsession has yet to subside. In August I published Blood of Two and in September I began its follow-up.
Sales have been as expected, which is honestly unimpressive to the outsider looking in. For those in the industry, which I am now a part of, my sales are considered average. Again, sales of Blood of Two are going as expected. I have sold more books than I have friends, and have gotten positive feedback from people that I have never met. All things considered, life is good.
Since Blood of Two went on sale my writing life has been divided between actual writing, marketing research, and marketing. Busy is the word. I work, then I come home and write. Life is good and life is different.
As 2012 winds down I find that I am now a writer. I am a published author. Strangers have seen what bounces around in my head and they approve. On one hand this is surreal, on the other I can't help but think 'It's about damn time'.
As I move into 2013 my goals circulate through the veins of writing. I have a short story about Celeste that I intend on releasing as a freebie. I have two others about Princess Elanya, one of them a bit more light-hearted than most of my writing, and another story about Jaron Senith's nephew, Alik, who is shaping up to become a player in the Drums of Rallinwar storyline. And, of course, the follow-up to Blood of Two is in the works.
Looking back, 2012 wasn't busy at all. At least not compared to 2013.
In January I was sitting on a completed rough draft of Blood of Two feeling a bit discouraged. I had shelved the manuscript because it was the first of many in that story line, which is not an easy sell for a first time author. Don't take that wrong; I don't walk away from difficulty, but from what I understood it was such a hard sell that it would be counter-productive. So, Blood was shelved and work was underway on a stand alone novel .
Progress on Condr (the stand-alone novel) was labored, which is why I felt discouraged. It is, without a doubt, a story that will get written, but it now sits on the shelf where Blood of Two once resided.
In May I purchased a cheap book for my Kindle. The story was engaging, though the prose was littered with errors. Even some of the phrases used had no business in a fantasy setting. I was quite surprised to find that the author was an Indie. No publisher had gotten their hands on the manuscript (and it showed), but it was selling. Thus began my travels down a road that has really changed my life.
I began in earnest to edit Blood of Two, with a little help from my friends. A breath of life had permeated my writing and the obsession has yet to subside. In August I published Blood of Two and in September I began its follow-up.
Sales have been as expected, which is honestly unimpressive to the outsider looking in. For those in the industry, which I am now a part of, my sales are considered average. Again, sales of Blood of Two are going as expected. I have sold more books than I have friends, and have gotten positive feedback from people that I have never met. All things considered, life is good.
Since Blood of Two went on sale my writing life has been divided between actual writing, marketing research, and marketing. Busy is the word. I work, then I come home and write. Life is good and life is different.
As 2012 winds down I find that I am now a writer. I am a published author. Strangers have seen what bounces around in my head and they approve. On one hand this is surreal, on the other I can't help but think 'It's about damn time'.
As I move into 2013 my goals circulate through the veins of writing. I have a short story about Celeste that I intend on releasing as a freebie. I have two others about Princess Elanya, one of them a bit more light-hearted than most of my writing, and another story about Jaron Senith's nephew, Alik, who is shaping up to become a player in the Drums of Rallinwar storyline. And, of course, the follow-up to Blood of Two is in the works.
Looking back, 2012 wasn't busy at all. At least not compared to 2013.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
One Month In
A month ago today I began my journey as an author and published Blood of Two. I suppose a writer diving off into this adventure without their eyes wide open would be disappointed at this point, but the results are what I expected.
One month in, I am not a rich man, nor am I a famous author. Neither of which was something that I expected. Am I content? No. Am I discouraged? No. As far as sales are concerned, the book has met my expectations at this point.
This is part of writing a book that is the most challenging for myself; marketing. I have never been adept at selling anything, including myself. I think numerous failed job interviews serve as testimony to that statement. So, this is another lesson that I need to learn. Hey, I taught myself computer programming and have become quite proficient at it, I can teach myself to market my book. I hope.
The most difficult part of marketing is convincing myself that time spent in that arena is part of my writing. I spent two hours last night working on the marketing aspect, all the while pining that I should be working on the follow-up to Blood. In essence, I was, as well as continuing my work on Blood of Two.
The one thing that I didn't expect when I published Blood of Two was the feedback. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have published the book if I didn't think it was worthy. However, often what I think is good is not what other's think is good. The feedback has blown me away.
I have read reader reviews of Blood that were critical of certain aspects as well as complimentary of the book. And for the most part, I agreed. I was also elated that people that I didn't know enjoyed the story. My friends and family, of course, have been extremely encouraging, which is priceless. But when a complete stranger praises my work, it seems to add credence to what I have been told by those close to me. These comments give me drive to continue. Hell, even the criticisms give me drive to carry on.
I am doing something that I enjoy and people appreciate what I am doing. My gut tells me that the sales will eventually pick up, with a little help. So, I am happy with the process so far.
One month in and I'm not concerned with the sales, my concern lies with completing book two. In eleven months I hope to do a search for C. Hollis Gunter on Amazon and see two titles. And I hope that it is received as well as Blood of Two.
One month in, I am not a rich man, nor am I a famous author. Neither of which was something that I expected. Am I content? No. Am I discouraged? No. As far as sales are concerned, the book has met my expectations at this point.
This is part of writing a book that is the most challenging for myself; marketing. I have never been adept at selling anything, including myself. I think numerous failed job interviews serve as testimony to that statement. So, this is another lesson that I need to learn. Hey, I taught myself computer programming and have become quite proficient at it, I can teach myself to market my book. I hope.
The most difficult part of marketing is convincing myself that time spent in that arena is part of my writing. I spent two hours last night working on the marketing aspect, all the while pining that I should be working on the follow-up to Blood. In essence, I was, as well as continuing my work on Blood of Two.
The one thing that I didn't expect when I published Blood of Two was the feedback. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have published the book if I didn't think it was worthy. However, often what I think is good is not what other's think is good. The feedback has blown me away.
I have read reader reviews of Blood that were critical of certain aspects as well as complimentary of the book. And for the most part, I agreed. I was also elated that people that I didn't know enjoyed the story. My friends and family, of course, have been extremely encouraging, which is priceless. But when a complete stranger praises my work, it seems to add credence to what I have been told by those close to me. These comments give me drive to continue. Hell, even the criticisms give me drive to carry on.
I am doing something that I enjoy and people appreciate what I am doing. My gut tells me that the sales will eventually pick up, with a little help. So, I am happy with the process so far.
One month in and I'm not concerned with the sales, my concern lies with completing book two. In eleven months I hope to do a search for C. Hollis Gunter on Amazon and see two titles. And I hope that it is received as well as Blood of Two.
Friday, September 14, 2012
If You Read it, Review it
An honest review is as good as gold.
The world of independent publishing is populated with get-rich-quick schemers. Formulae are being developed and some claim they have found perfection in theirs. Write a book, e-publish it, market it through social networking, purchase online reviews, write another within six months, rinse and repeat. By book number 3 (or five depending on who you believe), you will be able to quit your day job.
Did you catch that little piece about purchasing online reviews? They are available for purchase, and not just for books. And do you really think someone is going to pay for a review that is not a positive review?
I will say it now: If you purchase a review for your book, you are NOT an author.
This practice does not bode well for the serious writer. As a reader, if I surf around on an online retailer and find a 99 cent book that has a plethora of 5 star reviews and that book sucks, I will be wary of the next 99 cent book with a five star rating. Eventually, if I get bitten enough, I will view all 99 cent books as useless crap. Which, by the way, I do.
I like to support my fellow independent authors, so I have purchased quite a few titles written by them. I have come across quite a few gems, but I have also found books that should have been left on a hard drive that was about to crash. Almost every one of the hack jobs that I have read had nothing but positive reviews.
If every review for your title is an honest review, you will NOT have an overall five star rating. Somewhere in that list of reviews, someone will give it less than five stars. It is a fact of life. People's taste in fiction is different. What one person loves about your book, another will absolutely hate about it. In the world of the internet, people are not afraid to tell you how they feel.
Don't believe me? Check out the reviews for some of the classics on Amazon. Take a gander at George R. R. Martin's reviews for his latest book, and everything this man touches lately is gold.
Bottom line: The industry needs honest reviews. Whether you liked the book or not, your review can be helpful to the author. Maybe you disliked an element that the author thought they pulled off well, and you pointing it out brings to light a way for them to improve. Maybe the book is just crap and readers need to be warned off of it. Write the review. Be honest. Be tactful. If you are hateful, or attack the author, the review will likely be ignored. Have I said it yet? BE HONEST! I mean this whole-heartedly. If you don't like my book I want to know why, and I believe most true author's should be like this.
If you read it, review it.
And I mean it.
Anybody want a peanut?
The world of independent publishing is populated with get-rich-quick schemers. Formulae are being developed and some claim they have found perfection in theirs. Write a book, e-publish it, market it through social networking, purchase online reviews, write another within six months, rinse and repeat. By book number 3 (or five depending on who you believe), you will be able to quit your day job.
Did you catch that little piece about purchasing online reviews? They are available for purchase, and not just for books. And do you really think someone is going to pay for a review that is not a positive review?
I will say it now: If you purchase a review for your book, you are NOT an author.
This practice does not bode well for the serious writer. As a reader, if I surf around on an online retailer and find a 99 cent book that has a plethora of 5 star reviews and that book sucks, I will be wary of the next 99 cent book with a five star rating. Eventually, if I get bitten enough, I will view all 99 cent books as useless crap. Which, by the way, I do.
I like to support my fellow independent authors, so I have purchased quite a few titles written by them. I have come across quite a few gems, but I have also found books that should have been left on a hard drive that was about to crash. Almost every one of the hack jobs that I have read had nothing but positive reviews.
If every review for your title is an honest review, you will NOT have an overall five star rating. Somewhere in that list of reviews, someone will give it less than five stars. It is a fact of life. People's taste in fiction is different. What one person loves about your book, another will absolutely hate about it. In the world of the internet, people are not afraid to tell you how they feel.
Don't believe me? Check out the reviews for some of the classics on Amazon. Take a gander at George R. R. Martin's reviews for his latest book, and everything this man touches lately is gold.
Bottom line: The industry needs honest reviews. Whether you liked the book or not, your review can be helpful to the author. Maybe you disliked an element that the author thought they pulled off well, and you pointing it out brings to light a way for them to improve. Maybe the book is just crap and readers need to be warned off of it. Write the review. Be honest. Be tactful. If you are hateful, or attack the author, the review will likely be ignored. Have I said it yet? BE HONEST! I mean this whole-heartedly. If you don't like my book I want to know why, and I believe most true author's should be like this.
If you read it, review it.
And I mean it.
Anybody want a peanut?
Monday, August 27, 2012
Lessons Learned
Now that the dust has settled on my start into this e-publishing adventure, I thought it might help others if I shared a few of the things that I have learned through this process. By no means am I an expert now. I think it's safe to say that I know just enough to get the job done. I still have a lot to learn, but here is what I have learned to this point.
There are several resources available to the new author, and the more you read the more prepared you can be. One of the first things you have to remember in the world of e-readers is: What you see is not what you get. By this I mean that your manuscript, as it appears in MSWord, is not as it appears on a Kindle, Nook, or the plethora of other mechanisms. You have to take that wonderful manuscript and butcher it up to make it look good.
The best place to start is BEFORE you begin your manuscript. Unfortunately, most of us don't know this until we have spent many long hours on our manuscript. So, be prepared to spend hours doctoring up your work. Be patient. Don't skip any steps in the process, it will only prolong the process.
Save your original manuscript and modify a copy of it for the conversion process. This way, you always have the original to fall back on.
A good starting point is to read David Dalglish's blog entry on this subject. It is a good quick-and-dirty look at prepping your manuscript, but it is not the end all. There are aspects of the journey that he doesn't cover, but I would consider this a must read. Especially for those of you who are not on friendly terms with your computer.
Amazon Kindle
Step one is to download a free copy of Building Your Book for Kindle. Give it a read at work, during your breaks of course. Then open up your manuscript and just follow the instructions in the book. Again, don't skip any steps in the process (especially the table of contents part...).
Amazon actually makes this whole thing fairly simple. Once you have finished following the process that the book spells out, you will have an html file ready to upload to Amazon. The most challenging part for me was formating the book cover correctly.
Smashwords
Download the free copy of the Smashwords Style Guide. Just like with Amazon, follow the instructions in the guide, and do not skip any steps.
Smashwords is bit more demanding than Amazon. This is because of the premium outlets like Apple and Barnes and Noble. Your electronic book has to be formatted properly before they will send it on to other outlets. Keep in mind, the 'meatgrinder' at Smashwords will not catch some formatting errors. So even though your book may be approved by the software, issues can still exist.
When I uploaded my book the first time, I saw that text on the left hand side was cut off on Apple devices, and the map in my book would not show, yet the 'meatgrinder' accepted the book. When the book completed the second step of the process (real people taking a look at it), I was instructed to fix these things. Without a doubt I lost some sales here, because before the book made it to the second part of this process several people had already viewed the sample and most likely written it off because of formatting errors.
Again, do not skip any steps outlined in the style guide and you can avoid losing sales. Take your time going through all this. I know, you're ready to get your book out there, but getting in a rush will cost you.
Createspace
So you spend several hours working on your manuscript formatting it in silly ways to translate to the multitude of e-readers. You head is stuck in the what-you-see-is-not-what-you-get mode. Go eat a sandwich, watch TV, mow the lawn, whatever you need to do to get out of that mode. Because when it comes to creating the print version with Createspace, what you see IS what you get.
Quite frankly, the print version of Blood of Two is embarrassing. I love the cover, but the inner content looks cheap. It looks cheap because I failed to make it look like a standard book. Set up your word processor to reflect the print size of your book. In my case it was 6x9. Once you do that, grab a book off your shelf and see what you can do to make your document emulate that professionally published book. What you see on your computer screen is what you will see on the printed page.
Again, take your time. You want your book to look its best. Take no shortcuts. You took months to write your book, take a few hours to present your book at its best. Do not make the same mistake I made.
I know there isn't much here, but the main thing to remember is patience. Don't think that you will go home on a Tuesday night and be published by the time you head to bed. While it is very possible that will happen, you can't jog into the process with that attitude. Take your time to do it right. It doesn't matter if you've written a masterpiece if people can't read it.
There are several resources available to the new author, and the more you read the more prepared you can be. One of the first things you have to remember in the world of e-readers is: What you see is not what you get. By this I mean that your manuscript, as it appears in MSWord, is not as it appears on a Kindle, Nook, or the plethora of other mechanisms. You have to take that wonderful manuscript and butcher it up to make it look good.
The best place to start is BEFORE you begin your manuscript. Unfortunately, most of us don't know this until we have spent many long hours on our manuscript. So, be prepared to spend hours doctoring up your work. Be patient. Don't skip any steps in the process, it will only prolong the process.
Save your original manuscript and modify a copy of it for the conversion process. This way, you always have the original to fall back on.
A good starting point is to read David Dalglish's blog entry on this subject. It is a good quick-and-dirty look at prepping your manuscript, but it is not the end all. There are aspects of the journey that he doesn't cover, but I would consider this a must read. Especially for those of you who are not on friendly terms with your computer.
Amazon Kindle
Step one is to download a free copy of Building Your Book for Kindle. Give it a read at work, during your breaks of course. Then open up your manuscript and just follow the instructions in the book. Again, don't skip any steps in the process (especially the table of contents part...).
Amazon actually makes this whole thing fairly simple. Once you have finished following the process that the book spells out, you will have an html file ready to upload to Amazon. The most challenging part for me was formating the book cover correctly.
Smashwords
Download the free copy of the Smashwords Style Guide. Just like with Amazon, follow the instructions in the guide, and do not skip any steps.
Smashwords is bit more demanding than Amazon. This is because of the premium outlets like Apple and Barnes and Noble. Your electronic book has to be formatted properly before they will send it on to other outlets. Keep in mind, the 'meatgrinder' at Smashwords will not catch some formatting errors. So even though your book may be approved by the software, issues can still exist.
When I uploaded my book the first time, I saw that text on the left hand side was cut off on Apple devices, and the map in my book would not show, yet the 'meatgrinder' accepted the book. When the book completed the second step of the process (real people taking a look at it), I was instructed to fix these things. Without a doubt I lost some sales here, because before the book made it to the second part of this process several people had already viewed the sample and most likely written it off because of formatting errors.
Again, do not skip any steps outlined in the style guide and you can avoid losing sales. Take your time going through all this. I know, you're ready to get your book out there, but getting in a rush will cost you.
Createspace
So you spend several hours working on your manuscript formatting it in silly ways to translate to the multitude of e-readers. You head is stuck in the what-you-see-is-not-what-you-get mode. Go eat a sandwich, watch TV, mow the lawn, whatever you need to do to get out of that mode. Because when it comes to creating the print version with Createspace, what you see IS what you get.
Quite frankly, the print version of Blood of Two is embarrassing. I love the cover, but the inner content looks cheap. It looks cheap because I failed to make it look like a standard book. Set up your word processor to reflect the print size of your book. In my case it was 6x9. Once you do that, grab a book off your shelf and see what you can do to make your document emulate that professionally published book. What you see on your computer screen is what you will see on the printed page.
Again, take your time. You want your book to look its best. Take no shortcuts. You took months to write your book, take a few hours to present your book at its best. Do not make the same mistake I made.
I know there isn't much here, but the main thing to remember is patience. Don't think that you will go home on a Tuesday night and be published by the time you head to bed. While it is very possible that will happen, you can't jog into the process with that attitude. Take your time to do it right. It doesn't matter if you've written a masterpiece if people can't read it.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Drums of Rallinwar Book One: Blood of Two
It's here!
I know I've been a bit quiet for the last week or so, but it has been with good reason. Blood of Two is now a published book. It has been a stress filled weekend with manipulating the manuscript to meet the different requirements of the varied electronic formats, but book one is now behind me.
The book is available at Amazon.
And it is also available on Smashwords. This site has it available under multiple formats: Kindle, epub, rtf, pdf, lrf, pdb, and txt.
The print version should be available on Amazon sometime this week. Sometime over the next couple of weeks it will also be available at other electronic outlets such as Barnes and Noble, iBooks, etc.
If you read it and enjoy it (my ultimate goal), please take the time to give it an honest review at whatever outlet you purchased it from, and spread the word. Recommend it to a friend, or enemy for that matter...
Honestly, because of the route I have chosen, word of mouth is important to this book's success.
I hope you enjoy Blood of Two, and I look forward to bringing you many more books.
I know I've been a bit quiet for the last week or so, but it has been with good reason. Blood of Two is now a published book. It has been a stress filled weekend with manipulating the manuscript to meet the different requirements of the varied electronic formats, but book one is now behind me.
The book is available at Amazon.
And it is also available on Smashwords. This site has it available under multiple formats: Kindle, epub, rtf, pdf, lrf, pdb, and txt.
The print version should be available on Amazon sometime this week. Sometime over the next couple of weeks it will also be available at other electronic outlets such as Barnes and Noble, iBooks, etc.
If you read it and enjoy it (my ultimate goal), please take the time to give it an honest review at whatever outlet you purchased it from, and spread the word. Recommend it to a friend, or enemy for that matter...
Honestly, because of the route I have chosen, word of mouth is important to this book's success.
I hope you enjoy Blood of Two, and I look forward to bringing you many more books.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Gatekeepers vs. Curators
So many things are on my mind while I eagerly await the final round of copy edits. I've been working on formatting the book for e-readers. Waiting for a camper to get in stock. Looking ahead to a short vacation. And reading a plethora of articles about the rise of indie authors, which I will soon be one.
As expected, when you read blogs, forums, news articles, press releases, etc., you see two sides of a story and the truth lies somewhere in between. Reading from the viewpoint of the e-revolution, which includes indie authors and electronic book sellers, you get a celebratory feel. Life is good. Publish your book and hit the lottery.
There are a lot of success stories in the Indie world and it is the selling point for that side. Though the reality isn't quite that rosey.
The viewpoint of traditional publishing is, as expected, all doom and gloom about independent publishing. According to them, the average author sells 50 copies. Since they can't seem to provide the reader with the source of that information, I tend to think they pull that number out of their head.
Like I said, somewhere in between these viewpoints lies the truth. But the argument that intrigues me most is the one that the traditionalists use the most: There are no gatekeepers in the Indie world, therefore the market is flooded with crap.
I can give them that point, but that is just one side of the argument.
In traditional publishing the path to paper is over-populated with these gatekeepers. An author pens his story and his query and submits it to the first gatekeepers, the agents. Stories of great author's that almost didn't get published because an agent wouldn't pick them up are all over the place.
Another gatekeeper is the publisher. Stephen King was turned away by how many publishers?
I guess my point is that these traditional gatekeepers buy into a book based on what they think will sell, and they are often wrong. Just as they will publish books that don't sell, they don't publish books that will sell.
As an indie author, I am circumventing the gatekeepers. There is a way into the building that isn't guarded (yet), and folks like me are taking advantage of it. We are going straight to the readers; the ones who care more about what they buy as opposed to what will sell.
The reader is the curator. If readers don't like my books, they won't sell. If my books are good, they will sell. In one way, it's not that simple, but in another it really is that simple.
This method of publishing is a win for both parties involved. The reader gets a book for a reasonable price and the author gets his stories off his desk and into the world.
Traditionalists don't like it, because it threatens their world, and in some cases their livelihood. So when they paint the cover, it is dark and scary.
Indie's love it because it is cheap and easy. So their painting is all butterflies and rainbows.
When the broth boils away, we are left with gatekeepers and curators and the reader's may end up deciding which is better.
As expected, when you read blogs, forums, news articles, press releases, etc., you see two sides of a story and the truth lies somewhere in between. Reading from the viewpoint of the e-revolution, which includes indie authors and electronic book sellers, you get a celebratory feel. Life is good. Publish your book and hit the lottery.
There are a lot of success stories in the Indie world and it is the selling point for that side. Though the reality isn't quite that rosey.
The viewpoint of traditional publishing is, as expected, all doom and gloom about independent publishing. According to them, the average author sells 50 copies. Since they can't seem to provide the reader with the source of that information, I tend to think they pull that number out of their head.
Like I said, somewhere in between these viewpoints lies the truth. But the argument that intrigues me most is the one that the traditionalists use the most: There are no gatekeepers in the Indie world, therefore the market is flooded with crap.
I can give them that point, but that is just one side of the argument.
In traditional publishing the path to paper is over-populated with these gatekeepers. An author pens his story and his query and submits it to the first gatekeepers, the agents. Stories of great author's that almost didn't get published because an agent wouldn't pick them up are all over the place.
Another gatekeeper is the publisher. Stephen King was turned away by how many publishers?
I guess my point is that these traditional gatekeepers buy into a book based on what they think will sell, and they are often wrong. Just as they will publish books that don't sell, they don't publish books that will sell.
As an indie author, I am circumventing the gatekeepers. There is a way into the building that isn't guarded (yet), and folks like me are taking advantage of it. We are going straight to the readers; the ones who care more about what they buy as opposed to what will sell.
The reader is the curator. If readers don't like my books, they won't sell. If my books are good, they will sell. In one way, it's not that simple, but in another it really is that simple.
This method of publishing is a win for both parties involved. The reader gets a book for a reasonable price and the author gets his stories off his desk and into the world.
Traditionalists don't like it, because it threatens their world, and in some cases their livelihood. So when they paint the cover, it is dark and scary.
Indie's love it because it is cheap and easy. So their painting is all butterflies and rainbows.
When the broth boils away, we are left with gatekeepers and curators and the reader's may end up deciding which is better.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Coming Soon
People keep asking me if I am excited. The simple answer is: No. I am anxious.
Just how will this book do? I don't expect to sell more than a few copies, but those few who purchase it; how will it be perceived by them? Friends, family, I mean no offense, but you are supposed to tell me you like it, even if you don't. So, if you tell me it is good, by default I won't believe you. Now, if you tell me you didn't like it, then I just might believe you. However, if a complete stranger likes my book, then maybe I have hit on something.
Kind of weird when you think about it. This is one of those few cases where someone would trust a stranger over family or a friend.
No, I am not excited about the impending release. I am nervous as I could possibly be (translated to southernese: Nervous as all get out). I have spent a considerable amount of time (just ask my neglected wife) on this book, and it is an awful thought that it could just plain suck. Nervous, nervous as can be.
Anyway, the book will be released in electronic and print format sometime between now and August 31. I do hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Just how will this book do? I don't expect to sell more than a few copies, but those few who purchase it; how will it be perceived by them? Friends, family, I mean no offense, but you are supposed to tell me you like it, even if you don't. So, if you tell me it is good, by default I won't believe you. Now, if you tell me you didn't like it, then I just might believe you. However, if a complete stranger likes my book, then maybe I have hit on something.
Kind of weird when you think about it. This is one of those few cases where someone would trust a stranger over family or a friend.
No, I am not excited about the impending release. I am nervous as I could possibly be (translated to southernese: Nervous as all get out). I have spent a considerable amount of time (just ask my neglected wife) on this book, and it is an awful thought that it could just plain suck. Nervous, nervous as can be.
Anyway, the book will be released in electronic and print format sometime between now and August 31. I do hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Is It Greed?
I'm torn, and I know that part of my thinking is due to the fact that I really don't much care for this particular author as a person. We have never met, but through his interviews and such there is this pompous air about him. Who knows, if we met I would probably like the guy.
A very successful author (and I do mean very) recently released a book through self-publishing means. This is a good thing for him, because now he will make the money that he has earned through his success by cutting out the major publishers take. This also highlights the relevance of the young e-reader in the book world. Overall this is a good thing for him, for myself and the countless other independents out there, and for the customer.
Through traditional channels, this book would have been north of $15 for an electronic copy. By bypassing the publisher, this book is available for $8.99. And this is where I am torn.
While the price point for most Indie's is between $.99 and $5.00, this $9 price seems a bit extreme. Publishing an electronic book can cost nothing. Granted, this author probably spent some decent coin on marketing and editing, because he can, in the grand scheme of things that cost is likely negligible.
This book will probably sell close to a million copies because of his track record. With Amazon, the author pulls in up to 70% of sale. This author stands to make close to 6 million on this one release. Divide that in half and it is still a significant amount. So, is he charging too much? It is less than what the publisher would charge, so the customer is still getting a decent deal.
Maybe it is the perfect price. The customer gets a decent deal and the author hits the lottery.
Maybe I'm just jealous?
I don't know that I could charge more than $5 for a book, I think especially if I sold millions. For myself, $5 is a fair price to ask. Anything more just seems greedy. I could be wrong, maybe he has spent millions in promoting this new book. I just don't know. I tend to like the path of providing the customer with a quality product at a fair price that benefits both myself and the reader. Nine bucks just doesn't do it for me.
A very successful author (and I do mean very) recently released a book through self-publishing means. This is a good thing for him, because now he will make the money that he has earned through his success by cutting out the major publishers take. This also highlights the relevance of the young e-reader in the book world. Overall this is a good thing for him, for myself and the countless other independents out there, and for the customer.
Through traditional channels, this book would have been north of $15 for an electronic copy. By bypassing the publisher, this book is available for $8.99. And this is where I am torn.
While the price point for most Indie's is between $.99 and $5.00, this $9 price seems a bit extreme. Publishing an electronic book can cost nothing. Granted, this author probably spent some decent coin on marketing and editing, because he can, in the grand scheme of things that cost is likely negligible.
This book will probably sell close to a million copies because of his track record. With Amazon, the author pulls in up to 70% of sale. This author stands to make close to 6 million on this one release. Divide that in half and it is still a significant amount. So, is he charging too much? It is less than what the publisher would charge, so the customer is still getting a decent deal.
Maybe it is the perfect price. The customer gets a decent deal and the author hits the lottery.
Maybe I'm just jealous?
I don't know that I could charge more than $5 for a book, I think especially if I sold millions. For myself, $5 is a fair price to ask. Anything more just seems greedy. I could be wrong, maybe he has spent millions in promoting this new book. I just don't know. I tend to like the path of providing the customer with a quality product at a fair price that benefits both myself and the reader. Nine bucks just doesn't do it for me.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Declaration of Independence
In the not so distant past, self publishing was the kiss of death. You would never reach a large audience, and the major publishing houses would shun you once you published your work. That was the past.
I have done a substantial amount of research in recent weeks and found the e-publishing revolution in full swing. Will I achieve such heights as King, Grisham, Martin, and others? Not likely. Will someone other than myself and my three editors read my work. Heck yes.
Which has been my goal from the start.
I have a story that is screaming to be heard. At no cost to me, I can throw it out there so people can read it. Time will tell if it is worthy of reading. Don't get me wrong, I would love to sell millions, but that is a dream at the back of my skull being held down by the strong hairy arm of reality. What I think of my writing is irrelevant. What you think is key. I can only hope that you take as much joy in reading the story, as I took in writing.
Over the next three months, I will be using this blog, Facebook, and Twitter, to introduce the World of Nilrus. Call it a miniature marketing campaign, which at this point will only be seen by friends and family (yes, I need to work on that too). I won't be doing this on my own. Teri, Lucky, and Athena are helping me on this journey (in some cases, pushing); without them this would not be happening. It is my hope to show you the characters and the world they live in and maybe even strike that desire for you to read their story.
At the end of these three months, I will be an independent author. The novel will be available at most of the e-book venues like Amazon. You will be able to read my book on your Nook, Kindle, or one of the other e-readers available. The ultimate judgement of success or failure will lie in the hands of the reader.
I have done a substantial amount of research in recent weeks and found the e-publishing revolution in full swing. Will I achieve such heights as King, Grisham, Martin, and others? Not likely. Will someone other than myself and my three editors read my work. Heck yes.
Which has been my goal from the start.
I have a story that is screaming to be heard. At no cost to me, I can throw it out there so people can read it. Time will tell if it is worthy of reading. Don't get me wrong, I would love to sell millions, but that is a dream at the back of my skull being held down by the strong hairy arm of reality. What I think of my writing is irrelevant. What you think is key. I can only hope that you take as much joy in reading the story, as I took in writing.
Over the next three months, I will be using this blog, Facebook, and Twitter, to introduce the World of Nilrus. Call it a miniature marketing campaign, which at this point will only be seen by friends and family (yes, I need to work on that too). I won't be doing this on my own. Teri, Lucky, and Athena are helping me on this journey (in some cases, pushing); without them this would not be happening. It is my hope to show you the characters and the world they live in and maybe even strike that desire for you to read their story.
At the end of these three months, I will be an independent author. The novel will be available at most of the e-book venues like Amazon. You will be able to read my book on your Nook, Kindle, or one of the other e-readers available. The ultimate judgement of success or failure will lie in the hands of the reader.
Monday, May 21, 2012
The Growth of Independence
Jump into the way-back machine, okay, maybe not so way-back.
Books in electronic format have been around for a bit, but really, the Kindle really brought the written word into the modern age. Resistance was there, and I was one of them. I like the feel, the smell, the look of a printed book in my hand. Not to mention the aesthetics of a physical representation of my purchase. Regardless of my resistance, e-readers are everywhere, and more and more people are embracing this technology on a daily basis. The traditional publishing houses still resist.
When Amazon brought us the Kindle, they warned that those $5 books wouldn't last; the publisher's were already resisting then. Today, when you shop for a new e-book on Amazon, you will see one line; "the price was set by the publisher". Is this their way of saying "we tried to tell them it was too much"?
Without getting into the whole argument about why, or whether the price is justified, let me just say that in most cases the paperback is cheaper than the electronic version.
But, this is a good thing. Because of the arrogance of the Big 6, readers have found some quality independent authors. If you scan some of Kindle's top selling lists, you will see they are skewed more toward the indie's. Writers are finding out that they can do just as well, and in some cases better, on their own as if they had signed a big contract .
How long will this go on? Seems to me that is up to the big publishing houses. As long as they try to sell their books at the prices they are trying to sell them at now, readers will gravitate towards the independents.
Personally, I think the big houses should charge more.
Books in electronic format have been around for a bit, but really, the Kindle really brought the written word into the modern age. Resistance was there, and I was one of them. I like the feel, the smell, the look of a printed book in my hand. Not to mention the aesthetics of a physical representation of my purchase. Regardless of my resistance, e-readers are everywhere, and more and more people are embracing this technology on a daily basis. The traditional publishing houses still resist.
When Amazon brought us the Kindle, they warned that those $5 books wouldn't last; the publisher's were already resisting then. Today, when you shop for a new e-book on Amazon, you will see one line; "the price was set by the publisher". Is this their way of saying "we tried to tell them it was too much"?
Without getting into the whole argument about why, or whether the price is justified, let me just say that in most cases the paperback is cheaper than the electronic version.
But, this is a good thing. Because of the arrogance of the Big 6, readers have found some quality independent authors. If you scan some of Kindle's top selling lists, you will see they are skewed more toward the indie's. Writers are finding out that they can do just as well, and in some cases better, on their own as if they had signed a big contract .
How long will this go on? Seems to me that is up to the big publishing houses. As long as they try to sell their books at the prices they are trying to sell them at now, readers will gravitate towards the independents.
Personally, I think the big houses should charge more.
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