So--I have a good friend who just had a release this last week. Yes, she's a fellow romance author and unlike some of my other friends. She lives close enough that I get to see her once a month at our local writers meeting. I am so happy for her and want to help her get the word out about her new book.
“Seducing the Sheriff” by Marie-Nicole Ryan
Samhain Publishing
Genre: Historical Romance, Red Hots!
ISBN: 978-1-60504-846-8
Length: Category
Price: 4.50
Publication Date: December 15, 2009
Half dressed and going for naked…
Starlight Tyler needs to lose her virginity, as in yesterday. With her mother, a Pinkerton, and a wealthy man she doesn’t love on her tail, there’s only one place to cut their cruel intentions off at the pass—get herself back into the arms of long-lost love Cordero Tate. Pronto.
She never expected to be tripped up by someone else’s past.
Sheriff Cordero Tate is a haunted man on a mission. Come hell or high water, he’ll round up every member of the gang responsible for the deaths of his wife and unborn child…and make damned sure he never puts his heart on the line again. As in never impregnating another woman. One look at Star, though, and all the old feelings come back in a rush. Worse, she’s just as determined to brand him as hers as he is to keep her chaste.
Their exploration of ways around that impasse leads to three nights of unbearable sensual pleasure. Until her past catches up to her…
Warning: This story contains a lot of hard ridin’, some ass kickin’, and a whole lot of lovin’ goin’ on. No doors left unopened.
Read an excerpt here or buy now.
I got my copy already and can't wait to read it! Just have to get a few minutes of babt free time. lol
Monday, December 21, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Random House makes a grab for ebook rights
This is a good round up of all the links with a few comments. Random House made an announcement to the authors and agents that their backlist belongs to them in ebook form and authors can not publish their own backlist.
This is a good reason to pay attention to your contract. This is a huge blow to authors and agents because they can't pursue profits from resale and it may just sit in the publishers vault.
http://www.nadialee.net/blog/2009/12/random-house-to-authors-all-your-eright-are-belong-to-us/
This is a good reason to pay attention to your contract. This is a huge blow to authors and agents because they can't pursue profits from resale and it may just sit in the publishers vault.
http://www.nadialee.net/blog/2009/12/random-house-to-authors-all-your-eright-are-belong-to-us/
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Kissing under the Mistletoe
Kissing has been going on under the mistletoe for ages, but have you got in on the action? In theory it sounds like fun. Staking out the area under a plant and waiting for your future victims--ahem...crushes to lock lips with.
It's a nice placed to set up a romance, and that thought is how a story can be born. Inspiration can strike anywhere, and that is when I will begin to research the inspiration so it can work for my future stories. Where did the strange cultural custom come from?
The answer lies in ancient Scandinavia. There it was recognized as the plant of peace. If enemies met in a forest beneath it, they would make a truce to not fight until the next day. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe began with the Norse myth of Baldur, who died and was then resurrected. Frigga his mother at the birth of her son, made all the plants in the forest promise that they would not harm him. Loki who was also the God of mischief noticed she forgot the mistletoe plant. He tricked another God into killing Baldur by fashioning a spear tipped with mistletoe. Since Baldur was a God of vegetation, his death brought Winter to the world. Eventually he was brought back to life and his mother decreed the mistletoe plant sacred, ordering it to bring love rather than death into the world. So even now when two people pass under the misteltoe they will kiss to celebrate Baldur's resurrection.
Have you ever kissed under the mistletoe? Not me, but I've always wanted to.
It's a nice placed to set up a romance, and that thought is how a story can be born. Inspiration can strike anywhere, and that is when I will begin to research the inspiration so it can work for my future stories. Where did the strange cultural custom come from?
The answer lies in ancient Scandinavia. There it was recognized as the plant of peace. If enemies met in a forest beneath it, they would make a truce to not fight until the next day. The tradition of kissing under the mistletoe began with the Norse myth of Baldur, who died and was then resurrected. Frigga his mother at the birth of her son, made all the plants in the forest promise that they would not harm him. Loki who was also the God of mischief noticed she forgot the mistletoe plant. He tricked another God into killing Baldur by fashioning a spear tipped with mistletoe. Since Baldur was a God of vegetation, his death brought Winter to the world. Eventually he was brought back to life and his mother decreed the mistletoe plant sacred, ordering it to bring love rather than death into the world. So even now when two people pass under the misteltoe they will kiss to celebrate Baldur's resurrection.
Have you ever kissed under the mistletoe? Not me, but I've always wanted to.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Open calls for Chicken Soup for the Soul
We’re Looking for Stories!
We have many Chicken Soup for the Soul® books in development and are adding new titles all of the time. We are always looking for new stories and poems and hope you have some for us to consider. Take a look at the list of our future book topics to see if you have a story or poem on a subject we are looking for and then please submit it to us.
If you have a great story or poem you want to submit but we are not collecting for that topic at this time, please save it and check back with us soon. Our list of Possible Books Topics is added to frequently and hopefully, in the near future, we will add a topic that will be a perfect fit for your story or poem.
You can submit your story by going to the link at the bottom of this page. Thanks!
Here Are Our Future Topics:
...Results Stories...
Have you read a particular Chicken Soup story and, after reading it, found that it changed your life? We are looking for stories on how a story made important changes in your life and what specifically happened to you after you read it. Please be sure to let us know the title of the story that touched your life.
Christmas and Holidays - Ho Ho Ho
We love the holidays! They are a magical time of the year; a time of family, friends and traditions. They can bring special joy and unexpected blessings into our lives. Please share your Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa stories with us... stories that will touch the souls and warm the hearts of our readers. The deadline date for story submissions is January 15, 2010.
Devotionals for Mothers
Being a mom is one of the most challenging -- and yet rewarding --jobs a woman can have. With God on your parenting team, the burdens are lighter and the rewards are sweeter. If you have a brief true story (up to 600 words) that shows God’s presence during a parenting moment, please share it along with an applicable Bible verse and a 2-3 sentence prayer. You will receive ten free copies of the book and $100 for each published devotion. The deadline date for submissions is February 28, 2010.
Dieting and Fitness
Eat less - exercise more! We have all heard these simple words but, in reality, dieting and staying fit require a lot of work. Tell us about your commitment to health and fitness. What changes did you make in your eating habits? What kind of an exercise program did you follow that made the difference? Were you still able to treat yourself to that occasional delicious piece of chocolate cake and stay in shape? The true stories in this book will inspire you, make you laugh, touch your heart, and let you know that you can do it! The deadline date for story submissions is January 31, 2010.
Family Matters
Do you have a great story about a wacky or dysfunctional family member? We know you love them, but it's still great fun to read about all those crazy relatives and compare them to ours. Chicken Soup for the Soul: All in the Family has been a big hit, so let's do it again. Send us your stories, funny or serious. Submit under your real name, but rest assured we expect most of you to use pen names for publication and change the names of family members to protect the innocent (or guilty!). The deadline date for story submissions is February 28, 2010
Grandmothers
Everyone has a great story about the unconditional love between grandmothers and their grandchildren. We are looking for wonderful stories celebrating grandmothers and grandchildren, written by grandmothers about being a grandmother, and by grandchildren about their grandmothers. Stories about stepgrandmothers and honorary grandmothers are welcomed also. We are not looking for stories from children so please save those for a future book. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2010.
Grieving and Recovery
Grieving is a difficult process that those who have lost a loved one must go through in order to get to the recovery phase. This important collection of stories will be like a support group that will offer comfort and understanding and show you that, no matter how devastating your loss is, you are not alone. You can get through the process and, with time, you will regain your strength and move forward with your life. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2010.
Grieving and Recovery for Cat Owners
We all know that we will probably outlive our cats, but that doesn't change our grief when we lose them. This book will help cat owners deal with their loss. We would also like stories about aging cats and getting a new cat after losing a previous cat. Please submit stories about the whole cycle of pet loss -- the aging of your cat, the loss, and the recovery (i.e. new kitten). The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2010.
Grieving and Recovery for Dog Owners
We all know that we will probably outlive our dogs, but that doesn't change our grief when we lose them. This book will help dog owners deal with their loss. We would also like stories about aging dogs and getting a new dog after losing a previous dog. Please submit stories about the whole cycle of pet loss -- the aging of your dog, the loss, and the recovery (i.e. new puppy). The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2010.
Mothers and Daughters
Mothers and daughters… they are, at the same time, very similar and also completely unique. Mothers show daughters who they will become. Daughters live out mothers’ dreams. Through birth, childhood, teen years, adulthood, grandchildren, aging, and every step in between, this relationship can be the best, the hardest, and the sweetest. The deadline date for story submissions is December 31, 2009.
New Moms
Becoming a new mom is the most amazing experience, unique and unlike any other. From the moment that baby is placed in your arms, there is an incredible feeling only a new mother can know. This book celebrates the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of having a child and creating a family. We are looking for heartwarming, insightful, and humorous stories about raising babies and toddlers that share with our readers the wonders of early motherhood. The deadline for story submissions is February 28, 2010.
Preteens
The preteen years – those years from nine to twelve can be rough from both a physical and emotional perspective. You are not a kid anymore but you are not yet a teen. There are so many issues to deal with and sometimes it feels like you are all alone. You are not! The stories in this book – almost all of them written by preteens just like you – will prove that to you. We are looking for stories that will inspire you, make you laugh, make you think and let you know that life is not as bad as it might seem. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2010.
Teens
A completely new book on one of our most requested topics – TEENS. The stories in this book, written almost entirely by teens, will be stories that you will want to read again and again. They will serve as your guide on topics such as the daily pressures of life, love, school, friendships, parents and much more. We are looking for stories that will encourage you, inspire you, make you laugh, make you cry and show you that, as tough as things can get, you are not alone. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2010.
Thanks Dad
We are looking for funny, quirky, and unusual stories, as well as those heartwarming stories about the unique ways that our fathers help us and show their love for us. We are not looking for eulogies, life stories, or very serious stories. We are also not looking for stories about your children. This book is about Dad and for Dad, so let’s give our fathers a good time and a book that will make them smile. We are reopening the database for Thanks Dad for two weeks, so if you have a great story about your father, we look forward to reading it. We prefer stories and poems written in the first person of no more than 1,200 words. Stories should not have been previously published in our books or other major publications. Previous publication in school newsletters, local newspapers, and other small circulation venues is okay. Stories must be non-fiction. The deadline date for story submissions is December 14, 2009.
Thank you!
Click Here to Submit Your Story
We have many Chicken Soup for the Soul® books in development and are adding new titles all of the time. We are always looking for new stories and poems and hope you have some for us to consider. Take a look at the list of our future book topics to see if you have a story or poem on a subject we are looking for and then please submit it to us.
If you have a great story or poem you want to submit but we are not collecting for that topic at this time, please save it and check back with us soon. Our list of Possible Books Topics is added to frequently and hopefully, in the near future, we will add a topic that will be a perfect fit for your story or poem.
You can submit your story by going to the link at the bottom of this page. Thanks!
Here Are Our Future Topics:
...Results Stories...
Have you read a particular Chicken Soup story and, after reading it, found that it changed your life? We are looking for stories on how a story made important changes in your life and what specifically happened to you after you read it. Please be sure to let us know the title of the story that touched your life.
Christmas and Holidays - Ho Ho Ho
We love the holidays! They are a magical time of the year; a time of family, friends and traditions. They can bring special joy and unexpected blessings into our lives. Please share your Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa stories with us... stories that will touch the souls and warm the hearts of our readers. The deadline date for story submissions is January 15, 2010.
Devotionals for Mothers
Being a mom is one of the most challenging -- and yet rewarding --jobs a woman can have. With God on your parenting team, the burdens are lighter and the rewards are sweeter. If you have a brief true story (up to 600 words) that shows God’s presence during a parenting moment, please share it along with an applicable Bible verse and a 2-3 sentence prayer. You will receive ten free copies of the book and $100 for each published devotion. The deadline date for submissions is February 28, 2010.
Dieting and Fitness
Eat less - exercise more! We have all heard these simple words but, in reality, dieting and staying fit require a lot of work. Tell us about your commitment to health and fitness. What changes did you make in your eating habits? What kind of an exercise program did you follow that made the difference? Were you still able to treat yourself to that occasional delicious piece of chocolate cake and stay in shape? The true stories in this book will inspire you, make you laugh, touch your heart, and let you know that you can do it! The deadline date for story submissions is January 31, 2010.
Family Matters
Do you have a great story about a wacky or dysfunctional family member? We know you love them, but it's still great fun to read about all those crazy relatives and compare them to ours. Chicken Soup for the Soul: All in the Family has been a big hit, so let's do it again. Send us your stories, funny or serious. Submit under your real name, but rest assured we expect most of you to use pen names for publication and change the names of family members to protect the innocent (or guilty!). The deadline date for story submissions is February 28, 2010
Grandmothers
Everyone has a great story about the unconditional love between grandmothers and their grandchildren. We are looking for wonderful stories celebrating grandmothers and grandchildren, written by grandmothers about being a grandmother, and by grandchildren about their grandmothers. Stories about stepgrandmothers and honorary grandmothers are welcomed also. We are not looking for stories from children so please save those for a future book. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2010.
Grieving and Recovery
Grieving is a difficult process that those who have lost a loved one must go through in order to get to the recovery phase. This important collection of stories will be like a support group that will offer comfort and understanding and show you that, no matter how devastating your loss is, you are not alone. You can get through the process and, with time, you will regain your strength and move forward with your life. The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2010.
Grieving and Recovery for Cat Owners
We all know that we will probably outlive our cats, but that doesn't change our grief when we lose them. This book will help cat owners deal with their loss. We would also like stories about aging cats and getting a new cat after losing a previous cat. Please submit stories about the whole cycle of pet loss -- the aging of your cat, the loss, and the recovery (i.e. new kitten). The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2010.
Grieving and Recovery for Dog Owners
We all know that we will probably outlive our dogs, but that doesn't change our grief when we lose them. This book will help dog owners deal with their loss. We would also like stories about aging dogs and getting a new dog after losing a previous dog. Please submit stories about the whole cycle of pet loss -- the aging of your dog, the loss, and the recovery (i.e. new puppy). The deadline date for story submissions is March 31, 2010.
Mothers and Daughters
Mothers and daughters… they are, at the same time, very similar and also completely unique. Mothers show daughters who they will become. Daughters live out mothers’ dreams. Through birth, childhood, teen years, adulthood, grandchildren, aging, and every step in between, this relationship can be the best, the hardest, and the sweetest. The deadline date for story submissions is December 31, 2009.
New Moms
Becoming a new mom is the most amazing experience, unique and unlike any other. From the moment that baby is placed in your arms, there is an incredible feeling only a new mother can know. This book celebrates the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of having a child and creating a family. We are looking for heartwarming, insightful, and humorous stories about raising babies and toddlers that share with our readers the wonders of early motherhood. The deadline for story submissions is February 28, 2010.
Preteens
The preteen years – those years from nine to twelve can be rough from both a physical and emotional perspective. You are not a kid anymore but you are not yet a teen. There are so many issues to deal with and sometimes it feels like you are all alone. You are not! The stories in this book – almost all of them written by preteens just like you – will prove that to you. We are looking for stories that will inspire you, make you laugh, make you think and let you know that life is not as bad as it might seem. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2010.
Teens
A completely new book on one of our most requested topics – TEENS. The stories in this book, written almost entirely by teens, will be stories that you will want to read again and again. They will serve as your guide on topics such as the daily pressures of life, love, school, friendships, parents and much more. We are looking for stories that will encourage you, inspire you, make you laugh, make you cry and show you that, as tough as things can get, you are not alone. The deadline date for story submissions is June 30, 2010.
Thanks Dad
We are looking for funny, quirky, and unusual stories, as well as those heartwarming stories about the unique ways that our fathers help us and show their love for us. We are not looking for eulogies, life stories, or very serious stories. We are also not looking for stories about your children. This book is about Dad and for Dad, so let’s give our fathers a good time and a book that will make them smile. We are reopening the database for Thanks Dad for two weeks, so if you have a great story about your father, we look forward to reading it. We prefer stories and poems written in the first person of no more than 1,200 words. Stories should not have been previously published in our books or other major publications. Previous publication in school newsletters, local newspapers, and other small circulation venues is okay. Stories must be non-fiction. The deadline date for story submissions is December 14, 2009.
Thank you!
Click Here to Submit Your Story
Open Call for anthology
A Cup of Comfort® for Couples: (Call for Submissions)
Stories that celebrate what it means to be in love
It is said that love works in mysterious ways. And this anthology will reveal the many mysteries as well as the inner workings of true love. Of course, being a "happy couple" involves more than being in love, and making a romantic relationship work takes more than romance. So this book will feature uplifting true stories with a balanced mix of tones—romantic, poignant, humorous—and on a wide range of topics: From falling in love to the secrets of lasting love. From celebrating special moments between you to overcoming bumps in your relationship. From experiences that brought you closer together to experiences that threatened to tear you apart. From endearing rituals to challenging changes. From sparkling new love to glorious golden love. Or any other topic that speaks to the joys, the challenges, and/or the nature of a romantic partnership that works for you. Narrative essays preferred. Story Length: 1000–2000 words.
Submit Your Story Now
Call for Submission Deadline: April 20, 2010
Finalist Notification: June 15, 2010
Stories that celebrate what it means to be in love
It is said that love works in mysterious ways. And this anthology will reveal the many mysteries as well as the inner workings of true love. Of course, being a "happy couple" involves more than being in love, and making a romantic relationship work takes more than romance. So this book will feature uplifting true stories with a balanced mix of tones—romantic, poignant, humorous—and on a wide range of topics: From falling in love to the secrets of lasting love. From celebrating special moments between you to overcoming bumps in your relationship. From experiences that brought you closer together to experiences that threatened to tear you apart. From endearing rituals to challenging changes. From sparkling new love to glorious golden love. Or any other topic that speaks to the joys, the challenges, and/or the nature of a romantic partnership that works for you. Narrative essays preferred. Story Length: 1000–2000 words.
Submit Your Story Now
Call for Submission Deadline: April 20, 2010
Finalist Notification: June 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Bubbling creativity
I have a theory that says most writers are very creative, artistic people that just need an outlet. I've always had a love for arts and crafts. My favorite style is Primitive country. It's been a long time since I played with my paints or used my cross stitch supplies.
I think most of creative energy has been going into my writing, but this last few months I've been wanting to do something to my dining room table. Something completely unpredictable and different.
I warned my husband what I planned to do, so he could get used to the idea of eating with chickens everday.
Here is the final result.
Another shot here:
And here you can see my source of inspiration and my work in progress:
I won't be quitting writing anytime soon, but I would love to learn to knit too. Some of the ladies at the writers meetings knit the entire time they are there.
I think most of creative energy has been going into my writing, but this last few months I've been wanting to do something to my dining room table. Something completely unpredictable and different.
I warned my husband what I planned to do, so he could get used to the idea of eating with chickens everday.
Here is the final result.
Another shot here:
And here you can see my source of inspiration and my work in progress:
I won't be quitting writing anytime soon, but I would love to learn to knit too. Some of the ladies at the writers meetings knit the entire time they are there.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Jennifer Leeland has a new book out today
I have a friend who released a book through Samhain today and thought I would share. Hope you enjoy it!
"The Christmas She Rules"
Control is her kink…and she’s losing it.
It’s another gloomy Christmas for Pamela Dane. Not only is it the anniversary of a dark period in her life, but all her friends had the nerve to hook up. It’s not easy for a female Domme to find a playmate. Maybe The Cage in San Francisco will be the perfect place to escape—and find a willing man to chase away the memories.
Christian Nolan is at the BDSM club for the hell of it. Yet the minute Mistress Dane takes control of him, she not only stuns him with her talent, he stuns himself with his willingness to surrender. Her offer to meet him there for another night is intriguing—and frightening.
Pamela’s session with Chris shakes her to the core, resurrecting memories she’s afraid to face. But Chris isn’t willing to let her past haunt her…even if it leaves his heart in tatters.
Warning: Hot, strong man on his knees, which will bring you to yours. Strap-on action, anal play, lots of leather and tons of tension. Alpha male who likes to do whatever the right woman tells him to do, including another woman.
BUY IT HERE!
Want a taste? Read an excerpt HERE.
"The Christmas She Rules"
Control is her kink…and she’s losing it.
It’s another gloomy Christmas for Pamela Dane. Not only is it the anniversary of a dark period in her life, but all her friends had the nerve to hook up. It’s not easy for a female Domme to find a playmate. Maybe The Cage in San Francisco will be the perfect place to escape—and find a willing man to chase away the memories.
Christian Nolan is at the BDSM club for the hell of it. Yet the minute Mistress Dane takes control of him, she not only stuns him with her talent, he stuns himself with his willingness to surrender. Her offer to meet him there for another night is intriguing—and frightening.
Pamela’s session with Chris shakes her to the core, resurrecting memories she’s afraid to face. But Chris isn’t willing to let her past haunt her…even if it leaves his heart in tatters.
Warning: Hot, strong man on his knees, which will bring you to yours. Strap-on action, anal play, lots of leather and tons of tension. Alpha male who likes to do whatever the right woman tells him to do, including another woman.
BUY IT HERE!
Want a taste? Read an excerpt HERE.
12 Days of Promo: Day 1 Books Don't sell themselves
Writer's myth #1: Books don't sell themselves.
As a new writer you can feel overwhelmed very quickly. I wonder if I would have even become a writer if I realized how many hats you have to juggle. Writing is hard work. It takes a lot of effort get a book done. A little luck, and after some sweat and sometimes some tears, you have a polished story ready for your adoring public--or so you hope.
The biggest stumbling block is that your public doesn't even know who you are yet. Some writers hope that being put out by the big boys in New York, you won't have to work as hard. In today's economy that just isnt' true. You can be epublished, print published or self-published. It really doesn't matter who you are, or where you are starting out on that ladder, you need to know how to market yourself. Your books are your business. Your name is your brand and you need to think about how raise your royalties if you want to eat. With marketing budgets being slashed left and right, the majority of that responsibility falls on you. The writer.
So what's a struggling writer to do? Well, if you don't want to starve you got to get your name out there. Put yourself on the map and tell people about your book--and I don't mean to spit out the well rehearsed blurb. You got to tell people why they should read your book. Why they even want to crack open the book.
Writing is not usually a lucrative field. Except maybe for the lucky (and hardworking, I might add) authors who make the New York Times bestseller list. The majority of authors I know make under $20,000 a year. On top of that, it's highly competetive. If you don't meet your deadlines, the editor usually has someone ready, willing and able to take your place in line to get their book published.
So what's my advice to those authors dreaming of retiring on the royalties they make from their first book sale? Don't quit your day job just yet.
Publishers expectations are high. They expect you to be well rounded, have an internet presence, and be a marketing machine. You have to blog and network. You need to set yourself apart from all the other writers to choose from. So what's a writer to do? First off, just breathe.
Just like writing, you can't do it all at once. Just remember that it took more than a day to write your book. You need to expect it to take more than a day to market your book as well. I find that by setting aside an hour each day I can use that time to market myself. Or if you find, it easier, make it once a week or something similar, but remember it will take time. You can work on a newsletter, a blog, a graphic design, ordering bookmarks, making contests, setting up live chats, booksignings, or anything you find works.
Most blockbuster bestsellers are not first time booksales. You build an audience with each book and you learn and grow, finding more effective places to market yourself.
Building name recognition is to me the most important thing you can do for your career. It starts by branding yourself. Coming up with a tag line. Some of my favorites are by ebook authors, but there are quite a few used by really big names in the business. What are tag lines you ask? They are short and to the point. People use powerful words in short phrases to get the attention of the readers, editors, and agents. Put simply, tag lines sell books.
Here are some examples but I am sure you can think of some other names:
For Karen Marie Moning's Fever series che uses "Catch the Heat, Feel the Fever!"
For Stephen King's book "The Cell"--"There's a reason cell rhymes with hell."
There are some other things that can help. When writing try not to jump around from genre to genre. Write books that are similar in tone and in the same filed. Sticking to a genre makes it so your readers can come to know what to expect and repetition does not hurt. It can remind people when they see your name, that they meant to buy your book.
What have we learned today?
*Stay organized
*Make a schedule
*Set aside time to market yourself
*Brand is big business
12 Days of Promo--Day 1
12 Days of Promo--Day 2 (coming Dec 2)
12 Days of Promo--Day 3 (coming Dec 3)
12 Days of Promo--Day 4 (coming Dec 4)
12 Days of Promo--Day 5 (coming Dec 5)
12 Days of Promo--Day 6 (coming Dec 6)
12 Days of Promo--Day 7 (coming Dec 7)
12 Days of Promo--Day 8 (coming Dec 8)
12 Days of Promo--Day 9 (coming Dec 9)
12 Days of Promo--Day 10 (coming Dec 10)
12 Days of Promo--Day 11 (coming Dec 11)
12 Days of Promo--Day 12 (coming Dec 12)
As a new writer you can feel overwhelmed very quickly. I wonder if I would have even become a writer if I realized how many hats you have to juggle. Writing is hard work. It takes a lot of effort get a book done. A little luck, and after some sweat and sometimes some tears, you have a polished story ready for your adoring public--or so you hope.
The biggest stumbling block is that your public doesn't even know who you are yet. Some writers hope that being put out by the big boys in New York, you won't have to work as hard. In today's economy that just isnt' true. You can be epublished, print published or self-published. It really doesn't matter who you are, or where you are starting out on that ladder, you need to know how to market yourself. Your books are your business. Your name is your brand and you need to think about how raise your royalties if you want to eat. With marketing budgets being slashed left and right, the majority of that responsibility falls on you. The writer.
So what's a struggling writer to do? Well, if you don't want to starve you got to get your name out there. Put yourself on the map and tell people about your book--and I don't mean to spit out the well rehearsed blurb. You got to tell people why they should read your book. Why they even want to crack open the book.
Writing is not usually a lucrative field. Except maybe for the lucky (and hardworking, I might add) authors who make the New York Times bestseller list. The majority of authors I know make under $20,000 a year. On top of that, it's highly competetive. If you don't meet your deadlines, the editor usually has someone ready, willing and able to take your place in line to get their book published.
So what's my advice to those authors dreaming of retiring on the royalties they make from their first book sale? Don't quit your day job just yet.
Publishers expectations are high. They expect you to be well rounded, have an internet presence, and be a marketing machine. You have to blog and network. You need to set yourself apart from all the other writers to choose from. So what's a writer to do? First off, just breathe.
Just like writing, you can't do it all at once. Just remember that it took more than a day to write your book. You need to expect it to take more than a day to market your book as well. I find that by setting aside an hour each day I can use that time to market myself. Or if you find, it easier, make it once a week or something similar, but remember it will take time. You can work on a newsletter, a blog, a graphic design, ordering bookmarks, making contests, setting up live chats, booksignings, or anything you find works.
Most blockbuster bestsellers are not first time booksales. You build an audience with each book and you learn and grow, finding more effective places to market yourself.
Building name recognition is to me the most important thing you can do for your career. It starts by branding yourself. Coming up with a tag line. Some of my favorites are by ebook authors, but there are quite a few used by really big names in the business. What are tag lines you ask? They are short and to the point. People use powerful words in short phrases to get the attention of the readers, editors, and agents. Put simply, tag lines sell books.
Here are some examples but I am sure you can think of some other names:
For Karen Marie Moning's Fever series che uses "Catch the Heat, Feel the Fever!"
For Stephen King's book "The Cell"--"There's a reason cell rhymes with hell."
There are some other things that can help. When writing try not to jump around from genre to genre. Write books that are similar in tone and in the same filed. Sticking to a genre makes it so your readers can come to know what to expect and repetition does not hurt. It can remind people when they see your name, that they meant to buy your book.
What have we learned today?
*Stay organized
*Make a schedule
*Set aside time to market yourself
*Brand is big business
12 Days of Promo--Day 1
12 Days of Promo--Day 2 (coming Dec 2)
12 Days of Promo--Day 3 (coming Dec 3)
12 Days of Promo--Day 4 (coming Dec 4)
12 Days of Promo--Day 5 (coming Dec 5)
12 Days of Promo--Day 6 (coming Dec 6)
12 Days of Promo--Day 7 (coming Dec 7)
12 Days of Promo--Day 8 (coming Dec 8)
12 Days of Promo--Day 9 (coming Dec 9)
12 Days of Promo--Day 10 (coming Dec 10)
12 Days of Promo--Day 11 (coming Dec 11)
12 Days of Promo--Day 12 (coming Dec 12)
Cowboys Don't Dance got reviewed by Night Owl Romance Reviews
Oh I am excited to see the reviews are coming back finally. Night Owl Romance was kind enough to give us 3.25 hearts, by Chris.
"This was a good read. While I enjoyed the interactions between Jesse and Angela it was a little too easy how they fell into bed together. Well, not bed actually. They seemed to do it everywhere but in a bed! The sex was well-written and definitely steamy... It delivered where it mattered; a happy ending."
Yay!
READ THE ENTIRE REVIEW HERE
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