BOOK PUBLISHING SECRETS: HOW TO PUBLISH YOUR BOOK!

Book Publishing Secrets with Theresa Cheung #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Theresa Cheung is an internationally bestselling author and public speaker. She has been writing about spirituality, dreams and the paranormal for the past 25 years, and was listed by Watkins Mind Body and Spirit magazine as one of the 100 most spiritually influential living people in 2023. She has a degree in Theology and English from Kings College, Cambridge University, frequently collaborating with leading scientists and neuroscientists researching consciousness.

Theresa is regularly featured in national newspapers and magazines, and she is a frequent radio, podcast and television guest and ITV: This Morning’s regular dream decoding expert. She hosts her own popular spiritual podcast called White Shores and weekly live UK Health Radio Show: The Healing Power of Your Dreams.

Her latest book is the paranormal thriller, NightBorn, available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.

You can visit her website at www.theresacheung.com or connect with her on X, Facebook, Instagram or Goodreads.

📙Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

I’ve spent most of my life immersed in dreams, psychology, and the unseen dimensions of human experience. Writing NightBorn felt like the natural next step and a way to bring everything I’ve studied into a story younger and fiction-loving readers would connect with. I wanted to smuggle decades of dream

research into a gripping narrative they couldn’t put down.

📙Is this your first book?

It’s my first novel, yes. However, I’ve written many nonfiction bestsellers on dreams, spirituality, and the afterlife but NightBorn is my debut in fiction, and it’s the book that pushed me furthest outside my comfort zone.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

I chose to publish with a small independent press. My longstanding traditional publishers weren’t ready to support me outside my nonfiction niche, so I followed my instincts and went indie to give NightBorn the freedom it needed.

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

Pros: complete creative control, a deeply personal process, and the ability to shape the book exactly as I envisioned it.
Cons: fewer resources, no advance, and the responsibility for pushing the book into the world largely falling on my shoulders. It is challenging but also incredibly liberating.

📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

I learned that publishers often prefer to keep writers in their established lanes, even when passion pulls them elsewhere. I also learned that sometimes you have to champion your own work long before anyone else does. Ultimately, my belief in the book mattered more than the route it took.

📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

Yes but with a caveat. Indie publishing can be empowering, but it requires resilience, self-motivation, and a willingness to manage much of the process yourself. If you believe in your project wholeheartedly and are prepared to work hard, it’s a rewarding path.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Write the story only you can tell. Trust your instincts, even when others can’t yet see your vision. Write for the love of it and not to impress others. And above all keep going. Perseverance is the quiet superpower behind every book that finally makes its way into the world.

NightBorn is available at Amazon.

Book Publishing Secrets with Mary Lawlor #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Mary Lawlor is author of Fighter Pilot’s Daughter (Rowman & Littlefield 2013, paper 2015), Public Native America (Rutgers Univ. Press 2006), and Recalling the Wild (Rutgers Univ. Press, 2000). Her short stories and essays have appeared in Big Bridge and Politics/Letters. She studied the American University in Paris and earned a Ph.D. from New York University. She divides her time between an old farmhouse in Easton, Pennsylvania, and a cabin in the mountains of southern Spain.

You can visit her website at https://www.marylawlor.net/ or connect with her on Twitter or Facebook.

📙Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

I grew up in a military family. My father was a pilot, first in the Marine Corps and later in the Army. He tested new planes, taught others how to fly them, as was himself a fighter pilot. We moved every two years, according to the Defense Department’s demands. Fighter Pilot’s Daughter tracks this complicated experience during the middle years of the Cold War.

In those days, the dangers of nuclear war were on most Americans’ minds. That and the “domino theory”—the idea that if one country went communist, others nearby would do the same—kept fear alive in us. The theory suggested that one country’s succumbing to communisim meant the whole world would soon be controlled by the Soviet Union. Those fears thrived in our household, just as it they did everywhere in American life.

The high anxiety of the Cold War meant my father was often away from home. Waiting on a ship off the coast of Guatemala for the start of an invasion, investigating a fly-over of the Soviet border in northern Turkey, keeping tuned to news from the Fulda Gap on the border of West and East Germany—in these and other situations too frightening for my sisters and I to know about, my father kept us in suspense from far away. We were happy when he came home, but without meaning to, he frightened us. He’d walk through the door, his head nearly touching the ceiling, his blue eyes lit with a long-distance gaze. He didn’t seem to have landed. He had gifts. He told stories. But he wasn’t really home yet, and we weren’t sure who he was.

When my mother and sisters and I went with my Dad to new postings, we’d be excited by the prospect of seeing the new place but distraught at leaving friends behind. Tension grew between my parents. My mother was proud of my father’s accomplishments and at the same time angry with him for making her leave one home after another, never settling down. The strife between them was also fed by the dangers inherent in Dad’s work and by the steady nervousness in the air that World War III was just around the corner. They drank cocktails to ease the strain. They fought, their voices taut with anger and fear. They weren’t happy. Nobody was.

By the time I was ready for college, I’d been to 14 schools—a bewildering way to grow up. As I got older, my childhood faith in Dad grew cloudy. In the news and in the streets, I heard arguments against what he was doing—fighting the war in Vietnam, flying for a government that was killing civilians. I took a political stance against him, and our own Cold War developed. For years we didn’t speak. Finally, when he was retired and I had settled down into marriage and teaching, we found our way back to each other, happily and gratefully reconciled.

Not long after, I started thinking about a book what would sort out what it had all meant. I made lists of all the schools and the places we called “home”; and of the government’s moves that drove ours. At a certain point, I put it all together in a first draft. Writing helped me make sense of not just how my sisters and I came through these chaotic times. It helped me see what our parents endured. After several more drafts, I had a 320 page story of our time I titled Fighter Pilot’s Daughter

📙Is this your first book?

No. I’ve written two books of cultural analysis—Recalling the Wild (about the closing of the American West) and Public Native America (about tribal casinos, museums and powwows), both published by Rutgers University Press. And I’ve just completed a novel, The Translators, about a pair of itinerant foreigners in medieval Spain.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

My agent found a receptive ear with Rowman and Littlefield. The editors there were interested in Fighter Pilot’s Daughter as it was, without asking for lots of changes. So we both decided to go with them. They’ve since been taken over by Bloomsbury, but traditionally, they’ve done a lot of books about military experience, so it seemed like a good fit for this story of a military family. They have good distribution, and the paperback edition came out a couple of years later.

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

First I found an agent, Neil Salkind who was interested in the memoir genre. He was wonderful and placed the book quickly. These days it’s difficult to find a publisher who’ll look at your manuscript if it doesn’t come through an agent, so I was very happy Neil took me on. I think there are a few publishing houses that accept manuscripts directly from authors, but it’s really important to find an agent. They know what to trust and what not to, what to look for in a contract and what to expect from a publisher. And the publishers trust them to have vetted people who approach them, so the publisher can count on the agent’s authors being reliably strong writers. It’s difficult to go about the process on your own, so I’d advise everyone to try to find an agent first.

📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

I’ve learned to be patient! Sometimes it seems as if agents and publishers move at glacial speed, but that’s only because they’re so incredibly busy. It takes them a long time to get to your manuscript when they have so many other already waiting for attention. You really have to learn to wait. And I learned to accept rejection without being stopped in my tracks by it. Publishers and agents are always reminding you that their responses are subjective, and it’s true: one editor’s or agent’s view will be entirely different from another’s. So I learned not to get too down when I’m rejected and to keep sending the book back out there!

📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

As I mentioned above, Rowman & Littlefield has been taken over by Bloomsbury. I haven’t had any dealings with the new group yet, so I can’t say anything about how it is to work with them, but generally speaking I can say that Bloomsbury has a very fine, even venerable reputation.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Keep at it, every day. Listen to the words that sail through your mind, however briefly or dimly. They’re worth listening to and using. Remember doubt is part of the process: don’t let it stop you or get you down.

Fighter Pilot's Daughter is available at Amazon.

Book Publishing Secrets with Kate Damon #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

When Kate Damon is not writing, she and her husband enjoy RVing, spending time with family and friends, raising Monarch butterflies, and playing a wicked game of bridge.

Writing as Margaret Brownley, she has published more than 40 novels and is a New York Times bestselling author. Known for her memorable characters and humor, she is a two-time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist.

Not counting the book she wrote in sixth grade, and the puzzle of the missing socks, this is her first mystery.

Website ➜http://margaret-brownley.com/

Twitter ➜https://www.x.com/katejuryduty

Facebook ➜https://www.facebook.com/MargaretBrownleyAuthor/ and https://www.facebook.com/p/Kate-Damon-61565155275435/

Instagram ➜https://www.instagram.com/katedamonbooks

BookBub➜https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kate-damon

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4072660.Kate_Damon and https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/163681.Margaret_Brownley

📙Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

First of all, thank you for having me and letting me share my story. I can hardly remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer. So it really wasn’t a deliberate decision on my part, but rather a natural

progression.

As for why I decided to write this book, all my stories start with a question. The question for Jury Duty is Murder concerned the psychological and emotional impact on jurors who are sequestered for extended periods, specifically for months. I had no idea I was writing a mystery until bodies started turning up on my computer screen.

📙Is this your first book?

No, this is not my first book, but since I’m using a pen name, it feels like it. Writing under Margaret Brownley, I’ve published more than forty-six historical romance novels and am a New York, Times bestselling author. This is my first mystery, which is why I’m writing it under a pen name.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

When I first conceived of the idea for the book, I queried my regular publishers. But since it was so different than anything I’d previously written, no one was interested. So I put the book aside. However, the characters kept nagging at me and, finally, I continued to work on the book alongside my other projects. I queried a small press, and the editor was kind enough to suggest I send the book to the Wild Rose Press. That’s what I did, and here we are.

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

Having published numerous books, my journey has been a long one. I actually penned my first "book" in sixth grade, which ignited my lifelong dream of becoming a writer. However, my early aspirations faced significant challenges. In school, I struggled with English and even flunked the subject because I could not grasp the concept of diagramming sentences (still can’t). This setback was compounded by a discouraging remark from my teacher, who advised me to abandon any thoughts of pursuing writing.

Life took its course through various responsibilities such as jobs, marriage, and motherhood. Despite these commitments, the desire to write remained a constant presence in my life. I wrote for the church newsletter, and after making the church picnic sound like a Grisham novel, my pastor took me aside and suggested that God probably meant for me to write fiction.

Since I wasn’t about to argue with God, I told my family that I intended to start taking my writing seriously and work on a book. To my surprise, my three children reacted with relief; it turned out that my penchant for crafting lengthy and what I believed were clever excuse notes had become a source of embarrassment for them.

The next four years were challenging as I faced an overwhelming number of rejections—enough to cover the walls of my home. It was during this period that I decided to join a writers' group, which proved to be a pivotal moment in my writing journey. The support and feedback from fellow writers helped me refine my craft and regain confidence in my abilities.

📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

I was pretty ignorant about the whole publishing business. My writing group taught me how to write a proposal and how to slant it for specific publishers and editors. Back in those days, we didn’t have the Internet, and I spent a lot of time and money sending my books to the wrong people. Now, you can look up publishers and editors online and find out what kind of books they are interested in.

You can also join online writer groups, which provide invaluable information. My writing group also held yearly conferences. This enabled me to meet editors and pitch my stories face-to-face. I also met my agent at one. They say writing is a solitary profession, but I found the opposite to be true. The amount of support and help for writers is amazing. All you have to do is reach out.

📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

Absolutely. It’s a tough business and the more you know, the better your chances of getting published.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

First, write the book. Then be sure to stay in touch with your characters every day, even if it means rereading your last chapter. That keeps the subconscious working. Finally, join a writer’s group, preferably in your own genre.

Jury Duty is Murder is available at Amazon.

Book Publishing Secrets with Christopher Kaufman #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Christopher Kaufman is an author, composer, presenter, illustrative artist and performer. He started imaginative fantasy books with illustrative art at the age of nine. During high school years he found music and attended The New Orleans Center for The Creative Arts and went on to major in music composition in college. He finished his schooling – earning his DMA in music composition at Cornell University where he studied with Pulitzer Prize Winning composers who prize his abilities as a composer.

Christopher is the type of person who needs imaginative fantasy scenarios to get to sleep. Therefore, he emerged from Cornell, not only with his degrees in music, but with the full event structure for his classic epic fantasy series Tales Of The Ocean City in his mind.

He began writing the story down in the early 2000’s, but it did not really come to life until he developed his home music ‘laboratory’ and started creating the music and text at the same time. Thus books one and two of TOC came about simultaneously as both graphically illustrated pages and effulgent audio albums filled with cinematic epic symphonic music.

They exist now as physical books and audio albums (that go together) and the new Video Book version. He performs live tours with the music pouring through speakers, live narration and the colorful pages streaming on screen – a true immersive multi-media experience.

He also maintains his career as a composer for the concert stage with a full body of work, from solo works thru orchestral. He specializes as well in ‘environmental works’ which feature soundscapes crafted from hundreds of natural sounds, live musicians (from soloists, chamber groups and to full orchestra), videos filled with both natural and artistic images and readings from the works of John Muir and others.

Kaufman’s books feature full-page graphic illustration and go-with audio albums filled with epic cinematic music, narration and sound design. All available, with generous discount packages, at kaufmantales.com (epubs and the new Video Book version available there!).

His author page is talesoftheoceancity.com.

His you-tube channel is SOUNDARTUS.

Visit him at Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/talesoftheoceancity.

📙Is this your first book?

The first book of this five-book series was indeed my first book ever. Many since! It has been in my mind for many years.

Tales Of The Ocean City tells the tale of a young civilization turning the corner into the future. The city as a whole must do this by facing a terrible enemy from the deepest past, The Vorm - with whom they co-evolved in ages past on their ancestral isle. The main characters are young Harl’ut and his lifelong companion, Vispushin - who is a perianth (a kind of telepathic pegasus). They are very close, like family. They speak to each other mind-to-mind. Harl’ut too must face the past. At the end of book two he undergoes an initiation adventure where he descends into the volcanic mountain, Pla’than’taa - from the belly of which The Ocean City was delved. There, he interacts with personifications of past god-like figures and battles a terrific monster. He then leads a cadre of young warriors into the Vorm Hive on a vital mission.

All of this is a huge metaphor for my life’s journey.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

I started right off with independent. It is part of my process to see the book and make adjustments. This is because the book pages feature full-page graphically illustrated art. I need to see how it comes out - this has led to finding a POD distributor which makes the best books, i.e. Book Vault. With others the colors come out dark and smudged looking.

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

It takes a lot of work to learn about self-publishing, creating your online store, find cover artists and websites. It is good to see and feel your book, since it is a work of art, and be able to make adjustments. The challenge is in getting the word out.

📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

Keep at it. Enjoy the process as an end goal and take it from there, same as any artistic pursuit.

📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

Certainly - it may, in fact, be the only way open to you.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Write because you have to. Your stories must emerge from your being. Have a higher purpose than making money, then it will come. All of my works celebrate the transformative power of imagination. I believe in that power as demonstrated in the fine arts and, especially, great fantasy stories. Much of my work is about feeding and growing imagination in one way or another. I hope people experience my work and then feel differently about how they experience the world around them. Imagination is the highest function of the human mind - it gives us art, music and scientific theories…and helps us envision a better future for ourselves and our civilization. It has been damaged in many ways in our modern lives. Fantasy can help cure this.

Book Publishing Secrets with Jörg H. Trauboth #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Jörg H. Trauboth, born in 1943 near Berlin, logged over two thousand flight hours as a Weapon Systems Officer Instructor in the Luftwaffe, flying PHANTOM F-4F / RF-4E and TORNADO fighter jets, and over 3000 hours in light aircraft. At the age of fifty, he left the service with the rank of Colonel in the General Staff. He received training as a Special Risk Consultant from the English Control Risk Group and served as Managing Director Germany, dealing with extortion and kidnapping cases in South America and Eastern Europe. Shortly thereafter, he founded his own consulting firm, quickly establishing an outstanding international reputation. Trauboth protected his clients with a 24-hour task force during product extortions, product recalls, kidnappings, and image crises. He was the first President of the European Crisis Management Academy in Vienna and President of the American Yankee Association.

He is known as a respected expert in the media on security-related topics. He volunteers as an emergency counselor and is a member of the Crisis Intervention Team (KIT Bonn) of the German Foreign Office. He is a private pilot, married, with two sons and three grandchildren.

In 2002, Trauboth wrote the now out of print standard work “Crisis Management for Company Threats”.

In 2016 the follow-up work was published with Jörg H. Trauboth as editor in collaboration with five authors: “Crisis Management in Companies and Public Institutions”.

Terror expert J. H. Trauboth presented his debut novel in 2015 with the Germany thriller “Three Brothers”. (Available in English). In 2019 “Operation Jerusalem” followed and in 2020 “Omega”. The trilogy is about the former elite soldier Marc Anderson and his team. With these three self-contained thrillers, Trauboth is rated by many readers as the “German Tom Clancy.” The trilogy is available as a printed edition, eBook and audio book.

His first detective novel, “Jakobs Weg” (German), followed in 2021. The highly explosive topic of “sexual abuse of children” is processed sensitively in a scenario on the Way of Saint James and at the end offers contact options for those seeking help.

In 2022, the novella “Bonjour Saint-Ex” was published (German) in which the passionate pilot Jörg H. Trauboth turns the last flight of the legend Antoine de Saint Exupéry into an exciting literary event.

Readers wanted a sequel to the Marc Anderson series. In 2023, ZarenTod – Das Ende der Präsidenten was published, a highly topical political thriller. The Russian president and new tsar, Ivan Pavlenko, suddenly shows his true face during the war in Ukraine. He wants the old Soviet Union back. The world is on the brink. The influential oligarch, Alexei Sokolov, wants to prevent Ivan’s megalomaniac plans and is planning a fundamental new beginning for Russia. To achieve this, the Russian president must be removed. But the plan goes awry. Ex-elite soldier Marc Anderson intervenes. Will Czar Ivan die? What will become of Europe? The book 8/ 2024 in English „The Death of the Kremlin Czar” is the fourth political thriller in the Marc Anderson series.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ https://trauboth-autor.de/english/

Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/JorgTrauboth

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

First of all, thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to share some of my experiences as a writer. I'm very glad that I don't have to make a living from this genre. In fact, I've been writing out of passion all my life. I won a few awards for it in the military. But it was only after I had finished my time as a professional soldier that I learned what is necessary to become a respected author. I learned how to design a plot, learned different types of storytelling and how to captivate the reader. I learned more from book to book. The reviews were great, but unfortunately not the sales. That didn't set me back. A book is like a baby that wants to be born. In my thrillers, I also have the unique opportunity to create a world that is better than the previous one. And to invent people in whom I find myself. If I gave up writing, my life wouldn't be as full as it is now.

📙 Is this your first book?

THE DEATH OF THE KREMLIN CZAR is my seventh book since 2015 and my second in English. Among these books are four thrillers of the Marc Anderson series, a thriller about child sexual abuse, a novella about the French poet Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and two non-fiction books about crisis management. Actually, all the books have something to do with me because good crisis management is my passion.

📙 With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

I am an author from Germany. So there may be differences to other countries in terms of my experiences. But I read the US book market is even more challenging than those in Europe. I was contacted by a well-known German publisher for my non-fiction book. It went easily. I got the kind of professional support you would expect. My other books were printed in the traditional way by a small publisher who also covered all the costs but had no resources for marketing. All books are available in print and as e-books, three as audiobooks. But all books have small editions to keep the risk low. When I started, my publisher and friend had a few thousand books printed. They were then stored in a warehouse and cost money. Now there is print on demand, so these costs no longer apply. But at the same time, the prices for paper, printing and the supply chain have increased so much that the process is at least as expensive. The “biggest” earnings are comparatively with e-books.

📙 Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

You need a lot of nerve and patience as an unknown writer. Although I'm not completely unknown, I didn't receive any replies or rejections from over 30 publishers and agents. You write on the assumption that they are waiting for this very book and then - nothing. Although the reading samples, the synopsis and the other required papers were perfect. Most agents and publisher write that if there is no response after 12 weeks, the book is unfortunately not interesting. Many also want to know whether you have already submitted elsewhere. So it is frustrating.

On the other hand, I can see the enormous pressure agents and publishers are under. There is no more room for risky decisions, even if the manuscript is excellent. It's no longer about the good text, but only about money. I learned that my book readings in an event, for example with discussions and music, are the greatest fulfillment for me. The media also reported on this. Afterwards, however, that didn't boost sales either.

I invested some money in book marketing and book fairs, but in the end had to learn that you need a huge amount of money to get noticed – for a few weeks. Only a big publisher can do that.

With my advanced age, I am perhaps not the right person to talk about social media as a book promotion tool. One thing is clear, you can't do without social media. I am on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube and LinkedIn. But one should be aware that you have to invest hours day by day to produce the best story, the best reel, the best video with the best music. And to communicate with your community. Is that what you want? I prefer to invest in social media professionals who do the most important work for me, like pumpupyourbook.com right now .'

📙 What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

The best thing about a book project is the writing process itself. After that, it becomes painful. In my country, unknown authors have not a real a chance of ending up on a bestseller list without a publisher. There are more and more untrustworthy publishers who exploit the desperate situation of unsuccessful authors and publish the books in exchange for a payment system. It can easily happen that you burn €20,000 or $ without getting any readers.

Overall, I take a critical view of the development of the book market. Publishers are closing, interest is now only focused on reliable bestselling authors, and the number of publications is increasing rapidly worldwide.

Many young people are unlearning how to read, and superficial scrolling is dominating the brain. With AI, publishing a book will be child's play. My horror scenario: AI writes a book, guarantees the perfect style, guarantees flawlessness, does the translations into other languages, does the cover, brings the book to Kindle in a matter of minutes and thus to the global market. Together with a perfect book teaser. The result: the book market is increasingly flooded with products that are no longer backed by qualified authors. Anyone, theoretically, even someone who can barely read and write, will have the chance to become a bestselling author in the future. The only problem is that even AI cannot guarantee sales success. But with or without AI, the book market is moving away from quality towards a big lottery. Even the Nobel Prize for Literature couldn’t prevent that.

📙 Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

No, I wouldn't recommend dedicated authors to rely on AI, but to use AI wisely. Writing a good book yourself is an art. It doesn't fall from the sky, but has to be learned like music, painting or acting. If you then have a good story, a lot of it goes by itself. At some point, you'll be in the flow, and you have to manage your energy so that you don't exhaust yourself and the quality suffers. If you end up with a book, whether traditional or self-published, you've given yourself a wonderful gift that will live on long after you're in the ground. Everything passes. A book remains.

📙 What's the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

I wouldn't wait too long for the answer of an agent. Your lifetime is running. The new digital world offers great advantages for unknown authors to publish a book themselves. And during writing, do not spend your time on selling. Be concentrated on your baby growing. So don't let yourself be dragged down and hope for success. And also without the big success, you alone have created a wonderful baby. Your baby.

Book Publishing Secrets with Kathye Quick #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Born long, long ago in a place not so far away, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, Kathryn Quick has been writing since the Sisters in St. Casmir’s Grammar School gave her the ruled yellow paper and a number two pencil. She writes contemporary and career romances, romantic comedies, historical romances as well as urban fantasy.

Kathye has twenty fiction books in print with various publishing houses and one non-fiction compilation of her town’s history at the behest of the Manville Library Bord. She was honored to have been named an Amazon top 100 Romance Author for Ineligible Bachelor published by Montlake Romance. Other works include a three book Grandmother’s Rings Series – Amethyst, Sapphire and Citrine, a rom-com series that follows three siblings as they use their Grandmother’s Rings given to them by their mother to find their soulmates.

Because she has been fascinated by King Arthur and his knights for almost forever, her series Beyond Camelot, Brother Knights, is her vision of how the majestic kingdom may have survived after Arthur. Two books are written in this series with the third and final still in concept.

She is a founding member of Liberty State Fiction Writers and has been a part of Romance Writers of America and New Jersey Romance Writers.

She is married to her real-life hero, Donald, and has three grown sons, each having romantic adventures of their own. Her two grandkids, Savannah and Dax, happily cut into her writing time but she still manages to get a few pages done each day.

P.K. Eden is the alter ego of multi-published and award winning authors Patt Milhailff and Kathye Quick whose debut novel FIREBRAND was lauded as comparable to the Harry Potter series, garnered 5-Star reviews, and won numerous Reviewer’s Choice Awards.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ www.Kathrynquick.com

Twitter ➜ https://x.com/KQuickAuthor

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/KathrynQuickBooks/

Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/kathrynquickauthor/

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217228581-the-mirror

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

P K Eden (Kathye Quick): Patt and I decided to write this series based on the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm because one day we were fantasizing about all the things we could do if we had the spinning wheel that turned straw into gold, but of, course, it wasn't real. But what if it was?

📙 Is this your first book?

P K Eden (Kathye Quick): No. This is our second brook as P K Eden in collaboration with my writing partner Patt Milhailoff. Our first collaboration, Firebrand, told of the return of the Garden of Eden and involves every kind of fantasy creature - fairies, trolls, orcs, sprites, and, of course, humans. They all have a part to play.

The Mirror is the first of a three-book series revolving around the artifacts from folk lore and fairy tales from all seven continents under the challenge to protect them from being used for personal gain or world domination. Imagine if Elon Musk actually got his billions from the spinning wheel that turned straw into gold, or that a prick from a spindle could send your enemies into a 100-year slumber. Interesting ideas, but with good always comes the bad and the greedy.

📙 With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

P K Eden (Kathye Quick): Bottom line - I need an editor. My mind is so busy listening to all those voices in my head wanting to get a book of their own, that sometimes I skip words or have a sudden spelling issue. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a typo of two in this interview. Hope not.

Our publisher, The Wild Rose Press, is a fabulous pathway to getting our stories out for readers to enjoy. TWRP is a traditional publisher with a small press feel offering print and e-books. Plus working with the fabulous editors, it feels like home.

📙 Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

P K Eden (Kathye Quick): There are lots of detours on the way to that first book. I don't like to think of them as cons; more like opportunities to get better.

Yes, there is the dreaded rejection letter and/or e-mail (sometimes dozens of them), and if you don't have a thick skin and a drive to get to the end, your writing career could end there. The waiting is brutal. Time between submission and decision can take months.

But then just when you have almost decided to take up knitting instead of writing, that call, or email, or letter comes. You are offered a contract. The clouds' part and the rainbow forms. You are going to finally have that book.

📙 What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

P K Eden (Kathye Quick): I've learned to be patient above everything. And patience was something I never had. The line for patience was too long in heaven, so I skipped it. Should have waited.

I've learned to listen to criticism and reviewers, but to remember it is my book. Take what you agree with and learn from it, but don't take everything they say and change your book into theirs.

📙 Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

P K Eden (Kathye Quick): I would recommend other authors trying all avenues. I won't ever self-publish, but that doesn't mean aspiring authors shouldn't they present the best work they can do. As I said - I need and editor.

📙 What's the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

P K Eden (Kathye Quick): The same advice my father gave me - never give up. He said that quitting was what happens just before you were going to succeed.

The Mirror is available at Amazon.

Book Publishing Secrets with Nancy Golden #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Nancy Golden wears a lot of different hats – She is a wife and mom, author, engineer, professor, horsewoman, and small business owner. She is also the founder of a writing group – the Carrollton League of Writers. Nancy lives in a suburb of Dallas, Texas and she loves to ride bicycles and horses. She is a member of the National Space Society, and she has been a Trekkie for as long as she can remember. Nancy Golden Books provides a great reader experience with well-crafted writing that will brighten your day.

Website ➜ nancygoldenbooks.com

Twitter ➜ https://www.twitter.com/ncgolden1

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564426002283

Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/ncgolden1

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216235312-ring-of-rosin

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

Ring of Rosin was the natural next book in my Dynamis series. In Book 1 we learn about the main character and his journey to become king of Elayas. We find out about the three symbols attached to the true ruler of Elayas: the Sword of Fate, the Ring of Rosin, and the Key of Power. The three books in the Dynamis trilogy each draw special significance from one of these symbols. I had a lot of fun with the characters and plot twists, and I think you will, too.

I love having a positive impact on my readers. When my writing touches someone’s heart, or they find themselves immersed in the story as an entertaining haven away from the trials of this world, or the message in its pages provides someone with hope – it doesn’t matter how hard it gets (and being an author gets very hard)– it makes being an author supremely worthwhile.

📙 Is this your first book?

Nancy: Ring of Rosin is actually my sixth book. It is the second in my fantasy trilogy, the Dynamis novels. Sword of Fate is the first book in the trilogy, and I will be releasing Key of Power at the end of March. I have a very fun near-future science fiction book, Alien Neighbors, about a First Contact. I also write nonfiction and have a Christmas Devotional, a Lenten Devotional, and a book about how to share the Gospel. While I write across genres, my books have one thing in common – my tag line is “Light in the Darkness.” My goal is to transport you from the troubles of the world for a while with an entertaining book to brighten your day.

📙 With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

Nancy: I decided to self-publish (Indie) for numerous reasons. I love having control of my content and book covers. I appreciate scheduling my own publication dates and it is much faster than if it was on a traditional publisher’s schedule.

📙 Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

Nancy: I must say it is a tremendous amount of work – I have hard-earned knowledge that allows me to do what needs to be done. It is also very expensive. I am very committed to representing myself and my books with integrity and to doing the best job that I am able. This means I hire beta readers to read early versions and provide feedback. This means that I hire a professional editor and even after my final draft is edited, I go through it a final time before publishing. This means I hire a professional graphic artist that (with my input) designs the cover. All of these are very expensive and time-consuming. They are worth it because the book that you, dear reader, will have in your hands, is the best possible version that I can produce and represents my heart and part of my soul. I find tremendous satisfaction in that.

📙 What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

Nancy: I learned a lot!! When I started pursuing my dream to be an author, I had no idea what the administrative and marketing side would entail. I feel very empowered as an author, but that did not come easily. Years of learning both my craft and the business of my craft has brought me to where I am today. But it is a journey that never ends – we can always improve in our understanding of the publishing process and in our writing.

I have learned and grown from each book – applying what I have learned to the next one. The publishing industry is changing as technology changes, but one thing remains the same regardless of which avenue you choose to pursue: you can’t just write your book and publish it. If you want to get it into the hands of your readers, you must market it. With the millions of books on Amazon, it is easy to get drowned out. To rise above the noise, you must market yourself and your books. Connecting with your readers is very powerful but won’t happen unless you initiate it.

📙 Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

Nancy: I would recommend this method for those who have a continuous learning mindset and are willing to put in the hard work needed to understand the process. I thought writing a book would be hard – but the really hard part is doing all of the administrative tasks that revolve around publishing a book and the marketing during and after the process.

📙 What's the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Nancy: My advice to aspiring authors is simple. Keep writing. You will need to spend an inordinate amount of time on administrative stuff, marketing, and researching. It is easy to let those things take over. Make sure you are still making writing a priority. I am thrilled to be able to respond to these questions and to be a part of Book Publishing Secrets and that is a wonderful thing, but you can bet that I will also carve out some time to write today.

Book Publishing Secrets with Randy C. Dockens #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Dr. Randy C. Dockens has a fascination with science and with the Bible, holds Ph.D. degrees in both areas, and is a man not only of faith and science, but also of creativity. He believes that faith and science go hand in hand without being enemies of each other.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Auburn University he went on to graduate school at Auburn and completed his first doctorate degree in Pharmaceutics. He began his scientific career as a pharmacokinetic reviewer for the Food and Drug Administration and later joined a leading pharmaceutical company as a pharmacokineticist, which is a scientist who analyzes how the human body affects drugs after they have been administered (i.e, absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted).

Through the years, he has worked on potential medicines within several disease areas, including cardiovascular, fibrosis, and immunoscience to seek and develop new and novel medicines in these therapy areas.

He has also had his attention on the academic study of the Bible. He earned a second doctorate in Biblical Prophecy from Louisiana Baptist University after receiving a master’s degree in Jewish Studies from the Internet Bible Institute under the tutelage of Dr. Robert Congdon.

Randy has recently retired from his pharmaceutical career and is spending even more time on his writing efforts. He has written several books that span dystopian (The Coded Message Trilogy), end-time prophecy (Stele Prophecy Pentalogy), science fiction (Erabon Prophecy Trilogy), and uniquely told Bible stories (The Adversary Chronicles). All his books, while fun to read, are futuristic, filled with science to give them an authentic feel, have a science fiction feel to them, and allows one to learn some aspect of Biblical truth one may not have thought about before. This is all done in a fast-paced action format that is both entertaining and provides a fun read for his readers.

He has also written some nonfiction books as well. One is to show how all humans are connected from God’s viewpoint by looking at biblical prophecy (Why is a Gentile World Tied to a Jewish Timeline?: The Question Everyone Should Ask). This book shows how all scripture is connected and inclusive of everyone. In addition, he and his editor have written two books about writing. The first is on writing techniques themselves and is entitled Mastering the ABCs of Excellent Writing: Creating Vivid and Colorful Stories that Readers Want to Read. This book not only addresses the techniques of writing, but what makes writing unique to each author. It conveys not only how to better hone one’s craft of writing but also the brand an author wants to portray. This helps an author make their writing unique as well as captivating for his/her audience. The second is a companion book to this one entitled Mastering the ABCs of Excellent Self-Editing: Framing Your Colorful Masterpiece to Keep Readers Engaged in Your Story. This is best used in conjunction with the first one. Yet, self-editing, though intricately connected to writing, is a distinct event. The better the quality of a writer’s draft manuscript when it is delivered to one’s editor, the higher the final quality of the manuscript will be for readers, and that is extremely important.

Dr Dockens is still not done. He has other creative ideas he is bringing forward as he is currently working on two new futuristic series. So, stay turned!

Website ➜ https://www.randydockens.com/
X ➜ https://x.com/RandyCDockens
Facebook ➜ www.facebook.com/Randy.C.Dockens
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/randydockens
Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16453941

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

Randy C. Dockens: Although your question about how I decided to become an author sounds straightforward, the answer is a rather convoluted one. I think I’ve always had the desire to write a book and be published. Yet, there was never any real follow-through as it seemed like such a daunting task. Plus, I never felt I had the time for such an endeavor as I was so focused on my career: first pharmacy school, then graduate school, and then working with the Food and Drug Administration and then transitioning into the pharmaceutical industry. Yet, several years later, I decided to go back to school for biblical studies. I at first just wanted to learn to better understand the Bible, but then when I was asked if I wanted to audit or take the courses for credit, I decided that if I was going to do the work, I might as well get the credit. Again, no real plans there, just a desire to learn. Yet, one thing led to another, and I found myself with another doctorate. This time in biblical prophecy. I found the subject so fascinating. That’s when I had to decide what I was now going to do with all that new-found knowledge.

Once, for my pharmaceutical job, I had to take a round-the-world tour stopping in India and Japan for several meetings. So, while in flight, the idea of writing a book came back to me and I began to write out what later became a nonfiction book about how the entire world is tied to a Jewish timeline, the topic which stemmed from my dissertation about Gentiles in the Bible. Yet, I never got any real traction from agents on that concept, so I began to think about taking my biblical learning and putting that into fictional stories. I took my understanding of science and of end-time prophecy and wrote a story about a character living in the coming Messiah’s promised kingdom and what his life could possibly look like in that environment. Most people I asked about their understanding of this time in future history as discussed in the Bible stated they really didn’t understand what the Bible taught about such a kingdom, so I thought readers could learn something and be entertained at the same time.

When I talked to a publisher at a writer’s conference about my idea, he stated that while my idea was possibly a good story, that may not be the best idea for a debut novel. So, I had to think about a more general and relatable story. Driving home from work one day, my mind thought about the current world view and how God seemed to be less and less in our culture. I then thought about what would happen if the knowledge of God was completely taken away or banned. What would that look like? That’s when I started on The Coded Message Trilogy. This story is about an astrophysicist who works on a Mars mission and finds certain discrepancies at his work that then lead him down a road discovering how the masses are being controlled by mind manipulation. He then begins to search for the truth certain elites are trying to hide from everyone. It became a dystopian mystery trilogy and the first series that became published: T-H-B, F-S-H-S, and T-U-L-E. The book titles are the clues the characters in the books must solve to understand the truth for which they are seeking. The books allow readers to go on the same discovery mission along with the characters. And, just as an aside, I did get my nonfiction book eventually published: Why is a Gentile World Tied to a Jewish Timeline: The Question Everyone Should Ask. I don’t have time to go into it here, but if one likes an academic view of the Bible but puts it into everyday language, you may enjoy this book.

Despite what my publisher told me, the idea of helping others understand end-time biblical prophecy and being able to demystify it for others never went away from my mind. Therefore, being able to now put on both a scientific hat and a biblical prophecy hat allowed me to present a unique perspective for writing the Stele Prophecy Pentalogy series. This allowed me to present fictional stories which can provide

entertainment for readers but can also provide biblical education at the same time.

This five-book series is a presentation of five stories during what biblical prophecy says will be a time when a Messiah will come to this Earth and reign. This series also calls this period the Refreshing because things are made new: those who were righteous have been resurrected, all pollution generating machinery and factories are eliminated, and all disease and death have been abolished. This is a one-thousand-year reign of the Messiah where he will reign as King of kings over the earth with his base of operation in Jerusalem, Israel. All my novels in this series are connected to each other but can also be read separately. Because death has been rescinded during this time, except for those who rebel against the King, characters within the story of one book can still be part of the storyline of the next book even if the storyline of each book is separated by several hundred years. The main characters in one book become the supporting characters in the other books.

This explanation doesn’t let you know why I chose this period to be the backdrop for my novels in this series. So, let me now explain one of the main purposes for the genesis of this series. As I stated earlier, there are certain aspects unique to this future time that I want readers to better understand. Let me elaborate.

In my first book, Mercy of the Iron Scepter, I wanted people to experience the wonder of this kingdom with all the peacefulness, beauty, and unity that will exist during this time. In Scripture, it talks about this Messiah, this King, to reign with an iron scepter. That means he will deal harshly with the sin of rebellion. So, I show what that looks like, but also show that there is a merciful side to this harshness as well. While the King deals immediately and decisively with rebellion, he is also loving and wants the best for his citizens of the world. I show that side of him in this novel as well as readers going through the adventures of the main character, Kalem, who is unearthing stelae concerning a potential prophecy regarding the King and one who may overthrow him.

In contrast to this utopian time is its precursor which Scripture calls the Tribulation Period, a time of chaos and all sorts of calamities—an apocalypse of sorts. Promised Kingdom takes the reader through this time and what it might be like to live through such an ordeal as we walk through this time with the main character, Edvin.

Another thing many are confused about is that sacrifices will be made again during this time of a future kingdom. As most Christians believe, Jesus Christ came as the promised Messiah the first time he came to earth fulfilling the Law of Moses and became the sacrifice that the Mosaic Law required for the redemption of mankind. Therefore, today, we no longer have sacrifices. So, what would make them needed in our future? My novel, Hope Renewed, talks about this as one goes through the adventure with Ya’akov and the decisions he makes about his destiny.

Another aspect to this future time is that someone named the Prince is introduced in the book of Ezekiel in Scripture. There are various beliefs as to who this person is. Through my book, Darkness in the Light, as one goes through the struggles with Me’ira, one will see that this Prince is not the Messiah and is not King David as some purport. This novel gives a reason for him being a separate individual from these and what his duties will be for the citizens of the world during this future time.

Then there is the aspect of dealing with human depravity. While this is a time of peace, harmony, and wonderment, there will be those who are still not satisfied with the status quo. I want people to understand that while we have dark spiritual forces today that make us do bad and evil things, even when those forces are held at bay (which will be true during this future time), the heart of mankind can still be evil and against God. People born during this time still need a Savior and their decisions, just like ours today, can have eternal consequences. As readers go through the storyline of Janet in Iron in the Scepter, we cheer her on to make the right decisions even though deep down we know she likely will not. It is similar to when we knew Anakin Skywalker would turn into Darth Vader, yet we kept hoping that he would not make those fateful decisions that we knew he was going to make.

Rather than present all this in a nonfiction format, I thought it would be more interesting to create relatable stories that readers can identify with and have the “learning” be in the background of these fictional stories. While the stories are unique to this time period of our future history in regard to what technology is utilized and how some spiritual beings are now visible, these stories are quite relatable to us today as these characters must still go through many of the same struggles and challenges we face in our day-to-day lives. People are people no matter in what historical timeframe in which they live. Just like Kalem, we struggle with knowing what is really true and don’t realize that truth is what determines our ultimate destiny. And like Edvin, we struggle to find significance in this life and sometimes we must go against what seems like the best solution for our career just because it is the right thing to do. Me’ira, just like us today, struggled with finding true love, and our decisions can have consequences that ripple through time for many generations. Then, just like Janet, we sometimes let pride get the better of us and cause us to make decisions that are unwise and actually hurt the ones we love even though we think we are doing something for their good when it is really not good at all.

I know this was a long answer to your question, but I wanted to explain how this series is a layered presentation to readers. The stories are full of adventure, mystery, and romance in a futuristic setting. If that is all a reader wants out of the story, then it’s there. Yet for those who want to understand more about this future time and what occurs behind the scenes on a daily basis, that is also there. I think readers will be able to identify with the struggles of each character because we struggle with those same concerns and emotions today as well. Reading this series is a way to enjoy a story but learn at the same time without realizing you are actually learning something you may not have known.

📙 Is this your first series?

Randy: Well, yes, and no. Why am I uncommitted in my answer? You see, this was the first series I wrote, but not the first series I published. I talked about this somewhat in my previous answer. I think my

publisher felt that this series, while he liked it, might not be for a wide audience. Yet, I think one can argue that the stories themselves can be appreciated by anyone who likes a good story. At any rate, he suggested the first series to be published should be The Coded Message Trilogy. This is a dystopian mystery about an astrophysicist who is working on a Mars mission who gets caught up in a worldwide conspiracy where the reason for the Mars mission is far more sinister than the public is aware.

So, from a published standpoint, this is my second series. Each book was published four months apart, so it took about a year and a half for it to become a completely published series.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

Randy: My publisher is a hybrid of both traditional and indie. It is what is called custom publishing. The publisher provides many of the services of large publishing houses, but the author maintains all rights and control of their work and bears much of the cost as well.

There are a few reasons for choosing this method of publishing. One is that this allows me to maintain control of all aspects of my work. I didn’t want to go completely Indie because there was so much about publishing a book that I did not know. I did not go the traditional route because I first had to go through an agent, and I just could not seem to find an agent who had the same vision as me about this series. They just could not get past the idea that it was about a future kingdom as described in the Bible which they seemed to not be able to comprehend. One agent told me that it was too much “out there.” It needed to be “different” from what is already published but “similar” to what is already published. Confused? I know I was. It seemed he and I just could not get on the same page with my vision for this series. Therefore, I went with custom publishing. The publisher had worked in the traditional publishing market for several years and really knew his stuff, so he was able to guide me through all the hurdles of getting published. I felt good, though, that in the end all was still owned by me and I did not have to give up any rights to any part of my work.

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

Randy: I think I have answered some of this in my answers to the last few questions. It was a rocky start, I have to say. Maybe all beginning authors start this way, but I was trying to get published while I was learning how to write well. That may have hindered my initial success because I was trying to incorporate all that I read about good writing into my writing. I likely should have waited a little longer to go to agents and publishers until I knew what I was doing. But that was the problem, I thought I did know what I was doing, but really didn’t. Authors, agents, editors, and publishers wrote articles about their “pet peeves” and I took it all to heart. However, my writing became worse instead of better. What I later came to realize was that all their comments were guidelines and not something that could, or should, be implemented across the board. They didn’t communicate that, however. This realization hit me when I read an article about a pet peeve which contradicted another article about someone else’s pet peeve. That’s when the light went on in my brain and I realized that there was no magic formula to writing well; it was the intent of what I was writing that was important. I could “break” the rules, so to speak, but I had to do that with intent and purpose.

As an aside, because of this experience, I and my editor have recently written two books about things new authors need to consider so they do not fall into this same trap I did. I wanted to pay it forward so that others could begin with a more positive experience than I had. These two books are Mastering the ABCs of Excellent Writing: Creating Vivid and Colorful Stories that Readers Want to Read and Mastering the ABCs of Excellent Self-Editing: Framing Your Colorful Masterpiece to Keep Readers Engaged in Your Story. These are not the end-all for writers but is a good start to have in one’s arsenal of becoming a good writer or author.

I think my initial not-so-positive encounters with agents and publishers led me to consider custom publishing earlier than perhaps I would have otherwise. Also, I think my topics and goals were so different from their experience with other authors and goals they didn’t really know what to do with me in the beginning. They couldn’t see my vision, or perhaps I just didn’t have the right elevator speech at that time to give them something that would grab their attention immediately.

By going with custom publishing, I was able to take control of the process myself even though I didn’t have the experience to do so because of the experience and guidance of my publisher.

📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

Randy: First of all, publishing is an extremely competitive business. Agents and publishers are so busy they have very little time for you and can appear extremely rude when perhaps they don’t mean to be. I had one agent tell me that they read the first sentence and make an immediate decision of whether to continue reading or just throw it in the trash. Ouch, I thought. That seems rather harsh. But they have so many inquiries that they can afford to do that. They are not trying to catch your vision but see what will “sell.” Catching your vision on their part comes much later. You will likely have to go through many rejections before success happens.

I found writing conferences to sometimes be quite cold as well. Some people write a book and then join these conferences to teach so they can get name recognition. This isn’t true for all, but I did find that these conferences can also turn into more of a business model than a true place to teach new writers. Don’t get me wrong, if you haven’t been to a writing conference, it is worth going as you will definitely learn something. Just realize they can have the potential to not be as for you as you would wish.

Realize that you are in it for the long haul. If you go the traditional route, you must first get the attention of an agent. Once you have that, it is then getting a publisher to give you the time of day for a pitch. Each step is a long process and a hurdle. You must have confidence in yourself and your product to get beyond all the rejections so you can get to the finish line a winner.

Also, understand that just getting published is not the end. You need to promote your book. Not all traditional publishers are very helpful in this department. They rely on you, the author, to do much of your own publicity and advocacy for your product, your book.

I don’t say all of this to be negative, but just realistic. You will need thick skin, a belief in yourself and your product, your book, to make it to that finish line.

📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

Randy: There are pros and cons to each type of publishing. Let’s look at each one briefly.

Traditional: I addressed some of this in the previous question. This is typically a slow and arduous process. There are those quick success stories, but they are not the norm. As I stated, often you must first go through an agent (and they are quite ruthless in their selections), and then that agent pitches your book to a publisher. There is no guarantee of the agent’s success in this regard either. Yet, their success is likely higher than you pitching your idea to a publisher. The advantage is that you will not have to incur any upfront costs. What you get on the backend is up to the contract the publisher makes with you. They will do some form of publicity for you, but they will still depend upon you to get the word out about your book. Another positive is that just being part of a reputable publishing house gives you some credibility that other routes of publication still do not have (yet, that recognition is fast becoming not as advantageous as it once was). There are several downsides you need to consider as well. As we just went over, this could be a long, arduous journey. There is much competition to get an agent’s attention, then your agent has several authors he is working with, so you are not necessarily the highest priority on his agenda. Another downside is that you may have to give up certain aspects of your book to the publisher as they may feel they need to control to better ensure their success. They could change the title, or change the ending, or other things to make it sell from their point of view. At times, this could be fine for you. Other times, it may not be, but this is something you will need to consider.

Small press: My understanding is that this is very similar to traditional publishing. The positive is that you are likely to be a higher priority on their agenda because the number of clients they work with at any one time is small. In addition, you may not necessarily have to go through an agent to get to them. They may have fewer requirements for you to yield over to them before publishing. However, the marketing of your book will likely be expected to be done by you with very little input from the small press publisher.

Indie: There are several advantages here as you have more control over every aspect of your book and its publication. Yet, there is also great responsibility for you at the same time. I can’t tell you how many poorly written books there are that go through this process because you as the author were unaware of the poor quality you were accepting during various aspects of the publishing process. Just because you think it is good does not mean it is. Although you have control of your book, you still need to understand what publishers do and the steps to get a book completed the right way, and the best way. As with everything, there is a good way and a bad way to get things done.

Custom: This is a blend of traditional and indie. Your publisher usually has a lot of experience like a traditional publisher and will be able to guide you through the process. Before choosing one, be sure and ask questions in regard to their experience. This is very important. The downside is that you will be responsible for all monetary aspects of your book, just like an indie author. Yet, the difference is that you will have expert advice given to you to help you be more successful and have a final product with much better quality than you likely would if you were an indie author and had no publishing experience. I would say that even if you wanted to go the indie route, go the custom publishing route first so you know the steps in the publishing process and how to get them completed in the right way.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Randy: As you have probably gleaned from my other responses, there are many things to consider and understand, not only as you write but as you publish. First and foremost, I would say to learn how to write and how to write well before you go to a publisher with any of your work. There are many books out there that can help you. Although biased, I would suggest the two books that I and my editor published just recently which are geared for new authors. Some books are geared for writing but do not really give you the foundation of the why behind what they are telling you to do. The why is just as important, and I believe more important, than the mechanics of writing. Check them out, I think you will find them extremely helpful. We talk about not only writing but self-editing. There are differences between the two, and writers should know how to do both well.

Just because you have written a book does not mean you have learned to write well. Trust me on this. You will likely have much more self-editing to do if your work is your first book. Get your work to the highest writing level you can before you send it to an editor. This is crucial. And don’t think just because you have edited your own work that it is good enough. It is not! Period. Full stop. There are different types of editors, so do your homework and get one that you feel gives you the best advice for the money they are charging. Good editors are worth it, so don’t be too skimpy on this step.

If you don’t go with a traditional publisher, getting a book published can be quite expensive. Every step of the process requires a monetary output from you, the author. Many go the indie route because of this and find they can publish relatively inexpensively. Yet don’t fall for this trap. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Don’t sacrifice quality for money. I would strongly suggest that if you are not going the traditional publishing or the small press route, at least go custom publishing for your first book. That way, you can get good advice, know what to do and the correct steps in the process. Then, you can decide how to do those steps and maintain your quality if you take on some of those roles yourself. Be wise. If you put out a bad quality book, that could hurt your sales of any additional books that may be of higher quality. People will judge other books by an author just by reading one book by that author.

Most authors are not made of money, but please don’t sacrifice quality just because you can get published inexpensively. And remember that the marketing of your book will most likely be up to you. So, try and get a platform as soon as you can and gain subscribers to a newsletter or blog that you may put together. If you have any book signings, then be sure you have a sign-up sheet to add them to your newsletter and/or blog posts. The more people you have who you can reach out to when you have a new book, the better. You want as many reviews as you can get relatively soon as your book is published.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. An educated author is a powerful author.

Book Publishing Secrets with Karen Charles #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Karen Charles transforms real-life narratives into gripping fiction thrillers. Her novels intricately weave the threads of truth into a tapestry of suspense, intrigue, and riveting storytelling. An educator by profession, she is renowned for her thriller “Fateful Connections,” which unfolds against the backdrop of 9/11. “Blazing Upheaval” promises to deliver another chilling, heart-pounding experience. Karen and her husband reside on the serene shores of a beautiful bay in Washington, where she draws inspiration for her compelling narratives. Explore her insights and musings on the writer’s life through her blogs on “My Life As A Writer” at www.weaveofsuspense.com.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ http://weaveofsuspense.com

Twitter ➜ http://www.twitter.com/karenra24229683

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/karen.rabe.7/

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

Karen: I have always been amazed by the experiences and events people are unexpectedly thrown into. They inspire me with their strength and courage, facing daunting circumstances. My career in education required a great deal of professional writing. I always wanted to take my love of thrillers and weave real-life narratives into a tapestry of suspense and intrigue.

I witnessed firsthand the tumult and recovery of the Rodney King riots and the Northridge earthquake. These events were not just historical footnotes but lived experiences that profoundly affected individuals and communities. The courage, solidarity, and determination I saw inspired me to capture these moments in a way that honors the real-life heroes who navigated through them.

📙 Is this your first book?

Karen: This is my fourth published book. I’ve written a children’s book and three thrillers.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

Karen: I self-published Blazing Upheaval through Bookbaby Publishing.

I chose to self-publish in order to maintain complete control over my work, from the content to the cover design. I can earn a higher percentage of royalties compared to traditional publishing. Self-publishing is a much faster process, allowing me to get my books to market quickly. I retain all rights to my work, allowing me to decide how my books are distributed and promoted. It provides me flexibility in pricing, marketing strategies, and the ability to update content as needed.

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

Karen: The pros of my publishing journey have been total creative freedom, higher earnings, speed, ownership, and a closer connection with my readers, building a personal brand.

The cons of my journey have been covering my costs of editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing. I have limited access to brick-and-mortar bookstores. I am responsible for all marketing and promotional efforts. There is also the fact that some readers and reviewers may still perceive self-published books as lower quality. Bookbaby has been a great support, ensuring my books meet professional standards.

📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

Karen: I have learned that there are more pathways to publication than ever before, allowing authors to choose what works best for them. Digital technology has transformed the industry, making it easier for authors to reach global audiences. Traditional publishers need to adapt to remain competitive. Traditional publishers still play a crucial role in curating content and maintaining quality standards. Self-publishing has empowered countless authors to share their stories and reach audiences without gatekeepers. There’s a growing sense of community among authors, publishers, and readers, fostering collaboration and support within the industry. It’s an evolving and changing market.

📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

Karen: Absolutely!

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Karen: Don’t let anything hold you back. Start writing!!

Book Publishing Secrets with Michael Dow #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Michael Stephen Dow is married to Perla in Arizona and has 3 kids. Michael was on a path to attend medical school and then the events of September 11, 2001 occurred. Michael became angry at the terrorists and decided to join the US Air Force. He went through Officer Training School and then graduated specialized Navigator training to become an Electronic Warfare Officer. Michael deployed 6 times for the Global War on Terror between 2005 and 2009 with the EC-130H Compass Call mission. Michael medically retired in 2010 and then became an US Army contractor serving Wounded Warriors and ensuring they received all of their entitled benefits for 8 years. Michael always had a love for science and the human body so he then used his GI bill to go through nursing school and graduated in August 2020. Michael now works as a Registered Nurse at an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Michael’s education is as follows: B.A. in Psychology from Auburn University in 1999, B.S. in Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2001, M.S. in Management from Troy University in 2010, Masters in Health Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2017, and M.S. from the University of Arizona in 2020 through its 15 month accelerated Masters Entry to the Profession of Nursing program. Michael is the Founder and Manager of Dow Creative Enterprises, LLC. His books have garnered the Silver Nautilus Book award in 2020 (Nurse Florence, Help I’m Bleeding) and an Award-Winning Finalist in the Religion category for the 2021 International Book Awards (A Prayer to Our Father in the Heavens: Possibly the Greatest Jewish Prayer of All Time). Michael believes we will need the best of science and religion to successfully navigate ourselves, our civilization, through the future obstacles we will face. More information can be found at www.DowCreativeEnterprises.com and www.NurseFlorence.org. Nurse Florence® is a federally registered trademark by Dow Creative Enterprises. The Nurse Florence® series seeks to promote science and health among children and to help increase the health literacy levels of our society. With teamwork, inclusion, faith and perseverance, we can bravely face our problems and help each other reach our better selves as well as our best collective good.

Author Links

Website | Facebook

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

My mom said many years ago, after she saw my love of writing, that if I ever became successful, it would probably be due to a kids book. During the beginning of COVID, I was very concerned about my

children’s online education and thought, “What if I write a science book series and my kids have to read it because dad wrote it.” The Nurse Florence series was born and the first published in Sep 2020.

📙 Is this your first book?

No. I have written many books. Please go to www.DowCreativeEnterprises.com for links to the multiple series.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

Indie. Dow Creative Enterprises® uses the Lulu self-publishing platform to publish the Nurse Florence® series. We are exploring using other platforms for future series.

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

Self-publishing can be fun because it can be easy after you figure out how to efficiently operate the platform. It is very hard to market your books by yourself. I was told by a traditional publisher they couldn’t publish my books since I was not famous, did not have a massive social media following, or was a recognized expert in my field. Self-publish helped me still create things and help the world become a little better.

📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

It’s all about marketing if you want to be successful in the realm of high sales. Be a constant learner and find new ways to promote your book. There are lots of great book marketing books out there.

📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

Yes, but know that it is hard.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Create, create, create.

Book Publishing Secrets with Lindy S. Hudis #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Lindy S. Hudis is an award winning filmmaker, author and actress. Lindy is a graduate of New York University, where she studied drama at Tisch School of the Arts. She also performed in a number of Off-Off Broadway theater productions while living in New York City.

She is the author of several titles, including her romance suspense novel, Weekends, her “Hollywood” story City of Toys, and her crime novel, Crashers. Her latest release, “Hollywood Underworld – A Hollywood Series” is the first installment of a crime, mystery series.

In addition, she has written several erotic short stories, including “The S&M Club”, “The Backstage Pass”, “Guitar God”, “The Guitarist”, and “The Mile High Club”.

Her short film “The Lesson”, which she wrote, produced and directed, has won numerous awards, including ‘Best Short Film’ at the Paris International Film Festival, The Beverly Hills Arthouse Film Festival and the San Fransisco International Film Festival.

She is also an actress, having appeared in the indie film Expressionism, the television daytime drama “Sunset Beach”, also “Married with Children” , “Beverly Hills 90210” and the feature film “Indecent Proposal” . She and her husband, Hollywood stuntman Stephen Hudis, have formed their own production company called Impact Motion Pictures, and have several projects and screenplays in development. She lives in California with her husband and two children.

Website & Social Media:

Website/Blog ➜ https://lindyinparadise.wordpress.com/

Twitter ➜ https://twitter.com/Lindyscribe

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/LindyScribe/

Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/lindys.hudis

Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6470478.Lindy_S_Hudis

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

Lindy: I started out as an actress, I attended New York University Tisch School of the Arts and studied Drama. I thought of the Method acting approach, and that is how I write. I know it sounds funny, but I let the characters tell me the story. I am “acting” when I bring my characters to life. They tell me what to do. As far as the subject matter goes, Hollywood is a very dramatic town. I moved to Los Angeles in the Spring of 1992 to pursue film and television work. Back in the 90’s there was no social media or internet, so plenty of bizarre things would happen behind the scenes. I took inspiration from real life to create my story. My stories are very character driven, coming from an acting background helps me develop my

characters, so I bond with my characters. I let them tell me what they want to do. They tell me the story.

📙 Is this your first book?

Lindy: Oh, no.My other titles are CRASHERS, a crime mystery about a trio of young people who get caught up in the seamy world of auto insurance fraud. They stage car accidents to get insurance money, and events spiral out of control, of course. My husband is a professional stunt driver, so he helped me out a little. My other book, CITY OF TOYS, is based on my struggling actress days. It is about four beautiful women who live together in Hollywood. They are all aspiring actresses, and some pretty upsetting things happen to them, as they did to me. All my books are edgy, but that is what I like to do. I like to shock people. My late father-in-law was the English comedy writer Norman Hudis. He wrote for BBC television writing the “Carry On” series. He also wrote for American television shows back in the 70’s. He told me I was a “good commercial writer”, and that is all I needed to hear!

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

Lindy: I have a love/hate relationship with small publishers. On the one hand, some of the people I have met have been great and very generous when it comes to giving new authors a chance to get their stories told. On the other hand, I have been lied to, scammed out of money, and been ripped off in other ways. If it sounds too good to be true, it is!

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

Lindy: The pros are I believe the industry is changing and more indie authors are getting out there and people are reading their books. The cons? Just like Hollywood there are sharks out there swimming in the water. Be careful.

📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

Lindy: Do the work and the rest will come. You really write because you love to tell stories. If you want to be a celebrity, then go streaking down the 405 Freeway at rush hour! All kidding aside, do it because you love the craft.

📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

Lindy: If you write very unusual stories then I think publishing with Amazon is a good thing. Just remember you have to promote, promote and promote! I do like the idea of promoting online. It seems that is the way to go. The Internet has exploded in the past few years. I think that online promoting is the best idea.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Lindy: Stay positive, don’t listen to the naysayers, write what you are passionate about and hold onto your wallet…. tightly! The experience was fun, exhausting but fun. I learned a whole lot. Advice? Persistence. That is the name of the game.

Release Date: August 4, 2021
Publisher: Project X Publishing
ASIN: ‎ B09C13582Y; 409 pages, paperback $10.99, eBook $.99, KU Free
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Underworld-Lindy-S-Hudis-ebook/dp/B09C13582Y

Book Publishing Secrets with Jens Boele #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Jens Boele, a veteran media designer in the entertainment industry, brings over two decades of cinematic expertise to his writing. Born in Germany in 1975, Jens embarked on his writing odyssey in his youth, culminating in the publication of his debut book, “Sunshine,” in 2015. This was followed by “Hurensohn,” and his latest spine-tingling creation, “Urbex Predator.” Jens is a genre-bending author, specializing in horror and crime thrillers. His narratives often blur genre lines, weaving intricate tales that plunge readers into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Jens’s storytelling brilliance lies in his fascination with the criminal mind; his villains are always profoundly human, offering readers a chilling examination of the psychological aspects of the criminally insane. Jens sets himself apart by seamlessly integrating classic horror with the gritty authenticity of the present day. This innovative fusion imbues his narratives with a dynamic quality, seamlessly blending archaic thrills with contemporary intrigue, resulting in an immersive reading experience that resonates with both vintage enthusiasts and present-day readers alike. Jens Boele’s latest endeavor takes his work across borders, as “Urbex Predator” becomes his first book to be translated into English. A globetrotter with deep connections to the United States, Jens’s passion for exploration and his international perspective, nurtured by family and friends in the US, shine through in his writing, offering readers a captivating blend of horror and cultural diversity.

Visit Jens’ website at https://jensboele.com/.

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

Jens: Thank you for having me—it's a pleasure! My journey into writing began at a young age, likely during my childhood when friends and I immersed ourselves in pen and paper roleplaying games like D&D. I was captivated by the allure of fictional worlds, filled with fantastical creatures and heroic tales. Inspired by renowned authors such as Tolkien and Stephen King, who masterfully crafted their own literary universes, I embarked on my own storytelling endeavors.

One of my earliest attempts at writing was a draft centered around a group of Viking misfits embarking on adventures in the Caribbean—complete with the unconventional addition of Orcs as allies, forming a unique Viking-Orc-Pirate Crew. Although the concept may seem comical in retrospect, it served as my initial foray into crafting narratives.

As time passed, I gravitated towards the horror and crime genres, ultimately penning my first novels, "Sunshine" and "Son of a Bitch," which delve into the gritty underworld of criminal activity. These early works paved the way for my latest endeavor, "Urbex Predator," a chilling exploration into the world of urban exploration. This book allowed me to merge my love for exploring forgotten places with my lifelong dedication to storytelling, creating a unique and immersive experience for readers.

📙 Is this your first book?

Jens: No, "Urbex Predator" is actually my third fictional book and my sixth overall. My writing journey started with crime novels such as "Sunshine" and "Son of a Bitch," which explore the gritty underworld of criminal activity. Each book has been a learning experience, helping me hone my craft and expand my storytelling abilities. "Urbex Predator" is the culmination of my passion for urban exploration and my love for writing horror, blending real-life experiences with elements of suspense and terror. It's been a thrilling journey, and I'm excited to see where my writing will take me next.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

Jens: With "Urbex Predator," I chose to self-publish. This decision came after my initial experiences with traditional publishing avenues, where I found the process challenging and often disheartening. Traditional publishers frequently favor established authors with a proven track record and large followings, which can make it tough for new writers to break in.

I initially tried to go the traditional route with my first two novels, preparing neat packages, chasing contacts at conventions, and even working with book agencies. However, the results were less than satisfying. Many companies didn't respond to my submissions, and the feedback from agencies didn't lead to any tangible progress.

Self-publishing offered me the freedom to bring my book directly to readers without the gatekeepers of traditional publishing. While it requires wearing many hats—author, marketer, promoter, and social media manager—it also allows for greater control over the creative and marketing processes. Given my background in design and my passion for storytelling, self-publishing was a natural fit. This method empowers me to share my work on my terms and connect directly with my audience.

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

Jens: Absolutely. The journey of self-publishing "Urbex Predator" has been both rewarding and challenging, with each step offering its own set of advantages and drawbacks.

One of the most significant advantages of self-publishing is the complete creative control it affords. I had the freedom to design my cover, choose the layout, and make every decision about the book's content without having to compromise with a publisher. Additionally, self-publishing allows for a much quicker turnaround time. Traditional publishing can take months or even years from manuscript submission to publication, but with self-publishing, I was able to bring "Urbex Predator" to market in a fraction of that time.

Another benefit is the higher percentage of royalties I receive compared to what traditional publishers typically offer, which means more of the profits go directly to me. Moreover, self-publishing has allowed me to build a direct relationship with my readers. I can receive feedback more quickly and adjust my marketing strategies accordingly, creating a more interactive and engaging experience.

However, self-publishing comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest drawbacks is the need to invest money upfront. Costs can include editing, cover design, formatting, and marketing, and these expenses can add up quickly. Without the backing of a traditional publisher, all the marketing and promotional efforts fall on my shoulders. This can be both time-consuming and challenging, as it requires skills beyond writing, such as social media management and advertising.

Distribution can also be a challenge. While platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) make it easy to distribute ebooks, getting physical copies into brick-and-mortar bookstores is more challenging for self-published authors. Additionally, there is still a stigma associated with self-publishing, and it can be harder to gain recognition and credibility in the literary world compared to traditionally published authors.

Despite these challenges, the self-publishing route has been incredibly fulfilling. It allows me to stay true to my vision and connect directly with readers, and every success feels even more rewarding knowing the amount of personal effort that went into it. The journey has taught me a lot about resilience, creativity, and the business side of being an author, and I wouldn't trade those lessons for anything.

📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

Jens: My self-publishing journey with "Urbex Predator" has been a profound learning experience, offering valuable insights about both the self-publishing process and the broader publishing industry.

One of the key lessons I've learned is the importance of persistence and resilience. The path to self-publishing is fraught with challenges, from the initial stages of writing and editing to the complexities of marketing and distribution. It's essential to stay committed and adaptable, continuously learning and refining strategies to overcome obstacles. This journey has reinforced the idea that success in self-publishing doesn't come overnight; it requires consistent effort and dedication.

Another crucial lesson is the significance of building a personal brand and engaging with readers. In the absence of a traditional publisher's marketing machinery, connecting directly with the audience becomes paramount. Social media platforms, author websites, and reader communities are invaluable tools for creating a loyal readership. Engaging with readers not only helps in promoting the book but also provides valuable feedback that can guide future writing projects.

I've also come to understand the multifaceted role an author must play in the self-publishing world. Beyond writing, an author must wear many hats—those of a marketer, promoter, designer, and even a business strategist. Each of these roles demands its own set of skills, and mastering them is essential for a successful self-publishing venture. For instance, learning about SEO, social media marketing, and the nuances of ebook formatting has been an eye-opener.

Regarding the publishing industry as a whole, one of the most striking lessons is the democratization of publishing that self-publishing platforms have enabled. Traditional publishing can be highly gatekept, often favoring established authors or those with substantial followings. Self-publishing levels the playing field, allowing anyone with a compelling story to share it with the world. This democratization, however, also means the market is saturated, making it imperative to produce high-quality work and effective marketing strategies to stand out.

Another lesson is the value of professional collaborations. While self-publishing offers autonomy, it's also important to recognize when to seek professional help. Whether it's hiring a professional editor, a cover designer, or a marketing expert, investing in these areas can significantly enhance the quality and success of a book. My collaboration with an ebook formatter, for example, ensured that "Urbex Predator" provided a seamless reading experience.

In summary, my self-publishing journey has taught me the importance of persistence, the necessity of building a personal brand, the multifaceted nature of the author's role, and the democratizing power of self-publishing platforms. It has also highlighted the value of professional collaborations in producing a high-quality book. These lessons have not only shaped my approach to publishing but have also provided a deeper understanding of the industry's evolving landscape.

📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

Jens: Absolutely, I would recommend the self-publishing route to other authors, but with a few caveats. Self-publishing offers a unique set of advantages that can be incredibly rewarding for authors who are willing to put in the work. It provides complete creative control over the content, cover design, and marketing strategy. This freedom allows authors to bring their vision to life without the constraints often imposed by traditional publishing houses.

However, self-publishing also demands a significant investment of time, effort, and sometimes money. Authors need to be prepared to take on multiple roles beyond writing, including marketing, promotion, and sometimes even design. It's crucial to have a clear plan and be ready to learn new skills or hire professionals to handle certain aspects, such as editing and cover design.

One of the biggest benefits of self-publishing is the ability to directly connect with readers and build a personal brand. Engaging with your audience through social media, author websites, and reader communities can create a loyal fan base and provide invaluable feedback. Additionally, self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP make it relatively easy to distribute your book globally, giving you access to a wide audience.

On the downside, the market is highly saturated, and standing out requires effective marketing and high-quality content. It's also worth noting that self-publishing can be a lonely journey without the support and validation that often come with a traditional publishing deal.

In summary, I would recommend self-publishing to authors who are ready to take on the challenges and embrace the opportunities it offers. It can be a highly rewarding path, especially for those who are proactive, resilient, and eager to connect directly with their readers.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Jens: Writing and publishing is a journey. Don't expect to become famous overnight; it's a long and rocky road that leads to success. Enjoy every step and find happiness in the process. Celebrate the small victories, learn from the setbacks, and keep pushing forward. Remember, the joy of writing and sharing your story with the world is an achievement in itself. Stay passionate, stay persistent, and most importantly, stay true to your creative vision.

Book Publishing Secrets with Wes Verde #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Wes Verde is an engineer by trade, a busybody by habit, and a lifelong Jersey boy.

A fan of nature, he spends as much time outside as possible.

His latest book is the horror/action novel, Luna’s Veil.

Author Links

Website | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

Wes: Thanks for having me and glad to be here.

Honestly, I’ve been telling stories in one medium or another for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until about five or so years ago that I decided to go for public release. I had acquired an interest in history, especially about my home state, and I really wanted to share what I had learned. Incidentally, this is also the basis for my Words and Coffee podcast. New Jersey has its own cryptid – the Jersey Devil – and a series of attacks along the shore in 1916 that were attributed to a shark attack (or was it?) so a foray into the horror genre was overdue for me.

In the case of Luna’s Veil, my kids asked about eclipses and how they work. That took me down the rabbit hole of ancient accounts of eclipses being seen as harbingers of doom and thus came the concept of an ethereal being who could only influence Earth during certain phases of the moon. Then there’s the role of gangsters and secret societies in the 1920s and I had material aplenty.

📙 Is this your first book?

Wes: Luna’s Veil is lucky number 3. Before that was Jalopy and The Safe Game. I’ve made my literary home in historical fiction. As a personal challenge and help focus the narrative, I have two rules: 1) primary setting is New Jersey, and 2) set around 1920. As often as I can, I will try to incorporate research from the Words and Coffee podcast into the books in the form of side characters or little details to give the story just a little more depth.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

Wes: Indie all the way. Amazon is a really outstanding resource for someone with an idea and drive, but no connections to major publishers. Most of my readers are through Kindle Unlimited.

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?

Wes:To continue from my previous answer, Amazon isn’t perfect. For those just starting out or without established readers, the indie route involves a lot of effort. Not insurmountable, but certainly daunting for those who are just beginning their literary journey. Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful guides and tutorials to help you figure it out.

📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?

Wes: It’s really easy to lose money on faux-influencers who promise to expand your reach. Botfarms exist and they give all the appearance of engagement, but none of the readership or sales. There is no substitute for putting in the work, growing readership, and vetting potential advertisers. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?

Wes: Absolutely. Amazon KDP was made for the indie writer. Don’t be daunted by the level of effort; just eat the elephant one bite at a time.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Wes: Write what you love, because you will read it 1,000 times….

Release Date: June 29, 2024
Publisher: Wes Verne
ASIN: B0D1LK45JH; 328 pages, eBook $1.99
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1LK45JH

Book Publishing Secrets with W.L. Brooks #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:00:00 +0000

W.L. Brooks was born with an active imagination. When characters come into her mind, she has to give them a life- a chance to tell their stories. With a coffee cup in her hand and a cat by her side, she spends her days letting the ideas flow onto paper. A voracious reader, she draws her inspiration from mystery, romance, suspense and a dash of the paranormal.

A native of Virginia Beach, she is currently living in Western North Carolina. Pick up her latest novel, Unearthing the Past - available now!

Website: www.wlbrooks.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorwlbrooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16200243.W_L_Brooks

Fletcher J. McKay has been shot, driven insane, and tortured by a madman, so what’s one more psycho coming after her? But this foe’s disturbing attempts to extinguish Fletch’s light leave her shaken. Running out of options, she must consort with the enemy.

Fletcher is undoubtedly Sheriff Noah Reed’s nemesis. Their discord began with an irrevocable outcome of an unforeseeable trauma, but duty demands he keeps her safe. The closer he gets, the more his loathing turns to lust.

Devastated by loss, Fletcher agrees to go into Noah’s protective custody. Passion takes them across the boundaries of their animosity, but is their tentative bond enough? Or is the line between love and hate, as with life and death, fixed.

Pre-order eBook on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TD6x4a

Amazon (paperback): https://amzn.to/3FJd33G

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
W.L.: From as early as I can remember, I've been a storyteller. This book is the fifth and final book in a romantic suspense series I've been working on for twenty years.
📙 Is this your first book?
W.L.: No, this will be my sixth full-length novel.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
W.L.: I've been lucky enough to have my entire series published with The Wild Rose Press.

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
W.L.:I've been doing this for several years, and the industry has changed so much since I started. So much of this business is marketing. The days of having anonymity as a writer seem to have passed, which is difficult for those of us who are introverted, but we try.
📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
W.L.:You have to do what's right for you, no matter what is trending.
📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
W.L.: Again, you have to do what's right for you. Everyone is different.
📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
W.L.: You've got this- just one sentence at a time.

Book Publishing Secrets with Deven Greene #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 12:56:00 +0000

Fiction writer Deven Greene lives in the San Francisco Bay area. Ever since childhood, Deven has been interested in science. After receiving a doctorate in biochemistry, she went to medical school and trained as a pathologist. She worked for several decades in that field before starting to write fiction. Deven incorporates elements of medicine or science in most of her writing. She has published several short stories. Her debut novel, Unnatural, is the first book of the Erica Rosen MD Trilogy, and was released in January 2021. Unwitting, released in October 2021, is the second Erica Rosen MD novel. Unforeseen is the final book in the Trilogy.

Visit her website at www.devengreene.com or connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.

Pediatrician Erica Rosen is stymied when two of her patients don’t respond to medicine as expected. When other patients later develop strange, unexpected illnesses, she is determined to get to the bottom of it.

Meanwhile, the department’s newest pediatrician, Dr. Nilsen, appears to be trying to steal her patients. Erica suspects he is after her job as the clinic director. She also discovers Dr. Nilsen has become romantically involved with her trusted assistant, Martha. One evening, while looking for patient information on Martha’s desk, Erica comes across a list with the names of some of her patients. A boy who recently became ill with a mysterious malady is on the list and has an asterisk by his name. What does that mean?

Erica is convinced something nefarious is underfoot, and Dr. Nilsen, rather than simply being after her job, is engaged in a dangerous scheme involving her patients. Unable to recruit the help of law enforcement in a timely manner, she realizes she must take matters into her own hands. As she proceeds with her investigation, she is unaware of the dangers she is about to encounter.

Book Information

Release Date: August 18, 2022

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

Soft Cover: 329 pages; $21.95; eBook $6.99; FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Tp8u3J

Black Rose Writing:

https://www.blackrosewriting.com/thrillers/unforeseen?rq=deven%20greene

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Deven: I’ve wanted to become an author for some time. I finally decided to stop thinking about it and DO something about ten years ago. The first novel I wrote remains unpublished. I like the story and will probably publish it in the future. However, being my first novel, it needed some rewriting. I became tired of working on it and looked forward to starting a new project, the Erica Rosen MD Trilogy. Book 1 of the trilogy, Unnatural, is the first book I published. It is about human embryonic stem cell gene editing, a topic I find fascinating. It has the potential to do a lot of good but also could be very harmful if not done ethically.
📙 Is this your first book?
Deven: The first book of the trilogy is the first book I published, but the second novel I’ve written (see the previous question)..

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Deven: The whole trilogy is published by a small, independent publisher. Of course, I would have loved the novels to be picked up by a large, traditional publisher, but that wasn’t in the cards. I tried to make that happen but was unsuccessful. I didn’t want to self-publish, so I went with a small publisher. I used the same publisher for all the books in the trilogy, so the format and cover styles would be the same.
📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
Deven: I attempted to get an agent, but after failing to land one and being put off by their rudeness (lack of responses and failure to follow up after asking for additional material), I decided not to pursue that further. I didn’t want to self-publish, so I looked for a publisher who accepted queries directly from authors. That was the best path for me, although I know many authors are happy being self-published.
📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Deven: It is necessary to learn as much as possible about the publishing industry before embarking on the publication journey. If your preferred method doesn’t work out after a while, try something else. Publicity is more important for sales than the method of publication. Unless you are a favored author of a large publisher, you will need to budget some money to publicize your work.
📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Deven: I am glad I went with a small publisher rather than self-publishing, but this may not be the best route for everyone. Although there are a lot of small publishers, it is still difficult to be picked up by one, and many, like agents, don’t respond to queries.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Deven: If writing is what you want to do, keep doing it. Don’t give up because some people don’t appreciate your work. Write what you want to write, and try to find the right readers.

Book Publishing Secrets with Richard I. Levine #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Richard I Levine is a native New Yorker raised in the shadows of Yankee Stadium. After dabbling in several occupations and a one-year coast to coast wanderlust trip, this one-time volunteer fireman, bartender, and store manager returned to school to become a chiropractor. A twenty-three-year cancer survivor, he’s a strong advocate for the natural healing arts. Levine has four Indy-published novels and his fifth work, To Catch The Setting Sun, is published by The Wild Rose Press and was released in August 2022. In 2006 he wrote, produced and was on-air personality of the Dr. Rich Levine show on Seattle’s KKNW 1150AM and after a twenty-five year practice in Bellevue, Washington, he closed up shop in 2017 and moved to Oahu to pursue a dream of acting and being on Hawaii 5-O. While briefly working as a ghostwriter/community liaison for a local Honolulu City Councilmember, he appeared as a background actor in over twenty-five 5-Os and Magnum P.Is. Richard can be seen in his first co-star role in the Magnum P.I. third season episode “Easy Money”. He presently resides in Hawaii.

Visit Richard’s Amazon Page or connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads.

There’s a killer loose on the island of Oahu. His targets? Young, native-Hawaiian women. But it also appears that he’s targeting and taunting Honolulu police detective Henry Benjamin who knew each victim and whose wife, Maya, had been the first name on that list. In addition to battling his personal demons, this New York transplant’s aggressive style didn’t sit well with his laid-back colleagues who viewed Henry’s uncharacteristic lack of progress in the investigation as evidence that fueled ongoing rumors that he could be the killer. Was he, or could it have been someone within the municipal hierarchy with a vendetta? As it was, after thirteen years on the job Henry had been disillusioned with paradise. His career choice long killed any fantasy of living in a grass hut on a wind-swept beach, being serenaded by the lazy sounds of the ocean and a slack key guitar. Instead, it had opened his eyes to a Hawaii that tourists will never see.

Release Date: August 22, 2022

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Soft Cover: ISBN:‎ 978-1509243297; 320 pages; $17.99; eBook $5.99

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Rl42Aw

Barnes and Noble: https://bit.ly/3BRB0mv

Apple iBooks: https://apple.co/3dVBaBj

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Richard: I do not remember ever making a conscious decision to become an author, but I can say with certainty that I have always found it easier to express my thoughts and feelings through writing. For me, To Catch The Setting Sun, as with my other books, is one vehicle I use to express myself; it is my voice. It is my method of communicating a message in an entertaining way without being interrupted or shouted down—something that has become all-too-common in our society today.
📙 Is this your first book?
Richard: This novel is my fifth. My first four are a series which follows an ordinary guy, Ray Silver, who is drawn into extraordinary situations which finds him risking life and limb to protect his family and his way of life. He is the antithesis of the typically Hollywood action hero who ends up doing heroic things when necessary. Those four novels are Indy-published and can be found on Amazon in paperback and ebook.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Richard: To Catch The Setting Sun is published by The Wild Rose Press. I suppose they are considered small press. You would have to ask them. As with my first four novels, I was going to Indy-publish this book, but after incurring some financial setbacks during the COVID lockdowns, which included $30,000 dollars in unexpected medical expenses, I found the associated costs to go Indy were a little out of reach for me. I began to query literary agents with no success and that’s when an author friend, who I consider my literary mentor, recommended I query a publisher she used for a few of her many romance novels. I did, and the rest is history.
📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
Richard: You’ll have to forgive me for not really answering this one at this time. I’m still trying to assess it all and I’m waiting to see how this particular journey plays out before I can comment with honesty and clarity. I’m not suggesting anything bad with the choice of going small press, I’m simply waiting until I have a 360 degree view..
📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Richard: As with the previous question, I feel the lessons are still occurring. I wouldn’t want to come to any premature conclusions until I’m in a position to take a step back and do a full analysis.
📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Richard: As with anything in life, a person has to explore, research, and analyze every option that is available to her or him and then make an informed decision based upon individual wants, needs, and desires. What may be the right path for one person may be the wrong path for someone else.

📙What’s next for you?
Richard: In addition to writing, I have been working on my acting skills. In 2020 I co-starred in a third season episode of Magnum PI and I definitely want to explore that world in greater depth. So, while I work on novel number six, I am simultaneously enrolled in an actor’s workshop where I am training with a group of dedicated actors on a regular basis.

Book Publishing Secrets with Steve Brock #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 04:00:00 +0000

I’ve been an author in search of a novel for just about forty years now. Writing was the first thing I ever wanted to do seriously. Over the years I’ve done quite a variety of things. My first real job, the kind where you have a schedule and get paid hourly, was as a cook at the local Sonic Drive-In. I’ve been a machinist, a forklift driver, a production worker, a computer programmer, an IT guy, an installation manager, a software trainer, and an education department manager. Those are just the employment highlights. Through it all, I was a husband and father, and I attended college at night to get my bachelor’s degree in technology management.

Before all that started, I wanted to be a writer. It just didn’t work out that way. Maybe that’s ok, I’ve had a good life and I have a wonderful family that I am proud to have. I don’t regret any of what I’ve done to support my family over the years. The desire to write has persisted, however, and I took a look at my odometer one day and it read 61 years old. None of us know how high our personal odometer will go, but I knew if I was ever going to be a writer, now was the time.

I’m bringing my lifetime of experience to my novel writing. Many of my characters are loosely based upon people I’ve known in real life. Some of my plot elements are also influenced by real-life experiences as well. As of this writing, my first novel, Half Moon Lake, will be published on Amazon in a few weeks. I have begun work on my second book as well. I hope you will take time to register your email address so I may keep you apprised of announcements and special offers. I’d be thrilled to count you as one of my first dedicated readers.

Steve Brock’s latest novel is Half Moon Lake.

You can visit his website at www.BrockNovels.com or connect with him at Twitter.

Crease Williams lived a charmed life with a bright future. Only in his junior year at Texas Christian University, his skills as a wide receiver had already captured the attention of NFL scouts.

Then a tragedy cost him his family and his desire to play football. Personally devastated, he left his old life behind and got as far from Ft. Worth, TX, and football as he could get.

Keeping mostly to himself, he became a float-plane pilot in the far north of Minnesota. Flying fisherman and hunters into remote locations was how he spent his time. When a group he had flown to Roudy’s Cabin goes missing, he faces accusations and more turmoil than he could have ever imagined. To make matters worse, his quiet existence is upturned by an element from his past bent on vengeance.

Half Moon Lake is Steve Brock’s first novel. A suspenseful mystery written with likable characters and a lighthearted flavor.

Book Information

Release Date: March 30, 2022

Publisher: Steve Brock

Soft Cover: ISBN: 978-0578391977; 187 pages; $9.99; Kindle Unlimited FREE

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3knaPfd

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Steve: Writing is something I intended to do even back in high school. Life had other plans for me and it has taken me forty years to come to a place in life where I could fulfill that dream.
📙 Is this your first book?
Steve: Yes, it is.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Steve: I independently published. I didn’t pursue traditional publishing. After seeking out advice from some authors that have long resumes, I learned there are a lot of negative aspects to traditional publishing that can be avoided by publishing independently.
📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
Steve: It was mostly positive. As I said, I sought out help from experienced authors, and that helped me in a lot of ways. As for the pros and cons, the most positive thing about publishing yourself is you can set your own pace and you don’t have anyone else’s deadlines to meet. On the down side, you are completely on your own, and if this is your first publishing experience there are a lot of lessons to be learned. Things like finding a professional editor and a professional book cover designer are issues I didn’t think about before I started down this road.
📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Steve: Publishing on your own puts everything on your shoulders. Finding all the assistance you will need to prepare your book for publication, learning the steps involved in getting your book published are just two of the things a new author must deal with. In addition to that, after publication, all the marketing has to be done as well. With an average of 450 books being published every day, it isn’t easy to draw attention to yours.
📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Steve: It’s hard to say without having anything else to compare it to. I know publishing has been changing the last few years. The days of the large publishing companies deciding which books are published are over. Virtually anyone can publish a book if they are willing to put in the work. Before I started writing if I had been given the option of traditional publishing I’m sure I would have taken it. If for no other reason than to have someone to guide me through the process the first time.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Steve: Find a mentor, someone who has experience in some aspect of book writing or publishing. Once you get going, most things you will learn as you go, but having someone to bounce ideas off of is really valuable.

Book Publishing Secrets with Jeanette Baker #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Jeanette Baker is the award-winning author of twenty paranormal, historical and contemporary novels, most of them set in the lush countryside of Southwest Ireland where she lives with her husband and writes during the “Seasons of Silence,” the autumn and winter months. Her ancestors, the O’Flahertys, hail from the counties of Kerry and Galway. She takes great pride in the prayer posted by the English over the ancient city gates, “From the wrath of the O’Flahertys, may the good Lord deliver us.”

Jeanette spent many years teaching 6th grade in a small school nestled under a canopy of Eucalyptus trees where the children consistently surprised her with their wisdom, their hopefulness and their enthusiasm for great stories. Currently, she enjoys the company of her own grown children and her precious grandchildren.

Jeanette graduated from the University of California at Irvine and holds a Master’s Degree in Education.

She is the Rita award-winning author of NELL.

Her latest book is the women’s fiction, Birthright.

You can visit her website at www.JeanetteBaker.com or connect with her on Facebook.

Two women on a course to confront the past, one to expose its secrets, the other to bury them.

Claire Williams travels halfway across the globe from Southern California to Ireland to find the mother who gave her up and the questions that need answering. Norah O’Connor is equally determined to avoid revisiting the most shameful time of her life and the devastating decisions she was forced to make.

Claire’s presence fifty years later is the engine for the confrontations to come when neighbors Norah has known forever recognize Claire’s resemblance to a younger sister. Norah must face the man who fathered both her daughters, and decide to either hold the secrets that continue to embitter her or release them for the shame that will surely mark her.

“Jeanette Baker’s award winning novels have earned her a place in the paranormal genre beside giants such as Barbara Erskine and Kristin Hannah. Now she brings her unique writing style and compelling characters to the stage of contemporary Ireland, sharing a world as alluring as its secrets are opaque.”
—Lauren Royal, New York Times and USA Bestselling Author.

“Gorgeously descriptive and unforgettably moving, Baker’s novel is a wondrous journey of the heart.”

—Candi Sary, author of Magdalena

“Birthright will find a welcome place in any library strong in stories of mother/daughter relationships, Irish culture, and the special conundrums faced by adult children who seek answers to the decisions their birth parents made.”

—Diane Donovan, Sr. Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Book Information

Release Date: June 21, 2022

Publisher: Top Reads Publishing LLC

Soft Cover: ISBN: 978-1970107296; 254 pages; $16.99; eBook $4.99

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HJjpzA

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3tTpSlU

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Jeanette: I’ve always loved to read and to write stories. Every summer my parents would take us on a road trip from California to Boston, MA to visit our relatives. Those were days without air-conditioning and all vinyl seats that would stick to our legs and backs. I’ll never forget driving to Oklahoma which has to be the hottest most humid state in America. My respite would be to look out the window and create a story in my mind. Those stories saved me on our heated trips but they also served another purpose. I was actually quite good at story-telling and my grades in English, creative writing and history were outstanding. My mother was quite concerned about my lack of interest in chemistry and biology because those were real subjects according to her. However, she was incredibly proud when my first book was accepted for publication.
📙 Is this your first book?
Jeanette: This is my twentieth book.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Jeanette: Another author recommended hybrid publishing, and that’s when I found Top Reads Publishing—an indie, boutique hybrid publisher.
📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
Jeanette: I started out writing paranormals, time-travel type novels with Pocket Books. Then, after a while, I wanted to branch out. I began writing Irish contemporaries and American contemporaries for Mira Books. Large publishing houses were going out of business at the time, so I took a breather and tried self-publishing. I’m not well-versed in promotion, so that didn’t work for me. That’s when I was introduced to Teri Rider at Top Reads, and here I am.
📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Jeanette: Publishing is not for everyone. Authors who are readers first have a much better chance of success in publishing their novels than those who aren’t. It’s important for those contemplating publishing as a career to read books in the genres they would like to write. Computer aptitude is also essential.
📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Jeanette: Yes.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Jeanette: Attend conferences, read genres of interest, keep your day job, and join writing groups.

Book Publishing Secrets with Palmer Pickering #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Palmer Pickering has been writing fiction since she was eight. She received her BA in American Studies from Wesleyan University, with concentrations in Religion and Race Relations.

She currently works in Silicon Valley in the gaming industry and high tech. In addition, Palmer holds a certificate in Chinese Acupressure, is a certified solar panel installer, and studied Tibetan Buddhism with the 14th Dalai Lama.

She lives and writes in the magical redwood forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, California.

Her latest book is the scifi fantasy for adults, Moon Deeds: Star Children Saga Book One.

You can visit her website at www.MythologyPress.com or connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

“The path to power is cloaked in shadows, so if you avoid all the shadows, you’ll never learn anything.”

It’s 2090: the last outpost of freedom is the moon, the best defense against technology is magic, and the only hope for humankind rests in the hands of the Star Children.

Twins Cassidy and Torr must save Earth from a ruthless enemy at a time when the only force more powerful than alien technology is magic. Moon Deeds launches the siblings’ journey across the galaxy, where they must learn their power as the Star Children, claim their shamanic heritage, and battle dark forces that threaten humankind.

The Star Children Saga follows Cassidy and Torr as they slowly awaken to their destiny as the twin Star Children, born every millennium to reconnect with the source of all life. They come to discover the sheer enormity of their task: to find our ancestors on a lost planet across the galaxy and save humanity from a spiraling descent into darkness. The powers they must wield to accomplish this task are truly frightening and put at risk everything they love.

Come along with twenty-year-old twins Cassidy and Torr, who inherited deeds to land parcels on the moon. They want to use their moon deeds to get off Earth and escape a brutal dictatorship. But first they must unlock their shaman powers.

A rollicking yet poignant adventure in the not too distant future, when we have colonized the moon and nearly lost Earth to a dictatorship. Only the shamans remain free, plus the lucky ones who escaped to the moon.

Join the adventure! An addictive space opera, science-fantasy series.

“This is a marvelous book. The characters are compelling, complex, and emotional. The future described is neither all evil nor all good, and it’s described so realistically that I can still feel the moon dust in my nose and expect to see large packing containers around every corner. The text is delightfully written with none of the bad grammar that makes picky people like me wince even in an otherwise great story. Alas, this is just the first book of the series, and it appears I’ll have to wait a whole year for the next one. I really need to know *now* what happens next!” – Garden Reader

“I was totally captivated by this story. It is set just far enough into our future that I could see it all unfold. This tale has it all, mystery, magic, aliens, war, family, friendship and love. The authors ability to paint landscapes with words is amazing! I can not wait for book two to come out. I must know the fate of the Star Children!” – VR

“Anything dealing with the moon is almost immediately mystical and magical. Throw in a heart racing adventure and characters that will leave a mark on your heart and you have a masterpiece!” – Taylor Johnson (Educator, Netgalley)

“I found this novel to be as much a psychological thriller as it is a science fiction adventure, and the draw-in happens almost instantly. This is unquestionably one of the best books I’ve read this year and Pickering has roped in an entire family as new fans. I’d give Moon Deeds a whole bucket of stars if I could.” – Asher Syed (Readers’ Favorite)

“There is so much to love about this book, from its complex and intricately woven plot filled with tension, strife, and discovery, to the personal attachment you begin to build with the characters due to finely executed character building, engaging personalities, and difficulties in both moral dilemmas and situations. The pace is perfect to build tension, and I loved the length of this book.” – K.J. Simmill (Readers’ Favorite)

Book Information

Release Date: May 25, 2019

Publisher: Mythology Press

Soft Cover: ISBN: ‎ 978-1732568808; 598 pages; $21.99; E-Book, $.99; Audiobook, FREE.

Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt13Js_M-P4

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uKWq2o

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3rQteFx

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Palmer: I always wrote stories, ever since I was a young child. I love reading, and being an author was always my life’s goal. With Moon Deeds, I decided to write in the genre I most like to read, which is speculative fiction.
📙 Is this your first book?
Palmer: Moon Deeds is my first published book. I recently released its sequel, Light Fighters. They are the first books of the Star Children Saga, a series which will be several books long. I completed another book before Moon Deeds, but haven’t done the work to publish it.
📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Palmer: I self-published under my Indie imprint, Mythology Press. I decided to self-publish after many years of unsuccessfully courting agents and the traditional publishers. I have a professional background in publishing, so I understand the process, and finally just decided to do it myself.
📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
Palmer: The pros of self-publishing are many, especially now, and especially in genre fiction, where half of all books sold are now self-published.
The self-publishing industry has evolved drastically in the past ten years, offering tools and communities that rival those of traditional publishers. By that I mean, authors can now desktop publish on a normal computer, no longer relying on typesetters. They can print-on-demand, avoiding the costly investment of a large print run. They can publish ebooks. Many companies and organizations support self-published authors now, from desktop publishing tools, to distribution networks, to publicists, to bloggers (like yourself), to competitions.
A biggest advantage to self-publishing is the control you have over the creative process and all aspects of publishing. No one dictates what content to write or cut, what the page count must be, what cover art to use, or when and how to publish your work.
On the other hand, the biggest advantages of traditional publishers are their professional editorial teams, the quality controls built into their process, their brand name, and immediate access to the big conventions and awards. Traditional publishers do large print runs, resulting in lower prices than print-on-demand. Most important of all, in my opinion, they have the ability to get printed books in brick-and-mortar bookstores, something that is nearly impossible to do for indies, aside from consignment at small bookstores. Unless you’ve already established a huge following as an indie, most bookstores simply don’t want to give up shelf space or take the risk of carrying a book that might not sell, even if you distribute via one of the big distributors and accept returns.
📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Palmer: I’ve been at this for a few years now, and a recent revelation is the importance of community. There is a large network of authors, reviewers, bloggers, and avid readers who participate in online book clubs, blogs, Discord channels, Facebook groups, Twitter, Reddit, etc. I recommend joining some of these and developing relationships. Do author swaps, where you read each other’s books and support each with feedback and reviews. Do buddy reads. Engage in discussions about other books. Volunteer at conventions. Sign up to speak on panels. Be a part of the community.
📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Palmer: Yes, I definitely would. I’ve found self-publishing to be immensely gratifying. It sounds cliché, but it’s really all about the journey—enjoying the process of writing and editing, working with editors and artists, and supporting others on their journey.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Palmer: For aspiring writers, you must write. Don’t think about it, or plan, or wish, just sit down and put words on paper. Every day if you can. The stories don’t have to be good, just start with anything that you find fun to write. Writing is a craft and takes a ton of practice.
For aspiring authors (those who have finished stories but haven’t published), I recommend first hiring editors, or swapping editing and beta reading with others. (Side note: For novels, I recommend that your book is actually finished before you start querying. For unknown fiction authors, it’s very rare to get a book deal on spec.) Give the finished work to beta readers and then talk to them about their impressions, to make sure what you intended to convey actually worked. Then, when you are confident that your work is ready, try to find an agent for a couple of years (yes, years), and in that time also submit your manuscript to those who accept unsolicited works, since they often sit in a slush pile for a while. After that, if you are proud of your work and have received positive feedback from others, then try self-publishing. While all that is going on, write your next book!

Book Publishing Secrets with Lisa King #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Lisa King is a Canadian fiction author and researcher whose work on veteran mental health has been published in numerous academic journals. She holds degrees in psychology and neuroscience, both from Western University. Aside from writing, she enjoys family outings, ample coffee, and unapologetic napping. She lives in London, Ontario with her husband, daughter, and wonky-eyed cat.

Her latest book is the adult science fiction/psychological thriller, Blue Haven.

You can vist her website at www.AuthorLisaKing.com or connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.

Welcome to Blue Haven, the world’s most lucrative condo corporation—so exclusive that only five lucky residents live in this lush, tropical paradise, housed in a top-secret location.

Among them is twenty-five-year-old Aloe Malone, an introvert and former waitress who traded bussing tables for lengthy sleep-ins, ocean dips, Michelin-star restaurants, spectacular sunsets, and unlikely new friends—all thanks to a spurious lottery win.

Life’s good.

Damn good.

That is, until Aloe discovers a journal.

Seemingly left by a past resident named Eloise whose entries are both sad and evoking, Aloe quickly suspects there’s more to Blue Haven than meets the eye.

Her suspicions are confirmed when visions arise, gruesome hallucinations she can’t understand, followed by a strange yet familiar man lurking in places he shouldn’t. Something’s wrong. Or maybe it’s all in her head. Regardless, she vows to uncover the truth.

Except someone wants to keep her quiet, and it’s the last person she ever suspected.

Blue Haven is a science-fiction thriller that explores what innovation can achieve—and destroy—despite the best intentions. King’s imaginative world building and use of moral ambiguity make this page-turning novel a thought-provoking thrill that’s impossible to put down.

Book Information

Release Date: May 31, 2022

Publisher: The Story Plant

Soft Cover: ISBN: 978-1611883206; 336 pages; $26.95; E-Book, $7.49

Book Trailer https://youtu.be/DgnqxcZLRcg

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LVsZB0

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3waPpHv

Indigo: https://bit.ly/3MWRayO

IndieBound: https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781611883206

Book Depository: https://bit.ly/3kNK4kk

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Lisa: Thanks for having me! I don’t think becoming an author was ever something I thoughtfully considered; more so, I’ve always loved to write, and penning a novel seemed like an enjoyable challenge. I gave it a whirl (and have kept whirling, years later).
Interestingly, Blue Haven was the first book I ever attempted, some thirteen-years back—which went terribly, and so began a decade-long hiatus that only recently ended when I decided to finally finish what I started, for good.
📙 Is this your first book?
Lisa: Blue Haven is my second published novel. My first book, Vanishing Hour, came out in 2020, just in time for a worldwide pandemic.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Lisa: My publishing house, The Story Plant, is a small-press shop. It was my literary agent (Travis Pennington at The Knight Agency) who guided me here initially. I like the intimacy of small-press, the increased autonomy, and the philosophy of The Story Plant specifically: their dedication to authors and interest in developing new voices. Founding editor, Lou Aronica, is also an author himself, so I feel like he really gets it.
📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
Lisa: My journey to publication definitely wasn’t overnight. I wrote a few unfinished manuscripts in my early twenties (Blue Haven being one), then completed a full manuscript by the time I was twenty-five, which remained unagented after a handful of queries (before I realized querying was usually more than just, you know, a few attempts). I started writing Vanishing Hour in my late twenties, finished it by thirty, and got extremely lucky with Travis during my first round of querying. Still, we worked on pitching and editing Vanishing Hour for years before it found a home at The Story Plant.
The biggest con, in my opinion, is time. Everything takes time, and that’s something I didn’t realize as an aspiring author. If you want to pursue traditional publishing, there’s the monumental task of actually writing the book, then comes finding an agent, subbing with editors, selling the book, and many rounds of editing before it’s published. Each of these steps can be extraordinarily time consuming. That said, I’ve learned so much over the past decade about writing and myself, and I’m not sure if any of that can be properly rushed.
Biggest pro? I’m doing something that I love.
📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Lisa: For me personally, patience and perseverance. Determination will get you where you want to go, it just might take a little (or a lot) longer than you think. To quote Dory from Nemo, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”
What I’ve learned about the publishing industry as a whole, is that it’s hard. I mean, you’re walking into a ruthless and rejection-forward space … voluntarily. But there are more opportunities now for aspiring authors than ever before—especially with the number of indie options and small-press houses that accept manuscripts without representation.
📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Lisa: Yes, definitely!

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Lisa: Don’t give up! And you will want to, at some point (see “ruthless and rejection-forward space,” above). There’s a reason you started writing: you enjoy it, and you have something to say. Focus on the why behind the words—get swept into a story, learn something, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Because if you’re not enjoying it, what’s the point?

Book Publishing Secrets with Cheryl Carpinello #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 12:18:00 +0000

Cheryl Carpinello taught high school English for 25 years. During that time, she worked with numerous students who didn’t like to read for a variety of reasons. However, she discovered that even the most reluctant readers became engaged in the classroom and in reading when she introduced units on King Arthur and the works of ancient world writers. Upon retiring, she set out to write fast-paced, action-filled stories in these setting to encourage young readers to read more. Her success with readers aged 8-16 led her to reach out to the youngest of readers and those readers just starting out. Revising stories she had written for her own children, she created Grandma/Grandpa’s Tales for ages 4-7. Her four grandchildren’s conversations created the stories in Book 3 of this series.

Visit her on Twitter and Facebook.

Grandma and Grandpa’s Tales books 1-3 encourage early readers with fun stories incorporating difference aspects of nature. Book 1, Wild Creatures In My Neighborhood and What if I Went to the Circus, explores the wildlife around neighborhoods and introduces decision-making. Book 2, Singers of Songs and The Not Too Stubborn Humpback, explores a common, but not so common insect, and lets readers see that being stubborn isn’t always good. Book 3, Vampires in the Backyard and A Fish Tale, introduces readers to an extended metaphor and lets them decide if the fish story is real.

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Cheryl: As a teacher, my work with readers, reluctant readers, and non-readers at the high school level fueled my interest in writing stories for elementary/middle school students (ages 8/9-15) in hopes of catching the reluctant readers and non-readers early in their schooling. My vehicles for these stories are Arthurian Legend and the Ancient Worlds. My high school students loved these, even those who didn’t like to read. However, I realized that there were important age groups that I was not reaching, mainly preschoolers and beginning readers.
Finding some short stories I had written many years earlier, I decided to turn these into picture books for a new series: Grandma’s Tales. Now this series has expanded into three books containing two stories each. Each of the books also come with either a Grandma or Grandpa on the cover.
📙 Is this your first book?
Cheryl: No. In addition to this series, I have my Guinevere Trilogy (Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend; Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend; and Guinevere: The Legend) and the stand alone The King’s Ransom (Young Knights of the Round Table). These are all set in the days of King Arthur. My ancient Egyptian tales are the time travel adventure Sons of the Sphinx and Tutankhamen Speaks. I have a new series coming out in June 2022, which features Rosa (Sphinx) and her cousin Jerome. The first book in the Feathers of the Phoenix series is The Atlantean Horse. This series will meld the ancient/modern worlds in a race to find the five feathers of the Phoenix to raise Atlantis.

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Cheryl: I’m an Indie Author, but I publish with Silver Quill Publishing out of England. Silver Quill is an author consortium consisting of 12 authors from England and Europe. I’m the only one from the US. I’ve also published through a small press in Canada. The traditional publishing route was 1-2 years from acceptance to print. Too long for my goals of reaching young readers.

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
Cheryl: An Indie author from the from the beginning (2009), I thrive in this environment. My writing goal of getting books into the hands of beginning/young readers remains the same. Traditional publishing, when I first started, took 1-2 years for a book to be available to the public. I didn’t want to wait that long. My first few years saw potential readers questioning whether I was self-published. Now with many popular traditionally-published authors choosing to publish their books via the Indie author platform, the public perception has changed to be more positive.
📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Cheryl: Over my 13 years as an Indie author, I’ve seen several significant changes. As I mentioned above, many first-time authors are choosing the self-publishing route as their road map to print. Out of these authors, an overwhelming number have chosen to take their writing to a higher level by spending the time and money to have their books done right.
📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Cheryl: Being an Indie author is not for the faint-hearted. Indies take great pride not only in their writing, but also in the presentation of that writing. True Indie authors spend a lot of their money on editing, layout, covers, and publishing to make sure their books are professionally presented. Covers typically run from $300 USD to $899 USD. Editing and layout can often run from $250 USD to $500 USD.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Cheryl: My advice to aspiring authors is not to get bogged down on any one book. Have confidence in yourself and your ability to tell a story. Close down that critical side of your brain, let your creative side tell the story, and enjoy what you’re doing.

Book Publishing Secrets with Roger Stark #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 May 2022 04:00:00 +0000

I am, by my admission, a reluctant writer. But some stories demand to be told. When we hear them, we must pick up our pen, lest we forget and the stories are lost.

Six years ago, in a quiet conversation with my friend Marvin, I learned the tragic story his father, a WW2 B-29 Airplane Commander, shot down over Nagoya, Japan just months before the end of the war.

The telling of the story that evening by this half orphan was so moving and full of emotion, it compelled me to ask if I could write the story. The result was They Called Him Marvin.

My life has been profoundly touched in so many ways by being part of documenting this sacred story. I pray that we never forget, as a people, the depth of sacrifice that was made by ordinary people like Marvin and his father and mother on our behalf.

My career as an addiction counselor (CDP) lead me to write “The Waterfall Concept; A Blueprint for Addiction Recovery,” and co-author “Reclaiming Your Addicted Brain.”

My next project is already underway, a memoir of growing in SW Washington called “Life on a Sorta Farm.” My wife of 49 years, Susan, and I still live in that area.

We raised seven children and have eleven grandchildren. We love to travel and see the sites and cultures of the world. I still get on my bicycle whenever I can.

You can visit Roger’s website at https://theycalledhimmarvin.com/ or connect with him on Facebook or Instagram.

Lady Jane Lenwood is abandoned and alone in an empty castle in the middle of a dark twisted forest. The locals call her a witch because she has the “sight.”

When a wounded stranger is found within the gates, she is warned he carries secrets and their lives will be intertwined.

Lady Jane walks with a limp following a riding accident the night her mother left her. And had given up on having a normal life. She blames her misfortune on the current Duke of Rathborne.

Max Radley is sent by the king to find a traitor. His search leads him to Rathborne Castle and the beautiful woman living there. He must keep his identity a secret in order to find the traitor.

Lies, deception, and a grand scheme to relieve him of his wealth have the real villians framing him for treason.

Only Jane and her supernatural ability can save him, but in order to find the answer she must face her past and the feeling she has for him.

📙 Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

I am, by my own admission, a reluctant writer. But there are stories that demand to to be told. When we hear them, we must pick up our pen, lest we forget and the stories be lost.

Six years ago, in a quiet conversation with my friend Marvin, I learned the tragic story his father, a WW2 B-29 Airplane Commander, shot down over Nagoya, Japan just months before the end of the war.

The telling of the story that evening by this half orphan was so moving and full of emotion, it compelled me to ask if I could write the story. The result being “They Called Him Marvin.”
📙 Is this your first book?
In my “previous” life, I worked as an Addiction Counselor, as a result of that experience I wrote two recovery books, “The Waterfall Concept” and “Recovering Your Addicted Brain”

📙With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?

I self published both of my recovery titles, so self publishing seemed like the way to go.

📙Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
Because of my previous experience I wasn’t afraid of self publishing (under the name of Silver Star Publishing.) I have come to learn that marketing a work of creative non fiction is much different than marketing a Recovery book. There is a great deal of information available about the process, but I have learned the learning curve is steep.
And of course, expensive. By using a traditional publisher that cost and the expertise would be provided by others.
📙What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
My no brainer observation is that the business of book publishing has been under going major changes. What was true just a few years ago is not true today. Staying ahead of the game and on the edge of the changes is a key. There are many, many resources for self publishing, which is a very positive thing. The learning curve can be challenging!
📙Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Yes, but do a lot of research and get as many allies on your team as possible.

📙What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Get good at your craft, and be ready to work very hard!

How to Publish a Book in 2022: 10 Steps to Success

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0000

If you’re a writer, a dreamer, or anyone with something important to say, you’ve probably thought about writing and publishing a book. But while writing a book is a huge achievement in and of itself, getting it in front of readers is another matter — and figuring out how to publish a book can present a real challenge for first-timers!

Indeed, with more publishing options than ever before, today's authors have a lot to take in. We're here to cut through the fog and show you exactly how to publish a book in 2022. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find concrete tips, publishing resources, and all the professional guidance you’ll need to get your book out into the world.

Read the rest of article at Reedsy.

Book Publishing Secrets with Virginia Barlow #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 13:51:00 +0000

I love being an author. It’s all about where your characters lead you. I start with a general idea. As the story unfolds, I type as fast as I can in hopes I keep up with my characters. They have had me jotting on napkins, making notes while I’m waiting in a line, and waking me up in the middle of the night. The hard part is always the ending. My characters live with me and when I reach the end of the story, it is hard to say goodbye. Sometimes, I let the story sit for a few days to make sure I’m okay with them leaving home to get published. Kind of like when you kids move out. LOL

I enjoy my grandchildren, and the time I share with them. They make me smile with their antics. I like to quilt, crochet, knit and sew. Cooking and baking are occasional itches I scratch. The rest of the time, they are necessary evils. LOL.

My greatest support comes from my husband. He has been my sounding board for all my stories. My daughters are also a great support to me. I couldn’t do it without my family.

Virginia Barlow’s recent release is the paranormal romance, The Witch of Rathborne Castle.

You can visit Virginia’s website at https://www.virginia-barlow.com or connect with her on Twitter, Goodreads and Facebook.

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Lady Jane Lenwood is abandoned and alone in an empty castle in the middle of a dark twisted forest. The locals call her a witch because she has the “sight.”

When a wounded stranger is found within the gates, she is warned he carries secrets and their lives will be intertwined.

Lady Jane walks with a limp following a riding accident the night her mother left her. And had given up on having a normal life. She blames her misfortune on the current Duke of Rathborne.

Max Radley is sent by the king to find a traitor. His search leads him to Rathborne Castle and the beautiful woman living there. He must keep his identity a secret in order to find the traitor.

Lies, deception, and a grand scheme to relieve him of his wealth have the real villians framing him for treason.

Only Jane and her supernatural ability can save him, but in order to find the answer she must face her past and the feeling she has for him.

📙: Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?

: I love to tell stories and have several rolling around in my head at any given time.
📙:  Is this your first book?
: No. I have five published books
📙:  With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
: I published with a traditional publishing house. I love The Wild Rose Press. They published my other books.
📙:  Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
: It took me a while to get published with my first book and I can still remember the day I got the email with my first contract. Editing and publishing are quite the process. I was quite surprised by the details.
📙: What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
: The lesson I learned was to stick to it. Never give up
📙: Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
: I would because there are so many elements to editing and publishing.
📙: What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

: Keep writing, keep creating, keep going.

Book Publishing Secrets with S.M. Adams #books #bookpublishing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 14:03:00 +0000

S.M. Adams is a licensed secondary school teacher and experienced college instructor with over 10 years’ experience in the field of education. She holds graduate training in both American History and Adolescent Education. A confessed late bloomer Sarah returned to college as a student-parent to uncover her life’s passion for education and helping others. For years of community service and volunteer work, S.M Adams was awarded the prestigious New York Life fellowship from the Colin Powell Center for Leadership and Service in 2008 and received the Phoenix Award from Urban Resource Institute thereafter. She also briefly spent time on the policy committee of HEAASC, the Higher Education Alliance for Advocates of Students with Children. As a domestic violence advocate, she has appeared on NYC Fox 5, NYC Bronx 12 as well as in Marie Claire magazine. A graduate of City College of New York and Pace University this New York transplant by way of Jamaica W.I. loves the summertime, reading on the beach, eating mangoes and spending time with her son and husband.

Arise and Walk: From the Sidelines of Life to the Next Level is her latest book.

Visit her website at www.ariseandwalk.com. Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Whatever challenge you may currently be facing, Arise & Walk: From the Sidelines of Life to the Next Level offers a proven framework to assist you in making that much needed life transformation.

During the pandemic with her classroom shuttered S.M. Adams an experienced educator and instructor shifted her focus from teaching adolescents to creating a different kind of lesson plan, one to help survivors of the Covid 19 pandemic and its devastating aftermath, reimagine and reinvent themselves.

Always a teacher first, this new author with over a decade’s experience in New York City classrooms uses verbal imagery, examples from her own life along with interesting analogies to make clear the mindset shifts and action steps which lead to a transformed life.

So, if you’re unsure of what to do, look no further.

Arise & Walk: From the Sidelines of Life to the Next Level will help you to think about:

How to begin to process change
How to emotionally and mentally deal with downscaling
Whether to continue with the old venture or start something new
Which relationships to embrace and lean into as you undergo a life change
How to clear the path to accomplish new money goals

and

How to better manage time in a way that suits the new you.

Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published. Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
S.M. Adams: I’ve always played with the idea of writing but really found my voice and got serious at the start of the pandemic. I used to clap with my neighbors out the window every evening at 7pm when the nurses and doctors ended their shift. After a while I felt like that was not enough that I needed to be doing more to help out. The idea came to me that based on how devastating Covid-19 was many people would need to reimagine and reinvent themselves. And as someone who made a life transformation a few years ago I decided that maybe I could write a book that would be useful.
Is this your first book?
S.M. Adams: Yes and no, yes in that it feels like the first because it absolutely captures my voice as an author and attempts to do what I’ve always wanted to do which is share my life experiences in a way that others can find meaningful. No in that I have put together other books in the past but I think those works represent the struggle I had to find my voice. I never promoted them and do not really even think of them as mine. Inside I feel like this is my first book.
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
S.M. Adams: I published with a tiny independent publishing company
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey? The pros and cons?
S.M. Adams: Its tedious and you have to get all the little details together that a major publishing house would have done for you. But there are small publishing companies that can make it easier if you can pay for it.
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
S.M. Adams: It takes a lot of commitment but it breaks down the barrier to entry
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
S.M. Adams: Yes especially to those who are serious about writing and willing to do the marketing.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
S.M. Adams: Keep at it, Toni Morrison didn’t start writing until she was 39 years old.

BOOK PUBLISHING SECRETS: HOW TO PUBLISH YOUR BOOK!

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Release Date: August 4, 2021
Publisher: Project X Publishing
ASIN: ‎ B09C13582Y; 409 pages, paperback $10.99, eBook $.99, KU Free
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Underworld-Lindy-S-Hudis-ebook/dp/B09C13582Y

Release Date: June 29, 2024
Publisher: Wes Verne
ASIN: B0D1LK45JH; 328 pages, eBook $1.99
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1LK45JH