Another Progress Report on Manuscript

I've completed making the line edits on my work-in-progress, the fifth book in the John Ross Boomer Lit series. 

While fixing the various and sundry marks noted in red ink on the hard copy, I also jotted down some additional work that needs to be done before submitting the manuscript to my Wings ePress editor by March 31. 

I noticed several scenes that need to be expanded. There were a few minor changes that I will address such as character names and background. I'll be doing that while giving the novel-to-be one final read over the next five days. I have a notecard listing the rewrites/edits that I will check off when completed.

I'm also working on a book title. I have a working title (something I do with every WIP). I've compiled a list of about 10 that I'll tinker with over the next five days. Much like a book cover, a title is important because an author wants it to provide a strong first impression on potential readers. As for a book title, that'll be taken care of in the next few months with the publisher's art director.

My only concern right now is that I had received my second COVID-19 vaccine this morning. The nurse told me that I could have some side effects from it, including flu-like symptoms. Friends have told me they ran low-grade fevers and felt lethargic for a few days. I hope it's no more than that for me.

As mentioned in previous posts, the novel will be published Oct. 1, eight months after the release of Make Room for Family, the fourth book in the series. For a list of my novels, visit my webpage. Other sites include Amazon and Wings ePress.

Until the next time . . .

Ready to Launch New Novel

 The journey to publication for my 10th novel, and fourth in the John Ross Boomer Lit series, is over with the release of Make Room for Family on Feb. 1.

I've spent the past few months promoting the novel on Facebook, Twitter, and several other social media outlets. For those who follow this blog, you've read occasional posts about the progress from start to finish in the writing process. I hope it's been helpful.  

This afternoon (Jan. 31)  I drove to the post office and mailed 100 postcards to friends, readers, libraries, and bookstores. They probably should have been mailed sooner but there were some extenuating circumstances that prevented me from taking care of that chore. I have several hundred more that will be going out in the coming week. (If you'd like a postcard, and live in the U.S., send your address to michael.embry@gmail.com with "Postcard" in the subject line.) 

Promotion and marketing are important aspects of book publishing that a lot of authors don't enjoy. You can count me among the dissenters but it's something an author must do if the book is going to come to the attention of potential readers. I'm sure you've seen some of the big-time authors getting the word out about their latest releases. In the past, I've used Facebook but I'm open to other venues if the price is right for my limited budget.

Other vital tools appreciated by authors are word-of-mouth and ratings and reviews of their books. Even in these solitary times, I stay in contact with various friends and we make book recommendations and sometimes mention books we didn't especially like. 

Whenever I read a book, I always leave a rating, and usually a review, on Amazon, Goodreads, and other sites. I also read reviews that others leave on books I may purchase. Other places I peruse for book recommendations and reviews are magazines, newspapers, and websites. 

I also watch Book TV on CSPAN and listen to literary podcasts when I have the time. Although in-person appearances and book signings have been put on hold the past year, it has afforded the opportunity to view interviews and discussions on Zoom and Skype. 

With Make Room for Family launched into the book stratosphere  I'll be turning my attention to rewriting and editing the fifth book in the series. You can find the novel on Amazon, Wings ePress, and other sites. The print edition may lag a day or so. I'll also offer signed editions in the coming weeks.

Until the next time . . .

A Thank You to Reviewers

While having coffee with a fellow author today, our wide-ranging conversation touched on  books, authors, writers group, travel, politics —and book reviews.

Authors, especially those outside the realm of King, Grisham, Roberts, Patterson and a few other literary luminaries, depend on readers to leave reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads and similar book websites. 

More reviews means more exposure to potential readers. 

That being said, we both agreed that asking someone to read a book and then write a review is asking quite a lot. Why? Because the reader has to invest several hours in simply reading, depending on the length of the book. And then, taking the time to write something about the book on a website, whether it's a few sentences or several paragraphs.

Sometimes we authors get a bit antsy about it, and that's simply from our selfish perspective. As mentioned above, a book receives more attention with the number of reviews. At Amazon, for instance, the first magic number is 20. Reaching that level, the book is recommended to other readers who purchase similar books. It's all part of the algorithms used in the Amazon shopping experience.

Now back to the reviewer. I believe it's important that the author requesting a review realizes that it takes time to read a book, in addition to everything else swirling in a person's daily life. I know I don't have time to read a book in a day or two because of other things going on.

While I have reviewed books at the request of friends and authors, one thing I always do is leave reviews and rankings in all the books I read. If you own a Kindle, that's the first thing you see when you finish a book. But I do it when I turn the final page on a print book as well.

And while readers are giving a boost to authors with their reviews, they're also letting other readers know about the books they recommend, or perhaps those didn't especially enjoy. I always check out reviews before deciding on a book. 

So I want to thank  those who have reviewed by novels. And for those who haven't, I do hope you will take the time to leave a few words and a rating at an appropriate website. And please do it for other authors and readers as well. We truly appreciate it.

Here are a few good blog posts to get you started:

How to Write a Book Review on Amazon

How to Write a Good Book Review

How to Write a Book Review on Amazon

Until the next time . . . 

Goodreads Giveaway

Thanks to all the 419 readers who participated in the Goodreads giveaway for my latest novel, Darkness Beyond the Light.

I mailed books the day after Christmas to Meredith in Florida, Robert in California, Jennifer in Missouri, Toya in Tennessee, and Ronald in Utah.

During an Amazon.com promotion that prompted 145 requests in November, I awarded five ebooks to Diane, Tammy, Stephanie, Michelle, and Jennifer (states not revealed). 

While there are no strings attached to a giveaway, I do hope the recipients will take a few minutes to rate and review the novel in Goodreads, Amazon, or some other website(s). 

Indie authors need all the support they can get from readers and fellow authors. I do hope that every time you read a book, you'll show your appreciation with a review and/or rating. I do that with every book I read, even those I don't particularly like. Any review/rating is better than no review/rating.

Needless to say, the biggest boost you can give to all authors is to purchase books. And I thank every one of you who made a financial stake in buying my books and investing your precious time in reading them. 

If you're short on funds, I recommend you ask your library to purchase the books you want to read. And that's not just the ones I've authored. You have your favorite authors so show them some support (and love). Libraries have budgets to purchase books, and your tax dollars support them.

Until the next time. . . .  

First Promotion

The first promotion for my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is on Amazon through Nov. 23.

It's a giveaway of five e-books. You need to click here and tweet that you entered. It's that simple. Also, you don't have to own a Kindle to read the book. Amazon offers an app for Apple, Android, and Windows devices.

I know some folks don't have Twitter accounts so don't despair. I plan to have several other contests in the coming weeks to promote the John  Ross Boomer Lit novel. Stay tuned!

Until the next time. . . .

Published!

My latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is now out there for the world to see -- and to read -- from Wings ePress.

Here are the links for the e-book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Smashwords

And for the print edition:

Amazon
It also will be available at Barnes & Noble. You can also order the novel through your local independent bookstore through CreateSpace.

Check back for updates and giveaways.

If you do purchase the novel, please leave a review and/or rating at the website. And that goes for all books because authors appreciate feedback.

Until the next time. . . . 

One Month Before Publication of Novel

The publication of my latest novel, "Darkness Beyond the Light," is only a month from today. 

As with my previous books, I'm excited about finally seeing  it in print. I've already seen the e-book version, but being a traditionalist in many ways, there's nothing like holding a physical, page-turning print edition in my hands.

"Darkness Beyond the Light" is my eighth novel, and the first time that I've written a sequel to a book. It carries on with the trials and  tribulations of John Ross, family and friends who were introduced in "Old Ways and New Days."  My novels are published by Wings ePress.

I also plan a third installment in the "John Ross Boomer Lit" series. I wanted to get working on it sooner, but now I will write the first draft during National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, in November.

In the meantime, postcards will be mailed to libraries, bookstores, friends, and others in the next few weeks announcing the arrival of "Darkness Beyond the Light."  I already have bookmarks, display posters, and various handouts ready to distribute at book signings this month (check appearances at bottom of page).

I'll also have promotions on Goodreads and Amazon so be sure to visit those websites and enter (there will be reminders posted here as well). If you're a Goodreads member, please send me a friend request. You can also like my Facebook author's page by clicking here.

Until the next time. . . .

 

 

Some "Free" Promotion

As most of those who read this blog know, I'm always on the lookout for ways to promote my books. The main reason is because promotion is one of the least things I like about writing. Writing a book is a wonderful, life-changing experience. Promotion, well, is more like a headache for me.

But you have to do what you have to do to get your books out there to grab the attention of potential readers. I know quite a few writers who have had success by offering books for free on Amazon, Smashwords, and other websites. Yes, I said free.

I'm sure you've seen it as well on Amazon. It seems so counter-productive to me, especially after spending some much time and energy to write a book. All of my novels have sample pages for readers, but never have I provided an entire book.

The aim, of course, is to give readers an opportunity to read a book, and crossing fingers, they'll return and perhaps purchase some, if not all, of your other titles. Believe it or not, but it apparently works. That's the price the author pays for the exposure.

So with that introduction, my novel, "Foolish Is Heart," is being offered on Smashwords for free during the e-book distributor's summer sale that runs the entire month of July. More than 20 authors in Wings ePress, my publisher, will have free books as well. And that's just a drop in the bucket since other small publishers and thousands of independent authors will be doing the same in promoting their books to a world-wide audience. (FYI, use SFREE code at checkout).

As I've mentioned many times before, I do hope that if you download my book, and those of other authors, that you will leave reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other venues. Isn't it the least you can do for getting something free?

***

Me, Cat Shaffer, Lewis Nichols and MJ Wixsom at the Author Faire. 

I also want to share a recent article in the Portsmouth (Ohio) Daily Times about the Author Faire I participated in on June 25 in Greenup, Ky., with about 20 other authors. I had a great time at the small town next to the Ohio River. I hope it encourages other libraries and book stores on how easy it is to put on an event featuring local, state and regional authors.

Also, thank you to reporter Portia Williams and the newspaper for covering the event.

Now to get back to my work in progress.

Until the next time....

March Madness Giveaway

It's March Madness. Basketball fans know what that means. Hoops, hoops and more hoops.

So check out my latest giveaway: an e-book edition of "Shooting Star."

It's the story of a young man who transfers to a new school. Although he's an outstanding basketball player, Jesse Christopher faces obstacles in fitting in at the school as he contends with bullies, cliques, teachers, and even fellow basketball players.  

Jesse is the member of a rural team that has hopes of winning the Kentucky State High School Basketball title. Read his story. 

The giveaway ends March 12 so be sure and enter. No gimmicks. No follows. No strings attached. 

Give it a shot! You may be a winner.

Just click here.



  

Another Promotion

After the novel is finished and in print, the next step is promote, promote, promote.

Some authors suggest that promotion should begin before a book is published. I find it difficult to write, edit, proof the galleys and promote although I suppose I do it passively through this blog and other places.

Perhaps I'm a bit cautious about actively promoting before the release date because I know there are variables which could affect the transition of a manuscript into a novel such as editorial issues, production problems, and personal setbacks. You never know what obstacles may arise in the process.  

For "Old Ways and New Days," I've had a promotion on Goodreads soon after it's release. I've also  used Apex Reviews and Author Shout in recent weeks to spread the word about the novel on various social media sites. And, of course, various posts on my blog and Twitter tweets have been used about the book. 

My most recent is a giveaway on Amazon.com. The contest is limited to those residing in the United States. If I can find a way to offer a similar promotion for the e-version, I will do that internationally. Please share with me if you have any ideas on how to do that.  

So if you're interested in entering latest giveaway, which runs through Dec. 22, click here. 

I also learned that my publisher, Wings ePress, will be upgrading its website over the next few weeks, which should help me and their other authors. 

Promotion is an ongoing process, at least for six months after the release of a book. I try to keep it active while working on my next book (something I hope to do beginning the first of the year). 

Until the next time....

Back to the Manuscript -- Part 20 (Promote, Promote, Promote)

My novel, "Old Ways and New Days," has been out in the marketplace for about three weeks. But that doesn't mean the publishing process is over for the novel.

While I wish it was over, to some extent, it's not exactly on cruise control at this point. Now the focus has turned to marketing and promotion.

Simply trying to get the word out about my most amazing, inspirational, nail-biting, grand, sparkling and awesome coming-of-old-age novel (how's that for hyperbole!) is occupying a lot of my time. 

Since publication, I've mailed (yes, snail mailed) postcards to various libraries, book stores, friends and others), set up a promotion on Goodreads.com (see widget at bottom of page), used Facebook and Twitter to tell the world about the book, provided the novel to reviewers, and did some old-fashioned, word-of-mouth promotion. 

I'll also be attending the 34th annual Kentucky Book Fair on Nov. 14, in Frankfort. I've also be going to the Authors Fair in Madison, Ind., on April 2-3, 2016. Between November and April, I hope to line up a few more events and speaking engagements. 

I've also provided my publisher with some keywords for my novels that are offered on Amazon, hoping to boost sales on all seven titles. 

Have I started on a new novel? Well, yes and no.

My next novel is a sequel to "Old Ways and New Days," and I've already written about 30k words. I'll get back to that task after the book fair, if not sooner. I'm on the book fair's executive committee so that takes up a lot of my time with compiling the catalog, TV interviews, news releases, and more. 

So, as you can tell, I've been a busy writer the past three weeks. I think I'll need a vacation very soon. 

Until the next time...

Writing Reviews

One of the best ways to see your words in print is by writing reviews. 

I bet a lot of folks have written book and music reviews for websites such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. And I'm sure, at least from my experience, that you get asked frequently by the aforementioned companies to write reviews and/or rate products after you've made a purchase.

I've written quite a few reviews for Amazon, and if you've read my blog and seen some of my Facebook posts, you know that I request reviews for my books and those of other authors. That's one of the important ways we get the word out about our works. I also write book reviews on Goodreads.

But there are many other places to express your opinions, and leave you eloquent prose,  such as retail establishments such as Wal-Mart and Overstock. I left a review on a panini press I bought at Walmart. I recently purchased some water filters for my refrigerator and was asked to leave a review about the product.

One of my favorite places for reviews is Tripadvisor.com. I generally check out places on towns I plan to visit to see what others recommend. I feel like I'm returning the favor by leaving reviews on the places where I visit.

While I don't get paid for the reviews, I feel like it's a service to other consumers. I especially enjoy reading book reviews since many newspapers (at least where I live)  have reduced the amount of column inches they devote to books (and the arts). 

Another reason I like to read reviews is that most of them are written by regular folks rather than hard-boiled critics. I'm not sure if Jeff Bezos, of Amazon, would agree with me but I believe one of the many reasons for the success of his company is allowing feedback (reviews) from his customers on the millions of products it offers.

Any places you recommend for reviews?

Until the next time...

Making Contact

There are many ways for authors to get the word out about their books. Blogging, social media, traditional media, websites, and personal contact are among the effective avenues to reach people.

I have author friends such as Steve Flairty and Don McNay  who write columns for web-based publications such as KyForward.  McNay is also on the Huffington Post.

Romance author Taryn Raye is a prolific blogger, touching on several topics every week, and not just about writing. Children's author Marlis Day writes an effective blog about her books, upcoming events, and personal reflections. 

Personal websites are another important way for writers to connect with readers. Mystery writer Bill Noel recently posted the release of his new novel, "Missing," at his website. Young-adult writer Tim Callahan has an effective website to get the word out about his Kentucky Summer series. 

Most successful authors have web portals, either personal or through publishing houses. You simply need to do a web search to find them.

A lot of authors, such as Sue Grafton and Teresa Medeiros, can be found on Facebook. Just click the "Like" button and you'll get updates on what they're doing. 


Author information can also be found at Amazon.com, BN.com, Goodreads.com, Shelfari.com, and other book-related sites.

Another way is to participate in interviews on other websites. I was  fortunate to appear on Taryn Raye's and Tugboat Design's insightful interview pages.

Other authors, such as Steve Demaree and Lynwood Montel, find that  face-to-face contact with readers at book fairs, festivals and other events create an effective word-of-mouth marketing campaign for their books.

Because of my background, I still treasure traditional media. I enjoy author interviews and book reviews in newspapers, magazines, radio, and television. 

I believe that the most effective way is to have a mix of media.

As a reader, do you have a preference in finding information about authors and books?

Until the next time...

Support Your Local Author

There are several ways to show support for your favorite authors and you don’t even have to purchase their books.

Probably the easiest way is to word-of-mouth. If you like (or dislike) the book, tell other folks. Continue the dialogue by asking others what they're reading or what they'd recommend.

Another way to show support is to visit websites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads and Shelfari and leave reviews of the books you’ve read. They don’t have to be elaborate and long. Simply a few sentences on why you like,  or didn’t like a book, and give it a rating.

If you don’t like to write (because you prefer to leave that up to writers), you can just leave a rating for a book. Or if you see a review you like, such as  those on Amazon, click to show that it was helpful or wasn’t helpful to you.

You also can join discussion groups that are provided at book-related websites. While you're expressing an opinion about a book, or author, you can also read opinions from others that can help guide you to new books and authors.

And another way to show support for authors is by checking out their books in the library. Librarians keep tab on circulation, and those books that gather dust on the shelves often end up in library book sales. You also can request a librarian to order a book for the their collection. Librarians like recommendations because they realize quite a few good books fall through the cracks.

Of course, if you want to spend a few dollars to support your local author, you can buy their books.  But I think you already know that.

Until the next time...

Not Bad at All

A friend of mine has self-published three ebooks on Amazon.com the past six months with remarkable success. Her royalties for January has exceeded $10,000.

This author had never been published before, and after rejections from traditional publishers, decided to strike out on her own. Her books sell from 99 cents to $2.99 each. At that price, she's sold lots of digital books.

Not bad. Not bad at all! 

As the publishing industry is shifting toward ebooks, authors have the opportunity to take control of their destiny.

USA Today had an informative article about self-published authors in December so I'm not going to rehash what's been reported. And there are several other articles in various writing magazines about the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing.

The common thread for success seems to be promotion. These authors did more than simply write stories. They spent time getting the word out about their books. The same holds true for success in traditional publishing.

Check out these successful self-published authors.

Until the next time...

Support Your Local Bookstore

The New York Times recently ran an article about novelist Ann Patchett opening a bookstore called Parnassus Books in Nashville.

According to the story, Patchett was concerned when a popular bookstore closed, saying she "had no interest in living in a city without a bookstore."

So Patchett and Karen Hayes, who has a background in book sales, decided to open Parnassus Books. And they did this despite the decline in independent bookstores across the United States, the newspaper noted.

Patchett, by the way, is the bestselling author of "Bel Canto," "Truth and Beauty," "State of Wonder," "The Magician's Assistant," "Taft," and "The Patron Saint of Liars." and "Run."

Photo by Mary Ann Pinney

Local bookstores are important to communities, large and small. They have a certain distinctive quality that sets them apart from the chains; offer an array of books; support area authors; provide readings and other cultural activities; and they let you know they appreciate your business.

That's not to say I don't support the national stores. Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and others provide valuable services to consumers and authors. Because of the Amazon, readers in North America, England and Ireland can purchase my books. Amazon is also provides author pages and discussion forums. And I love to browse and purchase merchandise from B&N and BAM.  

But I think it's also important to make purchases at my local bookstore (Poor Richard's in Frankfort, Ky.). Other stores include as Morris Book Shop and Joseph-Beth Bookseller in Lexington, and Carmichael's Bookstores in Louisville. Many of the local independents have adapted to the changing marketplace by offering many of the services of the international and national stores.

So when you're in the market for books, don't forget to shop local.

Until the next time...