Think Like a Publisher!

Dean Wesley Smith has many excellent posts about a number of issues dealing with writing, ebooks and publishing.  This one caught my eye and thought I'd pass it along.  You can read the full article here: Think Like a Publisher

To really act like a publisher, you need to understand what you are trying to gain. You need to know how many sales will get your expenses back. And you need to know at how many sales will you start making a profit.

So this chapter is about why you need to try to determine set income ranges, and how to do that at this moment in 2011.  Remember, this discussion is about acting like a real publisher, not a hobby writer. Real publishers are in the business to make a profit. That’s the focus now, so please keep that in mind. If that is not your intent, fine.

Pricing

To determine any kind of income and sales potential, you must first make some pricing decisions. And you must decide as a publisher what your long-range goals are.

The values we set for WMG Publishing and the values I will be using for this discussion on setting income are as follows:

Electronic Publication

Short story: 99 cents.

(Gross Income Expected: 35 to 60 cents per sale domestic. Use 35 cents for calculations.)

Short Novels, Short Collections: $2.99.

(Gross Income Expected: $1.94 to $2.o9 per sale domestic. Use $2.00 for calculations.)

Regular Novels (over 35,000 words), Long collections: $4.99

(Gross Income Expected: $3.24 to $3.49 per sale domestic. Use $3.25 for calculations.)

In the above calculations, Gross Income is after the fees and costs taken out by the bookstores and providers of electronic sales.

POD Publication.

Short Collections, Short Novels: $7.99 trade paperback.

Novels, Long Collections: $15.99 trade paperback. (Might vary upward with extra long books.)

Gross Profits on both are in the range of $3.00 to $4.00 per sale. Use $3.25 for calculations.

Why Pick These Prices?

These electronic prices are under traditional publishing ranges, yet not too far under to seem to be a discounted price. And the novel price is under the $5.00 impulse buy mark. Trade paperback prices are normal traditional publication prices for trade paperbacks in the size range indicated.

Also, keep some basic math in mind. If your motives are profit, you must sell ten books at 99 cents to make the same amount that you would make when you sell one book at $4.99. And since no traditional publishers do 99 cent novel pricing except rarely as a short-term promotion, a 99 cent price for a novel will label you as a discount or hobby publisher. WMG Publishing motives are very profit based.

Calculating A Project’s Projected Income

Now comes the fun part. Hang onto your math brains. And let me stress again that not even traditional publishers know this number for a fact. If they did, publishing would be a very simple business without risk.

In traditional publishing, publishers have some tools to use in this area. For example, they can look at a book and then (like shopping in real estate) they compare to other books of the same length in the same genre with the same basic author recognition. So if a similar book sold 20,000 copies, then it is pretty safe to use that sales number in the current books calculation.

They also use an author’s track record. If the author’s last book sold 50,000 copies, then it is pretty safe to do a profit-and-loss calculation with that as the sales range. (And that projection then sets the author’s advance.)

But as an indie publisher, with no real track record yet, (and a world that is expanding into electronic publishing faster than most people can keep up with) how is it possible to make any real projections of sales?

Bottom line: It’s not.

All Actual Costs plus Time Costs plus Overhead Costsdivided by Gross Income Per Book equals NUMBER OF SOLD BOOKS NEEDED TO BREAK EVEN.

The best way to show this is to just run through a calculation. Math brains ready? Here we go…

Example:

Novel

Total Cost Publishing Costs: $350.00. (Four hours of time at $50.00 per hour plus $100.00 cover cost plus $50.00 overhead for those four hours. Time includes electronic and POD layout time and launch time. For the moment exclude my writing time on the novel.  We’ll bring that in later. And remember, the $50.00-per-hour is my calculation from an earlier chapter. Do your own.)

I get $3.25 gross profit for both POD and electronic sales. So I divide $350.00 by $3.25 to get the number of copies that need to sell to break even on all production costs.

Bottom line: I need to sell 108 copies to make $50.00 an hour for my production time, $50.00 for overhead, and replay my cover costs. (If you are only concerned about first repaying the $100 out-of-pocket cover cost, you would need to sell 31 copies to recover that using these numbers and pricing.)

Now add in my time for writing and the overhead for that time.

Again, I use $50.00 per hour, and it takes me under 60 hours to write a 60,000 word novel. So I feel I should get at minimum $3,000.00 for my writing time on that book and my overhead costs for my office. (Side Note: It has been a long time since I took only a $3,000 advance on a novel and sure wouldn’t do it in traditional publishing now.)

Total Expense $3,350.00 divided by $3.25 gross income per sale equals 1,030 copies that need to be sold at $4.99 cover price.

Complete article is here: http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/?p=3603

#SampleSunday - THE CRYSTAL FACADE

For today's Sample Sunday, I am posting two short excerpts from THE CRYSTAL FACADE.  The first one is when Dyla Telkur visits her father's crypt.  She has decided to travel to Earth again and is not sure when she will return if ever.  The second excerpt concerns her twin, Darius, who is off on his own adventure in the Berkshire Duchy on Otharia trying to save the Duke's daughter.  

Excerpt from Chapter 6 “The Long Goodbye”

The crypt’s opened door was illuminated by the soft glow of light emanating from globes inside.  Dyla stood stock-still, tall and statuesque in her majestic grace, beside the stone coffin in the middle of the mausoleum’s main room.  Her long alabaster neck was framed in sharp contrast by her raven hair.  Her eyes were pools of sorrow that never left the casket holding the body of her father.

The Telkur family’s mausoleum sat atop the highest point on the hill, affording a magnificent view of the bay below.  It was hauntingly beautiful at night.  The skies were ominous with the promise of an approaching storm hanging in the air.  Few stars shone through the patchwork of clouds, but glimpses of the twin moons, half-caste in a ghostly hue, could be seen as the winds blew off the sea.

Her father rested in perpetual wake alongside the other royalty of Telkur’s past.  Duke Levon Telkur had been a kind and generous man who was loved by all.  He left this world all too soon, murdered like a thief in the night.

Dyla put her hand on the cold stone.  The stonecutters had done a magnificent job on the sarcophagus, expertly capturing the regal face of the former Duke, but the likeness only served to remind her of everything she had lost. 

How do I say goodbye?

A single tear trailed down her cheek.  She stared at the likeness of the man who had always been there for her, her champion.  The man who had guided her, supported her, and comforted her whenever she felt frightened.

How do I say goodbye with this unbearable weight crushing my heart?

           Her father had been gone for three years, but Dyla continued to visit him regularly whenever she was home.  Even with the passage of time, his death was a void that could not be filled.  A void she felt to the deepest depths of her soul.

How do I say goodbye when all I want to do is scream?

           Her heart still lurched when she caught a half glimpse of a familiar silhouette in a crowd.  She hoped against hope in that brief instant that it was her beloved father, until the moment passed and reality came crashing back down upon her.

           Her father was gone.  Dyla laid her cheek on her father’s chest hugging his likeness to her breast.

Darius stood in the doorway waiting, watching his twin, not wanting to disturb her solitude.  He knew she was aware of him.  Not many people could sneak up on an empath as strong as she, but he gave her the space she needed to commune with their father.

Excerpt from Chapter 29 “The Gathering Storm”

The prisoners were in Tarek’s back office, each tied to a sturdy chair.  Tarek had one of his guards in the office with him and two more outside in case things got too messy.

Darius wondered what Tarek was up to.  Tarek said he had sent the ransom note, but Darius remembered Tarek’s remark about a demonstration.  He tested the bonds that held him to the chair, but they were good and tight.  There was no way he was going to break them.  He could only sit and watch what was to happen next.

“Do what you must,” Cristaline replied.  “Just hurry up so we don’t have to listen to you prattle on.”

Tarek’s neck turned red at her rebuke.  He never liked the royals for they had what he didn’t, but this one was a real prize.  He actually began to look forward to what was next.

“As you command, My Lady Countess.”

Tarek got up with knife in hand and walked towards Cristaline.  She looked at the knife and her eyes widened in fear.

“What are you going to do?” Cristaline cried.  “Stay away from me. You’re making a mistake.”

“Oh, there’s no mistake.  Daddy needs proof that we’re serious and that’s what he going to get.”

“Wait,” Darius shouted, “Let’s talk about this.  I’ll pay any ransom you demand.”

“Shut up, boy.  It’s too late for that.  The Duke of Beckson needs a little token of my resolve and I think that little finger on his daughter’s right hand should do the trick.”

Cristaline leaned back in fright as Tarek approached, but Tarek’s guard held her chair fast.

“STOP, I command you.”

Darius’ command made Tarek pause in mid step.  He was becoming more agitated by the moment. 

Damn these two are pathetic whiners, Tarek thought.

“What?  What could you possibly say that would prevent me from taking her finger?”

“I am ordering you as the Duke of Telkur not to touch that woman.  Lay one hand on her and I will hunt you until the end of your days.  There will be no place far enough to run or hide to escape my wrath.  When I find you I will leave you rotting in a dark cell with no hands and feet, wallowing in your own self-pity, knowing you could have escaped this fate, until you die a miserable old man.  I promise you this on my crown as the ruling Duke of Telkur.”

“Well, that doesn’t leave me much incentive to keep you alive, now does it?”

Cristaline looked at Darius with newfound feelings of admiration.  His promise was akin to a death sentence and they both knew it.  

“Then, you’ll have the murder of a Duke on your bloody hands.”

Tarek lowered his head in thought for a moment. 

This is getting way out of control.

Tarek shook his head and took another step towards Cristaline.

“Wait. Take my finger instead,” Darius said.

Tarek stopped and threw up his hands in exasperation.

“What?” 

“I said take my finger instead,” Darius repeated.  “You seem hell bent on disfiguring a royal, so I am telling you to take mine.”

“What?” Cristaline cried.  “No, Darius, don’t.”

“I’m inclined to agree with her,” Tarek replied.  “Why would I cut off your finger?  As a reminder that you’ll chase me ‘til the end of my days?”

“I won’t chase you if you take mine and not hers,” Darius replied.

“I’m supposed to believe that?” Tarek asked, “after all you just threatened me with?’

“I give you my word that if you take my finger and leave the Countess untouched, that I will bear you no ill will for this deed.  Besides, my finger will prove to the Duke of Beckson that you have us both.  He knows that I came searching for his daughter.”

“I have your word, in front of these witnesses?”

“You need no witness to trust my word.”

“Then, so be it.  As you command, it’s your finger that’s comin’ off, not hers.”

“No, I’ll not have this,” screamed Cristaline.  “Leave him alone.  There’s no need to take anyone’s finger.  Open a communication portal and let me talk to my father.  That will prove you have me.”

“Sorry, Countess, there’s just too much chance that they would be able to trace it back to me.  Enough talk.  Gag her. I’m tired of listening to her.”

Brandy had been hoping if she stayed quiet that Tarek would not pay much attention to her.  She was a skilled mistress with knots and ropes having become an expert over the years with ‘particular’ clients and had managed to loosen the knots of her bonds.   She knew she would only get one shot and she needed to time her attack perfectly.  As the guard finished gagging Cristaline, Brandy watched Tarek grab Darius’s left hand.

“This shouldn’t be too hard for a tough guy like you,” Tarek said as he laid the knife on Darius’s little finger.  “Let’s see what you’re really made of.”

***

  

Today's Sponsor: THE USURPER by Cliff Ball

Ever wonder what would happen if our worst fears were realized and we elected someone who was willing to destroy the USA, even if he was destroyed himself? The Usurper is that novel. It is a fictional account of what would happen if the Soviet Union and KGB were given the chance to take down the United States from within. They use the American political system, education system, terrorism, and commit environmental disasters to achieve these goals.

The Soviet Union and the KGB refuse to let the purging of communists in the United States as awhole by Senator Joe McCarthy, and the House Un-American Activities Committee, deter them. Soviet Premier Khrushchev authorizes the KGB to embark on an ambitious, decades long plan to destroy the United States from within through the corruption of American politicians, the American education system, terrorism, and environmental disasters. Gary Jackson, the main character, is the fulfillment of the KGB plan to destroy the United States from within. They raise him from birth to hate everything about the United States, indoctrinate him, and introduce him to terrorists across the world, where the KGB dictates all terrorist attacks. When Gary is a teenager, he is sent to the United States to assimilate and begin his mission. Nothing will deter his goals of completely and utterly destroying the United States.

When the Soviet Union dissolves, he is given a choice, and he decides to continue with the mission. A terrorist organization ends up filling in the gap left by the absent KGB, and they, together with Gary, conspire to destroy everyone in the United States who doesn't agree with them.

Links to buy:

https://www.createspace.com/3469577

http://www.amazon.com/The-Usurper-ebook/dp/B003VP9VVK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Usurper/dp/B003VP9VVK

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/18734

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Usurper/Cliff-Ball/e/9781452429205

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-usurper/id382529518?mt=11

Reviews/comments:

"A cold-blooded, Clancy-esque political thriller; The Usurper is sure to entertain." --Nurture Your Books - nurtureyourbooks.com/?p=919

"I just finished reading The Usurper and enjoyed the book. I love the concept of this book and the ending caught me totally off guard. The Usurper is a quick read. There are many correlations with the real world that most of us can relate to. If only they had turned out differently. The book smacks of conspiracy theories. Who knows, this book could possibly be one of those that, in a few years, will make us wonder, "How did the author get so close to the truth?" -- J.C. Phelps

"The Usurper is not usually my favourite type of novel but Cliff Ball really surprised me. This is a very fast-paced, action-packed book once you get past the first few chapters. I think what impressed me the most was Ball's very accurate depiction of the power of indoctrination. In many ways it was a rather chilling view of what 'could have been'. If you like political thrillers then I highly recommend it." -- Tracey Alley

Author Bio:

Cliff Ball, is 36, single, and lives in Texas. Has a BA in English, and is hoping to pursue a MA in Creative Writing from University of North Texas. Has three novels on the market, The Usurper, Out of Time, and Shattered Earth. Won 3rd in a short story contest through Creative Writing in high school. Works as a freelance copy-editor.

Relevant links:

Author website: http://cliffball.webs.com

Author blog: http://cliff1974.wordpress.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cliff_ball

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cliff.ball.author

Excerpt from Chapter 4:

"Do you know who else is enemy of the people?” asked Putin.

“The enemy is anyone who questions the word of the government. They must be destroyed; nobody can be spared if they disagree,”

“You know who is one of your enemies, Gary?” asked al Hussein.

“No, who?”

“One of your enemies is your mother. She doesn't agree with the government controlling peoples' lives, and she thinks terrorism to control the people is bad. What do you think we should do with her, Gary?” asked Putin.

“My mother is an enemy? But, she could be on our side,” Gary innocently said.

“We've talked about this before, Gary, and you know what you must do,”

“But… but…. I don‟t want to do this,”

“Yes, I know, but she will destroy all that we are working for, and all of your future hopes and dreams. Again, I ask you, what should we do to people like her?”

Gary sighed, gulped a couple of times, and said, “The enemy has to die as an example to others not to think for themselves and do what they want. If my mother is an enemy, she must die,”

“Correct response. We need to go visit your mother to see that she is no longer a threat. Let's go, Gary.” ordered Putin.

A few minutes later, the trio arrived at the house Gary and his mother lived in. They went inside, where Ann was in the kitchen cooking dinner, she heard them come in, went to meet them, saw her son, and went to hug him, but, Gary didn't hug her back, so she asked, “What‟s wrong?”

“You are the enemy, you must be destroyed.”

PAID ADVERTISEMENT.  Please support our sponsor:

Reversion of Rights

Agent Rachel Gardner of WordServe Literary Group has an excellent blog post of getting the rights back from publishers for the books that are no longer available.  You can read the full post here, but here is an excerpt:

“Reversion of rights” simply refers to the point in time at which the publisher no longer owns the rights to your book. When the rights revert to you, the author, you’re free to sell them again or do whatever you want with your book. In the past this wasn’t as important because it was unlikely that another publisher would want to take on an already-published book. Your main option was to self-publish and you'd likely not be able to make enough money to cover your self-pub costs.

But all that’s changed in the digital age. Now, when the rights revert, you can simply and cheaply format your book for Kindle and all the other e-book formats, and keep it for sale forever, perhaps making a few extra bucks a year. So there’s a strong reason to want to get the rights back as soon as the publisher is no longer making you any money.

Of course, this is also why publishers want to hang on to rights as long as possible. Once a book stops being printed in the ink-and-paper format, the publisher can benefit from keeping it “in print” and continuing to sell e-book versions. As long as they have a chance to make money from your book, they may not want to give up the rights.

Today, we are very clear in our contracts about what defines out-of-print and triggers a reversion of rights. Typically, the publisher wants to keep the rights as long as they’re selling a certain base number of units. For example the contract may state that they retain the rights as long as they're selling, “100 copies in any print or electronic version within a single royalty period.”


As an agent, I don’t really think 100 units is enough to justify their keeping the rights. I usually try to get it changed to something like 400 units (but publishers are not excited to grant this). Usually there will be a provision that you cannot request a reversion of rights if your advance isn't earned out. The contract language may state, for example, that if the advance is earned out and the publisher’s sales fall below a threshold for two royalty periods in a row, the author can request a reversion of rights if the publisher doesn’t bring their sales up in the next royalty period. So again, it’s helpful to have an agent who can watch your sales in each royalty period, and make that reversion request at the right time and in the proper manner.


Full article:  http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/11/reversion-of-rights.html

Like

New Release: QUANTUM by Imogen Rose

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble:

http://www.amazon.com/QUANTUM-Portal-Chronicles-Three-ebook/dp/B004BSGMS6

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/QUANTUM/Imogen-Rose/e/2940011899133/?itm=3

A note from Arizona Darley

Once upon a time–well, a year ago now!–I suddenly woke up as Arizona Darley, a blonde California cheerleader, which, of course, I’m not. I am actually Arizona Stevens, a varsity ice hockey player from New Jersey. It was confusing to the say the least–I mean really? A blonde Barbie doll... sheesh, not! It turns out that my mom’s time travel portal was somehow responsible. Anyhow... it’s now a year later and the portal is now active again, which means that I can go home to my real dad....

-Arizona

Book Description

A whole year has passed. It’s October again… or is it?

As California teen, Arizona Darley, contemplates traveling back through the portal to seek out her dad, her life is plunged into a whirlwind ride through the unknown.

But this time, she doesn't disappear through the portal.

Has Arizona been kidnapped–again? Is Raj Sen to blame? Could Dillard have taken her?

As Kellan, David and her parents launch a frantic search with the help of the Wanderers, it becomes apparent that things are much more complex than they seem – for all of them. While investigating her daughter's latest disappearance, Olivia faces shocking revelations about the Wanderers and her life with Rupert.

In the meantime, what's happening in New Jersey? Are both of Arizona's worlds about to collide?

Quantum is the third book in the Portal Chronicles. Catch the start of Arizona’s adventures in Portal and Equilibrium.

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULSeQQUS1-E&feature=player_embedded

    

I'm a Kindle Author Sponsor

My author friend, David Wisehart, who runs the blog, Kindle Author, has started sponsorships for his blog.  I am happy to say that I'm his first sponsor.  For my sponsorship, I am featuring The Crystal Facade. 

There are two excerpts from the book as well to give you a sneak peak at the story.

Here's the link:  http://kindle-author.blogspot.com/2010/11/todays-sponsor-debra-l-martin.html

Brief Hiatus

I will be taking a brief hiatus from posting while I deal with a medical issue.  I hope to be back blogging in a couple of weeks.

In the meantime, if I promised you a guest post, an interview, or a book review, rest assured you're still in the queue.  I am still accepting requests for all three so if you have a new book coming out, need a review or want an interview, please feel free to send me an email at dlmartin6@yahoo.com and ask.

WEEKEND SALE: This is the last weekend to get a copy of both OTHARIAN books at 50% over at Smashwords. https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/debralmartin

"Quest for Nobility" - code PJ22M
"Crystal Facade" - code JJ97U

I am also happy to report that our DARK FUTURE novelettes, "Path to War" and "The Right Path" are gaining some traction - both in sales and reviews.  Thank you to all who have purchased these and, of course, if you enjoyed the books, please consider leaving a review.



Amazon links: "Path to War"
 http://www.amazon.com/Path-Novella-Dark-Future-ebook/dp/B003FGWUG8











  

Editor Jay Hartman of Untreed Reads talks about epublishing

UNTREED READS PUBLISHING

Today I'd like to welcome Jay Hartman, Editor-in-Chief, of Untreed Reads Publishing to the blog.  

How long have you been Editor-in-Chief of Untreed Reads?

I partnered with K.D. Sullivan in December of 2009, and we launched Untreed Reads in late January of 2010. Previously, I had been running Untreed Reads as a blog about the ebook world, and had previously been the Content Editor for KnowBetter.com which had been the Internet's leading site for all things ebook.

What was your inspiration for going into electronic publishing?

Publishing had always been a dream of mine. As the ebook landscape expanded, I found it more and more difficult to find ebooks that I wanted to read. In a business dominated by romance and erotica, I couldn't find enough literature or mystery to interest me. I felt there was a niche there that needed to be filled, and fortunately for me my business partner agreed with me.

What types of books do you represent?

We publish pretty much any genres except romance, erotica and poetry. We don't mind if a story has a romantic element, but that can't be the main focus. We're expanding out now into more non-fiction, children's and foreign-language titles. We hadn't planned originally on being so strong in short stories, but there's a big demand in the market and we're one of very few publisher willing to publish them as stand-alones instead of in anthologies.

How much editorial work do you provide your authors?

Typically, we expect the submissions to be in "ready-to-go" status. That means they've already been looked over by a copyeditor and a proofreader. However, we do provide what we call a "content assessment.”  Ours is really more of a surface polish, indicating sections that we think don't work particularly well for one reason or another. I'll send that back to the author to make changes or defend their manuscript. Except for actual proofreading, we don't do the editing for the author.

The author gets all of my content assessment notes, then has the right to defend any changes they feel shouldn't be made. We'll go back and forth, compromise and compromise, until the final manuscript is good to go. Then, after proofreading, the author gets to look at THOSE changes and give input.

Do you have a graphic artist on staff?

We do have a phenomenal cover artist named Dara England (http://mycoverart.wordpress.com/previous-designs/ to see some of her work) that I work with directly on the ideas I have for the various covers. Sometimes I get stumped and forward the whole work to her to read and give me some ideas. She usually hits them out of the park.

How involved is the author with the cover graphics?

The author is EXTREMELY involved with the process. It is critical to me that no matter how big Untreed gets, I never lose that dialogue with the author. The final decision on cover art is ultimately ours, but we usually bounce three or four mock-ups off the author to consider. I can't think of a single time yet where the author and I weren't on the same page with the cover. Not bad, considering we have 25+ titles out there right now and a lot more in the pipeline.

How long does it take from submission to publication?

Due to high volume, it typically takes us 60-90 days to respond to submissions. Once we've approved a title, it takes on average 3-5 weeks to bring the title to market, depending on what types of editing or proofreading might need to be done.

Where do you distribute your client’s books?

The shorter list might be where DON'T we distribute! We have distribution agreements with Lightning Source, Overdrive and Kobo that take us throughout the world, but we also work with Apple, Baker and Taylor, Amazon, Smashwords and so many more. We are constantly researching new vendors with whom to place our titles. In addition to our site, Untreed Reads titles are currently available at about 50 retailers worldwide and for every reading device.

What is your royalty split with authors?

It's a 50/50 split after vendor fees. I know the industry has gone back and forth on this one, but we've received plenty of support for our model from not only our authors but from several very large New York literary agents as well. Incidentally, authors who have agents usually have to give up 15% of their royalties to their agent. We're very unique in that we actually split those fees with them if we work with their agent directly. We're now partnered with several agents who are bringing us some really great work.

How much publicity do you provide your authors?

Tons. We partner with a LOT of review and interview sites. We're also active on Facebook, Twitter, Kindleboards, Mobileread forums, Yahoo Groups and anywhere and everywhere we possibly can. Every release gets publicity blitz that goes out to approximately 30 different places, and we are always looking for more.

One last question, do you charge the author any up-front fees? 

OUCH! Charge the author fees?????? Are you kidding???

Ahem! REAL publishers don't charge their authors ANYTHING to publish. :) That would be vanity publishing or POD or something. We don't make any money if our authors don't, which is the way it should be. Our authors don't pay for covers, ISBNs...nothing. Just bring us clean manuscripts and we'll take care of the rest.

That's one of those touchy subjects for me. Too many ebook publishers forget that they are in business because of their authors. Authors should be treated like gold, ALWAYS. :) :)

Thanks Jay.  It’s been a pleasure learning about Untreed Reads.  I wish you great success in the e-publishing world.

Will Technology Ruin Talented Authors?

Jason Pinter has written an article about the effect that JA Konrath has had on epublishing. For those who don't know Joe Konrath, he's become a guru in publishing on the Kindle. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he had multiple books published traditionally. Joe is a go-getter. He works hard at his craft and his promotion of that craft.

Here's an excerpt:

On May 17th, it was announced that J.A. Konrath (aka Joe Konrath, aka Jack Kilborn) reached a deal with Amazon Encore to publish the 7th book in his Jack Daniels mystery series. Hyperion had published the first six installments in the series, which have seen a reasonable amount of success and been nominated for several awards. To his credit, Konrath has made himself into something of an internet and social networking behemoth. He maintains a hugely popular blog, A Newbie's Guide to Publishing, in which he opines quite openly and honestly about his career trajectory, ups and downs, the peaks and valleys, with frank and often valid criticisms of the publishing industry. According to Konrath, he and his agent shopped the 7th Daniels book, Shaken, only to find no takers. For most authors, having a book rejected might mean it never seeing the light of day or selling a single copy. However over the last few months Konrath has blogged about the enormous success he's had publishing nearly a dozen of his previously unpublished novels, novellas and short story collections on the Kindle, Nook and iPad. Books that had been rejected dozens of times, but were now on pace to earn him upwards of $100,000 in royalties in 2010 alone.

You can read the full article here.

And you can read all about Joe's experiences here. He's not shy about sharing how he's managed to be as successful as he is today. It makes you wonder whether or not other Indy authors can reach such heights or do you have to make yourself known first with a traditional publisher to make a splash in the ebook world? Jason makes some good points in his article. E-publishing is easy now and many books are seeing the light of day and I'm not sure that's always a good thing. You have to put your best work out there not necessarily your first.

Kindleboards

Recently, I discovered Kindleboards. Yes, I'm probably a little late to this, but I have to say I love these discussion boards. My favorite is The Book Bazaar where you'll find many interesting topics to comment on. In Book Bazaar, it also allows you to put up a new post about your own book(s). There are rules and regulations on how many times you can "bump" your thread so that the whole discussion board doesn't become totally self promotional. You can track how many people view and comment on your threads.

Another favorite is The Book Corner. So if you have a few moments, head on over to kindleboards.com and start connecting with authors and readers alike.

Ebooks on Sale at Smashwords

Dave and I would like to offer our fans discounts on some of our books. This offer is for a limited time only.

"The Path to War," and "The Right Path," novellas in the DARK FUTURE series are FREE over at Smashwords.

Here's the link: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/debralmartin

Synopsis for Path to War: In a last attempt to turn the tide in a desperate war, General Matthew Smith of the American Freedom Fighters asks Master Samurai Kenzo and his unit of warriors to make a batch of the ultimate weapons. Memory weapons infuse its user with the skills and memories of a master warrior. But, will the cost be too high when the weapons fall into the hands of a unit of unstable augmented soldiers?

Synopsis for Right Path: Abraham "Ham" Jones, a cripple, and Zia Slate, a tomboy with an attitude, find themselves unlikely partners In this post apocalyptic tale of survival. Their lives are irrevocably changed when they encounter a mysterious old man bearing gifts - a cane for Ham and a knife for Zia. Nothing is as it seems and they must fight for their lives when it's discovered they have 2 legendary memory weapons.

ON SALE:

"The Quest for Nobility," Book 1 and "The Crystal Facade," Book 2 in THE RULE OF OTHARIA series are both now priced at $.99.

Here's the link at Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/debralmartin

Also available at Amazon - links in the right side bar.

Enjoy!

Smashwords

Smashwords is a great place to publish your ebooks. If you meticulously follow their Style Guide requirements, your ebooks will be distributed through their premium catalog. The premium catalog gets forwarded to sites like Sony eReader, Kobo, B&N and soon the Apple ipad.

Smashwords, said today it has signed a distribution deal with Apple to put its books into the iPad iBookstore. Mark Coker, chief executive of Smashwords, said in an email to authors that his company has been working on the deal ever since the iPad was announced.

Luckily, I got both books, "Quest for Nobility" and "The Crystal Facade" formatted, uploaded and accepted into the premium catalog which means they will be available on the Apple ipad. Dave and I are very happy. How cool is that?