Tag Archives: publishing

From Idea To Ebook – A Guest Post By Victoria (Tori) Zigler

Thank you to Victoria (Tori) Zigler for the below guest post. You can find Victoria’s blog here, (http://ziglernews.blogspot.co.uk/).

I’m sure you’ve read many posts from a variety of authors about their writing process, and probably their publishing process too. Well, now it’s my turn to tell you mine.

Ideas come to me in a variety of ways, from dreams and daydreams to overheard conversations, and everything in between. When they come to me, I make a note of them in a regularly backed up document on my computer. Then, when I’m ready to do so, I pick one to work with; usually whichever one is jumping about excitedly inside my head, eager to be allowed to escape in to the world. In fact, more often than not, this results in me working with a few ideas at once, but – for simplicity’s sake – I’m going to focus on dealing with discussing the writing and publishing process for just one idea during this post.

Once I know what idea I’m working with, the next step is to turn it from a plot bunny eagerly hopping about inside my head, to something resembling a full story. So, I open a blank document on my computer, and simply start writing. At this stage I don’t worry about typos, grammatical errors, or any of that other stuff; I just write, letting the story take me where it will.

Once I reach the end of the story, I begin rewrites and research.

Now, you might think that writing fiction, as I do, there won’t be any research. But there is. For one thing, being blind, I sometimes have to verify descriptions of real objects (either by looking them up, or checking with my husband). For another thing, there are often facts that appear in even fantasy worlds which need to be checked. Fantasy worlds will often break rules of real worlds, but you need to know which rules you’re breaking. Also, if – for example – you want to be sure your woodland sounds like a real woodland, you need to be sure that the plants and animals you’ve included to create this impression would actually be found in a woodland. Or, if you’re putting something in a woodland that wouldn’t be found there, then you need to know for sure that you’re doing this. There are also things like – to stick with the woodland theme – checking that things that don’t bloom until summer aren’t already blooming if your story is set in spring, etc. I’m sure you get the idea.

As I said, along with research, I also do a couple of rewrites. These are to change things that no longer work with the direction the story went – which isn’t always the direction I thought it would – add in those extra bits of details and descriptions my research has helped with, fix obvious typos and grammatical errors, and generally tidy up the manuscript a little.

It’s at this point that I usually make sure to arrange a cover with one of my cover artists; if I haven’t already done so (I only do so before this point if I had a clear idea from the start of how I wanted the cover to look).

Cover creation for me is a process that requires three people: the cover artist, my husband, and myself. I send the cover artist a detailed description of the cover I imagine, and the cover artist draws it. Then – depending on the cover artist I use – the rough cover is either sent to me for me to show my husband, or sent directly to my husband. At this point my husband has no clue what I’ve asked for exactly. I leave it this way intentionally, because his task is to describe what he sees, so I can decide if it matches what I imagined. If it does – and, it usually does; I have a couple of amazing cover artists – I give the go-ahead for it to be used, but if not – which doesn’t happen often – I’ll send a message to the cover artist to explain what doesn’t work for me. Like I said though, most of the time the cover artists I use either manage to capture exactly what I had in mind, or do something better than I imagined, so I go with their idea anyway. When the cover is done, and all three of us are happy with it, I save it as a clearly labelled file on my computer, and also make sure to save a backup copy; just in case.

Next comes hours and hours of editing.

I put my poor story through several editing phases, doing everything in my power to catch each little typo, and polishing it until it’s as shiny and sparkly as I can make it. Then it gets one more editing phase – the phase most people refer to as the proof reading phase – before I call it done.

After that, it gets yet another read through, and then – and only then – I create the file that will be uploaded to Smashwords; the one that contains all the copyright stuff, and the piece I put at the end of all my eBooks to tell everyone where they can find me online (assuming they want to, of course).

Sometimes I’ve already written the synopsis for it by this point, other times I haven’t. If I have, then I read through it again to make sure it still sounds good to me. If I haven’t, I write it now. Either way, once the synopsis is done, I check through it for typos and grammatical errors; just like I would a story. After all, I don’t want people to be put off by a synopsis filled with mistakes, which they would – understandably – assume would reflect the quality of the eBook itself, making them reluctant to take a chance on my book. At least, I assume that would be the case, since I know that I myself am reluctant to take a chance on a new author if they can’t even get the editing right for their synopsis, since I assume their story will be the same way; the synopsis is your chance to grab a reader, after all, and the reader deserves the little bit of extra time and effort needed to clean up those typos.

Anyway, once I’m happy with my synopsis, it’s time to publish!

I publish via Smashwords, because I find their website easier to navigate, which means I can publish myself, despite being blind. I did also publish via Amazon for a while, but I had to have help with this, and after a certain conversation with an Amazon representative – which I won’t go in to hear – I decided I was no longer happy to publish directly with Amazon. I allow Smashwords to distribute my books everywhere, so – perhaps – one day my books will appear on Amazon again; when Amazon decides I sell enough copies to qualify for distribution to them from Smashwords. In the meantime, I publish via Smashwords, and they send my books to sites like Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple, among others.

And that, in a nutshell, is how I get my stories from idea to eBook.

Why The Best Reading App Available Is Not What You Think

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An interesting post arguing that paper, rather than electronic reading methods are superior. Being blind I love the text to speech facility on my Kindle as it allows me to read print which, in the absence of the device would not be possible. Having said that, I love the scent and feel of hard copy books and would hate to see them vanish. A home without bookshelves is, for me difficult to imagine. For the article please visit (http://michaelhyatt.com/best-reading-app-paper.html?utm_source=Michael+Hyatt+Newsletter&utm_campaign=93dec8a7d3-rssdaily2&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d1fa5823d7-93dec8a7d3-250628637).

“Dalliance; A Collection Of Poetry And Prose” Will Soon Be Available In Print

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On 23 April I wrote about the release of an expanded edition of my book, “Dalliance; A Collection Of Poetry And Prose”, (http://newauthoronline.com/2015/04/23/an-expanded-edition-of-dalliance-a-collection-of-poetry-and-prose-is-available-for-download/). In that post I mentioned that a print edition of “Dalliance” is in preparation, (I hope this will be available in May 2015).

Given the growth in ebook sales why, you may ask have I decided to produce a print edition of “Dalliance”?

There are several reasons:

A number of family and friends prefer print books over their electronic counterparts. Indeed I know of at least one family member who would struggle with an ebook. I could, of course print off copies and distribute them to family and friends. However I would rather present my readers with a professionally produced book than a publication held together by staples or contained in a ring binder.
I like traditional books. Being blind I can’t read print books (most of my reading takes place using the text to speech facility on my Kindle). I do, however love the feel and scent of paper books. A beautifully produced book is an object to be cherished not only for its value as a means of communicating stories, information etc, but also as a thing of beauty possessed of intrinsic worth.
I want to have a copy of “Dalliance” on my real (not merely Kindle) shelves.
I intend to donate print copies of “Dalliance” to local businesses and service providers allowing those who would not otherwise come across my writing to do so. I will, of course gain the permission of said businesses. I intend to sidle up to business owners dressed in dark glasses and a rain coat which has seen better days and ask in a low tone while glancing furtively over my shoulder,

“Would you like something a little different?”

Then, prior to the police being called I will hand over my book!

If you would like a print copy of “Dalliance” please email me at newauthoronline (at) gmail.com putting “Dalliance” in the subject line.

Publisher Sued By Goebbel’s Family Over Diaries

Some Thoughts On Clean Reader

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(The below post contains, of necessity some profanity. If you are offended by such words you may wish to stop reading now).

Today’s Guardian has an article about Clean Reader, an application which allows the user to reduce or eliminate the amount of profanity in a book, (http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/28/clean-reader-is-freaking-silly). The author’s contention is that Clean Reader is a silly idea but, in the final analysis readers have the right to put their own interpretation on the books they read. So, for example the owner of a print book is at liberty to cross out words they don’t like provided they don’t pass off the amended text as constituting the author’s original work.

My concern as an author is that Clean Reader alters the original meaning of my work. Take, for example my short story Samantha. In Samantha we meet a young woman who has been forced into prostitution by her brutal pimp, Barry. For reasons of authenticity Samantha contains scenes of violence and, yes the use of profanity. For instance Sam is told by Barry not to let a client “anywhere near your sweet little fuck hole” until he has paid. This is how a man of Barry’s stamp, a brutal pimp with no respect for women, would address those who he controlls. Yet Clean Reader would render “fuck” as “love” making Barry’s words risible as no pimp would refer to a vagina as “a love hole”.

To take another example, Nick, the client Sam is visiting, says that he wants to “fuck”. Nick’s desire for sexual gratification has nothing whatever to do with romance so to change “fuck” to “love” as Clean Reader would is to render the story risible and to change it’s meaning to boot.

I don’t want anyone to be offended by Samantha or any of my writing for that matter. However if someone downloads Samantha I fervently hope that they read it as written. If a tool such as Clean Reader is utilised the true horror of Sam’s situation is sanitised (I.E. forced prostitution is portrayed in a downright risible manner with clients making love, rather than “fucking” sex workers).

In conclusion, I have concerns regarding Clean Reader, specifically that it has the potential to alter the author’s original meaning and convey an inaccurate view of the work being read. I suspect though that most readers will avoid the app and, given time it will fade into obscurity or cease to exist completely.

Don’t Judge A Book By It’s Cover

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An interesting article on Mail Online’s site about unusual Kindle book covers (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3004823/Try-not-judge-books-covers-world-s-worst-hilarious-Kindle-ebook-artwork-revealed.html).

An Author’s Plea

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Please buy my book

Do Take a look

You can read it on your Nook

Oh do please buy my book!

Reading is great

Early or late

Its never to late

Oh do take a look!

The 50 Shades Controversy

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E L James’s book, “50 Shades Of Grey” is making waves. The flood of interest is heightened by the film adaptation of the novel. I haven’t read “50 Shades”, something I have in common with Kristen Lamb, the author of a recent post in which she voices disquiet regarding the novel’s impact on both women and men, (https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2015/02/13/is-romance-devolving-50-shades-vs-no-one-puts-baby-in-a-corner/). Kristen’s perspective is that the portrayal of the relationship between Anna and Grey leads to the perception that abusive relationships in which men dominate women are acceptable and this can cause readers (particularly young impressionable ones) to adopt this view. Although Grey changes towards the end of the novel, this does not make everything OK.

Non consensual sex is rape, which is a horrendous crime as it vilates the very soul of the victim. Those who abuse others (whether the abuse is perpetrated against women or men) should be subject to the full might of the criminal justice system. I can understand why anyone who has suffered in an abusive relationship would avoid this novel. I do, however have the following observations.

Books don’t cause people to act in particular ways, individuals make their own choices and are responsible for them. A man who respects women is not going to read “50 Shades” and suddenly assume that it is acceptable to behave as Grey does in the novel. For a person to behave in an abusive manner they must possess a propensity to do so in the first place.

But what of the tipping point argument? Can’t a person with a propensity for a particular kind of behaviour be “tipped over the edge” by reading something he or she believes validates that behaviour? Possibly, however it is a convenient excuse for a person to blame someone (or something) other than themselves for their behaviour rather than taking personal responsibility for their own actions. Just possibly a person with an unhealthy interest in young girls might read Nabakov’s Lolita and perceive it as validating his sick obsession. However I have never heard of such a case and the possibility of such a thing happening seems remote in the extreme.

Ironically the controversy surrounding “50 Shades” may help to promote sales of both the book and film. People who might otherwise have not considered reading the novel or going to see the film may, wishing to ascertain what all the fuss is about go out and read the book or view the movie. There is, in this case some truth in the old saying that “there is no such thing as bad publicity”. The publisher’s must be rubbing their hands with glee as column inch after column inch is devoted to the novel and yes, I know I am, myself contributing to those inches!

In Search Of The Elusive Book Review

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Press the magic button labelled publish in the Amazon Kindle store or other self-publishing outlet of your choice. People will purchase your book and the reviews will come flooding in, won’t they? Well unless you are incredibly fortunate the answer is no they won’t. Even if your book receives a steady stream of downloads only a small number of readers (if any) will take the time to pen a review. This is the case, in my experience even when readers enjoyed your book. To take a case in point, two friends downloaded my story, Samantha, (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samantha-K-Morris-ebook/dp/B00BL3CNHI). Both told me how much they enjoyed reading my book and indicated they would review it without any prompting from me. Neither have done so and not wishing to nag friends I haven’t pursued the matter. So, in the case of Samantha 2 people who derived pleasure from it haven’t left a review which does, I believe prove my point regarding the difficulty of obtaining reviews which, if positive will help in selling your book. So how can the author obtain reviews?

I have obtained several reviews by offering my books free via KDP Select, (https://kdp.amazon.com/select), an Amazon programme which allows authors to promote their work free or at a reduced price for upto 5 days in any 90 day period provided the books in question are exclusive to Amazon. A number of those who downloaded my titles left reviews which shows that KDP Select can help in promoting your writing.

Another way in which to promote your books is via your own blog. Mentioning that you are running a free promotion on Amazon or other platform can encourage your followers and visitors to download and, hopefully review your books. A word of caution. Don’t fill your site with posts promoting your books as this will turn many people off. Write about topics other than your books. be generous in supporting other authors via guest posting opportunities and your site is more likely to thrive and attract followers some of whom will read and review your books.

Contacting book bloggers can also result in reviews. Read their review policy (if they have one) prior to getting in touch. If you write romantic fiction and a book blogger only reviews the crime genre there is no point in contacting the blogger (it being a waste of their time and yours).

The overwhelming majority of book bloggers will review your book free which is, in my view as it should be. Most authors would never dream of paying for a review. However, for the small number of writers who might be tempted to do so, they should consider this. If you pay for a review then the perception will exist (assuming it is positive and you are found to have paid) that the review is not honest (I.E. you paid for a good review). While there may be sites who write unbiased reviews in exchange for cash mud sticks and even if the review is 100 percent honest your reputation will be tarnished. People will question all your reviews irrespective of whether they where given freely or otherwise.

In conclusion relying on Amazon to generate reviews is the most uncertain method of gaining them. The use of your own blog or other social media to promote your books coupled with contacting book bloggers asking that they please write an honest review of your work, is the best method.

Finally a huge thank you to all of my readers who have taken the time to write a review or who have promised to do so. I very much appreciate you taking the time to read and review my books.

To Advertise Or Not, That Is The Question

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As with most authors I am always on the look out for opportunities to gain more exposure for my books. I was interested therefore to read this article (https://chrismcmullen.wordpress.com/2015/01/29/advertise-your-book-on-amazon-new-opportunity/) which highlights Amazon’s new programme allowing authors to advertise their books at a cost of $100.

On the one hand I am tempted to take advantage of this new opportunity. The potential benefits are obvious (increased exposure and, hopefully) sales of my books. If only a small percentage of authors take Amazon up on their new offering then they will, potentially have an advantage in terms of exposure for their works over those who do not.

On the other hand if significant numbers of authors avail themselves of Amazon’s new programme the potential book buyer will, I suspect be bombarded with advertisements so my books may become lost in a sea of virtual noise. It is hard enough to find one needle in a hay stack and if that mound of dry grass is chock full of sharp implements what are the chances of readers picking out my needle when there are so many other instruments from which to choose? I believe in my writing, however one good author among many other writers (many of whom are producing quality works), why, exactly should the book browser click on my ad in preference over that of another advertiser?

Prior to parting with one’s hard earned cash it is useful to pause and consider the many free alternatives to paid advertising. KDP Select (https://kdp.amazon.com/select) allows authors to promote their books free of charge for upto 5 days in any 90 day period or, alternatively to offer them in a Kindle Countdown Deal. Most of my books are enrolled in KDP Select and in my experience the programme does increase the exposure of an author’s work for, human nature being what it is most people jump at the opportunity of obtaining “something for nothing”. Many who download books advertised via KDP Select will not leave a review, however some will and good reviews possess the potential to increase the exposure of one’s books thereby (hopefully) enhancing sales.

The downside to KDP Select is that in return for enrolment the author must keep those works enrolled exclusive to Amazon for 90 days, (I.E. the books concerned may not be sold anywhere other than Amazon during that time frame). Another disadvantage is that while newly enrolled works will be downloaded (in my experience) relatively rapidly, once a book has been in the programme for some time it will, when on promotion receive fewer downloads than freshly enrolled titles, so the longer a publication is offered via the scheme the fewer downloads it is likely to receive.

Another way to gain free publicity for one’s books is by contacting fellow bloggers who advertise as offering guest posting opportunities and requesting that they provide you with a guest slot. (If a blogger is kind enough to let you guest post it is only polite to offer them the same opportunity on your own site). You can find a useful list of book bloggers here (http://bookbloggerlist.com/). The Story Reading Ape’s Blog also offers a wealth of useful material for authors and readers alike and can be found here, (http://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/).

In conclusion I won’t be signing up for Amazon’s advertising opportunity at present. I will, however watch with interest how it develops and, in particular what those who use it have to say. At this juncture my view remains that free opportunities abound so why spend money on advertising when it could be spent on book covers, editing etc.