Showing posts with label ebooks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ebooks. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

#Indiechat 6/26 A chat with the Kindle Fire Department




KindleFireDept If any authors or readers want to drop in on a great conversation, #indiechat starts at 9pm! -9:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @laurapauling LOL! I love the name "Kindle Fire Department" - clever. #indiechat -9:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @IndelibleWriter sounds like an interesting chat =^.^= #indiechat -9:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @susankayequinn Very clever now that I understand! #indiechat -9:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Stacey_WB Yello! #indiechat -9:04 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling So why don't we start with the basics. What exactly is the Kindle Fire Dept.? #indiechat -9:05 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @KindleFireDept Thanks for joining us tonight! #indiechat -9:05 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Stacey_WB RT @KindleFireDept: If any authors or readers want to drop in on a great conversation, #indiechat starts at 9pm! #indiechat -9:05 PM Jun 26th, 2012




patricialynne07 RT @laurapauling: So why dont we start with the basics. What exactly is the Kindle Fire Dept.? #indiechat -9:06 PM Jun 26th, 2012




DiamondLB Listening in. Hello! #indiechat -9:06 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @laurapauling The Kindle Fire Dept. is a bit broader than most Kindle blogs out there because it also focuses on apps. #indiechat -9:08 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn I'm going to jump in until Gadget gets here... Kindle Fire Dept. is an ebook and app site - they run ads & have useful info #indiechat -9:08 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KindleFireDept Do authors pay for ads? #indiechat -9:09 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Karen_Hooper RT @Stacey_WB: RT @KindleFireDept: If any authors or readers want to drop in on a great conversation, #indiechat starts at 9pm! #indiechat -9:09 PM Jun 26th, 2012




hmward hey guys! #indiechat -9:09 PM Jun 26th, 2012




RaShelleWorkman I'm here, and ready to learn. @KindleFireDept #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling Has anyone here used the Kindle Fire Department? #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn One thing I like about @KindleFireDept is the extra care they take in preparing their posts/ads. #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Lisa_Nowak @susankayequinn Do you know how the apps work? #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @susankayequinn How so? #indiechat -9:10 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn I've used @KindleFireDept twice (Feb/June) and the ad has paid for itself each time. #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @laurapauling There are lots of people into both mobile games and e-books, and it's been fun for us to help them find new content #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KindleFireDept That's terrific. #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston Howdy! I made it #indiechat #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012




DiamondLB I'm #reading Ethereal by Addison Moore while listening in to #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @susankayequinn really? That sounds promising. #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn They don't just take your blurb and quote a review. They look at the whole package&write up well @laurapauling: How so? #indiechat -9:11 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @susankayequinn That's great and can make a difference compared to just slapping a cover and blurb up. #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston I read now more kindle books on my phone than my device, do you see this changing the way we use kindles? @KindleFireDept #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @laurapauling Yes, we do function as an advertising platform for authors and info on that can be found at: http://t.co/xcTrp9uV #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Karen_Hooper How far in advance to authors have to buy ads? What's the normal wait time for an ad to post? #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Stacey_WB RT @susankayequinn: They dont just take your blurb and quote a review. They look at the whole package&write up well #indiechat -9:12 PM Jun 26th, 2012




SheviStories Does #indiechat have a topic tonight? If so, what is it? -9:13 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn Here's my @KindleFireDept ad, you can see: http://t.co/I8uQu9kr #indiechat -9:13 PM Jun 26th, 2012




RaShelleWorkman @susankayequinn That's gr8 to know. I like that @KindleFireDept takes the time to do that. #indiechat -9:13 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @SheviStories The Kindle Fire Department is here and a rep. #indiechat -9:13 PM Jun 26th, 2012




SheviStories RT @laurapauling: @SheviStories The Kindle Fire Department is here and a rep. #indiechat Coooool! -9:14 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling At what point should authors consider paying for an ad? #indiechat -9:14 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @LM_Preston Great question. I think books will be more easily transferable between devices, accessible anywhere on anything. #indiechat -9:14 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LynAlmodovar RT @susankayequinn: Here's my @KindleFireDept ad, you can see: http://t.co/I8uQu9kr #indiechat -9:14 PM Jun 26th, 2012




chandahahn #indiechat I'm home in time! Yay jumpin in -9:15 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling I still read just on my Kindle but I could see when out on the road reading on a phone app. #indiechat -9:15 PM Jun 26th, 2012




JessieHarrell hi everyone! thanks to @kindlefiredept for joining us tonight. sorry I'm late #indiechat -9:15 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @Karen_Hooper We do a few things for authors. Book of the Day sponsorships are scheduling for Sept. But special events sooner. #indiechat -9:16 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Stacey_WB @chandahahn Yay! Glad you're here! #indiechat -9:16 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KindleFireDept What can authors do beforehand to get the most from a paid ad with you? Any tips? #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 26th, 2012




JessieHarrell @KindleFireDept I'm curious how you find your reader base. #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 26th, 2012




SheviStories @KindleFireDept How many people will see a "book of the day" sponsorship mention and how do they see it (newsletter, etc)? #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @KindleFireDept Oh wow Sept. Does that mean we have to send the info in now or do you contact us later? #indiechat -9:17 PM Jun 26th, 2012




JessieHarrell @laurapauling I do this. it's great to have the app to transition b/c it keeps your place in the same book #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @KindleFireDepart is also fwd-thinking -They have an ebook on marketing with essays from authors (full disclos:I'm in there) #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @laurapauling Advertising is a way to reinvest in your writing and help build a readership. We focus on the outreach; you write. #indiechat -9:18 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling I read the ebook on marketing and it's a great overview for writers starting out with marketing. #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Lisa_Nowak @KindleFireDept What about books that are free? How do you handle those ads? #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling With some great articles from some of the Indelibles. #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 26th, 2012




JessieHarrell RT @KindleFireDept: Advertising is a way to reinvest in ur writing & help build a readership. We focus on the outreach; u write. #indiechat -9:19 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling what book? #indiechat -9:20 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Let me find the link... #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @laurapauling Great books get great results: cover, description, title. It all fits together. Have your fans get our fans excited #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MeggJensen RT @Lisa_Nowak: @KindleFireDept What about books that are free? How do you handle those ads? #Indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling Ebook Marketing Today. Only 99 cents for now. http://t.co/E2km63mY #indiechat -9:21 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn Here you go:http://t.co/OB39gtLz @laurapauling: @KatGirl_Studio Let me find the link... #indiechat -9:22 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @KatGirl_Studio Scheduling in advance is definitely a good idea. Feel free to drop us a line to see what we can do for you. :) #indiechat -9:22 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @KindleFireDept What kinds of books do best on KFD? SF? Fantasy? Romance? Thrillers? #indiechat -9:22 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @Lisa_Nowak We welcome free book submissions from authors and charge nothing. For big group promos or exclusives, there are fees. #indiechat -9:23 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @susankayequinn thanks, I love how to books =^.^= #indiechat -9:23 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston Good question! RT @susankayequinn: What kinds of books do best on KFD? SF? Fantasy? Romance? Thrillers? #indiechat -9:23 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling So when our ad is up, get our friends to help spread the word on their social media outlets. #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @KindleFireDept: @Lisa_Nowak For free books, do you submit under the same form? #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @KindleFireDept Do you have any stats to share about how your ads work for different books? Or links to such? #indiechat -9:24 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @gregpincus Hey Greg! Thanks for hopping over from #kidlitchat! :) #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @susankayequinn We've had successes in every genre; it comes down to an appealing book. But epic fantasy, SF, and MG are harder. #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Lisa_Nowak @KindleFireDept How do we submit a free book? I didn't see a link or form on the website. Could be I'm just blind. :) #indiechat -9:25 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston @KindleFireDept How do short stories do? #indiechat -9:27 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @LM_Preston: There are some ad sites that take shorts (but fewer than novels). I recently had good success with ENT w/my short #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LynAlmodovar RT @gregpincus: @KindleFireDept Do you have any stats to share about how your ads work for different books? Or links to such? #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @Lisa_Nowak Just send an email on the day it's free. There isn't really a form yet. Maybe I should make one... ;) #indiechat -9:28 PM Jun 26th, 2012




patricialynne07 @susankayequinn What's ENT stand for? #indiechat -9:29 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @gregpincus We keep stats on how all of our ads have done but haven't published them anywhere. You're welcome to inquire. #indiechat -9:30 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @patricialynne07 Ereader News Today http://t.co/p1ZHDy0h #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012




JessieHarrell @KindleFireDept I may have missed this, but how do you reach readers? #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @KindleFireDept I just did inquire :-) Seriously, though, your monthly traffic is great but meaningless if they don't click ads. #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling So even with ads it still helps to have that great cover, blurb - professional. #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @KindleFireDept I figured you could shed light on what's successful/not so much (and it's gonna vary, naturally!) #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012




JessieHarrell sorry if my last message post 2x. tweet chat is being difficult for me tonight. #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Lisa_Nowak @KindleFireDept Do you notice that any particular day of the week is better for running an ad than others? #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012




patricialynne07 @susankayequinn Thanks. =) #indiechat -9:32 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @gregpincus Very true. Just hard to explain over Twitter without knowing more specifically about what you write. #indiechat -9:33 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston RT @susankayequinn ENT ? you have a link? #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012




SheviStories So how many readers does the #Kindle Fire Department have? #IndieChat -9:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @LM_Preston I submitted my free short story to ENT with fantastic results too. #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston @KindleFireDept So do you distribute via newsletter email? FB page updates? or just blog post? #indiechat -9:34 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @gregpincus Difference between a banner ad and the posts we make is that we try to engage with your book. It's content, not an ad #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @gregpincus: Greg, with my ad, I saw a significant surge in sales (4x normal) - I call KFD a mini-POI, even tho it annoys Gadget #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Karen_Hooper @Lisa_Nowak Great questions for @KindleFireDept ! You keep asking all the stuff I've been wondering but couldn't remember. #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @KindleFireDept That's true. I wouldn't expect my children's poetry ebook to get the same results as a thriller #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @LM_Preston: RT @susankayequinn ENT ? you have a link? http://t.co/p1ZHDy0h #indiechat -9:35 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @Lisa_Nowak We've had great successes on every day of the week. People will come out any time for a quality book. #indiechat -9:36 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MichWritesBooks Sorry I'm late, all. I LOVE @kindlefiredept ! Got a great bump w/ The Book of Lost Souls when it was free months ago. #indiechat -9:36 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn When checking out an ebook marketing ad site, it's also good to check Kindle Boards and see what people's experience has been. #indiechat -9:37 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling At what point should an author consider paid ads? Right at the start? A couple books in? Whenever they have the money? #indiechat -9:37 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @gregpincus Yeah, children's poetry might be tough. I want to develop cheaper options to show off niche works like that. #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MichWritesBooks @laurapauling Great question! #indiechat -9:38 PM Jun 26th, 2012




patricialynne07 @laurapauling I like that question! =) #indiechat -9:39 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @SheviStories We currently have about 35k on the FB page and monthly traffic of 350-400k per month. Hope it keeps growing! #indiechat -9:39 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling There seems to be more than one philosophy on marketing out in the blogosphere. #indiechat -9:39 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @susankayequinn Yes, talking to other authors and getting a sense of what's working is so important! #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KindleFireDept That's terrific! #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MichWritesBooks @KindleFireDept What genres would you say most of your subscribers read? #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @KindleFireDept Yeah. There's all sorts of niches where an ad makes sense within the niche but not outside of it, in particular. #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @LM_Preston Most of it is the sharing we do through social networks, but we also have a growing presence on our mobile app. #indiechat -9:40 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @gregpincus Just like all marketing ads probably work better for different authors/genres. #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston @gregpincus Do you see many childrens books becoming apps? like with MeeGenius and other app developers? #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MichWritesBooks @KindleFireDept A mobile app. That's smart. #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @KindleFireDept Still, I was reacting to your saying an ad is a great way to reinvest in your writing. It's not always :-) #indiechat -9:41 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling It will be so interesting to see where the children's market goes with ebooks. #indiechat #kidlitchat -9:42 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @LM_Preston I see lots of people talking about it/trying it. I'm not seeing traction in the overlap. Yet! #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MeggJensen Mobile app? I just checked the app store, but couldn't find it. What's the app called? #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @MichWritesBooks Romance and Thrillers are the big two then various offshoots/subgenres: PR, Mystery, Horror, YA w/adult appeal #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Lisa_Nowak @KindleFireDept I take it there's not a daily emailing. Is that in the works? #indiechat -9:43 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MaganVernon #amwriting but checking in on #indiechat -9:44 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @gregpincus I'll be the first to say that it depends on your specific situation. Ads can work when they reach your audience. #indiechat -9:44 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @MeggJensen Actually our app is in Google Play and GetJar, finding other new readers: http://t.co/z19re06G #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @KindleFireDept Ya. And so much of that is totally out of a site's control. Impossible to be all things to all readers. #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 26th, 2012




patricialynne07 RT @KindleFireDept: Ill be the 1st to say that it depends on your specific situation. Ads can work when they reach your audience. #indiechat -9:45 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @gregpincus I think authors have to experiment - some sites work well for their genre/book, others not. Plus changes w/time #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling That's always the crux - finding our target audience. #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @Lisa_Nowak We have a pretty large email list that we use for special announcements, but it's not genre divided. Maybe someday. #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MeggJensen @KindleFireDept Gotcha! Thanks. :) #indiechat -9:46 PM Jun 26th, 2012




patricialynne07 @laurapauling Especially with a limited to zero budget. #indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MichWritesBooks @laurapauling It's hard. WHERE do readers of young adult go to find new books? #indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston Amen to that sister! RT @laurapauling: Thats always the crux - finding our target audience. #indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @susankayequinn And I think there are some niches where there's no community where an ad works. Yet. And that's okay, too. #indiechat -9:47 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @gregpincus Well so much of it depends on the site's branding. We are more general audience, but there are niche sites out there. #indiechat -9:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @MichWritesBooks I'd say our target for YA ebooks is more adults than teens. #indiechat I could be wrong though. -9:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @patricialynne07 With zero budget, the best bet is to have a series, let the first go free, then place an "ad" on the free sites. #indiechat -9:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MeggJensen Pixel of Ink YE RT @MichWritesBooks: @laurapauling Its hard. WHERE do readers of young adult go to find new books? #indiechat -9:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @MichWritesBooks twitter, book blogs, that's where I get mine. #indiechat -9:48 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston My kid searches on amazon or bookstore RT @MichWritesBooks: @laurapauling WHERE are YA readers go to find new books? #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012




HeatherMcCorkle @MeggJensen Yeah but hasn't Pixel been closed to advertising for a while now? #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012




HeatherMcCorkle Dropping in to say hi! #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012




patricialynne07 @susankayequinn I've heard a lot to have a series. Unfortunately, I'm the queen of stand alones. #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LynAlmodovar @MichWritesBooks Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook, book blogs, word of mouth, and youtube trailers #IndieChat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @gregpincus Which means that you have to find readers in different ways - social media, reviews, etc. Are you thinking childrens? #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MeggJensen @HeatherMcCorkle True, true. #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @laurapauling @MichWritesBooks Yes, so much of YA's popularity is adults who want fresh, youthful excitement. It's why I read it. #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @patricialynne07 I think stand alones can still do well, just tougher to gain traction. #indiechat -9:49 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston Also FB, and Book club at school RT @MichWritesBooks: @laurapauling WHERE are YA readers go to find new books? #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling I think word of mouth with teens is huge - just like with adults. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Stacey_WB RT @KindleFireDept: Yes, so much of YAs popularity is adults who want fresh, youthful excitement. Its why I read it. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @patricialynne07 It can still have carry-over as long as your books are of similar interest - i.e. if readers like one... #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012




patricialynne07 @laurapauling Yeah. Personally, I enjoy stand alones. Don't have to wait for the next in the series. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling yeah I'm holding off on my stand-alones until i have more series books out. #indiechat -9:50 PM Jun 26th, 2012




HeatherMcCorkle @LM_Preston Where on FB do they find them though, I wonder? #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @susankayequinn In specific, children's poetry. But I think there are other areas, too, where a broad audience isn't the key. #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Good idea. #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MaganVernon @MichWritesBooks @laurapauling I find most of my books through recommendations from friends, recs from Amazon, and Pixel of Ink #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn RT @Stacey_WB: @KindleFireDept: Yes, so much of YAs popularity is adults who want fresh, youthful excitement. Its why I read it. #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston My daughter clicks the ads sometimes & buys it RT @HeatherMcCorkle: Where on FB do they find them though, I wonder? #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MaganVernon @laurapauling @MichWritesBooks I'll quote @GPChing and say most YA books are targeted toward the "Twi-mom's" #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012




patricialynne07 @susankayequinn That's my hope. The readers will enjoy one story and check out the next. *fingers crossed* #indiechat -9:51 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept If you're writing a middle grade or children's book, the best opps are still offline: libraries, schools, parenting groups #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @LynAlmodovar Agreed. Though my teen daughter and I have different tastes so it doesn't always work. #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @gregpincus I think children's books have the hardest time in ebook - reaching the readers is difficult. #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @KindleFireDept There are, indeed. And we're also still so early in this process. Lots of exploration.... #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 26th, 2012




HeatherMcCorkle @LM_Preston Good to know! #indiechat -9:52 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling i have to say, I'd rather have my kids reading a print book than a device all the time. #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn RT @KindleFireDept: If youre writing a middle grade/childrens book, the best are still offline:libraries,schools,parenting groups #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling And I think that's pure nostalgia. #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston Also, through school visits my books are in libraries since kids requested them RT @HeatherMcCorkle: Good to know! #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @susankayequinn Yes. And often, particularly at the younger ages, the readers aren't the ones who are the buyers! #indiechat -9:53 PM Jun 26th, 2012




HeatherMcCorkle @laurapauling Agreed. Studies that say the devices can be bad on the eyes. As addicted as I am to mine, hope it's not true! #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling currently I have enough books in my TBR pile for like the next year. #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012




HeatherMcCorkle @LM_Preston I love that! #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MichWritesBooks @MaganVernon And we just need to find them! And if there are FB book groups where they like to hang. #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio I do too and I keep adding! The ones that hook me are the ones I read. #indiechat -9:54 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @gregpincus I think children's review journals are key to reaching teachers/librarians. #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 26th, 2012




HeatherMcCorkle @MichWritesBooks Good thinking! #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I don't read quickly so mine never seems to get smaller lol. #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MichWritesBooks @laurapauling Yep. Give me a killer cover, blurb, and great first chapter, and I'm there. #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MaganVernon Free ways to market include: Twitter chats, online presense, and querying reviewers. #indiechat -9:55 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @gregpincus If no one is seriously building a kids ebook site, then that's an opportunity for somebody to take charge and profit #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Oh nooooo! I read pretty fast. But I have no problem stopping a book halfway. #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @susankayequinn There are still barriers there for non-trad pubbed. The "pay for" reviews don't cross that barrier, either. #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 26th, 2012




patricialynne07 Truth! @MichWritesBooks: @laurapauling Yep. Give me a killer cover, blurb, and great first chapter, and Im there. #indiechat -9:56 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I'm dyslexic #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @laurapauling That's a common response. Most of it is parents wanting their kids exposed to print. Not a bad idea to me. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012




gregpincus @KindleFireDept I agree, someone's gonna find that sweet spot. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MichWritesBooks @laurapauling Me either. Life's too short and there are FAR too many great books out there. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012




LM_Preston @KindleFireDept What is KindleFireDept have planned for Holiday promo opportunities this year? #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept RT @MaganVernon: Free ways to market include: Twitter chats, online presense, and querying reviewers. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I track all my books on Goodreads and update my status everyday #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KindleFireDept I limit screen time for my kids and at times a device feels like more screen even if it's not with e-ink. #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @gregpincus Agreed. Although I think some journals will consider for review, even if their policy says "no" - haven't tried, tho #indiechat -9:57 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio I love keeping track on Goodreads. #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Froze8 @MaganVernon Book bloggers are a serious way to promote books! :D I love spreading the word! #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio And slow or fast reader doesn't matter. My daughter reads twice as fast as I do. #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MichWritesBooks @KindleFireDept Best to my knowledge, it doesn't exist... #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling you should add me as a friend =^.^= #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012




HeatherMcCorkle @Froze8 I love my book bloggers. They have been such huge supporters! #indiechat -9:58 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MaganVernon @Froze8 I get giddy everytime a book blogger says 'yes' to reviewing my book. #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio Will do. #indiechat :) -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KindleFireDept @LM_Preston For the holidays, I'm thinking some Big Giveaways, some charitable stuff. Take the stress out of shopping! #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn @laurapauling: @KatGirl_Studio What is this tracking on Goodreads that you speak of? :) #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Froze8 @MichWritesBooks I use twitter to find new books, if I see it often online and hear good things I'll want to check it out #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling I read slow but commit everything to memory. I can track the plots of all books I've read and shows and WIPs #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @susankayequinn Just updating status on books we're reading. #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012




KatGirl_Studio @laurapauling at the same time. #indiechat -9:59 PM Jun 26th, 2012




susankayequinn Nice! @KindleFireDept: @LM_Preston For the holidays, some Big Giveaways, some charitable stuff. Take the stress out of shopping! #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 26th, 2012




MichWritesBooks @MaganVernon You and me both! I LOVE book bloggers. #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 26th, 2012




Stacey_WB Yay!RT @KindleFireDept: For the holidays, Im thinking some Big Giveaways, some charitable stuff. Take the stress out of shopping! #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 26th, 2012




laurapauling @KatGirl_Studio That's great! #indiechat -10:00 PM Jun 26th, 2012

Friday, February 17, 2012

What is Success?

Success takes on many forms. And it means something different to each of us. For some authors, this may mean a five- or six-figure deal with a traditional publisher. It might mean landing an agent. It might be the moment the writer hits a milestone number of sales: 100, 1K, 5K, 50K. 


Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to witness the success of my author friends as they reach the milestones they've set for themselves. When I see their joy, their excitement--it's an amazing thing to witness. And each of them takes joy in even the smallest of feats. This is critical for a writer. Every small success must be treated with respect and honor. Writing is an arduous business to be in, and it's marked by failure and rejection every part of the way. Rapid success and quick wealth is only enjoyed by less than one percent of the literary population. So you can see just what we're up against.  


As an author, my definition of success might be unusual, because I've already hit my greatest milestone in my mind's eye. A milestone that I've dreamed of since I was seven years old: I finished my first novel, Artemis Rising. No, I'm not talking about publishing it--though Spirehouse Books did publish that book this past September. I mean I finished it: researched it, wrote it, edited it. For some, that process can take place in a matter of months, and then they're on to the next project. For me, that first novel...well, it took me ten long years to complete. And it was by far one of the most difficult things I've ever done. 


Artemis Rising had the most complex storyline I could conceive of. The research resources were few and hard to come by. The story was based on two different myths and most of the time it felt like a giant puzzle I was piecing together while blindfolded. Somehow--perhaps by magic and lots of amazing writers groups--it all came together in the end. 


But that journey, you see, and every failed attempt along the way, that was the true success. I learned everything I know writing that book, and I wouldn't trade that time and energy for anything. No matter what sales come today or in the future, I've already made my goal and wrote a book I'm proud to call my own. And now I'm armed with the knowledge to write another. Here's hoping it takes less than a decade this time. =)


A couple tips when talking with authors


When an author shares the news of a success, no matter how big or small, honor it with a kind word of encouragement or a congratulations. You never know how much work went into making it to that milestone. It always surprises me when strangers ask how many sales I've gotten. To me, it's a bit like someone asking how much you make for a living. Rather than asking such a question, ask how the writing is going. Ask whether the writer is working on a new project. In other words, ask about the journey, not the destination.


If you're a struggling author, be careful of comparing yourself with other authors. It will lead you to demean your own successes. Never do that! Your success is your own. Revel in it. Dance on tables and scream at the top of your lungs. Your journey is unlike any other. Be content with what you've achieved.  


________________________
Cheri Lasota’s first novel, Artemis Rising, is a YA historical fantasy based on mythology and set in the exotic Azores Islands. Currently, Cheri is writing and researching her second novel, a YA set on the Oregon Coast. Over the course of her sixteen-year career, she has edited fiction, nonfiction, screenplays, and short stories for publication. Cheri also has twenty-four years of experience writing poetry and fiction. Learn more about Artemis Rising at http://www.cherilasota.com or buy it at http://bit.ly/ArtemisRisingNovel.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

On eBooks and Indie Writers

I finally got a Kindle in June of last year. Yeah, I know. Kinda late to the game. When I first told my family I was the proud owner of a new e-reader, I had to do some apologizing. You see, my mom got a Kindle a year or two before. And I Publicly Lamented.


"Oh No! What are you doing?" (Cries) "That's not a book! That's not how you read books! It will never last!" (Insert weeping and gnashing of teeth.) "It's the end of civilization as we know it!" (Falls onto couch and sobs.)


Needless to say, I came to my senses. And while I still lean toward print books, I have to admit that my Kindle is filling up pretty quickly thanks to publisher sales and new indie titles.


Since I've become a Kindle owner, one thing I've noticed is that the titles I'm reading are diversifying. I still read 75% YA, but now I'm buying indie books that I might not normally read otherwise, because the summary looks enticing and/or the price is right. Last year, I read 34 books. Nine of those were ebooks. So far, I've read nine books in 2012. Seven of those are ebooks. Do you see where I'm going with this?


The thing I love most about epubbing is that I'm in complete control of the whole story. What many writers fail to realize about "New York" is that, once your story is accepted for publication, it's not YOUR story anymore. An editor will go in and ask for changes. A copy editor will ask for changes. A graphic artist and sales team will sit down and come up with a cover that they think will make the book saleable (whether you like it or not). . . . And that's not necessarily a bad thing. I have nothing against "New York." That's just how they operate.


The best thing about reading indie authors, though, is that the story is 100% their own. No one tried to fit them into a cookie cutter category or cram their story into a mold to follow a "trend." My stories are 100% Katie Klein, and, while I realize not everyone will enjoy them, at least I know the story I wrote is the story that was in my heart to tell.


This has never been more apparent to me than after reading the new IN HIS EYES anthology.


(Begin Shameless Plug)


Sixteen stories from sixteen authors from sixteen different guy narrators. No two stories are the same. No two stories are even CLOSE to being the same. Each is its own unique creation, full of heart and imagination. And "New York" might stick its head in the sand and pretend not to notice this little Indie Revolution, but, while they're doing that, they're missing out on some insanely gifted writers.


But that's okay, because stories that were previously overlooked are now making their way into the world. This leaves me, the reader, with more titles from which to choose. More options. And let me tell you: there are some real gems out there.


IN HIS EYES is FREE on Smashwords. Even if you've shied away from Indie titles before, I dare you to download it and not find a new book to add to the top of your TBR pile.


I Dare You. :)
~Katie~