(I am repeating myself so I can get it into my head).
I'm not sure why this freaks me out so much. I am such a dork!
But it does and I might as well admit it.
Why add lying to myself and others in with all the other details of doing this.
PS Ruthy is so courageous about this.
But anyway, I thought I'd talk about my book and what I've learned and maybe if anyone has advice or suggestions of how I should be handling all this, you could let me know.
First the book---the ebook version releases TODAY!
What are the chances??
Garrison's Law Book #1
Before they were spread all over.
Now they are all in Texas. I'm trying to go with my cowboy brand, although this is a ranch family, they've all grown up to be lawmen.
I found loading everything up onto Amazon pretty straightforward, but I wanted a print book and I struggled with that.
I ended up hiring Jamison Editing to edit and to do the covers.
And the Killion Group to do the formatting.
I'm not quite brave enough to do any of these things myself.
HEY I wrote the book, that's a big part!
I'm not sure if a print book is necessary.
On the other hand, it doesn't cost me anything to make a print version, other than the back cover copy and the print version formatting.
But, well, anyway, with some mixed feelings, and the main one being I myself want a print version to go on my shelf, I am going for the print, too, but it's not quite ready yet.
So if anyone has more experience with self-publishing I'd love to hear about it.
And if anyone has questions, I'd be glad to tell you just exactly how to do it....heaven knows if any of it will be right!
And if anyone would please like to go buy my book, and leave reviews, I'd really SINCERELY appreciate it. (admit it, you'd spend this on a cup of coffee that'd last you ten minutes)
Leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for an ecopy of Garrison's Law!!!Eeek!!!
Trudy Jennings is a college professor with a string of bestselling pop psychology books about answering all of life's troubles with love.
Ben Garrison is her student. He's a hardened cop who needs this class to get his degree, but he can't keep a straight face. He tells her she's right, as long as she lives in her cushioned, safe life. But for him, using her philosophy, he'll be dead by the weekend.
A stalker is coming after kindhearted Trudy, and Ben is there to protect her. Trudy faces her first true challenge to turning the other cheek. Her stalker keeps coming despite her kindness and she feels like a failure that she can't help the confused and frightening man.
Ben has to keep Trudy safe until the escalating stalker can be stopped. As Ben gets to know Trudy better, he recognizes his own callus behavior at the same time he finds out everyone in Trudy's life takes advantage of her.
She's got to get tough.
He's got to find a kinder way.
Together they have to take down a wealthy, obsessed man who knows how to play the system, because he's done all this before.
THE PRINT BOOK IS HERE!!!
I WAS SURE THERE WAS A LAG TIME BETWEEN FINALIZING THE UPLOAD AND THE BOOK RELEASING BUT I JUST SAW THE PRINT VERSION ON
AMAZON AND ORDERED IT MYSELF AND IT'S COMING FRIDAY!!!!
Congrats, Mary! It's a whole wide world of more stuff on your to do list, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI guess. I'm excited about it, but not at all sure what I'm doing. I'm sending a newsletter out and posting this on Facebook but how do I promote it otherwise?
DeleteI am sure I'm supposed to be DOING something?
this sound so cool, hope it works out well.
DeleteI AM SO PROUD OF YOU! HAPPY DANCING IN UPSTATE!!!! WAY TO GO, CONNEALY-MEISTER!
ReplyDeleteI may be a little dizzy.
Delete#authorslikefood
ReplyDelete#authorshavebillstopay
#booksneedreaders
:)
Okay, enough silly hashtags, but it is all true. Not every book we write fits the available niches of traditional publishing....
And traditional publishing is paying far less than it used to, so to make a living wage an author has choices... either become hybrid and use indie publishing and traditional publishing...
Or watch things kind of fade around him/her as the sales slide.
Now this is not as true with mass market paperbacks, but there is very little shelf space for trade paperbacks and that means fewer people see those beautiful big books! OUCH!
Mary, this is awesome. And like you, I decided I was doing a print book for each of my new indie releases because some of my readers just plain like a print book! This way everyone is happy... and I love making people happy.
:)
I'm so proud of you.
AND I BROUGHT COFFEE!!!!
Well, I'm glad I'm doing it. And I appreciate that you never quit encouraging me to.
DeleteSome might call it nagging................
Love you.
I call it nagging! ;)
DeleteI was privileged to read the original openings on several of these books A VERY LONG TIME AGO, before either Mary or I got published... and I loved them. And I may have hounded Mary a little over the years...
ReplyDeleteDid she listen?
Well, finally! :)
If the good Lord sees fit to give us multiple markets, we're plain silly not to utilize them.
Congratulations!
Yes, Ma'am.
DeleteI am sorry to be so darned slow.
And cowardly
DeleteI for one am so glad you are making print books available for those of us who prefer print books.
ReplyDeletePlease put me in the drawing for an e copy of your book,
I am up early today preparing to go stay with Dad today. Glad I can step in and help with his care.
Hi Wilani. God bless you for helping with your dad. We all go through this as our parents age. (my poor children are probably already scared!)
DeleteI do get requests for print books when a few of my books have come out as ebooks only. So I had that in my head (along with Ruthy's nagging)
Mary, good for you and good for me to know that multi-published writers still get nervous. Thank you for your transparency.
ReplyDeleteThis is something I haven't ruled out for myself. I'd like to get a few traditionally published books under my belt first, so I can build up a readership, and then I'm open.
The book I'm contracted for is an e-book, so I am being brought into the New World. Not necessarily kicking and screaming, but looking around in wonder.
NONE of this is for the faint of heart.
Glad my fretting helps, kaybee! LOL
DeleteYAY! About the ebook. Ruthy made me do print books and I guess that's a good thing, right? But so many people do NOT do that.
I think this is awesome--and congratulations for listening to Ruthy (ALWAYS the smartest thing to do, lol)--and getting these books out there for your readers to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYou think, Laurel? I mean about this being smart? (listening to Ruthy is a GIVEN)
DeleteI hope I'm doing it right.
Mary, this sounds like an awesome story! I would love my name in the dish for a copy.. Go you! You're so talented. Love the cover! So mysterious. But why has a stalker targeted sweet, kind-hearted Trudy???
ReplyDeleteYou're in, Sally! It's all so TRICKY! Yes, I love the cover but it's eye opening how many decisions an author needs to make. In traditional publishing all that is done for me, except for me looking at it and saying, YES!
DeleteThe stalker wants Trudy to help him save his marriage....to the woman who ran from him and is in hiding. But the stalker just keeps saying, "If she would just listen! If she would just be reasonable."
DeleteTrudy, a professor and author, has never been a counselor but the stalker knows his wife likes Trudy's books and he becomes convinced that if Trudy would just work with him, his marriage can be saved.
His wife isn't the first woman who's run from him and if Ben Garrison doesn't stop this, she won't be the last.
Trudy refers him to someone else and the stalker won't accept it and keeps coming and coming until he's no longer talking about his wife, now he's only interested in Trudy.
Can't wait to read this!
DeleteCongratulations, Mary. I'm getting ready to take the plunge myself with a novella (ebook only), and I'm quaking on my bare feet. You'd better believe I'll be paying attention to what other indie authors might suggest here!
ReplyDeleteOh well, I'm sorry about the Quaking...but I appreciate a kindred spirit when I find one!!!!!!!
DeleteCongratulations!!! I pre-ordered the book in June and it was delivered to my Kindle yesterday!!! YAY!!! 😍
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about my favorite authors writing/publishing their books. I'm sure you will get the hang of it. I look forward to the rest of the series. How long between each book? :-)
Anne there's a learning curve (beyond the writing!) of how to use Kindle to upload the book. How to make the cover upload. I had to change browsers once.
DeleteAnd now I'm trying to download an image...which I bought...for the cover for the next one....and it vanished. The money I paid did NOT vanish however. But it's all part of the hassle.
OK, Mary, you convinced me. I just bought the book! :) I will leave a review. Congratulations on getting this done. I have no advice to offer as I haven't done this, but I know you will get lots of helpful advice.
ReplyDeleteSandy, thank you so much! I hope you like it and if you do would you please post a review? I'd really appreciate it!!!
DeleteI will, Mary.
DeleteCongrats and welcome to the world of indie publishing! Having a print version for the folks who prefer them is a good idea. Reminds me that I have one that needs uploading. :)
ReplyDeleteYou'll do fine. Just take a deep breath. Relax. It's fun if you let it be. I'll try and answer any questions if you have 'em for me.
Again--Congratulations!
Hi lizzie!!!!! Deep breaths. Okay, I can do this. Wait! I AM DOING THIS. Facing my fears!!!
DeleteCongratulations, Mary! You are a much braver woman than I am. Again, we need to talk. Perhaps if I sit next to you some of your genius will rub off. And the book sounds amazing, of course. Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to be at RWA. We need to talk for sure. I need to find the SECOND person in the world who calls me a genius and hang out with her. (my mom agrees with you!) :)
DeleteI'll be there, so it's a date, Mary.
Deletei so want to meet up with you, Mary. not going to conference, but living near Denver means I can crash the proverbial party. I'll offer artist perspective for you if you wish
DeleteCongratulations, Mary. Praying your new series does well!
ReplyDeleteYou and me both, Jodie!!! :D
DeleteCongratulations, Mary! Love the cover, love the premise. Way to go on beginning a new adventure!
ReplyDeleteI think in today's publishing dynamic, it's the smart author who evaluates all options. While it was important to me to follow the traditional path first, it's a completely personal decision, and what one person's goals are, others may choose a different route. That's okay! I think going hybrid makes perfect sense. You've nailed the traditional path and we adore your stories whatever avenue you navigate.
Here's to braving a bold new world! *clink*
Here's to braving a bold new world! Wow, that's a cool way to think of it. I'm taking my first true deep breath of the day!!! :D
DeleteHow exciting Mary! I am so glad you took the leap and can't wait to read your "new" series :D
ReplyDeleteHi WinterRose. I'm glad I took the leap too. All of the encouragement here is really helping me believe it was the right thing to do!!!
DeleteI love all of your stories and print books are my absolute favorite...nothing like holding it in your hands so you can flip the pages, and the new book smell. You are doing an awesome job, keep it up.
ReplyDeleteNaomi, it really helps to hear from readers about print books. I know a lot of people in my family still say they want print (even though I'm mostly an e-book gal).
DeleteI love print books. I just do. I use my Kindle when I'm traveling and I make sure I get Kindle copies of books even if I have a paperback version when the Kindle version goes on sale, because we've lost books to puppies and children and forgetfulness in rainstorms... totally my bad!
DeleteSo I do love both, but I'm a paperback person.
Well, my mysteries are hardcover, so I'm hardcover, too!
I prefer print, too, Naomi! In fact, now I need to buy print copies of my own books right? I have a shelf full and I don't see fitting a digital copy up there!!!
DeleteCongratulations! I've definitely found that doing something for the first time (or second, or fourth, or hundred-and-twenty-seventh in some cases) can be terrifying. But good, too. I recently acquired an illustration contract, and it's one of the scariest things I've ever done (even though everyone has been wonderful, with gracious feedback). May you have peace and your book be a success!
ReplyDeletePut my name in the hat!
Rachael, congratulations!! That's so wonderful about your contract! What type illustrations do you do? (what media, I mean)
DeleteI want to hear more about the illustrations, too!
DeleteRachael, wow, you need to come on Seekerville and tell us about it someday. I so admire the artists skill some people are just born with. And, like writing, I know you need to work HARD to learn all the skills. But that natural ability to make a horse look like a horse...it's such a glorious gift.
DeleteMary, I'm so excited for you!! Way to go!!
ReplyDeleteI have a novella to release but have been frozen about it. I'm trying to decide whether to list a publisher name (deciding whether to create one) or whether to put my own name or just leave blank. Any advice on that would be appreciated!
Frozen is such a good work, Missy. I think I listed myself as the publisher. I can't remember now. So many boxes to fill in, so little time!!!
DeleteBTW, I LOVE the cover!! Way to go, Mary and Beth Jamison!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Missy! I am having fun learning the ins & outs of cover design. And I love that these wonderful authors are TRUSTING me not to MESS IT UP! :)
DeleteBeth and I are learnign together.......she's definitely farther along the curve than me!!!
DeletePS Let me apologize publicly for any torture, Beth, as I fumble and change my mind and forget to respond.
Mary, I'll let you in on a little secret...Ruthy does the same things you did!
DeleteIt is a trick to come up with what the author is picturing, but we get there...eventually. ;)
I love your books. I can't wait to read this series!
ReplyDeleteSue, we're glad you stopped by!
DeleteDidn't that cover come out great? I love it!
DeleteSue, if you like suspense, Mary is so good at it... I'm so glad she's done this!
DeleteSue thank you so much! I really appreciate the enthusiasm!!! :D
DeleteEEEP! Of course a print book is necessary! I only read print -- not because I'm a literary snob but because I don't have an ereader and even if I did it wouldn't do me much good because my eyes bug out if I look at a screen too long. I can only manage snippets of time staring at one and that takes all the fun out of reading and reading should be fun, right? So I'm thrilled you're doing a print version and thrilled that you're publishing a romantic suspense -- one of my favourite genres. Woot! I'm reading The Accidental Guardian right now....must confess that Wolf has captured my heart. :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL, Kav! We don't want your eyes to bug out. :)
DeleteI'm picturing Kav's eyes rolling across the floor! :) Kav, I loved The Accidental Guardian!
Deleteokay the print book is a go, but It's not loaded onto Amazon yet. But soon. A day or two only!
DeleteAnd Kav I'm sorry about your eyes. Being a former victim of an detached retina, I can tell you dry, tired, burning eyes are NO FUN!!!
DeleteOhhh......want to read this one!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it sound good, MJ!
DeleteMindy, I just downloaded the new version... and can't wait to see it again!
DeleteHI MJSH, I've been awol for a few hours to a funeral. I'm not grieving but a nice guy who has had serious health struggles for a long time. Not a shock but still....
DeleteAnyway, the funeral was this morning and lots of familiar faces from the neighborhood.
Happy to hear you're expanding your options, Mary. Indie Publishing has many advantages, not the least of which is you set your own deadlines, and your own price, and run your own promotions. BTW, you'll need those print copies for book signings and give-aways, and with your name recognition and fan base, you can sell them on your website.
ReplyDeleteElaine, what's really nice is that Mary already had these written! I agree about having print for in-person events. She does a good many.
DeleteElaine, that's a great point....
DeleteWonderful points, Elaine! I'm so glad that Mary is putting these out in print as well. :)
DeleteSell them on my website? Elaine, you're scaring me. What else haven't I thought of?
DeleteI'm excited to see you doing this new series. And I love the convenience of ebooks so I don't mind if that's all you do...but k understand wanting one for your shelf :)
ReplyDeleteDenise, the convenience is one of the main reasons I like e-books. I like being able to buy it instantly (and not have more cluttered bookshelves). :)
DeleteOkay, Denise you're joining a lot of voices asking for print books, so I'm glad I'm doing that!!!
DeleteMissy, ebooks are the very living, breathing definition of instant gratification!!!!
DeleteCongrats on launching a new book baby on the world! :) So proud of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erica. I' grinning. All this encouragement. And now Erica is PROUD OF ME!!! YAY!! Checking that off my bucket list!!! Love you.
Delete:) I'm going to pick your brains about the whole process...:)
DeleteI will tell you EXACTLY what to do. And then you go figure out how to do it RIGHT!!! :D
DeleteStepping out of your comfort zone to try something new can be terrifying, so proud of you! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteUnknown, My husband who is a guy who does NOT swing with the wind at all, says change is almost always good. Even change we dodge and kick against.
DeleteHey. I like this unknown person! My kind of gal!
ReplyDeleteMary, I am so excited for you & this new venture. Thank you for trusting me to be a part of it. You are such a blessing to me!
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth. I hope my waffling and indecision isn't driving you nuts. Not that I will probably CHANGE but I will feel guilty.
DeleteAny & all waffling is completely normal, expected, and not anything to worry about. Bring it on! ;)
DeleteCongratulations Mary!! You are a lady of many talents : )
ReplyDeleteHi Stacy! Thanks for coming over!
DeleteCongrats on your first self-published book! Did you do it via Createspace? If you have any questions about Indie publishing I will do my solid best to answer them.
ReplyDeleteI find it amusing that you're branching out into indie publishing and I'm trying to get traditionally published XD Good luck and please enter my name in the drawing!
Hi Nicki! I did do the print book with Createspace. Amazon owns it now. So it's a similar process. Just enough different to trip me up ten or twenty times. But I'll get better, RIGHT???
DeleteJust recently discovered a few of your books at my local library and they have left me hungering for more. Really enjoy your style if writing, and am so glad to read them.
ReplyDeleteMary, this is my...counting...taking off my shoes so I can use my toes to count...58th book.
DeleteI can feed you girl. NO need to hunger!!!
Thanks for reading my books I really appreciate it!
Congrats! So exciting!
ReplyDeleteThere is one thing to say about print copies. Especially large print. My grandmother was legally blind and could use the ereaders. She kept "pressing buttons" trying to hold it. And when she was alive, Christian books in large print were few and far between. Ereaders can't be used by everyone.
So excited for you! Hope it goes well for you!
NO matter how 'intuitive' and simple ereaders are, I think they are TRICKY. The only people who say they are simple, are the people who already know how to used them!!!
DeleteWell done brave lady! And I absolutely agree that you need a print version. I'll start a book on my reader and then not finish it. That doesn't happen with an actual paper book.Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteBrave? Wow I have read so many encouraging comments today. Thank you, Jenna. The print book is out. I just ordered it!!!!!
DeletePrint Version of Loving the Texas Lawman
Print Version of Loving the Texas Lawman
Mary! Look at you! Indie publishing!
ReplyDeleteI am in awe.
Can't wait to read this series. :-)
Look at me! HAH! I did it!!!
DeleteChecking to see if the sky is falling!!!! :)
Mary, YAY YOU!!! Way to go. I haven't published anything at all yet, so I'm no help when it comes to offering tips. But I can cheer you on. Way to go and step out and do something new! I hope this venture is extremely successful for you!
ReplyDeleteThis story sounds fascinating!!
I am doing this, aren't I, Jeanne? I'm stepping out and doing something new!!!
DeleteUsually I only do that in sushi restaurants, where I have been taken against my will.
But now BOOKS!!!!!!!!!!
I saw this and said to myself.....really! Mary Connealy writing a contemporary thriller? Wow! Ive got to try this! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteI hope people who like my historicals will like these. They are fun, action packed romances. And the cop is a COWBOY!!! :)
DeleteAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIT IS THERE!!!
THE PAPERBACK IS UP ON AMAZON!!!!
NEAR AS I CAN TELL IT WILL SHIP RIGHT NOW!!!
YES, I JUST ORDERED ONE FOR MYSELF!!!!
I want one right? It is coming Friday!!!
LOVING THE TEXAS LAWMAN---IN PAPERBACK!!!
$8.99!!!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1722162031/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1530563100&sr=8-2&keywords=Loving+the+Texas+Lawman+Mary+Connealy
WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DeleteWow, I feel like my head is going to explode.
ReplyDeleteI just sent out a second newsletter with the print book explanation. Updated this blog. and now I'm trying to figure out why the print book and ebook aren't connected on Amazon.
Any ideas? Is it just too soon? I mean createspace and Amazon are one company right? Why aren't they talking to each other???
Do I ask or do I wait or do I accept it as is?
So many moving pieces to this.
DeleteOr I'm a wimp.
One of those two.
Oh, Mary! This book sounds sooooo intriguing. Now to decide if I want Kindle or paperback! I love paperbacks, but I have to weigh the pros against the portability and ease of storage of a Kindle copy! Maybe I'll win the copy you're giving away, and I won't have to make the decision. I'm bad at that!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your indie-publishing success! I'll be anxiously awaiting your follow-up to see how it's going! :-D
Hi Winnie. There is something spectacular about carrying an entire bookstore in one small device.
DeleteCongratulations, Way to go.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim! Thanks
DeleteMary, this is so exciting! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the author whether I want an ebook or a print version. When it's an author I know I will want to recommend to others, I like having a print version so I can loan the book to introduce others to the author. I've also had that happen with friends loaning me a print book that then led to me buying more books by that author. And eventually I give it to the library where it can either go into circulation or they can sell it ... either way, the book finds more readers.
And of course I want a print book when it is one of your books ... so YEEHAW that there's one of Loving the Texas Lawman! Gotta go order it now.
Nancy C
Nancy you sweet thing!!!
DeleteI like print books for all those reasons. Not to mention I keep LOSING my Kindle.
You can lose it by setting a sheet of paper down on top of it!!!
This sounds like so much FUN, Mary! Hard and scary work, yes, but fun, too. And exciting! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteFun, Glynna? Really?
DeleteI need to adjust my thinking and call it fun instead of scary.
Or how about EXCITING instead of scary?
Hi Mary:
ReplyDeleteCongrats on going Indie!
How did you get a print book for as low as $8.99! The lowest I could get was $12.99 print on demand, 200 pages.
Is it a POD book? I can't imagine the size of the print run needed to get the price that low per book. Then there is inventory, inventory storage, inventory loses, insurance on inventory, shipping, and remaindering of not all sold. I am going to have to check into this deal. Ebooks avoid so many problems and expenses but I'd love to have a print book option. (This is for real estate books.)
I saw you cover and instantly I heard my mother's voice: "Get your hands out of your pockets!"
Does your hero have a sense of humor? I like your romantic comedies for their great sense of humor. Your "Petticoat Ranch" is as funny as Mark Twain gets. A strong sense of humor placed 4th on a list about what women find sexy in a man.
I just love that picture of you. Red is so cheerful. That photo does ask a question of the reader: "What happened to the left sleeve?" Is there a story there?
Idea: work a landscape in the background that screams "Texas".
Vince
Vince I did it on Create Space and that's their advised price. Now I'm scared.
DeleteHave you tried Create Space? They're part of Amazon now so no doubt they're playing hardball with all competitors.
Vince I appreciate the advice on covers. It's so hard to decide what to do and I'd be grateful to anyone who gives me their impression.
DeleteUltimately why I chose that pose was, I see covers all the time that are JUST TOO MUCH!!!
I decided to keep it simple.
So one picture. One person.
It wasn't cowboy enough for me, but with the badge there, the star that is a symbol for all the series, I decided, along with the title, it was enough,
The NEXT book's hero is a veterinarian and the 'black sheep' of the Garrison family....in that he's a really easy going sweet guy, not a lawman--though when the going gets tough, he gets going.
I went with a stronger cowboy look for him.
Book #3 is a baby sister Garrison who may be the toughest one of the bunch. I haven't even started to think about her yet.
Mary, I agree about the covers... I went with more involved covers for my first three indies and I'm so over that now... after going online and examining covers from great bestselling authors I really saw that a solid cover is important...but that the author and the book are what sell things in the end.
DeleteSo I love a great cover, but the minute I saw this one I was like "Total lawman..."
And I'm already in love with the Garrisons! :) And so proud of you!
Hi Ruth:
DeleteFunny, I also looked at over 50 mystery and mainstream best sellers, NYT, for the past two years and all had this in common: you could read the titles easily and at a distance.
Unfortunately "Loving the Texas Lawman" has its title obscured like an artist would do who only saw the graphics. The title is a powerful selling tool. No copywriter would ever want to hide it. Check this out. Make your titles visible instantly! Artists love the design and to most of them the copy is the enemy which clutters the beauty of their work. Copywriters are often at war with the artists.
If you're an Indie you have to be the copywriter. Make the cover sell!
"The more you tell, the more you sell." :)
Vince
okay, Vince. I'll look at it again. I made it red to make it pop but you don't see it easily?
DeleteThank you.
Mary:
DeleteI could not even tell the title looking at it. I had to find the title in your text. I could make out a word or two but not well enough to use the title in a comment. The red might pop in the artwork by itself on a monitor but not for me on a computer screen. I could easily read the titles of the best sellers, even given they were much smaller graphics on google. It is also italic which is harder to read which is why it is never used as the main type face for books or newspapers. This is just a lot of stuff that direct marketers have discovered by testing ads over and over for over 100 years. I hope this helps some.
Also this shirt survived a tornado. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a good story and even better: It's something the tornado can't claim!
DeleteCongratulations, Mary ... I am really excited for you !
ReplyDeleteYay, Mary!!!! Although I haven't been commenting, I pop in when I can. Still living in an AirBnB in Florida while the condo association goes through the receipts of all the underwear we've bought in the last 20 years. Please pray we're approved. All our umbrellas are locked in the POD and it's rainy season down here.
ReplyDeleteHahahahaha! I'm dying laughing at the condo and the crazy of getting approvals.... And I think we should all shower you with umbrellas! :)
DeleteTough getting into a condo, huh? The upside of that is, you should have neighbors who survived the background check!
DeleteThis sounds like an awesome book. So glad we can celebrate with you. Publishing a book is a major accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteHey what a great name....All Things Hard Rock.
DeleteI hope you like the book. I really hope everyone does. I think it's a lot of fun.
Wow! You are so brave. Love the cover. I bet your book will do great.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS, Mary! I'm excited to read this new series!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary:
ReplyDeleteNow that I think about it, it seems that Create was just coming out when I had my fall and had to close my business. I didn't need to publish real estate books at that point. Now I'm thinking about other books and some fiction. I'll have to revisit Create.
I have thought more about cover art for Indie ebooks. I checked many best selling mysteries and best sellers for two years back and none of them looked like they had typical ebook cover art. This is okay to save money but it is weak from a marketing POV.
I think if you want the look of a traditional hardback bestselling book for your Indie ebooks, then it might be worth having an artist create a cover that looks like a best selling traditional hardback.
For example: I really like the cover art for "The Reluctant Warrior". That cover does not look like an Indie ebook cover. I think such a cover increases the perceived value of the book greatly. Having this higher perceived value look is even more important when your ebook is going to sell at the high range, say $7.99 and higher. I just don't see ebooks having covers as good as "The Reluctant Warrior"…of course, the ebook version would use the hardback artwork making it seem like it is worth the added price above typical Indie ebook solo releases.
Also, a major mistake is that the type for "Loving the Texas Lawman" is almost illegable. This is something that never should be done or allowed. Books are searched for by their title. Don't make it hard to read. The title is also a major selling point…or it could be if written well.
I told Ruth I checked two years of best sellers and none had obscured titles. Make the title help sell the book on its own and then make sure that title is easy to see at a distance. This is very important on a bookshelf at a store. A customer may have read a review of a book over a month ago and forgotten all about it, but when they see the title on a book shelf, it can all come back to them. Presto.
Beware of artists. They are into making design award winning artwork. Copy is their enemy. It covers over their creation! Your cover must carry your selling message.
This is a lot to think about. I have a lot more that needs to go on a cover. I'll post more later if I have time. I think it is important to hear a copywriter on cover art. Artists are not salesmen. Most copywriters are...especially if their ads are tested and results posted. They learn what sells or they get fired.
Vince
Having problems posting my comment here yesterday. So trying again now.Congratulations on this newest publishing venture, Mary. Love the cover too. It's good to know that multi-published authors can be apprehensive too.
ReplyDeletePat, thanks for the persistence. :D
DeleteI'm so excited about your new book. Maybe this it's the only way I can get your book to south Africa
DeleteBought it. Read it. LOVED it!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you Mary, what with pushing the envelope of your comfort zone and all. Hooray for indy pubbing.
Congratulations! So exciting!!
ReplyDeleteBecky B.
Congratulations Mary!!! I'm so happy for your! BEAUTIFUL cover <3
ReplyDelete