I have a guest today! One of the great things about writing is getting to meet so many wonderful authors along the way. Suzan's been working hard and now has two books released. I've got my copies and can't wait to start reading! Welcome Suzan!
It’s a scary proposition to start your own business. Even scarier in today’s economy. And scariest of all? A business in arts and entertainment, one of the most unstable fields you can enter. But that’s exactly what I did in April. I started my own publishing company, Angry Sheep Publishing.
I have to give full credit for the sheep analogy to my online friend, Angela Benedetti. Angie writes for Torquere Press, an e-publisher specializing in LGBT romance. One day we were both bemoaning the current either-print-or-digital-only tug-of-war in publishing. She mentioned that it didn’t matter who she spoke with on which side of the debate. She was always accused of following the other side’s herd. And dammit, she wasn’t a sheep. She could think for herself.
I agree with Angie’s general philosophy—not every type of publishing is right for every writer and a story should be available in as many formats as possible. I also believe there’s room for everyone at the table. It didn’t help that I was getting the either-you’re-with-us-or you’re-against-attitude from some of my other writer friends as well. So after I vented to my husband later that night, he suggested I change the name of my blog from ‘Wild, Wicked & Wacky’ to ‘The Angry Sheep.’
Well, I didn’t change the name of my blog, but Angry Sheep Publishing was born.
Taking the indie publishing route has been scary, yes. I’m fully responsible for content, covers, editing and marketing. But also it’s also exhilarating. I’ve stretched myself further artistically than I thought possible.
Should every writer self-publish? Honestly, that’s up to each writer. I’m not going to lie. It’s damn hard work. But then I look at the cover for Blood Magick, the one my husband and I did all by ourselves, and I get a thrill that I made this e-book possible.
And someday, hopefully soon, I’ll have a print version of Blood Magick available as well.
***
Blood Magick is the first novel of Bloodlines, an urban fantasy series.
Blurb
It’s not the family you’re born to. It’s the Family you join.
Blood
Caesar Augustine has survived on it for millennia, but his friend Natasha believed she was close to a cure for vampirism. When she dies and her lab notes disappear, Caesar’s only chance to walk in sunlight again is finding her granddaughter Bebe, the one witch Natasha would trust with her research. But getting Bebe to trust him is another matter altogether.
Magick
Dr. Bebe Zachary has feared and mistrusted vampires for seventeen years, since the night she witnessed two of the bloodsuckers brutally murder her parents. When Caesar Augustine comes to her with an insane story that her grandmother’s death was no accident, the last thing she wants to do is believe him. Except her cousins have challenged Bebe for leadership of their coven, somebody definitely wants her dead too, and Caesar is the only the person standing between her and the grave.
Blood Magick is currently available through the following retailers:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords
XinXii
Friday, June 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Wacky Tips
Sorry I dropped the ball. No Wacky Wednesday Tips to share this week. I've actually been working! Really hard too! LOL
Be sure to check back on Friday! Suzan Harden will be stopping by the blog to share her experience with self publishing. She's on a roll. Two books out and still more to come!
Be sure to check back on Friday! Suzan Harden will be stopping by the blog to share her experience with self publishing. She's on a roll. Two books out and still more to come!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Wacky Wednesday Links
It's official! I'm now dedicating Wednesdays for Link Sharing!
Since I can't stop myself from bouncing around the web and clicking on all the wonderful information links, I'm going to at least be productive while I procrastinate and share my finds with you. :)
It's a win, win situation as far as I can see.
Please feel free to share your favorites with me as well. Who knows, if it's one I find really valuable there might even be a prize waiting for you. Be sure I can contact you though, or at least check back and see if your name is in the winners box.
I don't know how many times I've tried to give something away and then can't contact the winner. :(
So, without further rambling from me, here is what I've found this past week! Some really cool gems!
WHERE TO -
Legally purchase photos:
http://www.dreamstime.com/
http://www.bigstockphoto.com/
http://www.istockphoto.com/
http://www.gettyimages.com/
Legally purchase music:
http://www.shockwave-sound.com/index.html
MobiPocket Ebook Creator
CJs Easy As Pie Kindle Tutorials
How About a BOOK Trailer
http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2011/05/12-easy-steps-to-the-making-of-a-book-trailer/
No Returns! I had no idea I could do this!
http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/
Gift Cards for YOUR Ebook!
Way Too cool! :) Talk about possibilities!!
http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/?p=4154
Looking for a Great Contest for that manuscript?
Last Day for $5.00 Early Bird Discount!!
Northwest Houston RWA Lone Star Writing Contest
Enter Here!
$15.00 for members of NWHRWA
$20.00 for non-members
But hurry! Discount ends May 25!
Since I can't stop myself from bouncing around the web and clicking on all the wonderful information links, I'm going to at least be productive while I procrastinate and share my finds with you. :)
It's a win, win situation as far as I can see.
Please feel free to share your favorites with me as well. Who knows, if it's one I find really valuable there might even be a prize waiting for you. Be sure I can contact you though, or at least check back and see if your name is in the winners box.
I don't know how many times I've tried to give something away and then can't contact the winner. :(
So, without further rambling from me, here is what I've found this past week! Some really cool gems!
WHERE TO -
Legally purchase photos:
http://www.dreamstime.com/
http://www.bigstockphoto.com/
http://www.istockphoto.com/
http://www.gettyimages.com/
Legally purchase music:
http://www.shockwave-sound.com/index.html
MobiPocket Ebook Creator
CJs Easy As Pie Kindle Tutorials
How About a BOOK Trailer
http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2011/05/12-easy-steps-to-the-making-of-a-book-trailer/
No Returns! I had no idea I could do this!
http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/
Gift Cards for YOUR Ebook!
Way Too cool! :) Talk about possibilities!!
http://www.deanwesleysmith.com/?p=4154
Looking for a Great Contest for that manuscript?
Last Day for $5.00 Early Bird Discount!!
Northwest Houston RWA Lone Star Writing Contest
Enter Here!
$15.00 for members of NWHRWA
$20.00 for non-members
But hurry! Discount ends May 25!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Sharing Secrets with Tess St. John
Good morning all!
Today I'm visiting my good friend Tess St. John!
She's an amazing writer with her very own new release out this month. "Second Chances" is a wonderful historical romance full of great characters and emotional twists. I highly recommend picking this one up!
Stop by her blog , say hello and see what's up next! :)
Second Chances -- Out Now
Chances Are Series -- Book One
Lady Emma Easton’s elopement to an elderly earl shields her from an abusive father, until her husband’s death leaves her vulnerable once again. When she learns her father is scheming to marry her off to a brutal man, only one man can protect her—the earl’s trusted friend, Viscount Drake.
After losing his wife, Lord Harold Drake vowed never to marry again. But his heart warms to the young widow he’s promised to protect. Emma’s love frees him from the darkness that’s consumed him. But now Drake must protect her from her father’s evil whims, or face losing her forever.
BUY E-book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
Have a Wonderful Weekend!
And don't forget to make time to READ! :)
Today I'm visiting my good friend Tess St. John!
She's an amazing writer with her very own new release out this month. "Second Chances" is a wonderful historical romance full of great characters and emotional twists. I highly recommend picking this one up!
Stop by her blog , say hello and see what's up next! :)
Second Chances -- Out Now
Chances Are Series -- Book One
Lady Emma Easton’s elopement to an elderly earl shields her from an abusive father, until her husband’s death leaves her vulnerable once again. When she learns her father is scheming to marry her off to a brutal man, only one man can protect her—the earl’s trusted friend, Viscount Drake.
After losing his wife, Lord Harold Drake vowed never to marry again. But his heart warms to the young widow he’s promised to protect. Emma’s love frees him from the darkness that’s consumed him. But now Drake must protect her from her father’s evil whims, or face losing her forever.
BUY E-book:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Smashwords
Have a Wonderful Weekend!
And don't forget to make time to READ! :)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Wild, Wicked & Wacky
Yep, that's where you can find me today! LOL
Wild, Wicked & Wacky
Stop in and see why you need to rest a bit after your book goes live. The "What's Next" will have you running in circles if you don't have a game plan. How do I know this? It's my reality. But, I'm working on a plan. Really I am. One that will give me the time I need to write, design covers, format, market and still keep my sanity. :)
All suggestions WELCOME!
Wild, Wicked & Wacky
Stop in and see why you need to rest a bit after your book goes live. The "What's Next" will have you running in circles if you don't have a game plan. How do I know this? It's my reality. But, I'm working on a plan. Really I am. One that will give me the time I need to write, design covers, format, market and still keep my sanity. :)
All suggestions WELCOME!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Self Published and Lived to Tell About "IT"
So far anyway. LOL
Good morning!
I'm over at MUSETRACKS today! This is Part 2 of an interview I did with my good friend, Stacey Purcell. You can find Part I here: Self Published and Lived to Tell About It.
She asks some tough questions let me tell ya! :)
Love to see you there!
Good morning!
I'm over at MUSETRACKS today! This is Part 2 of an interview I did with my good friend, Stacey Purcell. You can find Part I here: Self Published and Lived to Tell About It.
She asks some tough questions let me tell ya! :)
Love to see you there!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Organization is Way Over-Rated
Today I'm Sharing my post from Everybody Needs a Little Romance
It's been a long few days. I'm working hard to get my edits finished on the second book "Target of Betrayal" as well as writing a short story to tie both books together. But I'm really loving the way the stories are working out, so it's been fun.
My biggest dilemma for the week:
To organize or not to organize, that is the question for today. I could organize my life. Really I could. If I really wanted to.
I know things would run smoother and I wouldn't forget things like lunches or important school function dates. But I already have a filing system. Is it my fault that I'm the only one that understands it? Surely not. Those stacks there on the desk are in order, I assure you. Just tell me what the heck you're looking for and I'll be more than happy to get it for you.
See, now was that so hard? Now, there is no meltdown. No hyperventilating, because the important paper I strategically placed in that one certain location is no longer there. Ugh….
Please tell me I'm not alone in my madness. LOL I've read there are two ways to file. Vertical and horizontal. See it's just a preference.
So what say you? Vertical or horizontal? Should I waste precious writing time trying to organize things so another member of my family, who will remain nameless, is able to find things?
Yes, I'm procrastinating again. Guess what book I've just bought! LOL I'll let you know if it works after I read it. Here's a link in case you just can't wait that long!
"Eat That Frog" by Brian Tracy
It's been a long few days. I'm working hard to get my edits finished on the second book "Target of Betrayal" as well as writing a short story to tie both books together. But I'm really loving the way the stories are working out, so it's been fun.
My biggest dilemma for the week:
To organize or not to organize, that is the question for today. I could organize my life. Really I could. If I really wanted to.
I know things would run smoother and I wouldn't forget things like lunches or important school function dates. But I already have a filing system. Is it my fault that I'm the only one that understands it? Surely not. Those stacks there on the desk are in order, I assure you. Just tell me what the heck you're looking for and I'll be more than happy to get it for you.
See, now was that so hard? Now, there is no meltdown. No hyperventilating, because the important paper I strategically placed in that one certain location is no longer there. Ugh….
Please tell me I'm not alone in my madness. LOL I've read there are two ways to file. Vertical and horizontal. See it's just a preference.
So what say you? Vertical or horizontal? Should I waste precious writing time trying to organize things so another member of my family, who will remain nameless, is able to find things?
Yes, I'm procrastinating again. Guess what book I've just bought! LOL I'll let you know if it works after I read it. Here's a link in case you just can't wait that long!
"Eat That Frog" by Brian Tracy
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Focus Please and More Dr. Pepper!
Good morning!
Procrastinating big time. Should be doing edits and working on the short story I've decided I must do to tie my books together nice and neat. I sure wish I could actually see what was going on up there in my head. I wonder if it looks like my office. Stuff must be scattered everywhere! LOL
As I've zipped about the Internet from blogs to websites, I found several interesting things and thought I'd share. :)
Need pictures for your blogs? Not so fast! Are you sure about the copyrights?
http://joconquerobstacles.com/2011/04/14/are-you-breaking-the-law-but-don%e2%80%99t-know-it/
This site is amazing! So much information about publishing all in one spot!
Your Self Publishing Coach!
And just because this entertains me again and again.
J.A. Konrath
New to Publishing and Marketing?
Be sure to check out these spots:
Kindleboards.com
Nookboards.com
Mobilreads.com
Bookbuzzr.com
Google Books
Now back to work for me!
Wishing everyone a Wonderful Day!
Procrastinating big time. Should be doing edits and working on the short story I've decided I must do to tie my books together nice and neat. I sure wish I could actually see what was going on up there in my head. I wonder if it looks like my office. Stuff must be scattered everywhere! LOL
As I've zipped about the Internet from blogs to websites, I found several interesting things and thought I'd share. :)
Need pictures for your blogs? Not so fast! Are you sure about the copyrights?
http://joconquerobstacles.com/2011/04/14/are-you-breaking-the-law-but-don%e2%80%99t-know-it/
This site is amazing! So much information about publishing all in one spot!
Your Self Publishing Coach!
And just because this entertains me again and again.
J.A. Konrath
New to Publishing and Marketing?
Be sure to check out these spots:
Kindleboards.com
Nookboards.com
Mobilreads.com
Bookbuzzr.com
Google Books
Now back to work for me!
Wishing everyone a Wonderful Day!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The Aftermath
Okay, so you've written a novel. Spent months, if not years, working on edits and polishing your baby till it's nice and sparkling clean. Even gone the extra mile and learned all the different formatting required to publish your masterpiece and design a great cover. It's out there and you're so excited. But now what?
Marketing. Getting that book out into the world where readers will notice and want to read it is a hard and time consuming task. Even if you've gone the traditional publishing route, alot of the marketing will be left up to you. Unless you are a best selling author, not much time and energy will be spent on your book. So what do you do?
Here are a few tips I've come across. All books are different. Some will work, some won't. You just have to dig your heals in and give it all you've got. It won't happen over night, but if you spend some time everyday working on new avenues for getting noticed it will happen.
Press Release Sites
https://www.pr.com/
http://www.prlog.org/pub/account.html
http://www.pressking.com/user/new
http://www.free-press-release.com/
http://www.clickpress.com
http://www.1888pressrelease.com/
http://www.24-7pressreleases.com/
http://www.express-press-release.net/
http://www.free-press-release-center.info/
http://www.PressMethod.com
http://www.Newswiretoday.com
Sites for Book Reviews
A Romance Review
All About Romance
Angies Romance Reviews
Cataromance Reviews
Coffee Time Romance
Contemporary Romance Writers
Dear Author
EHarlequin
Joyfully Reviewed
Love Romances More
Marilyn's Romance Reviews
Pink Heart Society Reviews
Reader to Reader
Reviews - Once Upon a Romance
Romance by the Blog
Romance Junkies
Romance Reader at Heart
Romance Reviews
Romancing the Blog
Romantic Times
Sheikh Book Reviews
Simply Romance Reviews
Smart Bitches Trashy Books
The Literary Times
The Romance Reader
The Romance Reader Connection
Extras
* Postcards with Book Cover and description of book to pass out when you are out and about. Also a great way to give someone an autographed souvenir for purchasing your e-book.
* Book marks with same info - Hey, I still use them. LOL
* Pens, Business cards, Magnets, etc. (easy to accidentally leave behind ;)
Networking & Blogging
Set up a blog where you can have links to purchase your books and share bits about your life or writing. It's free. And it's a great way to connect with your readers. Then branch out to other bloggers. Now I'm not talking about visiting blogs for the sole purpose of plugging your book. Not cool. Search the web for things you really enjoy. Follow the blogs. Comment on the posts. People really do make the extra effort to click and see who you are. :)
Set Up Author's Page
* Amazon.com - (Don't forget the UK! You have to set it up on both)
* Amazon.co.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/
* Goodreads
* Shelfari
I'm still brain storming and although it hurts sometimes (LOL) it's paying off.
Best of luck! And if you have any ideas you'd like to share, I would love to hear them! I'll even send a FREE print copy of my book for the best new idea! :)
Marketing. Getting that book out into the world where readers will notice and want to read it is a hard and time consuming task. Even if you've gone the traditional publishing route, alot of the marketing will be left up to you. Unless you are a best selling author, not much time and energy will be spent on your book. So what do you do?
Here are a few tips I've come across. All books are different. Some will work, some won't. You just have to dig your heals in and give it all you've got. It won't happen over night, but if you spend some time everyday working on new avenues for getting noticed it will happen.
Press Release Sites
https://www.pr.com/
http://www.prlog.org/pub/account.html
http://www.pressking.com/user/new
http://www.free-press-release.com/
http://www.clickpress.com
http://www.1888pressrelease.com/
http://www.24-7pressreleases.com/
http://www.express-press-release.net/
http://www.free-press-release-center.info/
http://www.PressMethod.com
http://www.Newswiretoday.com
Sites for Book Reviews
A Romance Review
All About Romance
Angies Romance Reviews
Cataromance Reviews
Coffee Time Romance
Contemporary Romance Writers
Dear Author
EHarlequin
Joyfully Reviewed
Love Romances More
Marilyn's Romance Reviews
Pink Heart Society Reviews
Reader to Reader
Reviews - Once Upon a Romance
Romance by the Blog
Romance Junkies
Romance Reader at Heart
Romance Reviews
Romancing the Blog
Romantic Times
Sheikh Book Reviews
Simply Romance Reviews
Smart Bitches Trashy Books
The Literary Times
The Romance Reader
The Romance Reader Connection
Extras
* Postcards with Book Cover and description of book to pass out when you are out and about. Also a great way to give someone an autographed souvenir for purchasing your e-book.
* Book marks with same info - Hey, I still use them. LOL
* Pens, Business cards, Magnets, etc. (easy to accidentally leave behind ;)
Networking & Blogging
Set up a blog where you can have links to purchase your books and share bits about your life or writing. It's free. And it's a great way to connect with your readers. Then branch out to other bloggers. Now I'm not talking about visiting blogs for the sole purpose of plugging your book. Not cool. Search the web for things you really enjoy. Follow the blogs. Comment on the posts. People really do make the extra effort to click and see who you are. :)
Set Up Author's Page
* Amazon.com - (Don't forget the UK! You have to set it up on both)
* Amazon.co.uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/
* Goodreads
* Shelfari
I'm still brain storming and although it hurts sometimes (LOL) it's paying off.
Best of luck! And if you have any ideas you'd like to share, I would love to hear them! I'll even send a FREE print copy of my book for the best new idea! :)
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