Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Best Indie Books wrote: "Mike wrote: "I published my fourth book today. I hope you enjoy it. I thank you for your interest in my writing.

James Cuffy, better known as Cuff, is living in paradise with his girlfriend, on th..."

The book was just published today, so it will take a bit of time before the Click-to-Look-Inside feature appears on my site. In the meantime I will see what I can do on my end.
Mike

Best Indie Books wrote: "Mike wrote: "I published my fourth book today. I hope you enjoy it. I thank you for your interest in my writing.

James Cuffy, better known as Cuff, is living in paradise with his girlfriend, on th..."
The Click-To-Look-Inside feature is now working. You can read the first 10% of DEADLY EYES online.
Mike

Being quite new to the independent publishing world, I find myself learning the process day by day...which is exciting, but sometimes a bit overwhelming. I am grateful for those readers here at Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, on Amazon U.S. and UK, for such generosity in sharing their response to my work by leaving reviews.

I didn't fully comprehend the animosity toward independent authors until becoming one myself and reading about the issue more extensively. I imagine it is all about the rules and independent authors are breaking those rules...the main rule being that if a given work is worthy, it has the stamp of approval by a literary agent and/or traditional publisher. I have found that just isn't so.

Thayer wrote: "Being quite new to the independent publishing world, I find myself learning the process day by day...which is exciting, but sometimes a bit overwhelming. I am grateful for those readers here at Goo..."

Here here!!!

I believe some readers see self-pub'ing as diluting the strength of community and react with corresponding venom. It's a faith-based reaction that's rooted in survival instinct and brain chemistry; you see the same thing with newcomers to blues music who don't respect the rules and regs of what are affectionately termed "blues nazis."

But this is always a tiny (albeit vocal) minority. Most people I've talked to in both the publishing and reader world have at worst been curious.

Thayer wrote: "Being quite new to the independent publishing world, I find myself learning the process day by day...which is exciting, but sometimes a bit overwhelming. I am grateful for those readers here at Goo..."

All I can say is that on The James Mason group- Independent Writers are just as valued as all writers!
To paraphrase Gertrude Stein's "Rose" to me "A writer is a writer is a writer"

Hi Folks, I just received two great five star reviews for my newest book, The Seventh Pillar. The link is:
This is an action thriller, so please don't be confused as to genre. The PRG accepts all genres and is a great group of people. Take a look, if you like...I am going to schedule a Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ giveaway also...

Thanks

Rick wrote: "Thayer wrote: "Being quite new to the independent publishing world, I find myself learning the process day by day...which is exciting, but sometimes a bit overwhelming. I am grateful for those read..."

Or in half-empty glass parlance: it may be crappy rose, or it may be a great rose, but it's still a rose.

THE FAMOUS UNION, a rollicking romp through the halls of academia with characters you won't soon forget, is featured in my interview today.
Mike

Thanks for the link, the site looks great. I submitted my book.

I'm an indie author in NYC. So far I have one novel though I am working on my follow-up and I also have a site where I am conducting book reviews and posting other work.



I find the process so far to be a lot of fun. It's very daunting but that's to be expected.

Mostly, I'm very excited about all the people I've met along the way. I'm looking forward to meeting more of you as we go.

E. Milan

Kimberly wrote: "Hi All,

I was wondering with so many indie authors out here, such as myself, do you ever read any of their books in your groups to help support them? If so, who have you read and what did you t..." Hi have you ever visited authors promoting authors? They will help you at no cost.They have a great site. I also really like Great Minds Think Aloud. It has become an amazing literary comynity. I personally approach bloggers one by one and ask for an honest review and provide a free pdf. I have had to wait for some reviews a long time, others are quick and awesome. I have also gotten a scathing one...another amazin resource for Indie Authors is Novel Publicity, Emlyn Chand. I hope this helps. In the begining i also exchanged reviews.
Best of luck.

When I see a thread with a title like this one has, the posts seem to turn into pretty much plugs from the author that frankly come across as begging 'read my book'.

This one has its share but there also has been some informative info. Learned a bit about blogging and flash fiction. As an indie author, I try to refrain from using every opportunity to point people to my work. I'm guilty but I try to use a teaspoon instead of a bucket. After all, this is goodreads not goodwrites. I think readers pretty much skim over the read my book posts. I could be wrong but to me its like going to a party and seeing the guy with a briefcase who is trying to herd people into a corner where he can pitch life insurance.

I figure I post on topic and, if people are curious who I am, they'll look closer and maybe go to the point of sale. I honestly think all the Facebook twitter google plus stuff is self indulgent and non-productive.

End rant, carry on.

In otherwords let the words do the talking? I do not beg. However if you were to read my shards of literary brilliance I am quite sure you would be truly embalmed-wait! Um-er-entrancipated? Yah I like that better!

End self petardedness, carry on.

Ken wrote: "When I see a thread with a title like this one has, the posts seem to turn into pretty much plugs from the author that frankly come across as begging 'read my book'.

This one has its share but t..." I included my website so people could go there and see some of the bloggers I found to respond and agree to do reviews, I should have probably added that in case it seemed like self promo. I assumed only other authors would find this thread interesting. :)

David wrote: "End self petardedness..."


Isn't that against the law?

Ken wrote: "David wrote: "End self petardedness..."


Isn't that against the law?"

Used to be Ken. However, today?

Cheryl wrote: "M.C.V. wrote: "Ken wrote: "When I see a thread with a title like this one has, the posts seem to turn into pretty much plugs from the author that frankly come across as begging 'read my book'.

..."

I posted what I did because this paricular thread hadn't degenerated to the typical one that is profligate with look at me posts. Sorry if by not acknowledging your contributions to the thread you took that to mean they didn't exist.

Ken wrote: "Cheryl wrote: "M.C.V. wrote: "Ken wrote: "When I see a thread with a title like this one has, the posts seem to turn into pretty much plugs from the author that frankly come across as begging 'read..."
I tend to lean Ken's way on the whole thing-gotta watch that leaning-however it is all a question of balance which if I may, I think that is where Ken is going with his comments-sorry Ken not trying to put words in your mouth-my reaction to much of life-indie authors must promote simply because not many others will do the work if they do not.

As the editor in chief of a small publishing house I understand how difficult the whole business is and how quickly these threads can degenerate. At this time it has not. Seems to me there is a lot of good advice and such here.

Onward and upward dear hearts

Good rant,Ken. I agree. Yes, we need to promote. No, we don't need to constantly beat the drums. I'm old fashioned. I figure if you build it well enough, do a few things to point the way, someone will come. Hopefully a lot of someones.

The truth is the audience we want is "readers', not "writers".

I think the whole ebook success thing is idiosyncratic. I get lots of blog hits from twittering, but,in fact, most of my sales, slight, but very regular, come from Barnes and Noble and I have no clue why. I wish I did know so I could make it happen other places.

Well, writers are also readers, too. I do agree though that promotion can quickly choke threads and create a culture where readers feel besieged by people listing their books, desperate for promotion.

I also am a aspiring writer, so I'm just as bad. But I'm making it a point to buy indie books where ever I see ones I like, and threads like these are helpful to me because it's very hard to "browse" them-web shopping is geared to getting what you already want, and being at the mercy of Amazon's recommendation algorithm isn't the same as true serendipity.

I also try to review them as honestly as possible here on this site, and eventually I'll do the same at Amazon. All of us writers long to write because at heart we are readers: we love books, loving reading them, and want to add to that great eternal Library human beings keep building. So we also have a responsibility to be good readers first-to support good works and help as much as we can, by review, recommendation, and purchase.

So yes, I do buy and I do support them. I'm always looking for good indie writers to read, so feel free to message or mail me if you think I'd like your book. I've just started buying them, and have bought several from Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ threads like this. I've got Alex Lukeman's The Lance in my Kindle now, and was very much surprised at how good Eden's Root and Land of Lions are.

This might be off topic but it fits.... in supporting Indie Authors

Other groups on goodreads as well as this one have had success with authors supplying PDF’s or coupons to assist with getting authors noticed. And I agree; it does help. But I was talking about this practice with a friend of mine. An author offers up a free copy of their book for the first 10 people who respond to the announcement. However, the reviewer is only has to post on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ.

We (Diane and I) feel this is an injustice to the authors who are giving away free copies. Yes, goodreads reviews help the members of the site but it doesn’t do much in the way for the authors who sell on other site such a b&n.com, smashwords.com or amazon.com.

With this in mind, Diane started a new group that does exactly the same thing the groups do. Only the catch is the reader has to write a review and cross post the reviews to the sites that the authors sell from. Our hope is that this will help the independent authors get noticed.

We have uncovered so many golden nugget reads from self published authors we just couldn’t pass this idea up. Like I said, it is wonderful that other groups do this� I just don’t understand why the groups that offer the read and review threads don’t do more with cross posting to help further the success of the authors.

Sorry about the rant!! I just could help it� Forgive me if I offended anyone it was not my intention. I have just been introduced to some amazing self published authors and it kills me how much I have enjoyed the books they have written as well as the authors themselves and because they are self published they get such little recognition.

If you are an author and are interested in checking out the group here is the link http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/6... Not a requirement just thought I would toss that in there.

don’t forget to friend me�. And if you will, please, please LIKE MY REVIEWS!!!

Jeanine wrote: "Lately, I have been reading more books written by Indie authors more than anything else.
Right now I am reading Ethereal by Addison Moore.
I just finished the third book in the Peachville Demon s..."

I just picked up Addison Moore's series as well. Tis a good example of a golden nugget!

Bert wrote: "Hi everyone,

I am an indie author. My first novel, Colin Preston Rocked And Rolled(a romantic comedy set in the 1980's) has 15 five stars ratings on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. I am giving away some free Kindle c..."

Well bert I love a good romantic comedy!! Look foe an email from me tomorrow! Oh, BTW I cross post my review to aim for better sales for you!!

My whole idea for this thread is to allow those wonderful writers- with superb skills- but not a large marketing budget- a place for their work to be exposed to a large number of folks. While the posts are mostly by writers- naturally- the views (from mostly readers- and the effect on sales and recognition))..and I know that James Mason Threads get quite a few views everyday, are not able to be calculated. I just feel it is so very important for there to be an outlet for Indie Writers to have have to highlight their work.

Rick wrote: "My whole idea for this thread is to allow those wonderful writers- with superb skills- but not a large marketing budget- a place for their work to be exposed to a large number of folks. While the p..."

as previously stated Rick this thread has offered good quality advice to those who may be in need which as I understand your post is the reason for the existence of said forum.

Sometimes we just have to have a little thought or two about things right friend?

David wrote: "Rick wrote: "My whole idea for this thread is to allow those wonderful writers- with superb skills- but not a large marketing budget- a place for their work to be exposed to a large number of folks..."

absolutely David!

Virginia wrote: "Rick, the service you perform for us is immeasurable. I do not know how you do it. I get in a fight just about every blog site I participate in. (Not so much here so far) I wish I could return ..."

The greatest favor I get is reading all the great posts on here!!

I wish only the best to all of you with your writing. I have decided to go back to the life I had before publishing on Amazon Kindle. I published four novels, all of which I liked a lot, but all of which met the same fate, falling into the deep hole of darkness. I am not sad. I will leave my four books up for what may be, but I will no longer actively take a role in their life. They must now stand on their own two feet. I gave birth to them, and now they are on their own. They have fled the nest. I am proud of them. They must now live their lives while I live mine. The stress i have endured these past few months trying to tell the world of their existence has taken too much of a toll on me, I will go back to doing what I do best, loving the best wife in the world. making life wonderful for my two adoring cats, reading the works of others, enjoying what life has to offer, luxuriating in my retirement, and traveling the world. I am the doting father of four babies who now live alongside their siblings on Amazon Kindle, and, since they are now all of age, I will allow them to live life on their own terms. I have met many wonderful friends here, and I wish you all the very best with your own writing. As for me, I gave it the old college try, I won some games, but, along the way, I finally realized that there is something much more important than stressing over the lack of sales of my own work, that there is much more to life than spending precious time on a a bridge to nowhere. Tomorrow is another day, and I fully intend to make the most of it by enjoying fully the wonderful place where I am so fortunate to live, Southern California wine country, where I will move on with my life, happy in the knowledge that I tried my best at something I loved, and, for that, I am proud. I thank the so many of you I have had the great pleasure to interact with here on this forum. Auf Wiedersehen, and all the best to you!
Mike

Mike you sound upbeat but I see you're discouraged.

Don't be.

You say you are proud, and so you should be.

Four books produced is no slight achievement reguardless of the sales figures, or lask thereof.

I wish you well & for what it's worth, I'm proud of you.

Thanks for sharing your true story with us

I've just found out that my debut novel, The Seahawk's Sanctuary has been nominated at Romance Reviews for 2011 best book. Please go and vote: Thank you.

Lynne wrote: "I've just found out that my debut novel, The Seahawk's Sanctuary has been nominated at Romance Reviews for 2011 best book. Please go and vote: ..."

Congrats Lynne!!! I just voted!

Well, my novel Silver Knight seems to be doing pretty well, so I tried a book trailer. But so far I can't get any feedback from anyone really. It's only had a few views and only 1 comment. If you have a chance, would you check it out and let me know what you think?



Have any of the rest of you done a trailer? How'd it go? Thanks!

Thanks for sharing your book trailer.I like it a lot - we both share San Francisco as a site. I've been promoting mine on my Facebook pages, on my web site, on the author page of Amazon.com and on twitter. I'm not sure of their value yet. We created mine using video taken on an iphone and music and template from iMovie. I chose not to do voiceover as I wasn't sure I had the talent. Yours seems to work quite nicely.

I really liked yours Joyce! I haven't figured out how to leave a comment on Youtube yet, as soon as I do, I'll go back and post one. Mine only has one little flash about San Francisco and I could't really find any great pictures! I'm jealous you're actually there. ;) Thanks!

Actually, I have to fess up -- I'm not thereeith but my sister-in-law is! And she took all the video with her iPhone and my daughter put together the trailer. I lived in the Bay Area for approximately 20 years but have subsequently moved to Southern Calif.
I can't figure out how to leave comments either. Let me know if you do.

@Mike. I am no expert cuz have made small bucks, but that's ok with me. If you have to go on to something else, at least rotate your four books through Kindle Select and tweet when a freebie comes up. Try it for a while. Four books should give you a little momentum. If you can figure a way to tie them as a series, more power. Best to you anyway in all your endeavors.

To jump right in and answer the first post first...

I do read what I can. I have very little time for reading and much of it gets devoted to editing my own work. I am currently reading Viridis by fellow indie author Calista Taylor. I have the first book by Darke Contour on my Nook, ready to read.

Caron wrote: "Well, my novel Silver Knight seems to be doing pretty well, so I tried a book trailer. But so far I can't get any feedback from anyone really. It's only had a few views and only 1 comment. If you h..."

It's more a matter of marketing that you have a trailer for people to view. I just viewed it. It looks and sounds good. Not my particular genre type although I am trying to branch out a little more. Some of the groups have a thread specifically for book trailers so you might try that route plus if you are twitter or Facebook send out messages periodically so you can get viewers. That's my two cents worth.

Lynn

Joyce wrote: "Thanks for sharing your book trailer.I like it a lot - we both share San Francisco as a site. I've been promoting mine on my Facebook pages, on my web site, on the author page of Amazon.com and on ..."

I really liked your video Joyce.

Lynn

Both of my books Guarding the Healer & Contemplations of Dinner are both free on Amazon today and tomorrow. I hope you'll all check them out. Thanks.

Lynn wrote: "Caron wrote: "Well, my novel Silver Knight seems to be doing pretty well, so I tried a book trailer. But so far I can't get any feedback from anyone really. It's only had a few views and only 1 com..."

Thanks Lynn. All great ideas! :)

@Gabriel: They both look great. I downloaded. Thanks!

THE MAZE by Virginia Llorca is available, for free download, Sunday, 3/25/12. This is a modern, racy, dialogue driven, love story.

Gabriel wrote: "Both of my books Guarding the Healer & Contemplations of Dinner are both free on Amazon today and tomorrow."

They are not my cup of tea, but I did 'like' them & you on Amazon. I also tweeted both out with your current U.S. stats which look really good. Hope it helps.

Have a great one!

Lynn

Caron wrote: "Lynn wrote: "Caron wrote: "Well, my novel Silver Knight seems to be doing pretty well, so I tried a book trailer. But so far I can't get any feedback from anyone really. It's only had a few views a..."

You're most welcome.

"Bestsellers" (aka good luck) to you.

Lynn

Virginia wrote: "THE MAZE by Virginia Llorca is available, for free download, Sunday, 3/25/12. This is a modern, racy, dialogue driven, love story.

"

This link did not work for me. You may wish to double check it.

Lynn

Great discussions here! I've been browsing the pages trying to catch up. It's been a longtime goal of mine to start engaging with some active and fun groups on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. I do have a question for y'all on the idea of post signatures. Rather than posting "ad-like" posts in groups, is it possibly better to do a short signature or even just a textual link thingy to each post. It does the work for you without you having to mention it. What are your thoughts?

Here's an example:

________
CL - Author of Artemis Rising

My only thought is...can you do multiple textual links in a single post? Or can Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ not handle that?

Lynn wrote: "Caron wrote: "Lynn wrote: "Caron wrote: "Well, my novel Silver Knight seems to be doing pretty well, so I tried a book trailer. But so far I can't get any feedback from anyone really. It's only had..."

Thanks Lynn, I need some luck! :)

Cheri wrote: "Great discussions here! I've been browsing the pages trying to catch up. It's been a longtime goal of mine to start engaging with some active and fun groups on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. I do have a question for y..."

Cheri,

I'm not sure I understand your question. I know sometimes you are not allowed to post your book at the bottom of the page only use it in the body when you are asked for it. If you mean can you reference more than one book in a comment the answer is yes. If I'm totally off the mark, then perhaps, someone else can answer your question.

Lynn