Another Lesson Learned

What is that lesson you ask? It boils down to this - you get what you pay for. Any of you who follow my author page on Facebook know that I recently sent my next novel, Invisible, off to my new editor. I just received the file back for the first round of edits and the volume of changes that need to be made is staggering - it seems I have an issue staying in past tense when I write and I tend to start sentences with he, she, or I. I have been assured these are common mistakes (especially for new writers) and to not stress about it.

Anyway, back to the lesson learned. On my first book I had a free final edit and now I wonder if that was enough. Don't get me wrong, the editor did exactly what she promised - a final edit and she did an awesome job. The error was on my part. I'm thinking I should have paid for a full edit, especially with it being my first book. Once I get Invisible released I think I will go back and revisit Saving Cassie and decide if I should have a full edit done.

Remember, you get what you pay for and when you self-publish that could directly affect your book sales. A full edit is scary and it can be expensive but it could mean the difference between selling a few copies and selling a lot of copies.

I'm itching to get started making the needed changes but I have #NANO to finish and my word count is not where it should be. I am signing off for now so I can get back to my #NANO story.

Until next time,

Happy reading (and writing)!

Indie Marketing - No Magic Formula

If I've learned one thing during this journey - marketing is hard. There are plenty of books and articles telling us how we can sell more books if we do this or we do that. The problem is, what works for one author does not work for another. I still haven't found that magic formula to get my book noticed by that one reader or blogger that will send my book soaring up the charts.

I don't want to be that author that blows up your Facebook and Twitter feeds with "Buy my book" posts every day. With my first book, I've tried posting on free sites, in Facebook groups, Goggle+ groups, and on Twitter. I have also had an author spotlight and I have given away numerous Amazon gift cards, bookmarks, ebooks, and paperbacks. Anything to get my name out there and then I cross my fingers that it will translate into book sales.

Well, I've come to the conclusion that I need to do something more. There will be a month long blog tour in February for my next book, Invisible, to be released in January. Maybe the blog tour will help - the only thing I can do is try and see if it works.

If you have read Saving Cassie please leave a review, good reviews on Amazon help tremendously. I have been lucky that all the reviews for Saving Cassie have been 4 and 5-star so far.

Let your friends and/or followers know about it... if you need some help pimping your book on Facebook or Google+ let me know. Knowing how hard marketing is I am more than happy to help others in any way I can.

If you haven't read Saving Cassie what are you waiting for? You can get a Kindle copy for less than a cup of coffee...

US Ebook Link
UK Ebook Link
Paperback Buy Link

It's November - What Are You Thankful For?

For a lot of us November means Thanksgiving - getting together with family and friends and remembering what we are thankful for.

I am thankful for my husband of 22 years (yes, you read that right!) as of yesterday. I am thankful for my family, my sisters and brothers, and all my nieces and nephews. I am thankful everyone is happy and healthy, and that my nephews in the military are safe.

I am also thankful for NANOWRIMO - without NANO last year I probably wouldn't be a published author today. I am also thankful for everyone who helped with Saving Cassie: Karen for introducing me to NANOWRIMO and for being the first to read my mess of a manuscript, Sprinkles On Top Studios for the beautiful cover, Sarah Kaider for helping me see that Saving Cassie was worth publishing, all my Beta readers, and Editor Afloat for the free editing.

Well, I am off to work on my WIP - I'm trying for a NANO repeat!

What are you thankful for?

Giveaway Winner Annoucement!

It's day 3 of NANOWRIMO and I only have 1,100 words so far... Have no fear - I will get caught up! The weather gave me a massive sinus headache yesterday so I did not get any writing done. This will be a short post so I can get some writing done today.

The winner of the $5 Amazon gift card is (drumroll please!):

Chanzie @ meanwhoyouare

The gift card is being sent today.

To everyone who left a comment - thank you!

Until the next time...

Happy Reading!