As I write science fiction, this is [...]]]>

“For our customers who are avid readers of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, we’re happy to introduce 47North, the latest imprint from Amazon Publishing. 47North offers a wide array of new novels and cult favorites, from urban fantasies to space operas, alternate histories to gothic and supernatural horror.”

As I write science fiction, this is the area of the 47North catalogue I will focus in on. They are still rolling out the pre-orders, so the science fiction portion is a small percentage of the overall count. (8 books out of 35)

Even if we have only 8 books, here is the breakdown in book pricing:

$9.99 List discounted to $7.99
6

$9.99 List discounted to $3.99
1

$9.99 List discounted to $2.99
1

Yes, all of the above are ebooks with a list price of $9.99. All of them are discounted, with some more than others. 47North is one of Amazon’s newer imprints, and this shows in the pricing and discounts. Amazon is using pricing to help get a foothold. All but 2 of the books are pre-order and not yet shipping.

Interesting numbers on the science fiction side, but what about if we include all of the 47North genres, bringing in science fiction, fantasy, and horror? Here are the ebook numbers:

34 books total (One .99 ebook tossed out of the analysis as it appears to be the Indie novella version)

$9.99 List discounted to $7.99
14

$9.99 List discounted to $6.88
1

$9.99 List discounted to $6.39
1

$9.99 List discounted to $4.99 (One $5 ebook is included in this)
3

$9.99 List discounted to $3.99
1

$9.99 List discounted to $2.99
1

$2.99 List with no discount
11

$1.99 List with no discount
1

Again, the list price on 21 ebooks out of 34 as $9.99 is striking. All of these are novels, and all of them have the $9.99 list price, even if they are all discounted at the present time to $7.99-2.99.

Looking at the above, it appears as if the $2.99 price is edging in on the $7.99 price, doesn’t it? Only, on closer inspection it does not.

See, all the ebooks priced strictly $2.99 without discounting are novellas between 63 and 125 pages. The only novel among the $2.99 ebooks is the one with a list price of $9.99 and discounted to $2.99. The latter is mostly likely because of what I mentioned before: Amazon is positioning the line to gain readers.

Looking closer revealed a few other key things.

The novellas are not in print. Only 3 novellas together in a collection are in print, and the collections range from a list price of $9.99 and $7.99, discounted to $6.88 to $5. Meanwhile, all the novels are slated for both ebook and print, with the books having an across-the-board list price of $14.95, which, of course, are deeply discounted (but with print, Amazon is known for this).

As Amazon starts to sell the imprint catalogue and more books are put out, the pricing structure could change. The above is only what Amazon is starting out with, but considering the information they have on the back-end, it does provide a solid basis of where they believe the best pricing points are for all three of these genres.

(One caveat on the above findings is that 47North is a new imprint. It is still finding its legs. I’ll do another analysis in about 6 months to see how it is shaping up. I’m sure Amazon will be looking at its price structure a lot more often than that. Heh.)

In fact, studying the page breakdown of those books that listed page numbers (17 ebooks with listed page numbers), here are the findings:

Novels of 275 pages or more
7

Novellas of 63-125 pages
10

Looking at list prices, here is what Amazon is doing for list price in these genres for specific lengths:

Novels
$9.99

Novellas
$2.99

Interesting list prices, aren’t they? Yes, they are all discounted to $7.99 and below, but I do find it interesting. It tells me Amazon has found in its database that these are the target prices it believes these books should sell at. I, as an Indie and small press, am paying attention.

Especially after the Romance Writers of America “Readership Stats” survey, which came up with the following little tidbits of pricing information. Please note that each genre has a different audience and reader expectations when it comes to pricing:

Romance E-book Pricing
From the data in the survey, PubTrack was able to use a methodology known as the van Westendorp pricing model to establish a bottom price (floor), a top price (ceiling), and a target price for the typical romance e-book. In the survey, they offered two scenarios: the first was assuming that a $9 mass-market paperback was available as well as the digital format; while the second scenario assumed that the e-book was the only available option. The results were as follows:

Too expensive
$10.90 (If a $9 paperback is available)
$11.73 (Only e-book is available)

High price, but still reasonable
$8.33 (If a $9 paperback is available)
$8.57 (Only e-book is available)

Fairest price
$5.90 (If a $9 paperback is available)
$6.13 (Only e-book is available)

Floor price (would question quality)
$2.55 (If a $9 paperback is available)
$2.66 (Only e-book is available)

Dean Wesley Smith also had a pricing blog post (The New World of Publishing: Pricing Indie Books…Some 2012 Thoughts) not long ago, detailing his new pricing tier. It makes for interesting reading, as do the comments section where there are other great observations and experience details on the subject.

Time to rethink the pricing, don’t you think? The discounted prices of Amazon’s 47North line come in rather close to the RWA survey.  Sure, bargain-basement pricing has worked for some, but for many others it is not working like it once did. We, as writers, think different than readers. Most who buy our work are not writers. It’s readers who are our ultimate customers and buyers.

Think long and hard over the $.99 and $2.99 price points unless it is a part of focused and well-planned promotion or marketing blitz. Notice Amazon still has a higher list price on the novels. There is a reason for that. They have a higher regular place and the deep discounts may not last long.

I know I’m going to get push-back on this post and the couple paragraphs above, along with several people talking about “but I have no name, I must price low.” Go hence forth to Kris Kathryn Rusch’s latest article “Audience” and see her thoughts about the matter. Oh, and also New York Times bestselling author Tracy Hickman.  Because you are ‘not known’ is not a valid argument. It is insecurities (Oh boy, watch the comment section now…).

The industry is in flux. There’s no doubt about that. It’s important to keep an eye on trends, to continually educate yourself, and try to do better not only in the business, but also with the craft. Complacency or gut feelings can be dangerous to longevity.

Write good books. Present them well with a good cover, title, and blurb. To add to the mix, we now have new information coming in concerning pricing points. Do your own research for your own genre or sub-genre. Pay attention to all of it.

And then, based on knowledge and not insecurities and emotion, make wise decisions.

____________________

J.A. Marlow

A planet-wide conspiracy is waiting at Grandmother’s house…

“Always wear the red hood and cape while you are in the forest,” Grandma admonished.

For a teen with purple and red hair, and an attitude to match, the small claustrophobic city of Oburos grows ever smaller with Uncle Travis’s attempts to take over her and her mother’s life.

An invitation to visit Grandmother’s house, nestled among the giant trees filling the planet, gives Kate a welcome respite. But, there is no time for rest. A conspiracy among the forest inhabitants, moving trees, and other mysteries await her at Grandmother’s house.

Kate learns just how little she knew of the forests, much less its animals. To survive she must learn fast, and that includes trust and teamwork.

And just where was Grandma, anyway?

A Science Fiction 83600, 335 page (approximate) word stand-alone novel retelling of the fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood”.

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Start up publishing company

Check! Doing it was easy. Finding a name for the publishing company was hard. It took almost two months of thinking, putting up ideas on a dry-erase board, and researching domain names before I settled on “Star Catcher Publishing.”

Set up Distribution and Retailer Accounts

Again, [...]]]> 2011 Business Plan in Review

Start up publishing company

Check! Doing it was easy. Finding a name for the publishing company was hard. It took almost two months of thinking, putting up ideas on a dry-erase board, and researching domain names before I settled on “Star Catcher Publishing.”

Set up Distribution and Retailer Accounts

Again, rather easy and straight-forward. This took maybe an hour.

Publishing Goals

Then came the plan of what projects to finish and publish. This was a short list of three novellas and one novel. Good news is that I achieved this goal.

The better news is that I also achieved the second-year goal, and most of the third and fourth. This was good for business, no question, but it made me thing about what the goals should be going into 2012.

New Types of Goals

The one thing I’ve learned this past year is the need to be flexible in the writing business. Sometimes one or another project is working better. Sometimes another project needs to be brought forward because of increased interest in a sub-genre. Sometimes a cover is ready for one but not another.

I kept this in mind in deciding the goals for 2012.

2012 Writing Plan

2012 Business plan

Writing Goals:
500,000 new words
250,000 revision words

Publication Goals:
12 new releases in 2012.
Get out paperback versions of the novels.

Nice and simple. I did not define any of the goals down to the point of naming exact books or series. I did not decide it would be so many novels, novellas, novelettes, and short stories.

Nope. I kept it at overall word count for both new words and revision words. Doing it this way I can keep going without guilt. Work on the projects that need to be worked on. Bring projects forward in the queue if I think they need to be. Push back books that are having problems.

At the same time, I’m also stretching myself. I’ve never tried 500,000 new words in a year. For the second half of 2011 I was able to write 300,000 with the help of NaNoWriMo, so I have high hopes of achieving the goal. Even if I don’t make it, I’m sure to come out of 2012 with a heck of a lot of new words!

I’m not as fast at revision, so I’m working towards a lower goal on that with the hopes of building up so that the new words and revision words will eventually be the same each year. In 2011 I’ve taken great strides in it, which is what happens when you practice something a lot. Here’s to 2012 being even better! :clink:

2012 promises to be a year of stretching the writing wings, trying new things, continuing to learn to be flexible, and most of all, telling ever more stories. I can’t wait!

____________________

J.A. Marlow

Coffee Cup Dreams

She wasn’t supposed to wake up when dead…

During what should have been a simple operation, Tish Douglas died. And yet, she also awoke… in what the doctors called a ‘psi event.’

Despite having no memory of the incident, it means she’s required to go on a life-time course of debilitating drugs designed to reign in her supposedly new psi gifts. She’s left with the option of existing on Earth in a drug-haze, or leave the planet.

When an opportunity for a good paying job on a space station known as Redpoint One is offered, she jumps at the chance. Even though she doesn’t have any experience as a ‘maintenance engineer.’ Even though the station sits in the middle of nowhere, a still-operating construct of a long-gone alien species.

Between pirate attacks, intelligent repair robots, and maintenance emergencies, Tish must find a place for herself.

All complicated by a growing attraction to the one person on the station she can’t have: boss Arthur Getty.

A stand-alone 48400 word, 193 page (approximate), science fiction romance novel.

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And I’ve already finished and published most of them.

I knew going into this that once I got going I would probably move forward a bit faster than expected. [...]]]> I once had a business plan. I worked several days on it, refining and tweaking various goals. Then I got to the list of the books.

And I’ve already finished and published most of them.

I knew going into this that once I got going I would probably move forward a bit faster than expected. I did not expect just how fast.

The reason?

This whole process is absolutely addicting, but in the most marvelous way. I’m writing all the time. Stories are at all stages of completion and planning. More stories are waiting in the wings, tapping their feet in impatience for my attention.

Then there is what pushed this all into overdrive. The ability to take those stories and get them out into venues where they might find readers. Without having to wait months or years for it to happen, *if* it ever happened.

I went into 2011 hoping to have 8 projects up and available. Right at this moment I have a total of 16, and we still have over two months to go in the year! Yikes! (but that’s a good Yikes!)

I’ve learned a lot, from writing more polished first drafts, to faster revisions, and the final publishing side. It has been a steep and fast learning curve, and I’ve loved every minute of it. All of it has pushed the writing further than I thought possible. It’s amazing what a little hope can do for the motivation. I really don’t think I could have come this far in such a short amount of time without having the ability to find readers.

This means I need to take a serious look at the 1, 5, and 10 year writing business plan. What I once had is now out of date after only eight months. I now have an inkling of what is possible and what pace I can set.

This has changed my view of “National Novel Writing Month” when it comes to my own goals. I knew I would be working on first drafts with the intention of using the results for next year’s releases. After looking over the old business plan the fire burned even hotter.

This Nano I’m hitting it hard. I’m going to write a variety. Enjoy the process. I’m curious to see if what I’ve learned in the past year will translate into even better first drafts (I’m guessing it will).

I want to smash my all-time Nano high word count of 160,605 from 2009.

Can I do it?

Nano Planning

I go into Nano with outlines. This way I’m not bogged down with “What comes next?” It’s just the story, the words, and me, baby! Here is the list so far in the order I think they will be written (yes, it could change at the last minute):

A Turn of the Pipes
Science Fiction Romance set in the same setting as “Coffee Cup Dreams” and taking minor characters in that book to star in their own.

Rachel Henderkito finds unexpected romance with Ignacio Manetti after fishing his newt out of Redpoint One’s plumbing system, but a series of station system failures, and the newt itself, might destroy any future together.

Salmon Run
Science Fiction contemporary adventure/mystery. Yes, the series continues!

Secret Illusions (Book 4)
When the aliens reveal themselves to Zach and Sasha’s families while asking for help it comes with a catch that could cost the Callahans their lodge: a trip to Bermuda.

Spectre of the White Death (Book 5)
Survival training for the Callahans and frantic ship prep for the aliens collide on an Alaska mountain top along with one of the horrors of winter: Avalanche.

Aurora Equinox (Book 6)
Hawk insists on visiting the local aliens after the equinox aurora affects Zach’s translator just when the Bermuda Imperium spacecraft heads north, leading to a deadly secret resting within the Japan Triangle.

Taskforce Zero
Science Fiction Action/Adventure. Yes, this is a new series, this time set in the StarBlink Universe!

Rise of the Syndicates (Book 1)
Crime syndicates battle over turf in the Alliance of World’s capital when a new deadly syndicate arises, employing technology to rival Taskforce Zero’s with the potential of tipping the balance into lawlessness.

A Matter of Jeopardy (Book 2)
Taskforce Zero rushes to protect a newly discovered anti-matter generator from the many crime syndicates who want it, but will an diplomatic adversary from Jei Valtera’s past jeopardize everything?

The Ultimate Jack (Book 3)
Taskforce Zero races to keep an ancient lost fleet from the power-hungry Bellime royal family, but everything hinges on the Team Jack being able to solve the secret of the ships themselves.

Cubes of Memory (Book 4)
Shot down over Newton 3, Taskforce Zero director Gregory McKinley finds himself trapped between the demands of a lost secret and a Kahn Syndicate conspiracy to control the Jump Gates themselves.

———-

After the end of November I plan to take a look at what I accomplishes with Nano, and then revisit the business plan. 2012 promises to be exciting and I want to have a solid foundation going in.

Meanwhile, it’s time to start revving the writing muscles!

Anyone else working on their business plan for the 2012? Or have big plans for Nano?

____________________

J.A. Marlow

Coffee Cup Dreams

She wasn’t supposed to wake up when dead…

During what should have been a simple operation, Tish Douglas died. And yet, she also awoke… in what the doctors called a ‘psi event.’

Despite having no memory of the incident, it means she’s required to go on a life-time course of debilitating drugs designed to reign in her supposedly new psi gifts. She’s left with the option of existing on Earth in a drug-haze, or leave the planet.

When an opportunity for a good paying job on a space station known as Redpoint One is offered, she jumps at the chance. Even though she doesn’t have any experience as a ‘maintenance engineer.’ Even though the station sits in the middle of nowhere, a still-operating construct of a long-gone alien species.

Between pirate attacks, intelligent repair robots, and maintenance emergencies, Tish must find a place for herself.

All complicated by a growing attraction to the one person on the station she can’t have: boss Arthur Getty.

A stand-alone 48400 word, 193 page (approximate), science fiction romance novel.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

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During a recent writer’s chat on Twitter an old myth came to light once again. What is it?

You are either a “starving artist” or you are a “sell-out” and not a real artist. Art is above money!

To [...]]]> I was really hoping to go rant-free for a while, maybe a month. Really, I tried…

During a recent writer’s chat on Twitter an old myth came to light once again. What is it?

You are either a “starving artist” or you are a “sell-out” and not a real artist. Art is above money!

To put even more simply:
Making money = selling out
Making real art = starving artist

Before getting into why this is so wrong, I have to say this view should die a horrible miserable death!

Why?

Ask any of these professionals that have spent years learning a skill-set and continue to learn, hone, practice, and become professionals that they should work for free:

• Doctors
• Lawyers
• Teachers
• Programmers
• Engineers
• Architects
• Scientist
• (and too many more to list)

I’m guessing they would have choice words about your lack of respect for their skills. Oh, and call them a ‘sell-out’ while you’re at it. I dare you.

Yet, when we move to the arts there is a very common perception, even among the artists themselves, that we should not expect money. Oh, it’s a nice bonus, but don’t expect it.

This is the ideal: Artist, expect to live in poverty. Expect to starve. Expect to never bring in enough to provide shelter for them or their family. This is ROMANTIC. This is what is expected. If it doesn’t happen this way, you are a failure and don’t deserve to call yourself a real ARTIST.

Now, replace ‘artist’ with ‘writer.’

Right now, I want to yell a word that is something you find in a cow field. Think steaming and stinky.

A Problem With the Ideal

Let’s see…

• Years of learning.
• Years of research.
• Years of PRACTICE.
• Years of classes, workshops, and books.
• All of the above never stops because none of us are perfect!
• Hours and hours spent to create each work.
• Business education so we aren’t taken like sheep to a slaughter by corporations who are ALL about the profit. (those who do not pursue this type of education typically don’t survive very long except by sheer blind luck)

We spend years and decades honing our skill-set and craft, but money shouldn’t come into it? Because something is labeled ‘art?’

I love writing. I will always write. HOWEVER…

When my writing is published, or I start a work that I expect to be published, I have a legitimate reason to believe I should be given compensation for the years of work and dedication and skills that went into creating the work. When I start a work with a view towards publication and GASP! money, it is not a disservice to my years (and continuing) training. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

I train to hone my craft. I practice. I actively try to learn. With more training and skills I can earn more money. Money to LIVE on so I can continue to hone my craft, gain more training, develop more skills. I am not a hobbyist. I don’t have time to waste on things that take so much knowledge but gives no return.

Does this view make me a capitalist? If being a capitalist means eating, having basic clothes and shelter, then YES! Or a “sell out”, then YES I am. Let me emphasize this: YES YES YES!

An Artistic Capitalist!

An author creating a work has brought something into existence from nothing. A new work. A new story. New characters and settings. It did not exist before!

It was created with skills learned over years. While writing does bring a lot of joy, it is also a lot of hard work. It is ‘value creation’ for the benefit of those who find value in your form of art.

Is this to be viewed as a nothing? Is a car viewed as a nothing when it’s designed and put together? If so, I want a really cheap or free car, please.

Creating something another values is not a sell-out. It is not selfish. It is not evil capitalism. It is quite the opposite. Providing more value for those same people by creating even more, is not a sell-out. It is providing something special and unique for someone who appreciates it.

The Choices

A person has only so much time in a day, so an artist/writer have two choices:

1. Take a ‘day job’ and help SOMEONE ELSE make money and write a little bit on the side if you still have the energy.
OR
2. Write with a view towards compensation and make money FOR YOURSELF (oh horrors, I mentioned money!) and write MORE.

Well, duh, which one do you think I will pick? As someone who LOVES to write?

Wow, the opportunity to write more, to create more, to tell more stories? Not having a ‘day job’ or ‘survival job’ stealing away precious energy and time?

The labels of ‘capitalist’ and ‘sell out’ have an interesting source. Most of it comes from the rest of the author/artist community (mostly by unemployed or under-paid). I’ve not heard this coming from anyone who is making a living off their art/writing. A touch of jealousy at another’s success or expectations, perhaps?

A professional writer is in business for themselves just like so many in the business world. It is a valid career. Just because the profession is viewed as ‘artistic’ does not change this.

The Realities

We live in a cash society. Verbal accolade do not provide the necessities of life. Art for art’s sake has a place, but not at the cost of feeding yourself. Or at the cost of producing MORE art.

So, to say that craft and skill and art have nothing to do with money and SHOULDN’T have anything to do with money? That the two should not be viewed together?

Go get a life. But, don’t expect it to be any of the so-called non-artistic professionals. After all, you just said there shouldn’t be a view towards money, much less the necessities of life in anything requiring skills…

End the ‘starving’. Get a backbone, let go of the fear, and start viewing what you do as having worth. It begins in the mind.

Rant over (and yes, I need to stop joining in on twitter writing chats. ARGH!)

____________________

J.A. Marlow

My latest novel, The String Weavers (The String Weavers – Book 1), is now available at online retailers everywhere.

Kelsey Hale thinks she’s just a typical mixed-up teenager. Everyone feels that way, her teachers assure her. Yet, strange things happen to her, like food disappearing before she can eat it and hearing music no one else hears.

Then a giant flaming bird drops an alien at her feet. Well, good grief, how can you ignore something like that?

Abducted from Earth, the only planet she’s ever known, Kelsey finds herself thrust into the middle of a deadly conflict among alien worlds and parallel universe. She must not only survive herself, but also find a way to rescue her father from a dangerous group with unknown motives.

In the process, she’s confronted by a hidden secret about herself which will shake the very foundation of who and what she thought she was.

And connecting it all are the mysterious Weavers.

A 97,100 word science fiction novel.

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And so much fun!

One big plus to the Indie movement is the ability to write what you love instead of writing to editorial or marketing department demands. This means the readers are [...]]]> The Indie Author. So many challenges, so much to learn. So much to watch out for, so much to take responsibility for.

And so much fun!

One big plus to the Indie movement is the ability to write what you love instead of writing to editorial or marketing department demands. This means the readers are finally getting the variety of novels they have been craving for years but that traditional publishing has failed to give them.

However, with this comes responsibility. A responsibility we, as authors, have always had: TO WRITE!

Find those words. It’s time for the storyteller in you to go into overdrive. You now have an avenue into which to release your work, but first the work must be created.

One way to create new product for your digital bookshelf is to join in various writing challenges. One of the biggest around is “National Novel Writing Month.” Every year authors from around the world join in a challenge to write at least 50,000 words in 30 days in the month of November.

For those of you who love math, that’s an average of 1667 words per day.

And, for those of us who are jumping into Indie Publishing as a business, we already are trying for regular word output, right? Is 1667 words that far above your current goal?

It doesn’t matter if it is. NaNoWriMo is loved (and hated) for many reasons. One of the big things I love about it is the creative energy of joining in on a big challenge with a lot of fellow authors. Wow, what a rush. I can do things I might have trouble doing at other times by myself, such as high wordcounts.

Or, how about the deadline? So much time to get so many words. Of course, those like me have goals higher than 50k, but the deadline is still there. How many drafts can you finish?

This year is the first year I’ll be participating in Nano while also in the publishing business. In a way it hasn’t affected how I view and want to use Nano, but in other ways it has. I have several goals:

1. Have a LOT of fun.
2. Tell a few great stories.
3. Produce several first drafts for eventual publication.

I now have several series published, with more in mind. That means a lot of stories and characters to continue. Using Nano I can nail those new stories and get first drafts finished and ready for revising in 2012. Series typically sell better once 3 or more books are published in them. The more the better. It means a reader who finds and likes the series can go ahead and sink their teeth into sequels without having to wait on the author producing more.

Using Nano to produce is a win-win for me on the Indie side, and a win-win for the readers.

Included in the Nano project list is a new series, which I’m working to outline the first four stories in. Doing something new is important to me, as it will keep this Nano fresh and fun. It won’t be only about previously started series. It will also be about new!

It’s time to do the serious brainstorming. Time to get out the outlines and virtual corkboards and index cards of Scrivener. Time to discover new adventures.

I can hardly wait.

Other Nano News: I’m not the only one gearing up. Lazette Gifford, is the author or the wonderful ebook “Nano for the New and Insane,” a venerable Nano guide that has helped many writers succeed in the Nano challenge of achieving 50,000 words in 30 days. For 2011 she has newly edited the ebook and added several new sections. It’s available for free download in multiple ebook formats at Smashwords.

Lazette’s latest blog post: Zette’s Take: Why Nano?

__________________________

J.A. Marlow

Welcome to Salmon Run, Alaska! A place of wild animals, wild land, and wild inhabitants…oh, and native legends come alive and an inter-planetary alien conflict at their backdoor.

Zach Callahan and his father, Hawk, arrive in Alaska to begin a new life. Anxious to arrive at the lodge crazy Uncle George left them, they find the first challenge is just getting to Salmon Run.

While still in Cordova, an old prospector declares the two greenhorns unprepared for the realities of an Alaskan winter. Sasha, a young native girl, attaches herself to Zach, much to his disgust. A failed sled-dog won’t leave Hawk alone, giving rise to an old phobia. They think they have it made once they get to the Solar Express, the unique train that will take them through a dark road-less wilderness to their new home.

The same night a massive display of the Aurora Borealis lights up the sky.

The Solar Express shuts down, stranding its passengers in the middle of nowhere. Hidden beneath the snow and ice, and under the path of the rescuers, an alien spaceship also feels the effects of the light show.

Cut off from the rescuers and trapped inside the spaceship, Zach and Sasha must ally themselves with a pair of aliens before either the malfunctioning security systems or the native Alaskan wildlife kills them.

A 37800 word stand-alone Novella in the Salmon Run series.

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It’s a subject I would love for Dean Wesley [...]]]> A little bit of a rant here about the advice to authors, especially Indie authors, that have been making the rounds online since, well, forever. To the point of feeling as if I’ll get beat over the head if I don’t pay attention and follow it.

It’s a subject I would love for Dean Wesley Smith to tackle directly as one of the new-and-upcoming myths of the new Indie publishing business. Really. I would love his viewpoint.

Just for kicks, let’s start this off DWS-style.

The Myth: Your online presence should be all about selling your books. That means not writing about writing. That’s geared only towards other writers. No, you should start sharing things about yourself. Open up your personal life. Talk about EVERYTHING. Become ‘friends’ with the reader.

What does this advice tell me?

:snark mode on:

Psst. Hey, you, author.

Stop relating news about your writing. Readers don’t want to hear about it. It doesn’t matter that it’s only because of your writing that they have something to read.

Don’t you know you should blog and tweet and whatever only about things OTHER than writing? Writing should be locked away in the attic along with Crazy Aunt Matilda, to be seen only by accident!

:end snark mode:

I have several problems with this advice. Let’s start with the big one.

My life is MINE.

I try to be careful online. I do not put everything out there. I’m sure there’s still plenty about me out there, but I do not willingly share.

You will not hear about my family other than an odd comment. You will not hear about my home and pets on a regular basis. You will not hear about my real-life job or a lack of one. You will not hear about my doctor appointments unless it’s something that might stop my writing career. You will not hear about shopping for clothes or groceries.

That is my private life. Why does someone have to be a voyeur into my life to feel a connection to me?

My online presence is about what I feel passionate enough about to share.

Second point:

Marketing and promotion

The mantra: it’s all about finding and selling to readers. Marketing and promotion is where it’s at! If you aren’t doing both as much as writing, well, then, you really don’t deserve success and are unlikely to achieve it.

:snort:

You know what? My work are my best marketing and promotion tools. I put a lot of hard work into my work.

I know my work will not be to everyone’s tastes. That’s fine. I know this business is one of patience. A marathon, not a sprint. I’m willing to be patient as I find those new readers. Once someone does find and like me, they will tell others. The word-of-mouth will spread.

Every survey on the subject says that word-of-mouth is the MOST effective sales tool.

In the meantime, however, I’m marketing and promoting my little brains out. How am I doing that? By writing. Writing and writing, and writing some more.

And art. Creating, thinking, researching, and sketching. See all those covers on the right side? I’ve achieved a dream I’ve had since a teen to become a cover artist. Whelan, oh my goodness. I wanted to create painted covers that make people stop and take a second look!

I reached that dream by making covers for my own writing. None are perfect, but wow, am I proud of the painted covers. With each cover I learn new things and become better.

Am I marketing and promoting? You betcha!

Let’s move onto the third point.

Advice: Interact With What You Are Passionate About

Do you know what I am passionate about?

Writing and art.

Those two words on the line above. Those are my passions and who and what I am. Period. I refuse to feel guilty about it.

Share my the rest of my life? No, there isn’t much otherwise to share, or that I’m willing to share. I do not share my private life.

For me, it comes down to this: If I don’t write about my passions on my blog and in my online social life (and those are writing and art), then I don’t talk. No point in engaging. No point in the blog. No point in the rest of it. I might as well have a static webpage that gets updated only when a new book comes out.

Heck, I would have more writing time if I just went with a static webpage. But, I don’t want to. I LIKE helping other writers and artists. I LIKE reporting on the progress of the various projects. I LIKE giving advice that could help others. I LIKE hearing from other writers and artists. I LIKE talking and displaying the arts.

While I see and acknowledge that we as publishers/authors need to sell to people who are not authors, I also believe in being true to yourself. My media interaction does that, even if it is ‘insular’ to those doing the same thing. I do think readers respond to honesty. This is the honest me. Heck, if it weren’t, they wouldn’t have anything to read!

You want something personal about me? Here it is: Writing professionally has been a dream since learning how to read with Dick and Jane. I remember the moment of sitting in the chair and having the shocking realization that, yes, even at that young age, I could write and tell stories better than this person who not only became published, but published big enough to sell to schools! I loved telling stories before that. Had a burning desire to know what these strange marks on a page meant, because obviously my parents knew what they were when they were reading me a story. But after Dick and Jane, I knew I would become a published author one day. Nothing was going to stop me!

What Does All This Come Down To?

Unlike a lot of blogs that have decided that they must change their format and subjects to attract and appease a mythical perfect reader/buyer, this blog will not change. It will remain about my passions.

Just to be clear, here are my passions:

WRITING AND ART!

And, who knows? Maybe those readers who happen on my little corner of the internet will enjoy following me as I work on new projects and report my progress, failures and successes, and new releases. Maybe I will inspire them to try art or writing themselves. Or maybe I will inspire them to other endeavors they have a passion for but for some reason haven’t attempted.

I think that would be a wonderful thing. The world needs more writers and artists, not less.

So, this blog?

Just me, being me.

____________________

J.A. Marlow

A planet-wide conspiracy is waiting at Grandmother’s house…

“Always wear the red hood and cape while you are in the forest,” Grandma admonished.

For a teen with purple and red hair, and an attitude to match, the small claustrophobic city of Oburos grows ever smaller with Uncle Travis’s attempts to take over her and her mother’s life.

An invitation to visit Grandmother’s house, nestled among the giant trees filling the planet, gives Kate a welcome respite. But, there is no time for rest. A conspiracy among the forest inhabitants, moving trees, and other mysteries await her at Grandmother’s house.

Kate learns just how little she knew of the forests, much less its animals. To survive she must learn fast, and that includes trust and teamwork.

And just where was Grandma, anyway?

A Science Fiction 83600 word stand-alone novel retelling of the fairy tale “Little Red Riding Hood” by J.A. Marlow.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

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The first three we went over last week. Now [...]]]> And now we continue analyzing the objections to Smashwords. The main complaints?

• I sell way more at Amazon with Kindle!
• Quarterly payments are too slow.
• Slow sales (for most)
• Meatgrinder woes!
• Premium Distribution is too hard to get into!
• Premium Distribution sales numbers come in too slow.

The first three we went over last week. Now on to the last three!

Meatgrinder woes!

This is the biggest complaint about Smashwords.

Smashwords has a difficult task. Not only do they sell many formats of ebooks themselves, but they also need properly formatted ebooks to send to the other online etailers they distribute to. Add on top of that is that many authors don’t know how to make all the conversions by themselves.

So, Smashwrods came up with a converter program called the Meatgrinder that takes a DOC file and converts it into many formats. In order to do this they need a very specific formatted original file. The converter already has a lot to do so I can understand them wanting to standardize the original file (still would like the option of uploading an epub, though). Each ebook format has special features and problems. The Meatgrinder has to compensate for all of them.

What is the best way to deal with the Meatgrinder so it can do what it needs to do?

People are going to hate this…

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS!

Yes, indeed. One of the first things you learn in school. Follow the instructions.

This means downloading the Smashwords Style Guide and following it. Create a checklist for yourself if need be. Whatever you need to do. Just follow it.

The only time I’ve had problems with the Meatgrinder is when the Meatgrinder itself had a problem (such as the one in May and June when it was corrupting the NCX file, and then of course the person manually checking for inclusion in the Premium Channels flagged as wrong). Smashwords admitted that it was a problem and worked to fix it.

Okay, I have had other problems. Such as when I messed up the formatting myself. I take responsibility for that. I found the problems, fixed them, and uploaded again.

Will the files resulting from the Meatgrinder be as polished and beautiful as they would if you did them all yourself? No, not typically. Is it enough to turn off readers? No, not typically.

I think that because the actual upload itself is such a big mental step that this has taken on a life of its own. But really, it doesn’t need to be. Follow the instructions of the Smashwords Style Guide (which has good advice for controlling the formatting in Word even for normal-day use) and let the Meatgrinder do its work.

If you have a problem, contact customer service. Smashwords has one of the best customer service response times I’ve had so far among all the vendors, and that includes Amazon.

Premium Distribution is too hard to get into!

This complaint has two parts. We’ll deal with the first one: the time needed for approval into the Premium sales channels.

Smashwords has been a victim of its own success. Sales are exploding. With it the uploads by authors and publishers is exploding. For a while the wait time for an ebook to be checked and either accepted or denied was going on towards a month.

However, Smashwords very quickly realized the problem. It benefits them to get books out into the distribution channels as fast as possible just as it benefits the author. So, they hired new people.

I can personally testify that the new hires have greatly speeded the process.  This is a short-lived complaint as Smashwards has always responded rather quickly.

The second part of this complaint centers around the Meatgrinder. If the source file isn’t just right, or the conversion process hiccups, then the submission will be denied. The author/publisher then has to go and find the problem and upload again. Not much an author can do other than to pay attention to the formatting (see the bigger section above about the Meatgrinder).

“Premium Distribution sales numbers come in too slow.”

Sorry, not the fault of Smashwords. Blame the other etailers for reporting so slow. Again, we are spoiled by having minute-by-minute updates on sales through Amazon, Barnes & Noble,  and even Smashword’s own dashboard. It’s a great thing, but also a recent perk.

In other words, be patient. Get into those other channels and start gathering sales. Remember, this is about the sales over the long-term, not short-term!

With this complaint we also go back to reader demographics and international sales.

Smashwords can get you into other etailer online stores in an easy fashion, and into some stores that will not work with individual authors. Those online etailers each have their own customer base, not only in basic demographics, but also in other countries.

Leave out Premium Distribution, and you are leaving out potential audience.

Also, think of this: Some of these etailers have horrible customer service on the publisher end. Getting answers or help with problems is like pulling teeth. Having Smashwords on your side can be a great benefit. Smashwords is providing so much content, content which is helping with the bottom lines of these etailers, that they are much more likely to listen to Smashwords when a problem comes up. Much more than if you complained yourself.

***

Smashwords has benefits not discussed in the previous sections. I think it’s a good idea to go over them, as well.

Sales Coupons:

Smashwords has the easiest coupon system I have used across all the big sites. They are very handy to use with reviewers, family, and for limited time sales.

The last item is important. You see, Amazon has these little webcrawlers roaming the internet looking for lower prices. If they find one then your ebook will be marked down whether you want it to or not. At times this can be a good thing, but most times it isn’t. If it isn’t wanted, then this can have a horrifying affect on your royalties.

With a coupon the sales price of the ebook displays as normal, satisfying the Amazon webcrawlers that all is well in pricing-land. But, at checkout time, your customers can apply a coupon for any percentage you set including 100% off.

There are so many ways to use these coupons such as book-cards suggested by Dean Wesley Smith. Don’t underestimate the possibilities.

International Authors:

Did you know international authors are having a hard time with Indie publishing? Barnes & Noble’s Pubit program won’t even talk to them. Then there is the problem of the tax treaties with the US (where the big ebook etailer companies are located). 30% is deducted from any payment unless the proper papers are filed and the IRS gives the author permission to be paid without any witholding.

Amazon will work with international authors, but they will not help at all with giving the authors what they need to go to the IRS, specifically a letterhead letter saying, “Yes, they are selling through us.”

Smashwords WILL work with authors. They will help provide the special letter and have a dedicated FAQ section on the subject on their website.

By using Smashwords, not only do international authors have the help they need with the IRS, but they can also use Smashword’s premium distribution to get into online etailers that won’t allow them to sell through directly such as Barnes & Noble.

For international authors, Smashwords is a great thing.

Conclusion

Successful business is about putting together the tools needed to make it a success. Smashwords is a valuable part of the Indi publisher’s toolbox. Smashwords does have its issues, but then so does every other etailer and distributor. It fills a big niche and to ignore it will be to the detriment of your books and sales. There is a reason it’s called one of the “Big 3″ when it comes to ebooks.

Think long and hard before turning your back on it.

Summary:

• Marketing: Offer your wares at as many outlets as possible so that you can reach as many readers as possible. This is the most basic piece of marketing you can do other than write new product.
• Do not keep all your ‘eggs in one basket.’ The markets are changing. By diversifying you can be ready for it.
• Do not ignore the international markets. The potential there is massive, and Smashwords can help you reach them.
• Don’t ignore the small sales in favor of the big sales. A sale is a sale is a sale is a sale (you get the point).
• Follow the instructions. Smashwords provides a lot of information between their FAQ and Smashwords Style Guide. Use them.
• Be patient. This is a marathon, not a race. Whether it be payment cycles, sales reporting from distribution channels, or premium approval, remember how not too long ago things were much much worse. Unlike Big Publishing, I haven’t heard of Smashwords delaying its author’s payments.
• Whether you like it or not, you are now in business for yourself. Treat it as such. Don’t look down on sales and new readers. Keep yourself flexible, and that means not closing your mind to new possibilities.

__________________________

J.A. Marlow

Welcome to Salmon Run, Alaska! A place of wild animals, wild land, and wild inhabitants…oh, and native legends come alive and an inter-planetary alien conflict at their backdoor.

Zach Callahan and his father, Hawk, arrive in Alaska to begin a new life. Anxious to arrive at the lodge crazy Uncle George left them, they find the first challenge is just getting to Salmon Run.

While still in Cordova, an old prospector declares the two greenhorns unprepared for the realities of an Alaskan winter. Sasha, a young native girl, attaches herself to Zach, much to his disgust. A failed sled-dog won’t leave Hawk alone, giving rise to an old phobia. They think they have it made once they get to the Solar Express, the unique train that will take them through a dark road-less wilderness to their new home.

The same night a massive display of the Aurora Borealis lights up the sky.

The Solar Express shuts down, stranding its passengers in the middle of nowhere. Hidden beneath the snow and ice, and under the path of the rescuers, an alien spaceship also feels the effects of the light show.

Cut off from the rescuers and trapped inside the spaceship, Zach and Sasha must ally themselves with a pair of aliens before either the malfunctioning security systems or the native Alaskan wildlife kills them.

A 37800 word stand-alone Novella in the Salmon Run series.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

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