Monday, December 21, 2015

Book Publishing Secrets with Russell James, Author of 'Q Island'

Author photo Q Island Release
Book Title: Q Island
Genre: Horror
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, LTD.
Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published.  Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Russell: My wife talked me into starting to write. When we were on long car drives, I would tell her stories I outlined in my head. One day, she told me I should write them down and get them published. I told her no one would ever want to read anything I wrote. We see how that turned out.
Q Island is post-apocalyptic and I was inspired when I saw what happened in New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit. Society imploded in hours. I wondered what would happen if that occurred on a larger scale, and with an event that would keep the isolation permanent. I picked my old stomping ground, Long Island, NY, and off I went.
Is this your first book?
Russell: No, this is my sixth novel. I also have a two novellas published, three short story collections and I am in several other short story collections.
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Russell: Q Island is traditionally published through Samhain Horror. I have self-published works, but with traditional publishing, I really like that all I had to do was write. Covers, editing, layout, and especially distribution, are someone else’s headache. Q Island is available all over the world in multiple formats including trade paperback and soon audiobook. I could never do all that myself.
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?  The pros and cons?
Russell: I had two short stories accepted for publication in small venues. I’d had several novel manuscripts turned down by multiple agents and publishers. I was taking what I discovered was a much needed writing class, and the teacher mentioned that the legendary Don D’Auria was starting up a horror line at Samhain and had an open call. So I went back and applied my new-found skills to fixing my latest, a manuscript called Dark Inspiration. It hadn’t seen the light of day yet, so I figured why not get rejected by someone famous first. I sent it to Samhain and nearly had a heart attack when it was accepted.
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Russell: Since I’ve also self-published in tandem with the novels and novella done traditionally, I’ve seen both sides of the business.
Traditional publishing is slow. Even though my imprint is quicker than most, the contract to release time is still a year. But as mentioned before, the publisher does do all the work for you except the writing. You invest no money in traditional publishing. Traditional publishing can also get your book almost everywhere. Note that unless you are with a Big Six publisher (or however many there are today) you won’t be seeing your book in Walmart, Barnes and Noble or an airport bookshop. Those spots are for Mr. King, Mr. Patterson, and Mr. Sparks.
Self-publishing is more work, because you will do everything. Or, if you are sharp, you will pay some expert to do the things you are not expert at, like cover art and editing. That means you will invest money. Distribution is more time consuming, and getting paper books into a brick and mortar store is a virtual impossibility. But all the royalties are yours. And you can publish exactly what you want to.
In both instances, getting people to know who you are, and that you have written a book, is an uphill battle. A publisher helps, but even the big ones leave a lot of the marketing up to you. And I’ve yet to read about anyone finding the golden key that unlocks that door.
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Russell: For first timers, I’d go the traditional route with short stories and longer works through respected publishers. It is important to get good enough to get past that gatekeeper. It is too easy to self-publish something awful, and then is out there forever. There are good self-published works out there, but there are far more poor ones. Often, what the author thinks is gold is really still straw.
I had a manuscript for a novel I thought was great. Everyone I sent it to passed on it. Four years later I re-read the synopsis and thought, “Yeah, that was good!” So I took it out, thought I’d polish it for a month and sent it out. I re-read the manuscript and it was awful. I cut 20,000 useless words out of it and completely re-wrote one of the heroes. So those gatekeepers I cursed years earlier really did me a favor. The rewritten novel was published to great acclaim as Dreamwalker.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Russell: Write every day. Fiction, not blog posts, Facebook rants or anything else. Those don’t count. Then read every day. Not just inside your genre, but outside as well. You will absorb style tips through osmosis.
Most important, be prepared to get better. And the only way to do that is by people telling you what’s not working. Those people are doing you an invaluable service. Thank them and give them a hug. Then fix what you screwed up and try again.



Thursday, December 10, 2015

Book Publishing Secrets with Children's Author Donna McDine

Book Title: Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters
Genre: children’s
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published.  Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Donna: As long as I can remember I have always enjoyed immersing myself in books and I hope to invoke the same feelings into my readers.
Is this your first book?
Donna: No, this is my fifth children’s book.
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Donna: I went the small press route with Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc. I went with Guardian Angel Publishing because I immediately was drawn to the family feel and care Lynda Burch takes with her authors and illustrators.
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?  The pros and cons?
Donna: Patience intertwined with determination of learning the writing craft and not rushing the process is essential. The road to publication is a long one. Depending on the speed of your publisher, from the time of submission, to hopefully editing process then publication in my experience it can take anywhere from one to three years for your book to see the light of day, especially if illustrations are involved.
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Donna: Everyone’s experience on publishing rollercoaster is unique. Don’t be so worried about comparing yourself to others. Success comes in all shapes. Write what you love. Study publisher submission guidelines and follow them to the letter. This is not time to think outside the box. Publisher submission guidelines are in place for a reason. Adhere to them.
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other Donnas?
Donna: It honestly depends what your wants and needs are. As for me, the experience with a small publisher has been a positive one.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring Donnas?
Donna: Seek out writer critique groups, attend workshops and join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. The wealth of information and assistance is outstanding!
Thank you for interviewing me. I enjoyed visiting with you and your readers.


Title: Dee and Deb Off They Go Kindergarten First Day Jitters
Genre: children’s
Author: Donna McDine
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
About the Book: The anxiety of finding one’s own place and friends in kindergarten without the comfort of having her fraternal twin sister nearby at first overwhelms Dee until she realizes even without her fraternal twin sister, Dee and her classmates for the most part are in the same boat.

Monday, December 7, 2015

Book Publishing Secrets with Mystery Author Joseph B. Atkins

Book Title: Casey’s Last Chance
Genre: hardboiled crime/mystery
Find out more on Amazon
Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published.  Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Joe: As stated below, this is not my first book so I’ve been an author for a while. However, I’ve wanted to be a writer since my eighth-grade English class, when my teacher, Bill Watson, a published writer and playwright himself, inspired me with tales of Edgar Allan Poe, Jack London, and so on. After school, I’d go home to my room and churn out Poe-like tales of horror, and they were pretty horrible all right, but it was a start!
Is this your first book?
Joe: This is actually my third published book. The first two were non-fiction, however. This is my second novel although the first novel was never published.
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Joe: I’ve published with a small, independent publisher that specializes in books with Southern themes like mine. I figured my book was probably too dark to be a candidate for a major publisher, and besides I don’t have an agent. I looked for publishers with interests in books like mine, got a few rejections and a couple close calls along the way before finding my publisher. 
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?  The pros and cons?
Joe: I’ve been a journalist for nearly 40 years, publishing in newspapers and magazines since the 1970s, and getting a few short stories and a couple poems into print, too. Like most writers, I’ve also got drawers full of rejections slips! Books came later in life. My two non-fiction books were published with university presses, which in turn put price tags on them that made them hard to sell commercially. I decided I never wanted that to happen again. My first novel, actually a novella, was a finalist in a national fiction contest, and I was sure that was my ticket to publication and fame. After 40 rejections, however, I shelved it and started on my second novel. That’s what many writers have done, including a good friend of mine who’s a New York Times best-selling author. With
some good advice from that writer and others, I was able to make that second novel work and get it published. We all need editors, and good advice is golden, but sometimes, too, you may have to stand up for your work and defend it. The publisher of one of my nonfiction books wanted to delete the book’s postscript, which I felt was crucial. I stood my ground, and the postscript survived, thank goodness!

What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Joe: This may sound like a cliché, but you’ve got to just keep hammering away. If you want to be a writer, then you’ve got to be able to pick yourself up off the floor a thousand times, dust yourself off, and go at it again. If you’ve been serious about your craft, I feel there’s a publisher out there for you. You don’t want to be two ships passing in the night, however. Study the publishers’ interests and rules, and, by all means, make contacts. That’s what gets you off the over-the-transom pile and onto the publisher’s desk!
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Joe: I’ve got writer friends who all somehow found their own way to a publisher. My way was pretty long and tortuous, but that’s not that unusual. For some it’s easier than for others. Living in New York might help, but I don’t. Some good writers fall to the wayside because they’re too stubborn, too fragile, or their egos get in the way. Be open, willing to learn, and on the lookout for opportunities.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Joe: I just read this from Charles Bukowski: “There is nothing more magic and beautiful than lines forming across paper. … No reward is greater than the doing.” You’ve got to love writing and in your heart know you’ve got no choice but to do it. I wouldn’t trade the joy I’ve felt at my desk on certain early mornings or late nights when some insight came shaping a character or a twist in the plot, and I just knew it was right. In those moments, you say to yourself, “To hell if this ever gets published, that’s just damned good!”

Friday, December 4, 2015

Book Publishing Secrets with Children's Author Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Book Title: Little Shepherd
Genre: Christian Children’s Picture Book
Find out more on Amazon
Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published.  Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Author: I began writing as a teen and always enjoyed it. Life got in the way for a bit, but when I became a stay-at-home mom I had a chance to focus on my writing.
This book was inspired by a Christmas carol I used to sing to one of my girls at night. I knew I wouldn’t be able to get the visions of a young shepherd in the hills outside Bethlehem on the night of the Savior’s birth out of my mind until I wrote it down.
Is this your first book?
Author: This was my first book. I’ve since published another one and have two more under contract.
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Author: I decided to go with Guardian Angel Publishing, a small indie press. The reason I chose them is because I was familiar with their books and really enjoyed them. Knowing what they published helped me to write a book that fit into one of their imprints. I also knew some authors who had published through GAP, so I asked them what they thought. I only heard good things, so I submitted my first book to them, which they accepted after a few additional edits.
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?  The pros and cons?
Author: Though in the beginning I strived to be published by the big publishers, I like the level of input I am allowed to provide on my work with an indie small press. You really feel part of the team and valued. I don’t believe I’ve lost out on anything because of my publishing choice.
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Author: I’m more apt to consider self-publishing than when I began my writing career. Since I’ve also worked in online book promotion and have spoken with numerous authors who have self-published, it doesn’t seem half as daunting as it used to. I know it’s in my future.
Publishing has greatly changed in the years since I graduated from Long Ridge Writer’s Group. So many people are self-publishing or publishing through small indie presses that authors have had to become better at marketing themselves. That is how virtual blog tours like this one really began.
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Author: Definitely. At the end of the day, do you hold out to be discovered by an agent and one of the top publishers or do you pursue an indie small press that is more willing to take a risk on a new author? While I would love to have an agent, I don’t feel not having one has hampered my success thus far.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Author: Believe in yourself! You have the power to make your dreams come true.



Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Book Publishing Secrets with Historical Novelist Joan Schweighardt

Book Title: The Last Wife of Attila the Hun
Genre: Historical fiction (with a legendary component)
Publisher: Booktrope Editions
Purchase on Amazon

Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published.  Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Joan: I’ve been writing for many years, both professionally for other people, and on my own projects. I was very shy as a child and a teen and even as a young adult. Writing offered me a great means for expressing myself. And I realized early on that I was pretty good at it. Once in grade school I got an A+ on an essay about Stalin, based on a chapter in a history book that I’d never bothered to read. That sealed the deal for me.
Is this your first book?
Joan: I’ve written several other novels, and I’ve ghostwritten books for clients.
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Joan: The Last Wife of Attila the Hun is published by Booktrope Editions. Booktrope has only been around for a short time, so it’s too soon to say how they will fare in today’s crazy upside down publishing world. But I was impressed with how they got started, presenting their vision at an angel conference and winning the top prize and garnering all kinds of investment money. And I’m impressed with their publishing model.
Unlike many so called “hybrid” presses, Booktrope does not ask you to buy a large number of your own books or pay them any money for production or anything like that. Once they accept your manuscript for publication, you go on their website and review the bios of the editors, proofreaders, cover designers and book managers who are signed up with them. Then you invite the people you’d like to be on your team to join you on your publishing journey, and you get going. Of course Booktrope has final approval on everything. When your book is ready, a Booktrope staff member does the layout and then your book manager takes over promoting the book to readers. Having been a writer most of my life, not only working on my own projects but also writing for clients to make a living, I can tell you that it is great fun to work with a team. Now, as the book sells, profits are divided between me, my team members and Booktrope, and me getting the lion’s share. So everyone has something invested and everyone gains if things work out. No wonder Booktrope won the gold ring at the angel conference! To me this sounds like the perfect model for these times.
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?  The pros and cons?
Joan: My publishing journey has now included four publishers. Everyone has a different way of doing things. My first three novels were published with the Permanent Press, which is a traditional publisher, which was the only kind of publisher there was back in the 90s before the advent of ebooks and print on demand. Since then I’ve worked with three other publishers, two traditional and now Booktrope. My publishing journey has had its ups and downs, but it’s been a long journey with lots of surprises, and it ain’t over yet.
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Joan: Things have changed drastically in the publishing world since my first books were published. It used to be that it was enough to be a good writer. Now you have to be good at social media and good at begging the few reviewers left in the world to review your book. Or you have to lower yourself to “buy” reviews. Or you have to have the money to advertise the heck out of your book. Being a good writer alone will not do it for most of us. I guess it’s a case of survival of the fittest. Except for the fortunate few who get published by one of the handful of huge publishers that still have lots of clout and money to get a book on its way, writers will have to adapt. It’s very common to hear artists of all stripes say, “Oh, I only do my art. I’m not into the marketing thing.” I know how they feel, but most will have to kowtow to the marketing thing if they want to make it in today’s world.
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Joan: I am at the beginning of my journey with Booktrope. As I said, I think they have a great publishing model that suits the times.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Joan: Keep writing, of course. If you love to write, why would you let things like fame and money (or lack thereof) stop you?



Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Book Publishing Secrets with John Benedict, Author of 'Adrenaline'

Name: John Benedict
Book Title: Adrenaline
Genre: medical thriller
Purchase on Amazon
Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published.  Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
John:   The following true story explains both:  One day it struck me—at 2:00 in the morning in the midst of another grueling 24-hour shift. I had just finished interviewing a nice lady with an appendix about to burst—we’ll call her Linda. I had done my best not to yawn as I went through the routine questions that an anesthesiologist is obliged to ask. She appeared nervous, which soon gave way to tears. I did my best to comfort her, took her hand, told her I would take good care of her. That I would watch over her carefully in the operating room and see her through surgery. And be there when she woke up in the recovery room. She appeared to calm down a bit. I wrapped up my pre-op assessment and asked her to sign the anesthesia consent form, while assuring her the risks would be minimal. She raised her eyebrows at this and the fearful look returned. I wondered: What the hell does minimal mean when you’re talking about life and death? More tears. She told me of her two young daughters at home that desperately needed a mommy. I felt my own throat tighten. I quickly buried my emotions, tried not to think about my wife and three sons, and focused on the task at hand as we wheeled her litter back down the hall to the OR.
After Linda, sans rotten appendix, was safely tucked in the recovery room, operation a success, anesthetic uncomplicated, I lay down in the call room to try to catch a couple of z’s. My mind wandered as I lay there. Rarely, I thought, does a person willingly surrender control of their mind and body to a virtual stranger. Yet, this is exactly what happens when the person is a patient being wheeled in for surgery and the stranger is their anesthesiologist, whom they have just met minutes beforehand. Talk about an extraordinary amount of trust. This degree of trust made a distinct impression on me that night, some twenty years ago.
Other thoughts followed soon thereafter. What if the trust Linda had exhibited earlier was ill-conceived and her doctor was actually bad? Not just incompetent or sleepy, but downright evil. Being an avid reader of thrillers, I thought this chilling concept would make for a good story. Too bad I wasn’t a writer. (Disclaimer time: I don’t want to scare people here. All the docs I have known in my 30 years of medical practice are highly competent professional people, who would never purposely hurt anyone.) But I still couldn’t shake the evil concept; it kept gnawing at me until eventually I had to put it down on paper—lack of writing experience be damned. So Adrenaline was birthed, my first medical thriller novel that explores this issue of absolute trust implicit in the anesthesiologist-patient relationship—specifically, what happens when that trust is abused and replaced by fear.  Adrenaline was finally published twelve years after my encounter with Linda. 

Is this your first book?
John: Yes
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
John: Adrenaline was first published in 2005 by the small press, Sterling House, out of Pittsburgh.  After Sterling House went out of business and the rights of the book reverted to me, I re-released Adrenaline in Dec 2013 as a self-published version (trade paperback and for the first time, ebook) through CreateSpace.
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?  The pros and cons?
John: You must realize the journey is long.  Good agents and interested editors are very hard to find.  I sent out literally hundreds of query letters to agents and even managed to hook up with several poor agents.  This was primarily an exercise in frustration.  Finally, I attended multiple writing conferences and did manage to get signed by a reputable agent. I thought my journey was near its end. However, I learned that even finding a decent agent doesn’t guarantee selling the book to a mainstream publisher. My agent couldn’t sell the book.  Finally, I decided to go the self-publishing route.  This proved to be the way to go for me.  I chose CreateSpace, which worked fine for me—there are several other good alternatives out there.  Be prepared to pay a small amount to get your book published—it pays to price-shop.  Once set up, you can sell your book as an inexpensive ebook on Amazon (and elsewhere).  The internet is an extremely valuable sales platform and if your book is half-decent, it can spread by word-of-mouth alone.  Readers leave reviews and rate your book and this can attract new readers.  I’m pleased to report that Adrenaline sold very well as a Kindle ebook. In 2014, over 80,000 copies were downloaded from Amazon pushing it to the #1 paid medical thriller.  I also picked up over 400 reader reviews (mostly 5-star).  Armed with these sales numbers and positive reader reviews, I was finally able to attract a mainstream publisher for my third medical thriller, Fatal Complications, due out in December 2015.
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
John: Nowadays, with the widespread availability and low cost of ebooks, self-publishing no longer has the stigma that it had even 10 years ago.  I believe it is a perfectly viable way to go.  Write the best book you can (attend as many writers’ conferences as you can) and then get it out there as a self-published ebook.  Try your best to promote it.  After you establish a good track record, then approach the agents and editors.  With this approach, they’ll be much more likely to actually listen to your proposal and may just offer you a publishing deal.
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
John:  Yes, absolutely.  Unless you can write a killer novel out of the gate like Stephen King or have friends in the industry, it’s extremely hard to get anyone to take notice of your stuff (let alone even read it).  The gatekeepers are simply inundated with manuscripts from wannabe novelists and they just don’t have the time to give each its due.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
John:  The goal of getting published requires hard work and perseverance.  And you must believe in yourself, even when no one else seems to.  It’s also helpful to have thick skin when it comes to handling lots of rejection letters.  Write because you enjoy the process, not because you think big success (and money) is right around the corner.  Keep writing and good luck!



Friday, October 30, 2015

Book Publishing Secrets with Stephen Caputi, Author of 'I Should Have Stayed in Morocco'

Title: I Should Have Stayed in Morocco
Genre: Memoir
Author: Stephen Caputi
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Read the First Chapter
Purchase from Amazon / OmniLit

Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published.  Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Author: I was stranded in the “Hole”, (slang for solitary confinement) in a dingy federal prison in Jesup, Ga., with literally nothing to do but ponder the past. I had nothing to read, nothing to do, nothing to look forward to until the next bowl of gruel was tossed into the cell through a flap in the door, and nothing to watch since the tiny three-inch window slit was old and yellow and glazed. Total emptiness, which was driving me crazy. For a career claustrophobe, being thrust into a seventy two square-foot space that contained only a bed, toilet and sink constituted the worst case scenario. My worst nightmare had materialized, and there was no getting away from it. No relief. I knew why I was in prison, but I didn’t know why I was in the Hole. 
I began writing out of desperation. My mind was still scrambled from the shock of being thrown in the Hole. As a last resort I started to chronicle everything that happened… which wasn’t much. I wrote down every item served at every meal, everything that the guards did and said, and kept a diary of sorts that was chocked full of their shenanigans. I figured that there was no way people knew how inmates were treated in prison… and wondered if anybody cared.

The process of reflection prompted me to search for answers... about my life, about the sequence of events that led me to federal prison, and about the system that put me away. It evolved into a full-fledged quest for the truth.

Is this your first book?
Author:  Yes. But not the last… The next book will be the second in the I Should Have Stayed in Morocco trilogy. Club Fed Confidential: Inside the Perpetual Prisoner Money Machine will be a more in-depth look at what really goes on inside prisons. The final (untitled) book contains a professional analysis of the real cost of the criminal justice and prison systems, and a critical look into the skullduggery of the prison industrial complex.

With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Author: I took the advice of another author and close friend who has been through this process several times over the past five years. Given my limited budget and the timeline of wanting to get this story out in print as quickly as possible, I opted to pursue smaller to mid-tier publishers who could provide me with the editing and marketing support necessary to launch this first book.
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?  The pros and cons?
Author: The journey is actually just beginning. As a businessman, I was disappointed in some of the proposal I’d received from other publishers, but I’m still learning this industry. My current publisher, Twilight Times Books (Lida Quillen) has been tremendous. She has assembled a team of editors, cover designers and publicists to assist ‘little ol’ me’ to make this dream come true!
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Author: First, speak with other published authors about their first-hand experiences. Secondly, I’ve learned that this process requires a great deal of patience. Some days I feel as though I’m waking up in the movie, Groundhog Day! As my journey is just beginning, I worry most about how best to promote this book. I know I have much to learn here yet, but so far, it’s been a great journey.
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Author: I don’t know the final outcome of this yet, and so far… it’s my only experience. Yes, I would recommend it, but others need to do their homework as well.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?

Author:  The process of searching for the right words and the best ways to express your feelings can be tedious, but the reward is the finished product. Don’t worry about writing everything sequentially, that can be accomplished at the end with the help of some good editing. Write the scenes that you’re most passionate about first… then piece it all together!

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Book Publishing Secrets with Donald Joiner, Author of 'The Antioch Testament'

Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian
Publisher: Seraphina Press
Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published, Donald  Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Donald: I had always been intrigued by the remarkable transformation of Jesus’ apostles after his resurrection. Earlier they had been a motley collection of fishermen, laborers and revolutionaries seeking the restoration of David’s Jewish kingdom. The gospels tell us a lot about them before the resurrection, but very little afterward.
What happened to them? Where did they go? What did they accomplish? How did they die? The gospels are silent. The Antioch Testament is a historical novel that attempts to complete the story based on early church traditions. I thought it was a story well worth the telling.
Is this your first book?
Donald: No, but it is my first novel.
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Donald: Indie. I wasted considerable time seeking agent representation. Found that authors’ agents were literally swamped with manuscripts so I elected to investigate and identify the very best self-publishing companies. As a result, I selected Hillcrest Media which owns Seraphina Press based on the quality of their work and their unique distribution system which closely  approximates the distribution system of traditional publishers.
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?  The pros and cons?
Donald: My first published book was entitled Antebellum Churches in Georgia. This was a pictorial history of churches in Georgia constructed before the end of the Civil War. At the time color photography in books was prohibitively expensive so I elected to publish in black & white through Lulu Publishing. Later, when color photography sharply declined in price, I expanded my collection of churches and selected VirtualBookWorm Publishing to publish a color pictorial history entitled Faith of Our Fathers. I did not solicit representation for either of these books.
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Donald: When I began work on this historical novel, I had no idea how difficult the task of being accepted by a reputable author’s agent would be. I must have approached a dozen recommended agents, but none were in a position to help me. Those who responded to my query cited a backlog of manuscripts awaiting their attention or they were not at the moment accepting religious historical fiction. Being a senior citizen, I knew I had a limited time frame to work in so I eventually elected to go with the best self-publisher I could identify. It has been a costly enterprise, but thus far I have been pleased with this choice.
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Donald: Yes, if the author has adequate financial resources. There are many self-publishing companies out there, but an author must be careful because some are not as reputable as are others. My advice is to do diligent research on self-publishers, looking closely at each service they offer. If possible, try to communicate with a fellow author who has used this particular publisher and get his/her take on the company. If the author is aware that going this route means by and large he must manage his own marketing effort, self-publishing may be an answer.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Donald: Persistence counts! Don’t be intimidated if you do not meet immediate success in approaching agents or publishers. Keep at it. By all means don’t rely solely on your work being edited by your wife, girlfriend or mother. Your work might look wonderful to you and to them, but you should always have it professionally edited before you submit it to prospective agents or publishers.



Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Book Publishing Secrets with J.J. Sherwood, Author of 'Kings or Pawns'

Book Title: Kings or Pawns (Steps of Power: The Kings Book I)
Genre: High Fantasy
Publisher: Silver Helm
Purchase at Amazon

Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published.  Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
J. J. Sherwood: I’ve been writing since kindergarten and working on this particular world (and the characters within) since I was—literally—seven years old. It was never a choice—it was always a calling. Once I discovered the fantasy genre, I was entirely hooked and despite my previous love of sci-fi, horror, historical fiction, fiction, and even non-fiction, I can’t see myself ever leaving the fantasy genre. The world’s history holds crucial information for the readers and so this particular book was chosen.
Is this your first book?
J. J. Sherwood: It is the first I have chosen to publish, but it’s far from the first I have written.
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
J. J. Sherwood: I chose to Indie publish so that I could maintain control over the series—my editor, my webdesigner, my artists, my deadlines, etc… I know exactly where I want the series to go and quality is top on my concerns: Indie publishing allows me to ensure the series meets those high standards.
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?  The pros and cons?
J. J. Sherwood: The biggest thing about self-publishing is the time. Not only in researching just how everything has to be done, but in things like finding your artist, running social media, and managing all other business ends. Writing a novel is a full-time job—the business end of publishing is easily a part-time job even after having the help of two fantastic individuals.
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
J. J. Sherwood: Go big or go home. There are thousands of books to compete with—don’t cut corners—not in art. Not in editing. Do not go with a cheap cover—everyone judges a book by its cover. The cover is the reflection of the work within. Do not self-edit your book—get a real, professional editor. It makes all the difference to be able to look both professional and sell a high-quality novel.
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
J. J. Sherwood: If you have the money, drive, and discipline to work for yourself, yes. Let no one tell you that Indie publishing is the cheaper or easier method—it is infinitely more work and more money than traditional publishing—but you get to keep your rights and ensure that your book reaches your high standards. I cannot stress this enough: hire an editor—a good editor—and a great cover artist. Covers draw readers to your book and once they open your novel up, you need to be certain—without a shadow of a doubt—that the content inside meets traditional publishing standards.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
J. J. Sherwood: Write. Everyone says it but so, so many authors say they are too busy or hit a writer’s block. Write. Even if you are “too busy” and even when you have hit a writer’s block, write every day. Even when your writing is terrible because you don’t know what to write—write anyways. Barrel through it and edit it later. The most important thing is to actually write. And then, when your book is “done” but still “not perfect,” edit/rewrite/revise as long as you see an error and know how to fix it. Once you still see/know there is “something” wrong but no longer have a solution, your book is done. We are all our own worst critic and trust me, you will always find something supposedly “wrong” with your own work. Work on the novel as long as there is a known solution. After that, it’s time to take a deep breath and publish.



Thursday, September 24, 2015

Book Publishing Secrets with Christopher G. Nuttall, author of 'Trial By Fire'

Book Title: Trial By Fire
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Thank you for your time in answering our questions about getting published.  Let’s begin by having you explain to us why you decided to become an author and pen this book?
Author: Well, that’s two separate issues.  The blunt truth is that I saw a book I thought was a great idea, but really poorly executed, back in 2005, so I started to write a version of my own.  My version wasn’t much better, but at least it was a start.  Six years later, or thereabouts, I started to put together an outline for what would become the Schooled In Magic series.
Is this your first book?
Author: No.  Trial By Fire is somewhere around my fiftieth published book, counting both indie and traditional published books.  It’s also book seven in the Schooled In Magic series.
With this particular book, how did you publish – traditional, small press, Indie, etc. – and why did you choose this method?
Author: Trial By Fire is published by Twilight Times Books, a small America-based press.  Like most writers, I wanted to be published by a traditional publisher, so I submitted the first book in the series and everything just went on from there. 
Can you tell us a little about your publishing journey?  The pros and cons?
Author: To be frank, being published by a traditional publisher lends a certain degree of validation to the author.  Someone has actually paid money to have this book edited, ergo they must think they can claw back the money, ergo they think the book’s good.  (The author is seen as an investment.)  The publisher also takes care of editing, obtaining a cover design and everything else the book might need, which frees up more of the author’s time for writing. 
The cons, however, is that you give up a great deal of control.  I haven’t had any problems with TTB, but I’ve heard hundreds of horror stories from other authors who tangled with the wrong publisher.  Do some research before choosing a publisher.  There’s also a delay between submission and publication that can be annoying, although getting the book edited is well worth the time.
What lessons do you feel you learned about your particular publishing journey and about the publishing industry as a whole?
Author: Do my research <grin>.  I think that’s really the most important lesson of all. 
But the publishing industry itself is changing.  The rise of eBooks put power in the hands of the authors, rather than publishers, and while the bigger publishing houses have done their level best to argue otherwise, I think its inarguable that big publishing will have to adapt quickly or go the way of the dinosaurs.  Small presses - and Baen Books - tend to be far better at adapting to the changing scene. 
Would you recommend this method of publishing to other authors?
Author: It depends, really, on what they want from publishing.  Having assistance from a small publisher is worth its weight in gold, so I’d recommend it to anyone who intends to write for the long haul.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring authors?
Author: I think the best advice would be to get some critics - and then listen to them.
Yes, I know; it isn’t easy to put up with someone being critical about our work.  We pour our heart and souls into the manuscript and it hurts - it really hurts - to watch someone tear it apart.  But a decent critic and a good editor are really worth their weight in gold.  They can make the difference between getting good reviews - and a good start in writing - or being crushed under a wave of negative reviews.
Frankly, there are quite a few well-established authors who have become editor-proof (I’m sure any well-read person can name a few) and their works rapidly become unreadable.  Forgetting that you need an editor is disastrous in the long term. 
And grow a thick skin.  You’ll need it.