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Let’s Get Visible: How To Get Noticed And Sell More Books
Published on 2013-05-12 06:08:19
As you might have guessed by the new lick of paint, Let’s Get Visible is out! Grab your copy at: Amazon | Apple | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords | $4.99 Here’s the blurb: Take your sales to the next level! … Continue reading
The Author Exploitation Business
Published on 2013-05-04 11:04:05
Writing is a glamorous occupation – at least from the outside. Popular depictions of our profession tend to leave out all the other stuff that comes with the territory: carpal tunnel syndrome, liver failure, penury, and madness. Okay, okay, I &
Lazy Literary Agents In Self-Publishing Money Grab via Argo Navis
Published on 2013-04-22 08:19:35
I was at the London Book Fair last week – and I’ll be blogging about that soon – when the news broke that David Mamet is to self-publish his next book. His reasons? ”Publishing is like Hollywood—nobody ever does the market
Self-Publishing Grabs Huge Market Share From Traditional Publishers
Published on 2013-04-12 09:53:06
Barnes & Noble re-launched PubIt! this week as Nook Press, a largely superficial makeover which failed to address some fundamental problems, like restricting access to US self-publishers only, and introduced new howler: updating existing titles cause
A List of Things Scott Turow Doesn’t Care About
Published on 2013-04-10 07:05:47
Scott Turow woke up from his slumber recently to bark nonsense about Amazon’s acquisition of Goodreads on the Authors Guild blog, before being thoroughly eviscerated in the comments. Undeterred, Turow sought out the considerably larger platform of
Why Amazon’s Purchase of Goodreads Is A Good Thing
Published on 2013-03-29 07:18:52
The doom-mongers have been running wild on Twitter with the news that Amazon is to acquire Goodreads. Much of that nonsense is typical (hysterical) Amazon bashing, or reflexive defense of the status quo. I’m not going to deal with the … C
Why Amazon’s Purchase of Goodreads Is A Good Thing
Published on 2013-03-29 07:18:52
The doom-mongers have been running wild on Twitter with the news that Amazon is to acquire Goodreads. Much of that nonsense is typical (hysterical) Amazon bashing, or reflexive defense of the status quo. I’m not going to deal with the … C
Publishers Behaving Badly, Part… I’ve Lost Count
Published on 2013-03-13 10:28:37
There seems to be a view in certain self-congratulatory circles that publishers have finally got to grips with the digital revolution, that they have weathered the fiercest part of the storm, and that they are well-placed now not just to … Cont
Publishers Behaving Badly, Part… I’ve Lost Count
Published on 2013-03-13 10:28:37
There seems to be a view in certain self-congratulatory circles that publishers have finally got to grips with the digital revolution, that they have weathered the fiercest part of the storm, and that they are well-placed now not just to … Cont
When Visibility Doesn’t Lead To Book Sales
Published on 2013-03-07 11:51:40
Writers are pretty creative about getting exposure for themselves and their books. Self-publishers especially are always experimenting with innovative ways to move the sales needle. Like many of you, I’ve tried a little of everything at this po
When Visibility Doesn’t Lead To Book Sales
Published on 2013-03-07 11:51:40
Writers are pretty creative about getting exposure for themselves and their books. Self-publishers especially are always experimenting with innovative ways to move the sales needle. Like many of you, I’ve tried a little of everything at this po
From Pizza Hut To Easy Street: The David Dalglish Story
Published on 2013-02-28 09:10:16
Fantasy author David Dalglish is a big name in the self-publishing world, but he’s on the cusp of something even bigger. His path wasn’t easy. When David uploaded his first book, way back in February 2010, he was working in Pizza …
From Pizza Hut To Easy Street: The David Dalglish Story
Published on 2013-02-28 09:10:16
Fantasy author David Dalglish is a big name in the self-publishing world, but he’s on the cusp of something even bigger. His path wasn’t easy. When David uploaded his first book, way back in February 2010, he was working in Pizza …
Amazon’s Recommendation Engine Trumps The Competition
Published on 2013-02-22 09:54:50
There’s an old adage that bestsellers are chosen rather than made, and there’s some truth to that. The amount a publisher splurges on the advance has to be recouped before the book turns a profit. The more money that has … Continue
Amazon’s Recommendation Engine Trumps The Competition
Published on 2013-02-22 09:54:50
There’s an old adage that bestsellers are chosen rather than made, and there’s some truth to that. The amount a publisher splurges on the advance has to be recouped before the book turns a profit. The more money that has … Continue
Penguin’s Solution for Authors: One Racket To Rule Them All
Published on 2013-02-19 07:55:17
Regular readers of this blog will know all about Penguin’s purchase last July of the universally reviled Author Solutions – a company infamous for overcharging writers, doing a terrible job of publishing their books, and forcing ineffecti
Penguin’s Solution for Authors: One Racket To Rule Them All
Published on 2013-02-19 07:55:17
Regular readers of this blog will know all about Penguin’s purchase last July of the universally reviled Author Solutions – a company infamous for overcharging writers, doing a terrible job of publishing their books, and forcing ineffecti
The Author With The Biggest Mailing List Wins
Published on 2013-02-07 09:01:45
What happens when a reader finishes your e-books? What’s the first thing they see? What’s the first thing they do? Back-matter is extremely important. Presuming you have done your job as a writer well, it’s a golden opportunity to draw …
The Author With The Biggest Mailing List Wins
Published on 2013-02-07 09:01:45
What happens when a reader finishes your e-books? What’s the first thing they see? What’s the first thing they do? Back-matter is extremely important. Presuming you have done your job as a writer well, it’s a golden opportunity to draw …
99 Books and 99 Authors at 99c (with $990 in prizes)
Published on 2012-12-21 04:00:21
Apologies for the blog silence while I put the finishing touches to Let’s Get Visible. I’m poking my head out of the writing cave to tell you about a very special promotion I’m taking part in today: 99 authors who … Continue r
99 Books and 99 Authors at 99c (with $990 in prizes)
Published on 2012-12-21 04:00:21
Apologies for the blog silence while I put the finishing touches to Let’s Get Visible. I’m poking my head out of the writing cave to tell you about a very special promotion I’m taking part in today: 99 authors who … Continue r
Simon & Schuster Joins Forces With Author Solutions To Rip Off Writers
Published on 2012-11-28 09:12:19
Simon & Schuster has launched a self-publishing operation, Archway Publishing, contracting one of the most disreputable players in the business to run the show: Author Solutions. We’ll get to that distasteful link-up in a second, but first let&
Simon & Schuster Joins Forces With Author Solutions To Rip Off Writers
Published on 2012-11-28 09:12:19
Simon & Schuster has launched a self-publishing operation, Archway Publishing, contracting one of the most disreputable players in the business to run the show: Author Solutions. We’ll get to that distasteful link-up in a second, but first let&
Bacon, Booze and Books: What Kings Ate and Wizards Drank
Published on 2012-11-07 14:43:35
When I first heard about What Kings Ate and Wizards Drank: A Fantasy Lover’s Food Guide I knew it was going to be brilliant. The concept alone demanded it – which I had heard about a few months beforehand. I’m in … Continue r
Bacon, Booze and Books: What Kings Ate and Wizards Drank
Published on 2012-11-07 14:43:35
When I first heard about What Kings Ate and Wizards Drank: A Fantasy Lover’s Food Guide I knew it was going to be brilliant. The concept alone demanded it – which I had heard about a few months beforehand. I’m in … Continue r
Self-Publishers Aren’t Killing The Industry, They’re Saving It
Published on 2012-11-05 10:35:00
There’s a lot of talk at the moment that cheap books are destroying the industry. In traditional publishing circles especially, fingers are being pointed at self-publishers (and their chief enablers, Amazon), who stand accused of encouraging a
Self-Publishers Aren’t Killing The Industry, They’re Saving It
Published on 2012-11-05 10:35:00
There’s a lot of talk at the moment that cheap books are destroying the industry. In traditional publishing circles especially, fingers are being pointed at self-publishers (and their chief enablers, Amazon), who stand accused of encouraging a
Amazon Opens Japanese Kindle Store
Published on 2012-10-24 05:04:24
Amazon will open a Kindle Store in Japan tomorrow – October 25 – after months of speculation (and the summer entrance into the Japanese market of up-and-coming rivals Kobo). According the the press release from Amazon, customers in Jap
Amazon Opens Japanese Kindle Store
Published on 2012-10-24 05:04:24
Amazon will open a Kindle Store in Japan tomorrow – October 25 – after months of speculation (and the summer entrance into the Japanese market of up-and-coming rivals Kobo). According the the press release from Amazon, customers in Japan can now … Continue reading →
Popularity, Visibility & KDP Select
Published on 2012-10-22 08:50:15
For most writers, anonymity is the biggest hurdle they face. The open nature of digital distribution can be a double-edged sword; there are 1.1 million titles in the Kindle Store after all. While the virtual shelves are endless, and while … Con
Popularity, Visibility & KDP Select
Published on 2012-10-22 08:50:15
For most writers, anonymity is the biggest hurdle they face. The open nature of digital distribution can be a double-edged sword; there are 1.1 million titles in the Kindle Store after all. While the virtual shelves are endless, and while … Continue reading →
Fill The Shelves – A Great New Initiative To Help Underfunded School Libraries
Published on 2012-10-18 06:48:20
Chronic under-funding of school libraries has led to the tragic spectacle of empty shelves, leaving children with nothing to read; but a new initiative called Fill The Shelves hopes to change all that. This story starts in a Pennsylvania K-8 school
Fill The Shelves – A Great New Initiative To Help Underfunded School Libraries
Published on 2012-10-18 06:48:20
Chronic under-funding of school libraries has led to the tragic spectacle of empty shelves, leaving children with nothing to read; but a new initiative called Fill The Shelves hopes to change all that. This story starts in a Pennsylvania K-8 school … Continue reading →
Conference Thoughts: Treating Backlist Like Frontlist
Published on 2012-09-13 17:22:41
Last weekend, I taught a workshop on self-publishing at the Festival of Writing in York. It was quite a large conference, with a few hundred attendees, primarily focused on unpublished writers. Most attendees were seeking publication via the traditional route, … Continue reading →
Never Kill A Client: James Bond and the Perils of Product Placement
Published on 2012-09-06 04:30:38
I’m back from the Czech Republic, but have a show to put on in the gallery tonight, then tomorrow morning I’m off down to York to give a workshop at the Festival of Writing and take part in what is being … Continue reading →
8 Award-Winning Books for $8 + win a $50 Amazon Gift Card
Published on 2012-08-27 06:10:20
As the headline might suggest, this is a promo/competition post. If you are looking for alternative content to feed your cerebrum, I humbly suggest this phenomenal Wired interview with Ursula K. Le Guin - Still Battling The Powers That Be. For the rest … Continue reading →
The Indian Kindle Store Isn’t The Real Deal… Yet
Published on 2012-08-23 07:25:07
Yesterday brought the exciting news that Amazon had launched the Indian Kindle Store. However, some questions are already being asked about why this offering is so different from the international Kindle Stores launched in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. Clicking … Continue reading →
Gone Fishing
Published on 2012-08-18 05:20:57
I’m off on vacation today for two-and-a-half weeks. While I will have some limited internet access, I’ll be spending any free time writing. The blog won’t be completely quiet in that time – there’s a post or two in the … Continue reading →
The Bonfire of the Straw Men
Published on 2012-08-06 15:11:23
In the third of a series of increasingly misguided essays for The Guardian – Why social media isn’t the magic bullet for self-epublished authors - Ewan Morrison builds a bonfire of self-publishing straw men. Morrison is convinced that “epublishing is another tech … Continue reading →
Penguin’s New Business Model: Exploiting Writers
Published on 2012-07-20 10:15:57
I don’t normally post here just to inform you of articles I have written elsewhere, but I think this one is important. Most of you will have heard the news that Penguin’s parent Pearson has purchased the infamous self-publishing services … Continue reading →
Making Money From Paperbacks
Published on 2012-07-06 06:51:53
As regular readers will be aware, I used to post a monthly sales report, sharing my sales numbers, dollars earned, and what I had been up to in terms of promotion or various other projects. I did that for a … Continue reading →
Making Money From Paperbacks
Published on 2012-07-06 06:51:53
As regular readers will be aware, I used to post a monthly sales report, sharing my sales numbers, dollars earned, and what I had been up to in terms of promotion or various other projects. I did that for a … Continue reading →
The Authors Guild Doesn’t Serve Writers
Published on 2012-07-02 06:09:18
It’s official: the Authors Guild has lost the plot. In their (seemingly endless) quest to smear Amazon, they don’t care who they wheel out as an injured party. Spoiler alert: it’s PublishAmerica. Yep, you read that right. But before we get … Continue reading →
The Authors Guild Doesn’t Serve Writers
Published on 2012-07-02 06:09:18
It’s official: the Authors Guild has lost the plot. In their (seemingly endless) quest to smear Amazon, they don’t care who they wheel out as an injured party. Spoiler alert: it’s PublishAmerica. Yep, you read that right. But before we get … Continue reading →
How To Query Amazon: The Little Goat That Could
Published on 2012-06-25 10:15:42
This wasn’t supposed to happen to George Berger, especially when he was this close to throwing in the towel. You see, George made a (rather public) vow after two years of tepid sales – he would give it one more … Continue reading →
How To Query Amazon: The Little Goat That Could
Published on 2012-06-25 10:15:42
This wasn’t supposed to happen to George Berger, especially when he was this close to throwing in the towel. You see, George made a (rather public) vow after two years of tepid sales – he would give it one more … Continue reading →
The Profit-Sharing Translation Model – First Title Released
Published on 2012-06-18 14:00:01
First of all, an apology. After my move to London last month, it took longer than expected to get settled. I’m finally back online, working off a dodgy mobile connection – but at least it’s something. While I’ve been wrestling … Continue reading →
The Profit-Sharing Translation Model – First Title Released
Published on 2012-06-18 14:00:01
First of all, an apology. After my move to London last month, it took longer than expected to get settled. I’m finally back online, working off a dodgy mobile connection – but at least it’s something. While I’ve been wrestling … Continue reading →
Understanding Amazon’s New Algorithms Is As Easy As ABC
Published on 2012-05-17 08:57:04
Amazon’s KDP Select introduced a new tranche of self-publishers to the upper reaches of the charts for the first time. For the first couple of months of this year, a new seam had been discovered in this self-publishing “gold-rush.” It … Continue reading →
Understanding Amazon’s New Algorithms Is As Easy As ABC
Published on 2012-05-17 08:57:04
Amazon’s KDP Select introduced a new tranche of self-publishers to the upper reaches of the charts for the first time. For the first couple of months of this year, a new seam had been discovered in this self-publishing “gold-rush.” It … Continue reading →
An Open Letter to the DOJ from Someone Who Actually Cares About Writers (and Readers)
Published on 2012-05-15 08:01:49
The leading literary agents’ organization – the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR) – penned an open letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) opposing the terms of the settlement reached with three of the publishers named in the Agency price-fixing … Continue reading →
An Open Letter to the DOJ from Someone Who Actually Cares About Writers (and Readers)
Published on 2012-05-15 08:01:49
The leading literary agents’ organization – the Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR) – penned an open letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ) opposing the terms of the settlement reached with three of the publishers named in the Agency price-fixing … Continue reading →
Let’s Get Digital is Free on Amazon
Published on 2012-05-08 05:51:50
Let’s Get Digital is free on Amazon. If you haven’t already grabbed a copy, now would be a good time. It will likely only be free for a few days, and this might well be the only free run this … Continue reading →
Let’s Get Digital is Free on Amazon
Published on 2012-05-08 05:51:50
Let’s Get Digital is free on Amazon. If you haven’t already grabbed a copy, now would be a good time. It will likely only be free for a few days, and this might well be the only free run this … Continue reading →
Was Self-Publishing The Right Decision?
Published on 2012-04-26 12:16:10
Sunday will mark a year since I first uploaded to Amazon. At the time, I was wrestling with a question that many writers are still dealing with today: should I self-publish? The argument about whether to self-publish has been debated … Continue reading →
Was Self-Publishing The Right Decision?
Published on 2012-04-26 12:16:10
Sunday will mark a year since I first uploaded to Amazon. At the time, I was wrestling with a question that many writers are still dealing with today: should I self-publish? The argument about whether to self-publish has been debated … Continue reading →
Pricing, Visibilty & Experimentation
Published on 2012-04-23 12:00:58
This blog focuses a lot on getting the basics right: a good story, cover, blurb, sample, and price. However, all of that means little if no-one is actually visiting your book page to begin with. Competitions, blog reviews, giveaways, guest … Continue reading →
Pricing, Visibilty & Experimentation
Published on 2012-04-23 12:00:58
This blog focuses a lot on getting the basics right: a good story, cover, blurb, sample, and price. However, all of that means little if no-one is actually visiting your book page to begin with. Competitions, blog reviews, giveaways, guest … Continue reading →
Don’t Be Fooled: Big Publishing Hates Competition
Published on 2012-04-16 10:53:42
The reaction to the filing of the DoJ’s antitrust suit was laughable, if somewhat predictable. Among other things, the DoJ has been accused of working for Amazon – helping them to “destroy the publishing industry.” If you want to sample … Continue reading →
Don’t Be Fooled: Big Publishing Hates Competition
Published on 2012-04-16 10:53:42
The reaction to the filing of the DoJ’s antitrust suit was laughable, if somewhat predictable. Among other things, the DoJ has been accused of working for Amazon – helping them to “destroy the publishing industry.” If you want to sample … Continue reading →
How The Agency Model Led To An Antitrust Suit
Published on 2012-04-12 11:38:03
As reported yesterday, the Department of Justice has filed its antitrust lawsuit against Apple and five of the largest publishers (Macmillan, Penguin, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Simon & Schuster). A settlement has been agreed with HarperCollins, Hachette, and Simon & Schuster; … Continue reading →
How The Agency Model Led To An Antitrust Suit
Published on 2012-04-12 11:38:03
As reported yesterday, the Department of Justice has filed its antitrust lawsuit against Apple and five of the largest publishers (Macmillan, Penguin, HarperCollins, Hachette, and Simon & Schuster). A settlement has been agreed with HarperCollins, Hachette, and Simon & Schuster; … Continue reading →
The Anti-Amazon Campaign Jumps The Shark
Published on 2012-04-11 11:20:21
The anti-Amazon stories seem to be coming thick and fast at the moment. Salon posted an article on Sunday written by Alexander Zaitchik called Amazon’s $1 million secret which contained the sensational allegation that Amazon donates $1 million to various … Continue reading →
The Anti-Amazon Campaign Jumps The Shark
Published on 2012-04-11 11:20:21
The anti-Amazon stories seem to be coming thick and fast at the moment. Salon posted an article on Sunday written by Alexander Zaitchik called Amazon’s $1 million secret which contained the sensational allegation that Amazon donates $1 million to various … Continue reading →
Jodi Picoult and the Myth of the Segregated Marketplace
Published on 2012-04-09 10:26:52
Jodi Picoult made headlines last week for her views on self-publishing, expressed in an interview with the Daily Beast (from Page 2): What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Take a workshop course. You need to learn to give and … Continue reading →
Jodi Picoult and the Myth of the Segregated Marketplace
Published on 2012-04-09 10:26:52
Jodi Picoult made headlines last week for her views on self-publishing, expressed in an interview with the Daily Beast (from Page 2): What advice would you give to an aspiring author? Take a workshop course. You need to learn to give and … Continue reading →
March Sales Report: A Bumper Month & Some Old-School Piracy
Published on 2012-04-02 14:16:24
It’s that time of the month again when the slate is wiped clean and Amazon makes us sing for our supper anew. All those beautiful sales vanish from our reports, replaced by a taunting brown streak – which only disappears … Continue reading →
March Sales Report: A Bumper Month & Some Old-School Piracy
Published on 2012-04-02 14:16:24
It’s that time of the month again when the slate is wiped clean and Amazon makes us sing for our supper anew. All those beautiful sales vanish from our reports, replaced by a taunting brown streak – which only disappears … Continue reading →
How I Failed My Way Into A Book Deal – Guest Post by Matt Ellis
Published on 2012-03-29 14:16:07
I first met author and editor Matt Ellis last summer through Twitter. We exchanged a few emails, after which Matt posted a thoughtful review of one of my short stories, If You Go Into The Woods. In that some post, … Continue reading →
How I Failed My Way Into A Book Deal – Guest Post by Matt Ellis
Published on 2012-03-29 14:16:07
I first met author and editor Matt Ellis last summer through Twitter. We exchanged a few emails, after which Matt posted a thoughtful review of one of my short stories, If You Go Into The Woods. In that some post, … Continue reading →
Selling Ebooks Direct: How To Set Up A Simple E-Bookstore
Published on 2012-03-27 06:29:53
Selling e-books direct to your readers has just got a little easier, thanks to a new company called Gumroad. I heard about them through indie author Sarah Billington on Friday, had my store up and running on Saturday, and fully pimped … Continue reading →
Selling Ebooks Direct: How To Set Up A Simple E-Bookstore
Published on 2012-03-27 06:29:53
Selling e-books direct to your readers has just got a little easier, thanks to a new company called Gumroad. I heard about them through indie author Sarah Billington on Friday, had my store up and running on Saturday, and fully pimped … Continue reading →
St. Patrick’s Day Blowout: Results
Published on 2012-03-21 16:24:25
If you were on Twitter over the weekend, you probably heard something about the St. Patrick’s Day Blowout Sale that I ran here on the blog. A few of you asked how it was all put together, and plenty are … Continue reading →
St. Patrick’s Day Blowout: Results
Published on 2012-03-21 16:24:25
If you were on Twitter over the weekend, you probably heard something about the St. Patrick’s Day Blowout Sale that I ran here on the blog. A few of you asked how it was all put together, and plenty are … Continue reading →
Can You Self-Publish Your Way to a Big Deal? Guest Post from Lindsay Buroker
Published on 2012-03-19 15:04:46
Self-published author Lindsay Buroker was approached recently by 47North, Amazon’s SF/F/H imprint. Today Lindsay is here to explain how you can best position yourself to attract an offer. And, despite what you may think, it’s not all about sales. Self-publishing offers a … Continue reading →
Can You Self-Publish Your Way to a Big Deal? Guest Post from Lindsay Buroker
Published on 2012-03-19 15:04:46
Self-published author Lindsay Buroker was approached recently by 47North, Amazon’s SF/F/H imprint. Today Lindsay is here to explain how you can best position yourself to attract an offer. And, despite what you may think, it’s not all about sales. Self-publishing offers a … Continue reading →
St. Patrick’s Day Blowout! 30 Great Books by 26 Authors, All Reduced to 99c!
Published on 2012-03-16 03:30:59
NOTE: THIS SALE IS NOW OVER AND THE COMPETITION IS CLOSED. The winner of the 30 book giveaway is Loreto Weir. Congratulations! I’ve left up the sale page in case anyone still wants to peruse this fine list of books. … Continue reading →
St. Patrick’s Day Blowout! 30 Great Books by 26 Authors, All Reduced to 99c!
Published on 2012-03-16 03:30:59
NOTE: THIS SALE IS NOW OVER AND THE COMPETITION IS CLOSED. The winner of the 30 book giveaway is Loreto Weir. Congratulations! I’ve left up the sale page in case anyone still wants to peruse this fine list of books. … Continue reading →
Profiting Outside Amazon: Guest Post From Sarah Woodbury
Published on 2012-03-14 12:30:28
The first wave of self-publishers who signed up to KDP Select have either come to the end of their 90-day exclusivity period or that day is fast approaching, and many are wondering whether to re-enroll in the program or to … Continue reading →
Profiting Outside Amazon: Guest Post From Sarah Woodbury
Published on 2012-03-14 12:30:28
The first wave of self-publishers who signed up to KDP Select have either come to the end of their 90-day exclusivity period or that day is fast approaching, and many are wondering whether to re-enroll in the program or to … Continue reading →
The End of Limits: Guest Post by Matthew Iden
Published on 2012-03-12 11:05:00
There has been a lot of talk recently about the changes that have taken place over the last two years in the business side of publishing. Today, I have a fascinating guest post from indie author Matthew Iden who examines … Continue reading →
The End of Limits: Guest Post by Matthew Iden
Published on 2012-03-12 11:05:00
There has been a lot of talk recently about the changes that have taken place over the last two years in the business side of publishing. Today, I have a fascinating guest post from indie author Matthew Iden who examines … Continue reading →
Scott Turow: Wrong About Everything
Published on 2012-03-10 10:29:31
On Thursday it was reported that the U.S. Justice Department was preparing to sue five of the largest publishers, and Apple, for (allegedly) colluding to fix e-book prices. Despite the shock expressed in some quarters, this is hardly a bolt … Continue reading →
Scott Turow: Wrong About Everything
Published on 2012-03-10 10:29:31
On Thursday it was reported that the U.S. Justice Department was preparing to sue five of the largest publishers, and Apple, for (allegedly) colluding to fix e-book prices. Despite the shock expressed in some quarters, this is hardly a bolt … Continue reading →
February Sales Report: Amazon Up, Everywhere Else Down
Published on 2012-03-08 10:40:32
It has been a couple of months since I did a sales report, so I thought it might be a good time to share what kind of value I’m getting out of my pimp suit. For anyone looking for numbers … Continue reading →
February Sales Report: Amazon Up, Everywhere Else Down
Published on 2012-03-08 10:40:32
It has been a couple of months since I did a sales report, so I thought it might be a good time to share what kind of value I’m getting out of my pimp suit. For anyone looking for numbers … Continue reading →
Amazon & The Importance of Popularity
Published on 2012-03-01 12:50:59
A few days ago, I tweeted a link to a survey which purported to show that self-publishers had captured 77% of the spots on the Kindle Top 200 Science Fiction Bestseller List. As it turns out, the list the survey … Continue reading →
Amazon & The Importance of Popularity
Published on 2012-03-01 12:50:59
A few days ago, I tweeted a link to a survey which purported to show that self-publishers had captured 77% of the spots on the Kindle Top 200 Science Fiction Bestseller List. As it turns out, the list the survey … Continue reading →
Why Giving Away Thousands Of Free Books Is A Good Thing
Published on 2012-02-24 10:31:50
While on the surface the following may seem to be a KDP Select success story, it’s actually something a little more important than that: a testament to the power of determination, and proof that even the most niche of books … Continue reading →
Why Giving Away Thousands Of Free Books Is A Good Thing
Published on 2012-02-24 10:31:50
While on the surface the following may seem to be a KDP Select success story, it’s actually something a little more important than that: a testament to the power of determination, and proof that even the most niche of books … Continue reading →
Print Editions, Mailing Lists, Special Offers, Donations & Ad Spots
Published on 2012-02-20 10:30:41
A number of questions have been popping up by email and in the comments – topics I’ve alluded to here but haven’t gone into much detail. I’m going to run through them quickly today: print editions, mailing lists/newsletters, running a … Continue reading →
Print Editions, Mailing Lists, Special Offers, Donations & Ad Spots
Published on 2012-02-20 10:30:41
A number of questions have been popping up by email and in the comments – topics I’ve alluded to here but haven’t gone into much detail. I’m going to run through them quickly today: print editions, mailing lists/newsletters, running a … Continue reading →
Amazon Is Creating Competition, Not Killing It
Published on 2012-02-17 11:48:38
The big topic (again) seems to be whether Amazon is a monopoly, or is heading in that direction, and whether they should be “stopped” (although, I’m never quite sure what that entails exactly). Barry Eisler dealt with this fear, rather … Continue reading →
Amazon Is Creating Competition, Not Killing It
Published on 2012-02-17 11:48:38
The big topic (again) seems to be whether Amazon is a monopoly, or is heading in that direction, and whether they should be “stopped” (although, I’m never quite sure what that entails exactly). Barry Eisler dealt with this fear, rather … Continue reading →
Comprehensive Self-Publishing Survey – Please Participate!
Published on 2012-02-08 08:05:11
The average self-publisher sells 100 books. Or is it 200? And is that in a year? Or is it over the lifetime of the book? The problem is, we have no idea at all, no way of measuring how we … Continue reading →
Comprehensive Self-Publishing Survey – Please Participate!
Published on 2012-02-08 08:05:11
The average self-publisher sells 100 books. Or is it 200? And is that in a year? Or is it over the lifetime of the book? The problem is, we have no idea at all, no way of measuring how we … Continue reading →
A Straight Writer of Gay Romance? Interview With Swedish Author Niklas Leavy
Published on 2012-02-03 12:27:35
I first met Niklas Leavy just over a year ago. At the time, I was still querying, and he was working on a book – hitting me for information on US agents and how to approach them. Niklas had some success … Continue reading →
A Straight Writer of Gay Romance? Interview With Swedish Author Niklas Leavy
Published on 2012-02-03 12:27:35
I first met Niklas Leavy just over a year ago. At the time, I was still querying, and he was working on a book – hitting me for information on US agents and how to approach them. Niklas had some success … Continue reading →
Writing At The Speed Of Light
Published on 2012-01-30 09:40:45
I’m a slow writer. One of my primary goals this year is to increase my writing speed. Last year I released four titles – three shorts and two full-length books. About 170,000 words total. That sounds pretty impressive until you … Continue reading →
Writing At The Speed Of Light
Published on 2012-01-30 09:40:45
I’m a slow writer. One of my primary goals this year is to increase my writing speed. Last year I released four titles – three shorts and two full-length books. About 170,000 words total. That sounds pretty impressive until you … Continue reading →
Self-Editing: Back to Basics, Part II – Guest post from Karin Cox, Editor
Published on 2012-01-27 08:58:30
We wrap up our series on self-editing today with part two of Karin Cox’s guest post on self-editing basics and the common mistakes writers make. On Monday, we kicked off the series with a post from UK author and editor … Continue reading →
Self-Editing: Back to Basics, Part II – Guest post from Karin Cox, Editor
Published on 2012-01-27 08:58:30
We wrap up our series on self-editing today with part two of Karin Cox’s guest post on self-editing basics and the common mistakes writers make. On Monday, we kicked off the series with a post from UK author and editor … Continue reading →
Self-Editing: Back to Basics, Part I – Guest Post by Karin Cox
Published on 2012-01-25 10:43:24
We continue our series on self-editing today with the first of a two-part post from author and editor Karin Cox. Karin has a unique perspective: she has considerable experience working for a trade publisher in Australia and is also a … Continue reading →
Self-Editing: Back to Basics, Part I – Guest Post by Karin Cox
Published on 2012-01-25 10:43:24
We continue our series on self-editing today with the first of a two-part post from author and editor Karin Cox. Karin has a unique perspective: she has considerable experience working for a trade publisher in Australia and is also a … Continue reading →
We Interrupt This Blog: Tribute to LC Evans
Published on 2012-01-24 09:18:31
As some of you may know, indie author LC Evans lost her battle with cancer earlier this month. Simon Royle is organizing a tribute today, which happens to be the anniversary of when he interviewed Linda on IndieView. Simon thought … Continue reading →
We Interrupt This Blog: Tribute to LC Evans
Published on 2012-01-24 09:18:31
As some of you may know, indie author LC Evans lost her battle with cancer earlier this month. Simon Royle is organizing a tribute today, which happens to be the anniversary of when he interviewed Linda on IndieView. Simon thought … Continue reading →
Edit Like A Pro: Guest Post by Harry Bingham
Published on 2012-01-23 10:10:36
Last week, I spoke about the importance of getting the basics right. This week we are going to focus on editing, and in particular self-editing. One of the more common criticisms self-publishers receive is with regard to editing (or proofing, … Continue reading →
Edit Like A Pro: Guest Post by Harry Bingham
Published on 2012-01-23 10:10:36
Last week, I spoke about the importance of getting the basics right. This week we are going to focus on editing, and in particular self-editing. One of the more common criticisms self-publishers receive is with regard to editing (or proofing, … Continue reading →
A New Strategy for a New Year – Guest Post by Sarah Woodbury
Published on 2012-01-20 09:43:54
To enroll or not to enroll, that is the question on a lot of writers’ minds. I have had several posts on KDP Select, because it’s a complex issue, without one “right” answer that will fit all self-publishers. If you … Continue reading →
Why Is My Book Not Selling?
Published on 2012-01-18 10:37:33
Okay. Time for a confession. A Storm Hits Valparaiso is selling a little less than I had hoped. But that’s not what today’s post is about. This question – why is my book not selling? – is quite a common one … Continue reading →
What About The E-Reader Everyone Owns Already?
Published on 2011-07-05 06:24:01
A lot of my friends don’t own e-readers and most have no intention of buying one – for now at least. Some are curious about the iPad, and a couple have one, but most don’t see the point of owning … Continue reading →
Smart Promo Idea (And For A Good Cause Too): The Summer Book Club
Published on 2011-07-02 07:48:50
Just a short post today. A group of top-selling indie writers have come up with a rather clever idea that I wanted to highlight (which also happens to help a worthy cause). The Summer Book Club contains titles from top … Continue reading →
That Was The Month That Was – June Sales Figures
Published on 2011-07-01 07:39:28
I took a day off yesterday! I did… nothing! It was beautiful, but now it’s back to work. Today, I am going to reveal my slightly disappointing sales figures for June. I will pinpoint some of the factors in the … Continue reading →
Interview With Indie Romance & Erotica Writer Harris Channing
Published on 2011-06-29 08:27:11
I like to mix things up now and then on this blog so that it’s not all publishing news all the time. Today, I am posting an interview with romance and erotica writer Harris Channing. Some of the topics we … Continue reading →
Major US Agency Moves Into Publishing. Or Do They?
Published on 2011-06-28 07:14:35
It seems like the big news stories are coming every day now. That’s what happens when you combine the disruptive power of the internet with a revolutionary change like digital self-publishing. In an announcement that is sure to cause some … C
Are Big Publishers Losing The Battle For The Big Backlists?
Published on 2011-06-27 06:09:54
Ian Fleming Publications Ltd., the company which manages the literary estate of the deceased James Bond creator and thus controls not only all pre-existing James Bond works, but all future ones too, have been in the news this morning It … Conti
JK Rowling Really Is Self-Publishing: A Closer Look
Published on 2011-06-25 07:27:43
Now that the dust has settled a little, I would like to take some time today to examine aspects of JK Rowling’s move into self-publishing. As soon as the announcement was made, various people were tying themselves into knots to … Continue rea
Print Continues Its Death Spiral
Published on 2011-06-24 07:01:13
JK Rowling’s announcement that she is self-publishing the Harry Potter e-books pretty much drowned everything else out yesterday, but there was some other news that should be highlighted. The American Association of Publishers (AAP) released fi
JK Rowling To Self-Publish Harry Potter E-Books
Published on 2011-06-23 08:04:40
In April, I predicted that a major international bestseller – a household name – would self-publish by the end of the summer. It looks like we won’t have to wait that long. JK Rowling announced the launch of Pottermore.com – &
Interview with Digital Poet & Fantasy Novelist Stephen R. Drennon
Published on 2011-06-22 07:11:46
One of the many things that fascinate me about digital publishing are the new possibilities afforded to writers. Traditionally, publishing has been wary of all sorts of stuff – short novels, short stories, longer novels, novellas, and poetry.
John Locke Sells A Million Books, Then Tells The World How He Did It
Published on 2011-06-21 07:29:38
John Locke made history (again) yesterday when he was announced as the first indie writer to sell 1 million Kindle Books. In case you are wondering about Amanda Hocking – who broke a million a while back – that was … Continue readin
You Never Know When Your Promo Seeds Will Blossom
Published on 2011-06-20 07:01:26
I am in a wistful mood this morning. Perhaps it’s the soft summer rain. Maybe its the Joe Dassin tune on my record player. Most likely it’s last tentacles of the wine I drank last night still wrapped lovingly around … Continue readi
Self-Publishing Myth #1: You Will Never Make Any Money
Published on 2011-06-18 09:09:47
There are a lot of myths surrounding self-publishing, and part of the mission of this blog is to try and dispel them. One of the most common myths is that if you self-publish you will never make any money. The … Continue reading →
A Journey of a Million Steps – Guest Post by Margo Lerwill, Author of “Dis”
Published on 2011-06-17 05:37:19
Today we have an extra-special guest post from blogger extraordinaire Margo Lerwill – one of the brains behind Wicked & Tricksy, and author of the feisty, Norse-themed urban fantasy short Dis. While she’s here, I’ll be over ther
Indie Writers Making History In The UK
Published on 2011-06-16 06:34:14
Indie authors Mark Edwards and Louise Voss are making history in the UK. Their second book Catch Your Death has been at the top of the Kindle charts (for all books) for over a week. To top it all off, … Continue reading →
Exploding Myths & Destroying Minds
Published on 2011-06-15 07:16:06
Dean Wesley Smith is updating his infamous blog series Killing the Sacred Cows of Publishing. I remember my first reaction when I stumbled across his blog: this guy is going to make enemies! He takes on every myth in the … Continue reading U
Free As A Sales Tool – Interview with Indie Writer Lizzy Ford
Published on 2011-06-14 06:57:55
I am always interested in fresh approaches and new ideas. The whole concept of “free as a sales tool” is fascinating to me. I’ve seen people use a number of different approaches, but what is most common is to make … Continue r
Indie Publishing For International Writers, Step Ten: What Happens When The Sales Just Stop?
Published on 2011-06-13 07:39:04
This is the final part of INDIE PUBLISHING FOR INTERNATIONAL WRITERS, a step-by-step guide to getting your stories into (digital) print. I will be compiling all these steps into a free e-book for my blog-readers when I am done. It’s called Let
Interview with T.D. Johnston, Founder of Short Story America
Published on 2011-06-10 05:49:33
I finally managed a cyber sit-down with the incredibly busy and productive T.D. (Tim) Johnston. Aside from being an educator, and an author, Tim is the founder and editor of Short Story America which was recently named by Writer’s Digest …
Swimming Lessons & Radium Girls
Published on 2011-06-09 07:59:43
Before I get to today’s blog post, I want to send you somewhere else! I have spoken about Wicked & Tricksy before. Well, one of the devious minds behind that operation – Claudie A. – has her own excellent blog … Continue r
An International Challenge to Amazon? From Spain?
Published on 2011-06-08 06:23:31
Those of us here in Europe have long been puzzled by Amazon’s go-slow international policy. I live in Stockholm, a wealthy city with a population that seems to be fond of their gadgets. Fancy laptops are everywhere, iPhones are ubiquitous, R
Haiku #11 – A Prayer To Saint Anthony
Published on 2011-06-07 15:06:34
A farmer’s peaked hat. Wet Tuesday mornings and a thousand cigarettes. From the Haikupalooza archives. Do not attempt to drive a car or operate heavy machinery for one hour after ingesting these haikus.
The Kindle Store: The New Slush Pile?
Published on 2011-06-07 09:07:06
We have spoken on this blog several times about what the future holds for agents in a world where publishers are disintermediated by the dominance of e-books and the marginalisation of bookstores. Some agents are responding to the fall …
Indie Publishing For International Writers, Step 9: Discounts, Competitions & Blog Tours
Published on 2011-06-06 07:18:49
This is the ninth part of my continuing series INDIE PUBLISHING FOR INTERNATIONAL WRITERS, a step-by-step guide to getting your stories into (digital) print. I’ll be doing each step with you, learning as you do, because I’ve never done this befo
More Bad Behaviour From Agents, Publishers & VS Naipaul
Published on 2011-06-04 07:58:52
It’s the hottest day of the year here in Stockholm, so I thought I would give you a quick weekend round-up before heading out to carbonize my skin work on my manuscript. There are some legal issues discussed below. I … Continue reading &#
Sales Figures For May – A Decent Start
Published on 2011-06-02 06:11:15
I started this blog at the beginning of April at the same time that I made my decision to self-publish. I thought I would document the process of an unknown, unpublished writer as they attempted to get noticed out of … Continue reading →
Cheryl Shireman’s Life Is More Than A Dream – Interview
Published on 2011-06-01 05:54:35
Today, we are going to do something a little different. Cheryl Shireman was kind enough to answer a few questions. For those of you who don’t know her, Cheryl is currently selling over 200 copies PER DAY of the e-book edition … Continue
Self-Publishing & Trade Publishing Are Not Mutually Exclusive Paths
Published on 2011-05-31 06:59:02
There was one thing that stuck out like a sore thumb amidst all the huffing and puffing surrounding Barry Eisler’s decision to sign with Amazon’s new imprint, Thomas & Mercer. Some people (both indie evangelists and arch-defenders o
Publishers Skinning Authors, Eisler & Konrath, and The Never-Ending Blog Tour
Published on 2011-05-30 05:55:28
I have to spend the day hauling giant loads of copper, chemicals, and silicone (don’t ask), so if you don’t mind, I will do a quick news round-up, and talk about some stuff appearing here and elsewhere in the coming … Continue readi
Nothing To Do With The Champions League Final
Published on 2011-05-28 06:02:09
There will be no posting this weekend. I am a little behind schedule in cleaning up Let’s Get Digital, Digital, and I would like to catch up. Blogging will resume Monday. I hope you don’t mind, it means you will … Continue reading &
Indie Publishing For International Writers, Step 8: Pricing Strategies
Published on 2011-05-27 08:22:50
This is the eight part of my continuing series INDIE PUBLISHING FOR INTERNATIONAL WRITERS, a step-by-step guide to getting your stories into (digital) print. I’ll be doing each step with you, learning as you do, because I’ve never done this befo
The Third Way – Barry Eisler Signs Trade Deal With Amazon
Published on 2011-05-26 07:10:47
In a move announced yesterday at BookExpo America, Barry Eisler has signed a trade deal with Amazon’s newest imprint Thomas & Mercer. Full details of the deal have yet to emerge, but Eisler stated that the advance was “comparable̶
E-Reader War Heats Up and Amazon Launch New Imprints
Published on 2011-05-25 08:44:49
Now that Transfection has flown the net, we can get back to business. Tomorrow, I will continue my free guide to self-publishing with a section on pricing. Today, I want to look at some of the big news stories of the … Continue reading →
Haiku #10 – Never Underestimate The Power of a Carbohydrate
Published on 2011-05-24 18:20:51
From either side of my heart, beans and toast send love notes to each other. From the Haikupalooza archives. Do not attempt to drive a car or operate heavy machinery for one hour after ingesting these haikus.
Transfection Spreads Across The Planet! (Competition)
Published on 2011-05-24 04:00:06
To celebrate the release of my latest short story – Transfection – I am giving away TWENTY-FIVE free copies of my new e-book. It has already hit the Science Fiction Short Story Bestseller charts in the UK and America, and … Continue
Why Traditional Publishers Will Go The Way Of Travel Agents
Published on 2011-05-23 09:37:50
Over the last six weeks or so, we have examined the various aspects of the publishing industry, and assessed how the different parts are functioning (or in most cases, malfunctioning) in the face of the changes brought about by the … Continue r
Sample Sunday: TRANSFECTION – Old-school sci-fi by David Gaughran
Published on 2011-05-22 03:52:41
This week’s Sample Sunday offering is from my latest e-book - Transfection - an old school sci-fi technothriller about a molecular biologist who makes a startling discovery which threatens his life. I have printed the first section of the sto