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A recommended read…
February 23, 2011
Uncategorized - ...thanks to Waterstones.The card below it hasn't come out very well, but it displays several complimentary comments about my book.And my apologies for the delayed update: I'm still not over this illness and every time I get back towards a normal workload I end up spending more time recovering. The doctor said six weeks, which gives me three more to go before normal blogging will be resumed.Read More
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On the shelves…
February 16, 2011
Uncategorized - My book's in store at Waterstones. When I found out, I did as any budding author would and promptly headed down there with a camera to record it for posterity, the blog, and any long-suffering friends I could corner. The alternative was to purchase a copy just to get the receipt for my scrapbook, but that might be going a little to far. When I arrived, I wasn't disappointed.This was good:This was unexpected and even better: My book is face-out on Waterstones shelves, right next to the author of one of my favourite books. For the suspicious among you, I didn't turn it that way. I found it like that. If you want to buy Fire Season from Waterstones, here's the link to order online or check if it's curently in your local:WaterstonesEven if it's not you can also order it from any WaterstonesRead More
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Back to the Book Launch
February 13, 2011
book launch - Just because I'm under the weather doesn;t stop time to the launch ticking down. And with the difference between soft launch and national release, the horrible question of the book launch event raises its head again.I would have been begging MurderOne if they were still open on Charing Cross Road. They were genre, I was a steady customer, and they are very much missed. They are still open online here, but it isn't the same.It's right on the fringe of Forbidden Planet's range. Oddly my dead-genre novel is too mainstream for a company I often buy from.Waterstones are keen - frighteningly so - but do not have a cafe, so I am not sure of the logistics for the "Party" part of launch party. I also can't afford to pay them to stay open or do a private opening.Foyles? I did consider it, but myRead More
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Books on shelves
February 9, 2011
Uncategorized - My apologies for the delayed update. After, rather optimistically, trying to work through flu, I managed to give myself pnuemonia. Fortunately I am recovering (while considering myself to be a right idiot), but updates will be erratic for a while.Well, the books are currently working their way through Waterstone's stock systems. Meanwhile there are now a few independants where the book can be obtained.Farthing Books, Coulsdon (details) is selling the book following up from its good review in the local magazine. If you want to support a local independent, here's a place to start.Read More
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Local Author Adventures – Part Three (Interviews)
February 3, 2011
Uncategorized -
The interesting chat with the bookshop was followed up by an interview where the first two questions were:
"How much did you pay to be published?" (Err...nothing, they pay me.)
"Which bookshop can we get your book from?" (All of them? It's on Nielsen.)
I was rather taken aback, but it does bring home how flexible the definition of published is. Unfortunately the reaction of local press to local author can be understandable sceptism - after all is it more likely someone in their area sold a manuscript or that they vanity-published?It also indicates the number of enquiries the press get from "local authors" who either live a few hundred miles away or have a book that for various reasons the press may not want to cover (quality, subject, editing etc.). Unfortunately this adds anRead More -
Local Author Adventures – Part Two (booksellers)
February 2, 2011
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While "self-published" might strike fear into reviewers' hearts, it seems the phrase "Local author" does the same to booksellers.I just had a very depressing discussion with a local independent bookshop. I went in at the arranged time and went up to the lady behind the counter.
"Hi, I'm X, I made an appointment to discuss my book." I was surprised when her face fell, and then set into an apologetic expression.
"We don't stock POD books." I blinked slightly.
"That's fine. It's sale or return. Usual trade discount." She looked rather sceptical.
"Well, that's good but you'll need to arrange a distributor."
"It's with Central Books. You can order through Nielsen." I was absolutely stunned by the smile I got, as she headed behind the counter and asked for the ISBN. I
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First Magazine Review
January 29, 2011
Reviews - A little while ago, I sent a copy of the book to a local magazine. Today I got my copy and, I will admit, flicked straight through to see if my book was reviewed in there. It was, along with complimentary lines such as:"...hidden twists and turns paving Folland's well-laid path of adventure all the way to a thrilling conclusion."James McAlpine, CR5 Magazine.The book got a very good review, and they even took the space to mention Arrival. It made my weekend, I can tell you.Read More
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Local Author Adventures – Part One
January 28, 2011
Uncategorized - I've run a few unexpected events into since I took on the dread label "Local Author" and started promoting my book. The pseudonym preserves a lot of privacy, but even so there have been quite a few surprises. I might write a few more in this series - depending on how much is worthy of blogging. I hadn't actually considered that being a local author means forging a business relationship with stores you've been frequenting for years. Suddenly you are a supplier as well as a customer, but also a customer at the same time, which can lead to some very odd encounters.Walking into your local bookshop as a known author for the first time after they've ordered your book, the staff seem strangely on edge as you walk towards the counter. The thoughts are on their faces: are you going to ask aboutRead More
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Arriving in second place
January 23, 2011
Arrival, Smashwords - I suppose I should be upset Arrival is currently at position #2 on a Smashwords anthology search.On the other hand, looking at number one......what chance do I stand against Justin Bieber?Arrival homepage - free e-book on SmashwordsRead More
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Yougottaread Trailer Contest Open
January 21, 2011
Uncategorized - The Fire Season Trailer was entered in this month's yougottaread contest.Voting is now open to all so, please take a look and vote (and to shamelessly drop a hint you vote in the sidebar and Fire Season is Option 19) .http://yougottareadvideos.blogspot.comRead More