Category Publishing

Arrival – a Free short story

December 14, 2010 Arrival, Smashwords

Back between August and November I released a short story, linked to Fire Season, through tweets and regular blog updates. It proved rather popular, drawing over 6,000 followers on its various channels. So, since it's coming up for Christmas, with the help of the publisher it is now available as a free download on Smashwords in most ebook formats.Arrival is set a few years before Fire Season, covering the arrival of one of Brooke's Vale's more unique residents.

ArrivalEbook Price: Free! 1560 words. Type: FictionAuthor: V.H. FollandReleased: December 14, 2010A short story about the arrival of one of Brooke's Vale's more unusual residents.A prequel, set several years before Fire Season, this was originally released through Twitter.*Click here to Download Free*

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Quick Amazon Update

October 19, 2010 Amazon, Promotion

The book's back up on Amazon, so search for the ISBN, author surname or title (sorted by publication date) and you can see it again. However I will admit to spending a very worried evening.My attempt at publicity materials are also underway, including a set of mini-bookmarks that should arrive later this week. The publisher is refining their press release and putting together a media kit.Fire Seasonon amazon.co.uk

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On Amazon!

October 10, 2010 Amazon

This was set up a couple of days ago, but it takes time for the details to come through. This is why the book is showing as "Out of Stock" instead of "Coming Soon". The important thing is, it's there.Dates for updates:Cover Image: 16th NovemberTargeted Release: 1st DecemberUnfortunately Amazon won't allow you to reserve a copy, or tell the publisher if you add it to your wishlist. Alternatives are apparently being looked into, and I'll let you know when I have an update.Fire Season on Amazon.co.uk

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Another reason for Pseudonyms

July 23, 2010 Publishing

I've covered the basic reasons for using a pseudonym before (genre confusion, privacy, shelf position), but recently I encountered one I had not considered. I was talking to a professional contact about some work, when he asked what I'd been doing with myself for the last few months."I've been working on a book deal," I replied."Oh, excellent! You're publishing a book on ! Put me down for one.""No, it was a novel." Even down the telephone, the suddenly screech of brakes and mental reverse was obvious. After a bit of stammering from him, I mercifully changed the subject. And then people wonder why I don't discuss my interests outside work...Once the work issue was done, we discussed his reaction, why it wasn't unexpected, and he gave permission to blog about it as long as he was not named.

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Acquisitions & editors – an odd irony

July 21, 2010 Publishing

Getting through the editor isn't the last stage either. Once an editor likes it, they have to put their case to an acquisitions board which includes sales, marketing, distibution etc. The acquisitions board then decide if the book is worth buying. These boards often meet once or twice a month.I am trying hard not to remember that my first book got through all the editorial levels with one publisher but was rejected at acquisitions as they did not think they could market it. If I'd known then what I know now - how rare it is for a first novel to get that far - I'd probably have sent it to more than five agents and one publisher. Instead I trunked it, and wrote the one that's now on submission as "Firestorm".It is rather ironic that my first book failed to get published because of potential

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The current situation

July 7, 2010 Publishing

Because things have moved very fast, I was looking back through the blog and realised this is the one place where I haven't covered what happened. To clarify the timeline of events, here is a quick summary:I got a book deal from Bewrite at end of April/start of MayFirestorm went through the editing process to final galley in May and June.I started marketing in June, getting requests for ARCs and galleys.June 22nd the book was released by Bewrite, with the suggestion I should find a full print publisher, not P.O.D.June 23rd Discussions occurred with a mainstream publishing house, resulting in a request for the full manuscript.June 24th The manuscript was sent out, with a suggested response in four weeks.Rather than put all my eggs in one basket, I also looked into self-publishing but

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