I can hear the gasps and see the severe expressions of disapproval from here. Before you condemn to the deepest pits of Tartarus, let’s talk about what it means for authors in this day and age to be on third party sites. Most people realize that authors make most of their money in sales. In the epublishing industry, that royalty is larger when the sales are done on the home site, aka the first party or first point of sale. A couple of my friends and I compared our last quarter statements, making sure to see how sales stacked up between epublisher and third party vendor. One thing we all noticed was a significant increase in sales through the vendors. Though we make less in royalties, the amount of sales does show that people are shopping where it’s easiest to get all their shopping needs done. Yet, when you compare the sales figures for the same books for that quarter we’ve been finding the sales are actually even if not higher for the 3^rd party vendor.

So the question is for authors—what’s really best for you and your books? How can you make sure you’re getting not only what’s best for you in terms of distribution but also in income? This is where things can be a bit sticky. The rates of what various third party vendors take as their cut can vary- some being reasonable while others can take quite a lot of money from you. The idea here is to not put all your eggs in one basket- make sure your publisher is using various methods of distribution- thus increasing your chances of getting your name and your books out to readers. What else can you do for yourself? Simple- tagging them if the third party sites allow it- and if they have Like buttons for Facebook, make sure you use them. This lets people know that your books are at certain places and can be used in those areas. This is a great way of not only showcasing yourself, but when you see the “If you like this book, then you might also like…” your name can find its way among them.

Another pro-active stance is to contact places like All Romance ebooks and see what promotion services they have that you can participate in. This will help you to not only develop a following on their site, but will also create a great working relationship with a vendor that can endorse your releases as well. If you’re an affiliate on Amazon, do a video to promote your works and let readers hear your voice. If you’re part of Barnes and Noble, go to their stores, see about doing a talk on ebooks and ebook readers. Take advantage of any and all opportunities that only print authors used to do, but put more time and effort into how to spin the new technology advantage into something others can enjoy. If people have smartphones- introduce them to the apps for Nook and Kindle. Show them how they can read your books on their phone simply and easily.

Third party vendors will continue to grow in market share when it comes to ebooks. Why? They’re the ones who had the lead when it was in print. Think about it- who did people buy their books from when books were only in print? Third party vendors. That’s right- the stores you buy books from vendors- not direct marketers. In fact, in some ways, it’s leveling out the playing field between print and epublishing. So, if print authors can make a lasting and great relationship with these vendors, so can we. More importantly, together, we can create new and exciting ways of promotion to make sure readers not only see our books, but also see our fellow authors whom we work with day in and out. Think of this as diversifying ourselves so we’re readily available to the consumer on their schedule, not just ours.

Just like we learned to work with review sites, in fact using them to help launch new series and to promote ourselves, it’s time to open up our doors to learning to use the third party vendors in the same manner. Not all of them might be willing to help in such a way, but many will provide various opportunities for marketing to readers for a small fee or even for free. Make a list of those options, compare, plan and see how to best provide yourself with those ways to build up your reader base as you continue your writing.

Third party vendors are no different than my publisher in my eyes. They still pay me- just differently. They have my books out for me to show to readers. (You want to hear squealing? You should have seen my friends at work when I showed them my books at Barnes and Noble.com on my Nook Color- I was so proud of myself!) Ebook readers are catching on, just as smart phones are also allowing people the joy of reading on the go. So take advantage of it- spread the word—BUY MY BOOK! Who knows- they just might- from whatever their favourite online store is. It doesn’t matter where they buy, just that they do.

So come and join me!

Bleeding Red Ink by Lesli Richardson

http://answers.polldaddy.com/poll/2716821/

The Vicky Bliss series is the first series I read by Elizabeth Peters before I discovered the Amelia Peabody series. I found myself reflected in Vicky and when it came to the book, Street of the Five Moons, I found myself reluctantly falling for the bad guy– or so I thought he was. Who was he? Sir John Smythe, who is really John Tregarth. As the books progressed, John and Vicky’s on again, off again relationship progressed and regressed as they got into various troubles of the antiquities kind (she is a museum assistant curator, he a thief of said items). But in Trojan Gold, it came to a head when they were facing death by avalanche. John said something to Vicky as the roaring drowned out his voice– and she wanted to know if what he said was what she read on his lips. Thus came the most romantic line ever– at least to me.

“I love you,” he said flatly. “I- love- you. Shall I elaborate? I have loved you. I do love you. I will love you. I didn’t want to love you. I tried not to love you. I will undoubtedly regret loving you, but- God help me- I love you- so much-”

*sigh* Can we say that declaration just takes the cake when it comes to love? It’s also why I hope one day my heroes can reach the pinnacle that Sir John has in my heart. Why else would I take his last name as my own?

It’s one of the best rejection letters I’ve received since I started writing professionally in 2001. In fact, I think of all the other rejection letters I’ve received, it goes in the top three. They took the time to tell me what was liked, what they knew about me as a published author, and that the topic wouldn’t sell well. So, though it stung because rejections are never fun– it was one that didn’t hurt. In fact, it increased my desire even more to write something that will fit all aspects of their publishing company.

Now, I spent about 2 hours bemoaning the rejection. Why? Because I like the story I wrote, even though it doesn’t quite fit the publisher in question. So, I’m thinking on where it’ll be submitted to next and what publishers might find it a better fit. Other than that, I was giggling and damn happy about them wanting to see something else from me. So, on that note, I’m getting writing. I’ve got a couple of stories that might do well with them– once they’re done and edited.

It’s one of the best rejection letters I’ve received since I started writing professionally in 2001. In fact, I think of all the other rejection letters I’ve received, it goes in the top three. They took the time to tell me what was liked, what they knew about me as a published author, and that the topic wouldn’t sell well. So, though it stung because rejections are never fun– it was one that didn’t hurt. In fact, it increased my desire even more to write something that will fit all aspects of their publishing company.

Now, I spent about 2 hours bemoaning the rejection. Why? Because I like the story I wrote, even though it doesn’t quite fit the publisher in question. So, I’m thinking on where it’ll be submitted to next and what publishers might find it a better fit. Other than that, I was giggling and damn happy about them wanting to see something else from me. So, on that note, I’m getting writing. I’ve got a couple of stories that might do well with them– once they’re done and edited.

Best of the Best Ebook Contest

Editor Jennifer’s first Best of the Best Ebook Contest is up and running! First Prize: $250

The Basics:

Contest open to all self-published or independent e-press published novels. Your novel must be available to the public for purchase before you enter.

Winner will receive $250 USD.

Each of 30 semi-finalists will have their novels showcased for a day on the Editor Jennifer website – including their book’s image, a 250 word description, and a link to the site where it can be purchased.

The Rules:

1. Deadline for entries: midnight, PST, August 31st, 2009.

2. Entries must be received directly from the author either in print form or as a PDF file. Minimum novel length is 30,000 words. Novel must be published between January 1, 2008 and August 31, 2009, and must be published by the time you enter.

3. Along with your novel, submit your name, a one-paragraph bio, a 250 word description of your novel and a link to the site where it can be purchased.

4. Thirty semi-finalists will be announced, one per day, on the Editor Jennifer website, starting October 1st, 2009. I will post an image of their ebook with a 250 word description and a link to the site where the book can be purchased.

5. The winner will be announced November 1st, 2009.

6. There is no fee to enter.

7. No portion of any entree will be posted on this site. Authors retain all rights to their books.

8. All images and descriptions must be appropriate for a family-friendly website. No porn or ultra-violence, please.

Send questions and submissions to: jennifer@editorjennifer.com 

Read it and think on it. The wave of publishing is changing, and it’d be nice if those who say they’re on the writer’s side would be in the forefront for once!

I’ve got plans to Cyn-plot my books– blurb, index card plot, and scene plot my stories for Fast Draft. Once I do that– I’ll narrow the list to the top one or two books. Then, over the next 2 weeks– I’ll do one book at a time– since one is a shorter book and the other– not so sure over. LOLOL The idea is to write about 20 pages a day over a period of 2-3 hours. I’m not sure if I can achieve that, even with feeling my best– so, I’m debating on my daily page count. I’d be happy with about 10 pages a day every day for 14 days. That means I’d have 140 pages done and at least one book finished! 

I’m also walking a bit more. If the rain slows down here in Florida, then I’ll be swimming at least once a week again. It’s great exercise and honestly– I find it so much fun and it feels so good on my body- I’m whimpering over not being able to do it lately! So I walk on the treadmill the apartment complex has (they have a fitness center and it’s open 24 hours a day!) My eating habits are slowly getting better. I’m learning that by making one major change every 2 weeks, it’s easier to stick with it than trying to change 5 things at once. It just doesn’t work that way for me! LOL 

So– if you’re an author or an unpublished author– come join me starting Sunday for 2 weeks of writing! Post your daily goals and whether you make it or not here on my website. The idea is to write as much as you can– up to 20 pages a day…and do the same amount EVERY day for 2 weeks. It’ll break those barriers and more importantly– it’ll give you a confidence boost! If you’ve not taken Candy Havens’ Fast Draft class– find where she’s giving it and take it! It’s SO worth it!