tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40639976086684127782024-03-05T09:41:30.369-07:00WatchedMURDER WAS JUST THE BEGINNINGHogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-77058223967423568292012-03-03T05:00:00.016-07:002012-03-03T05:00:06.445-07:00ARC copies. Do You Need Them?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7mH-9qHwuuBpGxzcBzb_T3GgOlKpnb_InTctpxAMt_bA-ZM-ApoCbwDuS_PiM-joq9Xx5vaOAKdtjqe-2S4XLBjwyFP9S3KUZ8Sf-r15uXnOLipS_pHFH3H3RV_1vzgl_WDY0mHkIKsl/s1600/Protected+Book+Cover+New+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7mH-9qHwuuBpGxzcBzb_T3GgOlKpnb_InTctpxAMt_bA-ZM-ApoCbwDuS_PiM-joq9Xx5vaOAKdtjqe-2S4XLBjwyFP9S3KUZ8Sf-r15uXnOLipS_pHFH3H3RV_1vzgl_WDY0mHkIKsl/s200/Protected+Book+Cover+New+Front.jpg" width="129" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ARC copy of Protected</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: lime;">Indie publishing secrets revealed.</span><br />
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The first ARC I received was<br />
<img alt="The Hourglass Door (The Hourglass Door Trilogy) (Hourglass Door (Quality))" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vEWkTnzsL._SY90_.jpg" /> <br />
by Lisa Mangum and she signed it and everything. So fun. Since then I get most of my ARC copies as eARCs because I love reading on my Nook so much!<br />
I have 8 others sitting on my desk of honor. I love them.<br />
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One of the hardest things for an indie author is to get ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) of your books out. But they are so important and readers love them, just like I do. They are a must.<br />
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ARCs are uncorrected proofs of your novel. They are usually made just after copy editing, but before the book is completely vetted for errors. Sometimes big mistakes remain, while other times, there are hardly any errors left. So, they aren't perfect books, but they are rare, not many are made, which is partly why people are so excited to get them.<br />
<div class="body mediumText reviewText" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><div style="color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #181818; font-size: 14px;">Another reason people love to get ARC's is because they get to read the book before anyone else. I was so thrilled when I was chosen to get an ARC of <i>Hallowed </i>by Cynthia Hand.</div><div style="color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"><img height="200" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1631034418046&id=bcd2d8bd46669ba49aa0c5fe656ebf5f&url=http%3a%2f%2fthequietvoice18.files.wordpress.com%2f2012%2f02%2fhallowed-by-cynthia-hand.jpg%3fw%3d500" width="132" /> </div><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"> I wanted that book pretty badly and I loved being able to read it a few months before anyone else. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 14px;">However, these books are not made for casual readers, friends and family. They are made to get the word out, build a</span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"> buzz </span><span style="color: #181818; font-size: 14px;">with reviewers and book bloggers. </span></span><br />
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</div><div style="color: #181818; font-size: 14px;">Publicity, baby! </div><div style="color: #181818; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #181818; font-size: 14px;">They are also sent to librarians so that they can check it out before ordering it. Booksellers get a preview of the book to help them decide if it will be a hit in their store (by the way, Barnes and Noble is notoriously slow in this arena. They need the book 12 weeks in advance to ensure your book will be available in their stores on your launch date, so get them out early)</div></div><div class="body mediumText reviewText" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;">As an indie author, the money to produce these ARCs comes out of your pocket and it's not cheap. This is a small run of 100 or so books and printing only 100 books is expensive.<br />
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One of the great things about the internet and ereaders is that indie authors can get their books to reviewers and book bloggers for free. IF the readers and bloggers have ereaders. Smashwords lets authors create coupons that authors can give to people so that the book is free to them. Awesome, right?<br />
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Many bloggers/reviewers, however, do not have ereaders. Are they crazy? I love my NOOK. So handy! Don't get me wrong, I still love a good print book. So, you do need to have some printed ARCs on hand to get out to the public, but try to focus on eARCs. If a reviewer won't accept an eARC, move on, there are plenty who will and it really is the wave of the future. Save money wherever you can.</div><div class="body mediumText reviewText" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;">Createspace is a nice place to create your printed ARCs whether you choose to do 10 or 100. You can even send them directly to the people from Createspace. Yes, you do have to pay shipping. Boo! But it is handy. It is also nice to give some ARCs to bloggers and reviewers to give away when they review your book.</div><div class="body mediumText reviewText" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;">I used Smashwords and Createspace to get out ARC copies of <i>Protected</i>. It worked out well. Also, there is something about a printed copy that makes it easier to spot errors. It is nice to have a print copy to mark up and do final editing on. It's also fun to keep that original book as a keepsake.<br />
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So, bite the bullet and get your print ARCs and eARCs out to reviewers, bloggers, librarians and booksellers at least 2 1/2 months before your release date. It is a must! Do not miss this step.<br />
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Do you own any ARCs? Do you love them? Did you buy the finished book when it came out?<br />
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</div>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-3175863272629616672012-02-15T05:00:00.004-07:002012-02-15T10:20:15.632-07:00PCN: Why you Want OneIndie Publishing Secrets Series<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the title page of books published traditionally, you will see something like this-</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">Library of Congress Control Number: 2012932337</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Hogan, Cindy M.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Protected/Cindy M. Hogan.-1st ed.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">p. cm.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple;">Summary: When terrorists find Christy, she must enter the Witness Protection Program and become someone totally new while abandoning everything she has ever known.</span><br />
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You want this in your book, too and you can!<br />
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A <a href="http://www.loc.gov/publish/pcn/">PCN</a> is a preassigned control number for <span style="font-size: large;">print books only. </span>The book must also be <span style="font-size: large;">printed in the US </span>and you must get the number<span style="font-size: large;"> before </span>it is printed for the first time.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">What is it exactly?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">A Library of Congress catalog control number is a unique identification number that the Library of Congress assigns to the catalog record created for each book in its cataloged collections. Librarians use it to locate a specific Library of Congress catalog record in the national databases and to order catalog cards from the Library of Congress or from commercial suppliers. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Why do you want one?</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">The purpose of the Preassigned Control Number (PCN) program is to enable the Library of Congress to assign control numbers in advance of publication to those titles that may be added to the Library's collections. The publisher prints the control number in the book and thereby facilitates cataloging and other book processing activities. The PCN links the book to any record which the Library of Congress, other libraries, bibliographic utilitites, or book vendors may create.</span><br />
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<h2 style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3366cc; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, serif; margin: 0px 0px 0.4em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">Are you eligible?</span></h2><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Only U.S. book publishers are eligible to participate in the PCN program. These publishers must list a U.S. place of publication on the title page or copyright page of their books and maintain an editorial office in the U.S. capable of answering substantive bibliographic questions.</div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When you get a PCN, you are assigned a particular person to take care of your needs. Find yours under <a href="http://www.loc.gov/publish/pcn/about/liaisons.html" style="font-size: x-large;">Liaisons</a></div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How to get yours</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a two-step process.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">First</span> you must complete an application to participate <a href="http://pcn.loc.gov/pcn007.html">here</a>.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> **Note-You must be a publisher to get this number. You are the publisher of your book if you are an indie publisher. You should get a license (doing business as license) and make it official.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Next</span>, when the application has been approved, you, as the publisher, will be sent an account number and password. Then you can log-in and fill out the Preassigned Control Number Application Form to get your number.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Then</span> you print it on the title page of your book.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Easy Peasy!</span> Go get yours today! Don't let your title page be bare.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you convinced? Are you going to get a PCN for your awesome book?</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://cindymhogan.blogspot.com/2012/02/protected-cover-reveal.html">Go here to see the cover reveal of <i>Protected</i> Watched Series: Book 2</a></span></div><h2 style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3366cc; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, serif; font-size: 1.12em; margin: 0px 0px 0.4em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I'm so excited to share it with you. Release date: March 24th. Yahoo!</h2><div style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 1.25em; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
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</span>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-32927890952182010532012-02-01T11:56:00.002-07:002012-02-01T11:58:09.541-07:00ISBN's: Why you Need Them<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you are planning to publish your manuscript, you will want to be found.</span> </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4Dkvt4iwgwO2OXFe7QUCy2h4DBXUneiYYn7bCrjFea35tC0PuKdWER9rD4_ficIJewyQj3m6jecu_FoMi3qGOtfsXsGBjT7R3lDe6cFQib-Td18dmJnV7B4osFOf8o-exmAQxhrsBHk/s1600-h/barcode-label-design-06.jpg" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Barcode art from Japan" border="0" closure_uid_v3ax0o="8" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401350870050497026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4Dkvt4iwgwO2OXFe7QUCy2h4DBXUneiYYn7bCrjFea35tC0PuKdWER9rD4_ficIJewyQj3m6jecu_FoMi3qGOtfsXsGBjT7R3lDe6cFQib-Td18dmJnV7B4osFOf8o-exmAQxhrsBHk/s400/barcode-label-design-06.jpg" style="height: 273px; width: 189px;" title="Barcode art from Japan" /></a><br />
The best way to be found is to get an ISBN. Also, you MUST have an ISBN if you have a print book. You can get away without one for Ebooks sold certain places, but without one, you will be excluded from certain sites. <br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Check out this cool barcode with the ISBN underneath. Fun, huh?</span><br />
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I was just going through the process of getting some new ISBNs for <em>Protected </em>and future books and thought I'd share the fun with you.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;">When getting an ISBN, it is best to go to Bowker.com</span>. Createspace offers them for free, but then you are always tied to them. To get what they call a universal ISBN, one that you can take with you wherever you sell your book, you have to pay a lot of money.<br />
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Click on create an account and fill out the form. <br />
Remember, you are the CEO of your own writing business.<br />
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Click on publisher services.<br />
Click on the big ISBN on the right hand side.<br />
Click on get your ISBN now and choose how many ISBNs you want. <br />
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If you only intend on publishing one book you will need 2 ISBN's. One for your print version and one for your E-version. It's true that not all sites require an ISBN for your eBook, but Apple does require it, and they are a huge force in the Ebook world, so get one. If you aren't doing a print version, you will only need one. <span style="color: blue;">It is cheaper to buy 100</span>. Seems like a lot to pay at once, but at only $5.70 a pop, it is much more affordable than 100+ bucks for one or $26 each if you buy 10. You'll save money in the long run. If you are a true author, you will use them all, right? *Big smiles*<br />
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After you buy them, you can find them in MYACCOUNT in your Bowker Account. You will need to go to MY ACCOUNT and then Manage ISBN's to assign them to each book you publish.<br />
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You will have to fill out all the information on each book and it is a lot. It will take some time. You need to upload your manuscript in PDF form, upload your cover in jpeg as well as a ton of other stuff. Be prepared.<br />
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Also, you will need a barcode to go with your ISBN if you have a print book. There are a lot of barcode creators online. Way cheaper than what Bowker offers. You need to know your price when you create one. My printer puts my barcodes on my books.<br />
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Here's another fun ISBN from Japan. What do you think of it?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrzYIkh8Tizhm-XZtO792A2I-38V2xwRzf2tnn2VzjltUbaFsW0GJXXlT77nj5o4ymgsPCMEVA9JKF0b4cu-D2kjT-XhsIgzFSglcYXeYc2CD7cPdb3U3X65PlizDV83_zwPCK48ZS3I/s1600-h/barcode-label-design-17.jpg"><img alt="Barcode art from Japan" border="0" closure_uid_v3ax0o="18" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401350553578460306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrzYIkh8Tizhm-XZtO792A2I-38V2xwRzf2tnn2VzjltUbaFsW0GJXXlT77nj5o4ymgsPCMEVA9JKF0b4cu-D2kjT-XhsIgzFSglcYXeYc2CD7cPdb3U3X65PlizDV83_zwPCK48ZS3I/s400/barcode-label-design-17.jpg" style="cursor: hand; height: 156px; width: 286px;" title="Barcode art from Japan" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Do you think it's fair that we have to pay for ISBN's when we have to have them to sell our books?</span>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-55016711955369662502012-01-24T05:40:00.001-07:002012-01-24T05:40:00.396-07:00Indie Publishing Secrets revealed - The Process of Publishing<span style="font-size: large;">I am blogging on iWriteNetwork about this very thing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thepost will help you see the big picture of the process of traditional publishing vs indie publishing. Go check it out </span><a href="http://wewritenetwork.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">here.</span></a>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-68324448231334677782012-01-15T09:36:00.003-07:002012-01-15T12:23:21.327-07:00Indie Publishing Secrets Revealed - Copy EditsIs there such a thing as an error free first edition?<br />
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I've never seen it.<br />
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With that being said, I can't stress how important it is to get a great copy editor. In fact, you might need two. For<i> Protected,</i> I'm actually using three.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Why?</span><br />
Well, I'm not very good at editing-especially when I've made a thousand changes during plot editing. I get to a point where I can't see the problems. I'm too focused on the story itself.<br />
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So, after I get all my plot edits done, I give it to a couple of English geniuses to help me fix the copy errors they see. After I fix those things, I send it to a paid copy editor. Yes, it costs money, but it is worth it.<br />
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Because she finds <span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">so many errors </span>(</span>especially commas. I love them and use them way too often<span style="color: blue;">), </span>after I fix all the mistakes she finds, I send it to another English wiz to catch anything my copy-editor missed. It's easy to miss things when there is a sea of mistakes.<br />
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I'm happy to say, that she didn't find many this go around. Yay!<br />
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Then, after it's published, I wait for my <span style="font-size: large;">fans </span>to tell me about errors that still remain. Yep. After all that, some mistakes still linger.<br />
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You might be thinking that I don't have a good editor. Well, it simply isn't true. In fact, there isn't one author I've talked to about editing who hasn't told me their editors, no matter how amazing or how expensive, miss things. It happens. So be prepared.<br />
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I happen to know some awesome copy-editors that are honest and very competitively priced. Check them out.<br />
1. <a href="http://www.tristipinkston.com/p/author-services.html">Tristi Pinkston </a><br />
In fact,<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: blue;">you</span> </span>could <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">win a 250 page evaluation</span> </span>from Tristi by signing up to attend a cool workshop THIS coming Saturday, January 21st. No joke. <a href="http://iwritenetwork.com/conference.html">Sign up here.</a> That'll save you a lot of dough!<br />
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2. <a href="http://precisioneditinggroup.com/">Precision Editing Group</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever read a book that had no errors? Not a single one? If so, what was it?</span>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-84971010155736619372012-01-06T00:05:00.010-07:002012-01-06T00:05:00.241-07:00Fantasy Lovers DreamDo you love YA <span style="font-size: large;">fantasy</span>? This is your chance to win lots of YA fantasy books and fantasy swag.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSSuuPboB9TG7OkeoaTlZRad6wb_83Qypkx3FhO8ejuo-VMQKjieQetRagEOuUHIyc266PwcQeoNXsNBFnCzD5bR2NxuQh06LVEfB_2H81nQ8m_HafHnTGfQ-K_lT5XLSlEQrtAYQ7nZp/s1600/yahop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_arh2g6="3" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSSuuPboB9TG7OkeoaTlZRad6wb_83Qypkx3FhO8ejuo-VMQKjieQetRagEOuUHIyc266PwcQeoNXsNBFnCzD5bR2NxuQh06LVEfB_2H81nQ8m_HafHnTGfQ-K_lT5XLSlEQrtAYQ7nZp/s200/yahop2.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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For Christmas one year, I may have been 8 or so, my big brother, Matt, gave me my first fantasy book.<br />
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<em>The Sword of Shannara</em> by Terry Brooks.<br />
<img alt="The Sword of Shannara (Shannara, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1218672503l/15575.jpg" width="130" /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">That book began my love of fantasy</span>. Talk about a genius. That is one great series. Love! Love! Love!<br />
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What book started your love of Fantasy?<br />
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Here you can win a copy of either <i>The Sword of Shannara </i>or a fantasy book of your choice.<br />
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Easy Entry- less than 1 minute to do all. Yahoo<br />
1. Follow this blog -mandatory<br />
2. Like my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1362256498#!/pages/Watched-The-Book-By-Cindy-M-Hogan/185737298139932">Watched Facebook page</a> extra +1<br />
3. Like my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watched-The-Series-ebook/dp/B00531RGXU/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2">Watched Amazon page </a>extra +1<br />
**Leave me a comment about which of the three you did and which book you'd like me to send to you.<br />
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On Monday, The Indelibles is launching their blog. You won't want to miss it. I will be hosting a great giveawy here and you'll be able to enter to win a Kindle Fire- No joke. As you know, I'm partial to the Nook-but, there is something to be said for 2nd best. Hee Hee.<br />
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See ya on Monday. Make sure you enter all the fun giveaways below and tell me about your love of fantasy in my comments.<br />
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<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=117341" type="text/javascript">
</script>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-16331338917805079582011-12-30T05:00:00.002-07:002011-12-30T05:00:03.500-07:00Debutante Ball staring "Watched"<div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;">Welcome to the Debutante Ball, </span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;">A Feast of Debut Authors Blog Tour.</span></div><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">party</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Ends today with me. So cool!</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJmfVpkFsFhxkcJdEnBuNqWYPm0okH1_JpSkZPqQkvqZCNlvCOSXiSCOijx-7_D6AsgstYi0pK2IHu-j0woz1OwU7plrujw_IhdIsETx25IX5Qnb90Dq8T6BlK6-BNtgL5qAwsbPFL8Ee/s1600/book+cover+for+watched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJmfVpkFsFhxkcJdEnBuNqWYPm0okH1_JpSkZPqQkvqZCNlvCOSXiSCOijx-7_D6AsgstYi0pK2IHu-j0woz1OwU7plrujw_IhdIsETx25IX5Qnb90Dq8T6BlK6-BNtgL5qAwsbPFL8Ee/s200/book+cover+for+watched.jpg" width="129" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We're all giving away our books and some awesome swag. So, enter each day on each blog below on or before December 31st to win.</span><br />
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<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;">Announcing </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Watched</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;">, a contemporary suspense Novel by Cindy M. Hogan.</span></span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;">Released June 6, 2011.</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">What readers are saying about <i>Watched:</i></span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">"Fantastic read, full of suspense and excitement."</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">-Bullard GMTA</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">"One of those books you don't want to put down."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">-S. Hill</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">"Well written and suspenseful."</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">-A. Brown</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Usually I'm prone to murder mysteries by James Patterson, and this kept me just as enthralled as his books."</span></span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;">-S. McClure</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">"This is my new favorite book."</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">-A. Ahlstrom</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Just for this contest and to thank everyone who has made <i>Watched</i> a success and spread the word even more, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Watched is only .99 cents for all e-readers</span>. </span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Yahoo! Go get yours today</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/watched-cindy-hogan/1100210702?ean=2940011281709&itm=1&usri=watched+cindy+hogan">Nook</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watched-The-Series-ebook/dp/B00531RGXU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325221824&sr=1-1">Kindle</a></span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">all other e-formats also available. Get it at your favorite spot.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">All you have to do to enter</span> is comment and tell others </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;">about the fun</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;"> Each time you comment, Tweet, Facebook or blog about the ball during the rest of December, you get an entry. Just leave a comment with the link to what you did. Easy!</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have fun and go find out about all these authors. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> One a day. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Enter their contests and win.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Have fun and enjoy the books and swag!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">12 Elizabeth Mueller <a href="http://elizabethmueller.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_0">elizabethmueller.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">13 Regan Guerra <a href="http://www.reganguerra.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank">w</a><a href="http://www.reganguerra.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_1">ww.reganguerra.blogspot.com</span></a><a href="http://seekyourpath.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">14 Melissa Pearl <a href="http://melissapearl.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_2">melissapearl.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
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<span class="yshortcuts">15 Claudia Lefeve <a href="http://www.claudialefeve.com/">http://www.claudialefeve.com/</a></span><br />
<span class="yshortcuts"></span></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">16 Joseph Beekman <a href="http://josephsstoriesandtales.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_3">http://josephsstoriesandtales.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">17 Pendragon Innmen <a href="http://pendragonwrites.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_4">PendragonWrites.com</span></a> </div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13236184438962121" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">19 Alex J. Cavanaugh <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_5">alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">20 Gillian Schafer <a href="http://gillianjoy-livingtowrite.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_6">gillianjoy-livingtowrite.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">21 Fiauna Lund <a href="http://formyfour.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_7">formyfour.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">22 Anastasia V. Pergakis <a href="http://labotomyofawriter.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_8">http://labotomyofawriter.com/</span></a></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13236184438962118" style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">26 Tanya Contois <a href="http://speedyreader-allthingsbooks.blogspot.com.thanks/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_9">http://speedyreader-allthingsbooks.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">27 Patti Larsen <a href="http://pattilarsen.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_10">pattilarsen.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">28 Red Tash <a href="http://redtash.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_11">RedTash.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">29 Annetta Ribken <a href="http://wordwebbing.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_12">wordwebbing.com</span></a><span style="color: #888888;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13236184438962116" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">30 Cindy Hogan <a href="http://watched-thebook.blogspot.com/">watched-thebook.blogspot.com </a></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13236184438962116" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leave me some love and comment!</span></div>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-83550314511669334182011-12-28T05:00:00.025-07:002011-12-28T05:00:10.246-07:00Indie Publishing Secrets Revealed. Effective Book Descriptions<span style="font-size: large;">Go enter a huge book giveaway <a href="http://watched-thebook.blogspot.com/2011/12/free-books-for-you.html">here.</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What should the description of your book include on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and all the other sites your book is sold?</span><br />
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1. It should start with a few catchy review quotes that are short and sweet like: "I couldn't put it down.", "well-written", "fantastic read". Definitely give credit to those who reviewed it with a dash and their last name along with "reviewer". If you get the phrases off Amazon or already got permission to post the reviews, go for it. If not, then ask permission before posting the names. Check out <i>Watched's</i> description <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watched-Murder-was-Just-Beginning/dp/0615493386/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325045536&sr=1-1">here.</a><br />
<br />
2. Then, tease your reader. Get them excited to jump into your book. 3-4 sentences only. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watched-Murder-was-Just-Beginning/dp/0615493386/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325045536&sr=1-1">here.</a><br />
<br />
3. Put the back blurb in if it's a good one (and short) and it better be. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watched-Murder-was-Just-Beginning/dp/0615493386/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325045536&sr=1-1">here.</a><br />
<br />
4. End with 3-4 other quotes that speak to other great things about your book that weren't covered in the quotes you put in the beginning. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watched-Murder-was-Just-Beginning/dp/0615493386/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1325045536&sr=1-1">here.</a><br />
<br />
5. Add a call to action- buy this, without saying buy this. For example: Only .99 cents.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Once you have it just how you want it, ask a lot of people to read it over and give their two cents. </li>
<li>Listen to what they have to say and then ask why they say it.Tune into the feelings your description evokes. That is so important. You want people to really want to buy it. Use your critique groups, your online groups, even Facebook and Twitter to try it out.</li>
</ul><div>Good Luck and have fun writing your description. Make it perfect. </div><div>Just remember, you need this at least one month before you release or launch your book.</div>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-36849625607293288042011-12-27T00:10:00.008-07:002011-12-27T11:55:15.723-07:00Free Books for You!<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><br />
<a href="http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2011/11/best-of-2011-giveaway-hop-december-27th.html" id="yui_3_2_0_1_1324957259953789" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img class="yiv1367074792escapedImg" height="160" id="yui_3_2_0_1_1324957259953788" src="http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee448/toobusyreading/best2011hopshrunk.gif" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Come join the fun! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I hope you win all kinds of books today!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can pick any book you want with a </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">$10 Barnes and Noble gift card. </span><br />
I'd pick <i>Divergent</i> by Veronica Roth if you don't own it yet. It's my favorite book of 2011, besides my own, of course.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watched-Murder-was-Just-Beginning/dp/0615493386/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1324961618&sr=1-1">(<i>Watched. ebook only .99 cents right now! wow!)</i></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Easy Entry</span>- <b>Do them all in under 1 minute.</b><br />
<br />
1. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Follow </span>this blog -mandatory<br />
2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Like</span> my Watched Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watched-The-Book-By-Cindy-M-Hogan/185737298139932">here +</a>2 extra<br />
3. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Like</span> my Watched Amazon page <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watched-Murder-was-Just-Beginning/dp/0615493386/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i">here +</a>2 extra<br />
4.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> Follow </span>my <a href="http://cindymhogan.blogspot.com/">7 things I love blog</a> extra +1<br />
5. Join<a href="http://iwritenetworkning.ning.com/"> iWriteNetwork</a> +1 extra- an awesome site for authors or would-be-authors<br />
**Leave me a comment here with what entries you did and your email so I can notify you if you win.<br />
This giveaway ends on the 31st, so hurry.<br />
<br />
Good luck! Now go enter all the other giveaways<br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=117764" type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
<br />
<i><br />
</i>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-87208675389758695932011-12-20T05:00:00.008-07:002011-12-20T05:00:02.822-07:00Indie Publishing Secrets Revealed - To ConsiderToday I'm blogging at<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://wewritenetwork.blogspot.com/">iWriteNetwork</a>.</span><br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqasrS8DM0oXfHahqugbgVdbY9tbcxqfqU4sE0I9aAV6hkGjqlV4-c_fxj" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRqasrS8DM0oXfHahqugbgVdbY9tbcxqfqU4sE0I9aAV6hkGjqlV4-c_fxj" /></a><br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://wewritenetwork.blogspot.com/">here</a> to read my <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">indie secret</span> for today.<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://iwritenetworkning.ning.com/">here</a> to join<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://iwritenetworkning.ning.com/">iWriteNetworkning</a>, </span>a nuts and bolts site to support writers of all abilities.<br />
Come on over and join a safe place to interact with other authors and learn all there is to know about writing, marketing and publishing. It's free and you'll learn a ton.<br />
<br />
Every other week we interview an <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">amazing author</span> on Saturdays at 9 am MST. We post notes on the interviews on the site and you can ask questions during the interview. If you are unable to be there live, you can always listen to the BlogTalkRadio interview at any time.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for an awesome all day <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">workshop</span> coming in January. It will <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">rock.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">See ya at all the iWriteNetwork sites. Let's learn together.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRWnFga1vtgBha1ly8pimr4MqejChykMyfag-Mbe7b0zg1mMJpgeA" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRWnFga1vtgBha1ly8pimr4MqejChykMyfag-Mbe7b0zg1mMJpgeA" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Oh, and the merriest of Christmases to you all. </span>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-11861441629189067262011-12-13T17:55:00.000-07:002011-12-13T17:55:58.429-07:00Indie Publishing Secret- One Hour of Daily to Dos<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">I'm making a list, checking it twice....</span><br />
<a href="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1357693595203&id=6f81497c9911d35eb417e63de38c939f&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.picturesof.net%2f_images_300%2fSanta_Strapped_To_A_Rocket_Royalty_Free_Clipart_Picture_091124-181769-092042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1357693595203&id=6f81497c9911d35eb417e63de38c939f&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.picturesof.net%2f_images_300%2fSanta_Strapped_To_A_Rocket_Royalty_Free_Clipart_Picture_091124-181769-092042.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
It is so important that you keep up with all the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> little </span>things. (That don't involve your manuscript)And remember, the little things are really the big things. I don't spend more than You can do it all in less than one hour a day. If you procrastinate, it will overwhelm you.<br />
<br />
1. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Yahoo/gmail other mail services.</span><br />
Make subfolders for all your mail and always move emails to the right<br />
folder. Check once in the morning and once at night.Don't wait to<br />
reply. Do it now. 10-15 minutes total.<br />
<br />
2. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Google reader (google.com/reader)</span> A great tool for checking out all the blogs you<br />
follow in one spot. Scroll through and pick 5-10 to comment on daily 5 minutes<br />
<br />
3. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Facebook profile (Friends) </span><br />
Post at least once a day and scroll through the news clicking "like" and commenting for 5 minutes max<br />
twice a day. This is where you do more personal posts.<br />
<br />
4. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Facebook page (s) (Likes)</span><br />
Post something interesting about your book or what you're working on. It is writing or author related. 5<br />
minutes max<br />
<br />
5. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Forums/groups (Yahoo, Facebook, Linked-in) you belong to. </span><br />
Change your settings to receive digest versions of posts. Scroll through and comment on as much as you<br />
can in 10 minutes. Be disciplined.<br />
<br />
6. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Twitter </span><br />
Send out a tweet at least twice a day and scroll through the recent tweets and comment, retweet and reply<br />
to as many as you can in 5 minutes<br />
<br />
7. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Goodreads-</span><br />
Sign up for digests and look at it in your mail. Comment and update book statuses for 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
8.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Shelfari- </span>Not mandatory, but nice to update your books and follow a few people here and there.<br />
<br />
9. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Amazon page (Author central)</span> Check all your author info, sales info and page once a day. Make sure it is current and looks good. Update any appearances, signings, etc you have coming up. 5 minutesHogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-49735357718319230412011-12-11T05:00:00.007-07:002011-12-15T09:17:19.105-07:00Meet Awesome Debut Authors and Win<div><br />
<br />
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGk5mgKAEDx5pvNjAOfTBdvs7hy-1x102XSEK965eStNps3oRhV39cFfh7xwHCAcEECy8ecL7CcmcxSrc1umVU9s3RJeEj4H05TF5NCwEm44gZQVG49akdoaG3Fxrr2n7qvlwpeVRFj0/s1600/debutante+%2528girls%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGk5mgKAEDx5pvNjAOfTBdvs7hy-1x102XSEK965eStNps3oRhV39cFfh7xwHCAcEECy8ecL7CcmcxSrc1umVU9s3RJeEj4H05TF5NCwEm44gZQVG49akdoaG3Fxrr2n7qvlwpeVRFj0/s1600/debutante+%2528girls%2529.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGk5mgKAEDx5pvNjAOfTBdvs7hy-1x102XSEK965eStNps3oRhV39cFfh7xwHCAcEECy8ecL7CcmcxSrc1umVU9s3RJeEj4H05TF5NCwEm44gZQVG49akdoaG3Fxrr2n7qvlwpeVRFj0/s1600/debutante+%2528girls%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">Welcome to the Debutante Ball, </span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">A Feast of Debut Authors Blog Tour.</span></div><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">party</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> starts today and goes all month long.</span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJmfVpkFsFhxkcJdEnBuNqWYPm0okH1_JpSkZPqQkvqZCNlvCOSXiSCOijx-7_D6AsgstYi0pK2IHu-j0woz1OwU7plrujw_IhdIsETx25IX5Qnb90Dq8T6BlK6-BNtgL5qAwsbPFL8Ee/s1600/book+cover+for+watched.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJmfVpkFsFhxkcJdEnBuNqWYPm0okH1_JpSkZPqQkvqZCNlvCOSXiSCOijx-7_D6AsgstYi0pK2IHu-j0woz1OwU7plrujw_IhdIsETx25IX5Qnb90Dq8T6BlK6-BNtgL5qAwsbPFL8Ee/s200/book+cover+for+watched.jpg" width="129" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And we're all giving away our books and some awesome swag. So, enter each day on each blog below on or before December 31st to win.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;">Announcing </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Watched</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;">, a contemporary, romantic suspense by Cindy M. Hogan.</span></span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;">Released June 6, 2011.</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">What readers are saying about <i>Watched:</i></span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">"Fantastic read, full of suspense and excitement."</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">-Bullard GMTA</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">"One of those books you don't want to put down."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">-S. Hill</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">"Well written and suspenseful."</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">-A. Brown</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Usually I'm prone to murder mysteries by James Patterson, and this kept me just as enthralled as his books."</span></span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;">-S. McClure</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #454545;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">"This is my new favorite book."</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">-A. Ahlstrom</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;"> </span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">(</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">And I don't know any of these people. I get at least one email a day thanking me for <i>Watched</i>. So freaking cool!)</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Just for this contest and to thank everyone who has made <i>Watched</i> a success and spread the word even more, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Watched is only .99 cents for all e-readers</span>. </span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Yahoo! Go get yours <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Watched-The-Series-ebook/dp/B00531RGXU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1323660885&sr=1-1">here</a> today</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_1323656721766544" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">All you have to do to enter</span> is comment and tell others </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;">about the fun</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;"> Each time you comment, Tweet, Facebook or blog about the ball during the rest of December, you get an entry. Just leave a comment with the link to what you did. Easy!</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have fun and go find out about all these authors. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> One a day. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Enter their contests and win.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today you can find out all about Elizabeth's book and win, tomorrow, Regan's and so forth. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have fun and enjoy the books and swag!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">12 Elizabeth Mueller <a href="http://elizabethmueller.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_0">elizabethmueller.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">13 Regan Guerra <a href="http://www.reganguerra.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank">w</a><a href="http://www.reganguerra.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_1">ww.reganguerra.blogspot.com</span></a><a href="http://seekyourpath.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">14 Melissa Pearl <a href="http://melissapearl.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_2">melissapearl.blogspot.com</span></a><br />
<br />
<span class="yshortcuts">15 Claudia Lefeve <a href="http://www.claudialefeve.com/">http://www.claudialefeve.com/</a></span><br />
<span class="yshortcuts"></span><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">16 Joseph Beekman <a href="http://josephsstoriesandtales.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_3">http://josephsstoriesandtales.blogspot.com/</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">17 Pendragon Innmen <a href="http://pendragonwrites.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_4">PendragonWrites.com</span></a> </div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13236184438962121" style="background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">19 Alex J. Cavanaugh <a href="http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_5">alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">20 Gillian Schafer <a href="http://gillianjoy-livingtowrite.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_6">gillianjoy-livingtowrite.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">21 Fiauna Lund <a href="http://formyfour.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #234786; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_7">formyfour.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">22 Anastasia V. Pergakis <a href="http://labotomyofawriter.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_8">http://labotomyofawriter.com/</span></a></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13236184438962118" style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">26 Tanya Contois <a href="http://speedyreader-allthingsbooks.blogspot.com.thanks/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_9">http://speedyreader-allthingsbooks.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">27 Patti Larsen <a href="http://pattilarsen.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_10">pattilarsen.blogspot.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">28 Red Tash <a href="http://redtash.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_11">RedTash.com</span></a></div><div style="color: black; font-size: medium; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">29 Annetta Ribken <a href="http://wordwebbing.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; outline-width: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1323624254_12">wordwebbing.com</span></a><span style="color: #888888;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13236184438962116" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">30 Cindy Hogan <a href="http://watched-thebook.blogspot.com/">watched-thebook.blogspot.com </a></div><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13236184438962116" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">See ya tomorrow with a Indie Secret.</span></div>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-55645172716655931902011-12-06T05:00:00.002-07:002011-12-11T21:12:34.789-07:00Searching for a TitleIt is truly a <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">miracle</span> that I finished my Nano goal of writing a <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">50,000</span> word book in one month. I actually finished on the last day. Yay!!<br />
<br />
Now, I need to <span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">name</span> the book and edit it.<br />
<br />
I'd love your <span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">help</span> in naming it. <span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Vote</span> for your favorite.<br />
<br />
1.Self-publishing: the nitty gritty<br />
<br />
2.Self-publishing: the real nuts and bolts<br />
<br />
3.Indie-publishing how to<br />
<br />
4.Indie-publishing: the nitty gritty<br />
<br />
5.Indie-publishing: the real nuts and bolts<br />
<br />
6. The Definitive Guide to Self-publishing<br />
<br />
7. Your suggestion here<br />
<br />
Thanks for your help!Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-81169360349640467892011-12-03T21:08:00.001-07:002011-12-05T12:05:13.740-07:00Oh, No!<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="192" src="http://images.clipartof.com/small/440733-Royalty-Free-RF-Clip-Art-Illustration-Of-A-Cartoon-Man-Holding-Onto-A-Pole-At-The-Bus-Stop-During-A-Wind-Storm.jpg" width="200" /></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Wondering where I've been? </span><br />
<br />
This has been one crazy week.<br />
<br />
First, I got this horrible cold on Sunday.<br />
<br />
On Mon. I was behind on my Nano goal and had a good 10,000 words to finish by Wednesday...<br />
<br />
I'm subbing for three months for my good friend, Jen, at a junior high in Davis County.(She had the cutest little girl on Thanksgiving Day). So, I had to sub every day from 8-3, then, I had to be at a different Costco each day from 3:30-7:30.<br />
<br />
On Mondays, I spend the evening with my family. This Monday was no exception. I was still sick.<br />
<br />
I wrote every chance I got on Tues and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">finished my 50,000 words</span> on my indie publishing book on Wednesday afternoon. Nano completed! Whew! Boy, did that feel great! My critique group came from 8-10 p.m. Still sick.<br />
<br />
On Thursday, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">hurricane winds</span> showed up at my house about 2 am. The winds were so loud, no one slept. They hung out until about 2 pm. No kidding. Winds up to 100 miles an hour crashed against everything in their path.<br />
<br />
Our 40 year old pine tree bit the dust, landing on my little fruit trees, flattening them. Something hit our chimney and broke it off, our fence fell right before our eyes, one section at a time, our pool house collapsed, shingles went flying, along with our trampoline that crumpled up in a small ball and we have no idea where our wooden bench went-not a leaf remained in our yard.<br />
<br />
Even though trampolines were flying through the air, the School District did not close the schools and so, my car being pelted by all kinds of debris, I drove to the junior high. It only took me 30 minutes(it usually takes me 10). I saw three semis on their sides on my way and my car swayed precariously the whole way there.<br />
We were in class for 1 hour and the power went out. We played games in the dark (the window did cast a bit of light).<br />
<br />
At noon, they finally let may teachers leave since most of the parents had already picked up their kids.<br />
<br />
The power was also out at my house. Once the temperature hit 50 degrees in our house, we headed for my mom's to spend the night. <br />
<br />
Luckily, the school district closed the schools on Friday. I spent the day at Ogden and Bountiful Costcos.<br />
<br />
Today, Sat., I spent the day at the SL Costco and my cold is still hanging on....<br />
<br />
But, I'm back...hooray! Tuesday I'll have some fun indie news for you.<br />
<br />
Happy Winter!Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-15620801658078680092011-11-28T05:00:00.000-07:002011-11-28T05:00:04.492-07:00We have a winner!<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR7ryQYhHPMlQpbJk5zGTFqdRRaEv4kL5KbBExqbiNq2x4RZAgj2w" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR7ryQYhHPMlQpbJk5zGTFqdRRaEv4kL5KbBExqbiNq2x4RZAgj2w" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">T</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">he winner of the Thankful Hop has been notified via e-mail. Congrats. See ya tomorrow for some indie news.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving.</span>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-4685409220312828102011-11-22T05:00:00.008-07:002011-11-22T07:17:09.849-07:00Indie Publishing Secrets Revealed - News!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspRvaS2Z8ieE2VJJML8dA4X_1ALy-vYD_Es2aiiOK3cQm3wXl_2EZRNnhfWQSeqriEbiDi6WQU476mJOK5wICLCKvdtPDTUjCJ5iGkAQQakgSZGP2Titey8NaRE7DF-fD4KCpxz_sH5yr/s1600/gratgiv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspRvaS2Z8ieE2VJJML8dA4X_1ALy-vYD_Es2aiiOK3cQm3wXl_2EZRNnhfWQSeqriEbiDi6WQU476mJOK5wICLCKvdtPDTUjCJ5iGkAQQakgSZGP2Titey8NaRE7DF-fD4KCpxz_sH5yr/s200/gratgiv.jpg" width="200" /></a>Before I reveal the secret, I'm going to remind you to enter the thankful giveaway <a href="http://watched-thebook.blogspot.com/2011/11/giving-back.html">here</a>. Over 300 amazing prizes up for grabs.Easy entry.<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">drumroll please</span>,<br />
the secret is...<br />
I am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">not </span>working on my 3rd novel in the Watched Series for Nano, I am working on something totally different that I am also completely passionate about-<br />
.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://th298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/fotoimage/th__DSC0059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://th298.photobucket.com/albums/mm271/fotoimage/th__DSC0059.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">A nuts and bolts book about indie publishing.</span><br />
<br />
This will not be your ordinary, run of the mill, how-to book. This will get down to the nitty-gritty.<br />
Every last tidbit I can possibly share with you to make it as easy as possible<br />
to launch your book successfully will be included.<br />
<br />
Nothing will be held back.<br />
<br />
I'm about 2/3 of the way through. I'll be done before the end of the month and I will win Nano. Then, I will finish the edits on "Protected', the 2nd book in the Watched Series and keep chugging along with #3.<br />
<br />
Come back next week to help me pick the name of the book. I hope to tell you I'm done with the 1st draft.<br />
<br />
Happy Nanoing!Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-72606116713651888242011-11-17T09:36:00.000-07:002011-11-17T09:36:32.452-07:00Giving Back<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspRvaS2Z8ieE2VJJML8dA4X_1ALy-vYD_Es2aiiOK3cQm3wXl_2EZRNnhfWQSeqriEbiDi6WQU476mJOK5wICLCKvdtPDTUjCJ5iGkAQQakgSZGP2Titey8NaRE7DF-fD4KCpxz_sH5yr/s320/gratgiv.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
Welcome to the Gratitude Giveaway Hop where we thank all our followers with the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">simplest entry EVER.</span><br />
<div><br />
Just follow this blog and leave a comment where you can be contacted if you win. That's it! Good Luck.<br />
<div><br />
What can you win on this site? A </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">$10 Amazon Gift card.</span></div><div><br />
</div></div><div>Now go enter all the other blogs' giveaways.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Happy Thanksgiving!</div><br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=107822" type="text/javascript">
</script>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com222tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-33324638779232374042011-11-15T05:00:00.003-07:002011-11-15T05:00:36.635-07:00Big Indie Publishing News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div>Go check out these <a href="http://darkcarmatour.blogspot.com/">amazing indie authors' giveaway first</a>, and then read this post.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> OK! This is<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1407018208267&id=75a4233192957f42191feceb1c6b97bf&url=http%3a%2f%2fkswpgoodfriends.files.wordpress.com%2f2009%2f08%2fbig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1407018208267&id=75a4233192957f42191feceb1c6b97bf&url=http%3a%2f%2fkswpgoodfriends.files.wordpress.com%2f2009%2f08%2fbig.jpg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span><br />
The other day, while signing books in a Costco, I was talking to a manager about getting ebook scanners into stores. He told me that they are actually looking into a machine that prints dvds and bluerays while you wait. He says they lose so much money on theft of dvds and especially bluerays that it is a plausible option for them.<br />
<br />
Well, it's also in the works for BOOKS. No kidding. Read this article. It is amazing.<br />
<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/news?viewArticle=&articleID=908600158&gid=1515307&type=member&item=80127697&articleURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ethedigitalshift%2Ecom%2F2011%2F11%2Fpublishing-2%2Fespresso-print-on-demand-book-machines-making-inroads-at-public-libraries%2F&urlhash=XfVl&goback=%2Egde_1515307_member_80127697">POD in stores</a> ?<br />
<a href="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1343586904874&id=26feee49cd66aa944e726a16a39c3427&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.trosworld.com%2fprinter%2fpictures%2f1618904857_1298293372.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1343586904874&id=26feee49cd66aa944e726a16a39c3427&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.trosworld.com%2fprinter%2fpictures%2f1618904857_1298293372.jpeg" width="179" /></a><br />
It's a reality already. So cool! I love this idea. It costs a bit more, but is reasonable, don't you think. Sure the emphasis is on backlist right now, but just think what it could do for indie-authors.<br />
<br />
Yeah! I thought you'd like that!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">MY SECRET? </span>Next week....I promise.Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-14855289278809132402011-11-08T05:00:00.016-07:002011-11-08T07:41:03.241-07:00Halloween fun in the spirit of "Watched"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Sorry</span> to make you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">wait</span> for the secret for another week, but in the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">spirit of <i>Watched</i></span> and becoming someone other than you are...perhaps someone you've always wanted to be...here are some Halloween Pics of me, my family and my friends. Go enter a bunch of giveaways <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://cindymhogan.blogspot.com/2011/11/give-thanks-and-win-books.html">here</a>.</span>(These are the easiest ever)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt4Q_dW6YIWixQU-mwLi401mXtA3-M9-wJdg3byB1It3QsQgFJmX8hJPveBbTy7yshOLqTrzTAhJJdFsSruHn44DJAMqNZO65D16Xs_7cOMbfRVLVCszmSnLYyOGXMraOwQjgA_2kr20L/s1600/IMG_2094_edited-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHt4Q_dW6YIWixQU-mwLi401mXtA3-M9-wJdg3byB1It3QsQgFJmX8hJPveBbTy7yshOLqTrzTAhJJdFsSruHn44DJAMqNZO65D16Xs_7cOMbfRVLVCszmSnLYyOGXMraOwQjgA_2kr20L/s320/IMG_2094_edited-1.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween 2006<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhVG01V_j7ui5BC7axBD8CqXzO_EarXdw5Ydu3x3Lytyh_LTWZBDZrI6xSK_Ok7-5JhL9qPArej853DLuRVgwa-N7ma2nE6hokTVq4Dx5l65GPyjWQ_z7mSVBlKyFXCSUJ8PRViIvYkGj/s1600/neighborhood+halloween+2011+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhVG01V_j7ui5BC7axBD8CqXzO_EarXdw5Ydu3x3Lytyh_LTWZBDZrI6xSK_Ok7-5JhL9qPArej853DLuRVgwa-N7ma2nE6hokTVq4Dx5l65GPyjWQ_z7mSVBlKyFXCSUJ8PRViIvYkGj/s200/neighborhood+halloween+2011+016.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLN2rzOskxGvjuAI9FKBHLhYK03DBfCCchyQu5sdmnUrIC9Ed90LFc_U0z063fMAjzxpcHzU8OxkN3XpcOiXZ1E_rbkaRn14WRrf2HPsLkkPy1aax81HydPGHNhCkPci15hvfYWt6mWiLF/s1600/neighborhood+halloween+2011+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLN2rzOskxGvjuAI9FKBHLhYK03DBfCCchyQu5sdmnUrIC9Ed90LFc_U0z063fMAjzxpcHzU8OxkN3XpcOiXZ1E_rbkaRn14WRrf2HPsLkkPy1aax81HydPGHNhCkPci15hvfYWt6mWiLF/s200/neighborhood+halloween+2011+015.jpg" width="150" /></a></div> The witch and the ghoul?<br />
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<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Experiments anyone?</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_XMeNnih41IEEpzKZYAqSWhV6cZPdlVXsWilBRZb5wUeQw7Dis9IsNqijS3XJ7NKTnAJONGqikRguT7ev7PNRTOuM6RM-GeDOLui0YXObEdrEsDxmGeXANIfIl4dZJBUB360pwSdzdaw/s1600/neighborhood+halloween+2011+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_XMeNnih41IEEpzKZYAqSWhV6cZPdlVXsWilBRZb5wUeQw7Dis9IsNqijS3XJ7NKTnAJONGqikRguT7ev7PNRTOuM6RM-GeDOLui0YXObEdrEsDxmGeXANIfIl4dZJBUB360pwSdzdaw/s200/neighborhood+halloween+2011+011.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is there a doctor in the house?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSRAH_0IspfET7SZiiIp1YDO_oA4nUbJVbxRrBIZojY6t2ToQ7cOh4S7IrvTcbRHJjz6gnoIqrnQBDo-KdCc3mij9UmQ2K9r6f3C5w2ZHyCFyCoPPUi-cXZNyLocEiqTHEsCK-t8N0ZTp/s1600/neighborhood+halloween+2011+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSRAH_0IspfET7SZiiIp1YDO_oA4nUbJVbxRrBIZojY6t2ToQ7cOh4S7IrvTcbRHJjz6gnoIqrnQBDo-KdCc3mij9UmQ2K9r6f3C5w2ZHyCFyCoPPUi-cXZNyLocEiqTHEsCK-t8N0ZTp/s200/neighborhood+halloween+2011+010.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>I want to suck your blood...AhAhAh</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cxp_tZoKmghF2S_ANUTN18QPNMeKe-r_5hK921FEKcIrG2jc8q_cR4TxHiM3sXURrvyGdd0UUe_bTxD0l0_WLOuNRrlgGyA_A1NVHqeHV_jfL185uArAbZi2FuhpENF5gB0zd7GfFyc3/s1600/neighborhood+halloween+2011+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5cxp_tZoKmghF2S_ANUTN18QPNMeKe-r_5hK921FEKcIrG2jc8q_cR4TxHiM3sXURrvyGdd0UUe_bTxD0l0_WLOuNRrlgGyA_A1NVHqeHV_jfL185uArAbZi2FuhpENF5gB0zd7GfFyc3/s200/neighborhood+halloween+2011+006.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace brothers</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfsn1GuRoQOYW1lmBP4RfPhhZsT2WO9vy7xPBafxBO02Seu5Gjol8pF6fR_4YKPDG_KlUdazwb7g67pDgts6YP53LhEncPaGorOba-2MGYrwjcvjpYjhLJu2osslwWVIK2zsS9TO0pSQX/s1600/neighborhood+halloween+2011+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfsn1GuRoQOYW1lmBP4RfPhhZsT2WO9vy7xPBafxBO02Seu5Gjol8pF6fR_4YKPDG_KlUdazwb7g67pDgts6YP53LhEncPaGorOba-2MGYrwjcvjpYjhLJu2osslwWVIK2zsS9TO0pSQX/s200/neighborhood+halloween+2011+005.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ye good for nothing pirates</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9L0gVwU50aBLccsmknUbglQlfmKnp1VDixLx5YzzDs-iLAjKNyzdcxHj8gOVDueHG38P5Ld56mcHxnsK8nEb-6tfBNumnvuSc5Q5yiw5iSI345uJfeD8ihFXMom7XwiTD7fvoUaAOrsc/s1600/neighborhood+halloween+2011+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv9L0gVwU50aBLccsmknUbglQlfmKnp1VDixLx5YzzDs-iLAjKNyzdcxHj8gOVDueHG38P5Ld56mcHxnsK8nEb-6tfBNumnvuSc5Q5yiw5iSI345uJfeD8ihFXMom7XwiTD7fvoUaAOrsc/s200/neighborhood+halloween+2011+022.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Be careful of an old man's smells</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Discover yourself</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-38529597947548941782011-11-04T05:00:00.002-06:002011-11-04T05:00:15.620-06:00Dave Farland's in the House!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">If this looks familiar...sorry, Dave's launch was pushed back to today. He'll answer all your questions</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Audiobooks</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've been looking into turning my book into an audiobook because so many people have approached me at signings and asked when it will be in audiobook form. (I also listen to my fair share of audio-books) They assure me that they will galdly buy it because they just don't have time to read anymore. </div><br />
Have you looked into getting an audiobook made? Wow! Those services are expensive and you're not even guaranteed a great reader. They can run you around 20 grand. Yep! Take that deep breath. <br />
<br />
So, when Dave asked for volunteers to host him this month I was so excited to have him address this very issue.<br />
<br />
Here's what he had to say..oh, and <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">if you leave him a question today</span>, <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">he will answer</span> you, so be sure to click the box that will send you his response when you ask a question in the comment form. <br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Breaking into Audio Books by Dave Farland</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As an indie author, how do you break into audiobooks? </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.davidfarland.net/images/dave/publicity-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="David Farland/Wolvertin" border="0" class="fLeft paddingR10" src="http://www.davidfarland.net/images/dave/publicity-photo.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ah, that’s an easy one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most indie authors are afraid of what it might cost to hire a celebrity actor to read a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really, folks, there are other ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few years ago, I had some readers ask if I would ever be willing to podcast my own novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d never thought of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not an actor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I did a little informal survey over the next few weeks, and found that 55% of the people who asked about audiobooks said that they would prefer to hear the author read it in his or her own voice.</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course they would!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to hear Tolkien read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord of the Rings </i>to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d much rather hear it from him than from the finest actor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I’d love to listen to both, one after another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The point here is that you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can</i> do it yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can either get your own recording equipment or find someone to do it for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have a local college nearby, find someone who is already working in sound for films.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can probably hire them to use their own equipment and even mix it for you, taking out your “um’s” and “ah’s.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t be afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take an acting class or two if you feel that you must.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you record, just make sure that you read it the way that you wrote it—with the names spoken the way you want, the stresses put in the sentences the way that you imagined it, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t get it right the first time, you can do multiple takes of the same line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really not that hard, or that scary.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you really feel that it would be better with a professional actor, just look around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a friend whose voice would be wonderful for broadcast work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew an actor years ago, a fellow in a motorcycle gang, whose “look” would only let him play crazed villains in movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a big old monster of a fellow, with an enormous beard, and biceps the size of beer kegs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he was a sweet guy, and his voice was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times, great voice actors just don’t have the face needed to be popular stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you can often get them to work for you inexpensively or even free, so that they can boost their own resumes as they go seeking other voice-over work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your audiobook doesn’t have to be expensive to produce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can edit in sound effects if you like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my latest book, we had a professional composer create a full soundtrack for it, which is a first for me, but you don’t need all of that.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once you’ve made your recording, you can post it to the internet from your own website, and even sell it on places like iTunes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might even submit it to professional audiobook publishers like Audible.com. (Please see the various vendors for their own rules on how to submit.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">If you haven't read any of Dave's books, now's the time! His new book has arrived! Get it now. Oh, and go like his facebook page.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><div class="yiv397255793MsoNormal" id="yui_3_2_0_1_132038267675089"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Nightingale.Novel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1320382696_2"><span style="color: #234786;">www.facebook.com/Nightingale.Novel</span></span></a> </div></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David Farland’s latest novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nightingale, </i>tells the story of a young man who is abandoned at birth, and raised in foster care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the age of sixteen he is thrown out of his house, and meets an extraordinary teacher, a woman who recognizes that he is a “Nightingale,” a creature not quite human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The novel is available in audio format, enhanced novel, e-book, and hardcover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check it out, along with the soundtrack, at <a href="http://www.nightingalenovel.com/">http://www.nightingalenovel.com/</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you have any questions for Dave? You have his undivided attention. Just leave your question in the comments and he'll answer you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: purple;">I wouldn't dare do my own audiobook, but I sure know a lot of high school drama whizzes and college production majors....how about you? Would you be the voice of your book?</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Want more of Dave? Hop over to my friend, <a href="http://www.christinebryant.blogspot.com/">C.K. Bryant's</a> site-she's hosting him today too. </span></div>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-71102752865545715562011-11-01T21:35:00.002-06:002011-11-01T21:38:25.837-06:00Indie Publishing Secret #?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1356210049401&id=60e08225f3b77a76aebac9f2669774df&url=http%3a%2f%2fcogitoergoblawg.files.wordpress.com%2f2010%2f10%2fnanowrimo_2_w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="sg_t" height="124" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1356210049401&id=60e08225f3b77a76aebac9f2669774df&url=http%3a%2f%2fcogitoergoblawg.files.wordpress.com%2f2010%2f10%2fnanowrimo_2_w.jpg" style="height: 155px; left: 0px; top: 1px; width: 250px;" width="200" /></a></div>Okay, so I'm doing <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Nano this month</span> and I'm cruising along. I'm almost to <span style="font-size: large;">3,000 words</span> today and I signed books at the Salt Lake Costco from 11-6. <br />
<br />
One <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">especially fun thing</span> that happened today was a cute teen coming to buy 11 books for Christmas presents for all her friends. So cool. <br />
<br />
I'm sorry I don't have a big secret to share today. I'm letting Nano take over. Next week I'll have <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">a big announcement </span>to share...I think you'll all love it. Maybe you'll even <strong>forgive me</strong> for missing today.Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-40760987797257683152011-10-28T05:00:00.008-06:002011-10-28T05:00:06.644-06:00Guest Blogger- Dave Farland on Audio Books<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="David Farland/Wolvertin" class="fLeft paddingR10" height="200" src="http://www.davidfarland.net/images/dave/publicity-photo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="129" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave Farland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Extra Extra!<br />
<br />
I've been looking into turning my book into an audiobook because so many people have approached me at <br />
signings and asked when it will be in audiobook form. (I also listen to my fair share of audio-books) They assure me that they will gladly buy it because they just don't have time to read anymore. </div><br />
Have you looked into getting an audiobook made? Wow! Those services are expensive and you're not even guaranteed a great reader. They can run you around 20 grand. Yep! Take that deep breath. <br />
<br />
So, when Dave Farland asked for volunteers to host him this month I was so excited to have him address this very issue. If you don't know about Dave. <a href="http://www.davidfarland.net/">Go visit his site</a>. He's awesome.<br />
<br />
Here's what he had to say..oh, and <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">if you leave him a question today</span>, <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">he will answer</span> you, so be sure to click the box that will send you his response when you ask a question in the comment form.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Breaking into Audio Books by Dave Farland</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As an indie author, how do you break into audiobooks?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ah, that’s an easy one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most indie authors are afraid of what it might cost to hire a celebrity actor to read a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really, folks, there are other ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few years ago, I had some readers ask if I would ever be willing to podcast my own novel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d never thought of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not an actor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I did a little informal survey over the next few weeks, and found that 55% of the people who asked about audiobooks said that they would prefer to hear the author read it in his or her own voice.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Of course they would!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d love to hear Tolkien read <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord of the Rings </i>to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d much rather hear it from him than from the finest actor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I’d love to listen to both, one after another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The point here is that you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can</i> do it yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can either get your own recording equipment or find someone to do it for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have a local college nearby, find someone who is already working in sound for films.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can probably hire them to use their own equipment and even mix it for you, taking out your “um’s” and “ah’s.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Don’t be afraid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take an acting class or two if you feel that you must.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you record, just make sure that you read it the way that you wrote it—with the names spoken the way you want, the stresses put in the sentences the way that you imagined it, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t get it right the first time, you can do multiple takes of the same line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s really not that hard, or that scary.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you really feel that it would be better with a professional actor, just look around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a friend whose voice would be wonderful for broadcast work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew an actor years ago, a fellow in a motorcycle gang, whose “look” would only let him play crazed villains in movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a big old monster of a fellow, with an enormous beard, and biceps the size of beer kegs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he was a sweet guy, and his voice was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times, great voice actors just don’t have the face needed to be popular stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So you can often get them to work for you inexpensively or even free, so that they can boost their own resumes as they go seeking other voice-over work.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Your audiobook doesn’t have to be expensive to produce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can edit in sound effects if you like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With my latest book, we had a professional composer create a full soundtrack for it, which is a first for me, but you don’t need all of that.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once you’ve made your recording, you can post it to the internet from your own website, and even sell it on places like iTunes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You might even submit it to professional audiobook publishers like Audible.com. (Please see the various vendors for their own rules on how to submit.)</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">David Farland’s latest novel, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nightingale, </i>tells the story of a young man who is abandoned at birth, and raised in foster care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the age of sixteen he is thrown out of his house, and meets an extraordinary teacher, a woman who recognizes that he is a “Nightingale,” a creature not quite human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The novel is available in audio format, enhanced novel, e-book, and hardcover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check it out, along with the soundtrack, at <a href="http://www.nightingalenovel.com/">http://www.nightingalenovel.com/</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you have any questions for Dave? You have his undivided attention. Just leave your question in the comments and he'll answer you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: #741b47;">I wouldn't dare do my own audiobook, but I sure know a lot of high school drama whizzes and college production majors....how about you? Would you be the voice of your book?</span></div>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-62372476230976807062011-10-25T04:00:00.002-06:002011-10-25T04:00:05.162-06:00Indie Publishing Secret #24 When Do I Get Paid?<div style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img class="rg_hi" data-height="192" data-width="249" height="192" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTt0rUei4sqf9YjqveydOO2kgbGneKqBcOFWq4HVpbLWa9qQ_r9jQ" style="height: 192px; width: 249px;" width="249" /></div><br />
Indie Publishing Secret #24- Payment<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last week we talked about how much we earn as authors, now it's time to discuss when we get paid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Publishers pay quarterly. That means you will get a check every three months when your book sells.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you indie-publish you will be at the mercy of the places you sell your books. For example, Createspace pays monthly after the books sells. That means that books you sell in February will show up in your bank account at the end of April and only if your total is more than $20.00. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">By the way, it is important that you let them pay you electronically. Checks require higher totals sold and take a lot more time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You will get paid for your ebook with Amazon 60 days following the end of the calendar month when the applicable sale occured. That means that if you sold a book in January, you would get paid in April for that book if your total is more than $10.00.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Barnes and Noble pays the same way Amazon does.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Smashwords pays quarterly and you receive the check 40 days after that period ends. If you sell books in Jan/Feb/and March, you will be paid at the end of April and March may not be included. Confusing, huh! Your total must be more than $10.00.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You may put your book in consignment stores. You will be paid if they sell.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My distributor pays monthly, but there is a lag time of 3 months from when the book was invoiced. That means that at the end of each month a new books go out, they send me an invoice. Three months later I get paid on that invoice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's tricky.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That is why you need to have a back-up of money to tide you over. If you print 1000 and all thousand go out that first month, you still have to wait almost 4 months to get paid. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You will need more money to print more books and you can't rely on that income. Be prepared to pay for several printings before you get paid. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You could, of course, put it all out there and print more than 1000 at a time. You will save per book, but they may take time to move or never move. Not to discourage you, but first time authors usually don't move 2,000 books. With that said, my book has already moved 2500 in less than 4 months. It is possible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You have to determine the amount of risk you are comfortable with. Also, with debut indie authors, the curve tends to go up slowly at first then explodes around the year to two year mark. That's a long time to wait to be paid. </span>Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-17121044208060924712011-10-18T03:00:00.005-06:002011-10-18T03:00:07.382-06:00Indie Publishing Secrets Revealed #23 - Tracking SalesIndie Publishing Secrets Revealed #23- How to track print/ebook sales<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1221526885738&id=b7635f55f9e0d238dd8466c0d5a786cc&url=http%3a%2f%2fcalldenverhome.com%2ffiles%2f2010%2f03%2fHighland-Ranch-Home-Sales1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="sg_t" height="300" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1221526885738&id=b7635f55f9e0d238dd8466c0d5a786cc&url=http%3a%2f%2fcalldenverhome.com%2ffiles%2f2010%2f03%2fHighland-Ranch-Home-Sales1.jpg" style="height: 250px; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 250px;" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's easy to check with your distributor to find out how many books they've sent to stores, but how do you track how many are selling in those stores and how do you track your e-sales?</span></div><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Ebook tracking</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Smashwords sales</span>-go to your <span style="color: #bf9000;">dashboard </span>to get a quick look for books sold and how many total downloads free and paid. Just subtract the sold total from the total downloads and you have how many you gave for free,too.<br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">To get more specific information</span>, click on sales and payment information on the right sidebar. If you scroll down you will be able to see where exactly your sales came from unless you hit a quarterly reporting period. If there is no information listed when you scroll down, just click on the quarterly earnings mapping report at the top of the page. It will give you a quarterly report and show very specifically where your sales came from.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;">Kindle sales</span><br />
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Go to your <span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: large;">KDP author site</span> and click on reports at the top of the page. You can generate 3 different sales reports from there: prior month, previous 6 weeks or month to month. Just click on one and the details will pop up before your eyes. <br />
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Also, using <span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">Author Central</span>, available free to all KDP authors, you can see your ranking and a graph of your sales. It also shows your ranking. See below for more information on <span style="color: #741b47;">Amazon Central</span>. The ebook information on this site is updated hourly.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Print sales</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Createspace </span>tracks your sales on their site. Just log into your book and go to sales.</div><br />
If you have a distributor other than Createspace, you can go to <span style="color: #134f5c;">Author Central</span>. <br />
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It is a free service that KDP offers all its authors. <br />
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Once you sign up, you not only put in a profile, you can put in signings and a blog and twitter link. Most importantly, it puts you in touch with <span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Nielson Book Scan</span> that shows, with up to 75% accuracy, your print book sales in 100 different regions throughout the U.S. It is quite remarkable to see the data. It graphs it as well as showing you sales by geography. It does not purport to catch all sales, but enough to show you significant things. This data is updated every Friday.<br />
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Click on this link to read more about Amazon and its effect on publishers and authors. Quite remarkable. Amazon seems unstoppable. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/17/technology/amazon-rewrites-the-rules-of-book-publishing.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1"><span style="font-size: large;">NY Times article</span></a><br />
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Next week I'll clue you in on how you get paid from all these sites and how often. It's not what you think....<br />
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Happy tracking sales!Hogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063997608668412778.post-61406718251547567132011-10-13T09:38:00.000-06:002011-10-13T09:38:27.318-06:00Indie Publishing Secrets revealed #22 Where's the Money?Indie Publishing Secrets revealed Where's the Money?<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Typical scenario for a published book with a <span style="color: red; font-size: large;">traditional publisher</span></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1201068711049&id=de3c19425a837e9441c4d9d7acbfa314&url=http%3a%2f%2fexpress.howstuffworks.com%2fgif%2fwq-money-woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" class="sg_t" height="253" src="http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=1201068711049&id=de3c19425a837e9441c4d9d7acbfa314&url=http%3a%2f%2fexpress.howstuffworks.com%2fgif%2fwq-money-woman.jpg" style="height: 239px; left: 0px; top: 0px; width: 250px;" width="264" /></a>Cost of you book in stores-Retail $13.99</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The bookstore pays 60%(typically) for your book. You pay your publisher and agent from that amount. $8.39</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Your publisher takes 65% of that for advertising, distributing and printing. $5.45 (65%)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Your agent takes 15% for selling your book to the publisher-I'm not sure if that 15% is taken from the <span style="background-color: cyan;">$8.39</span> or the $<span style="background-color: lime;">2.94.</span> So, I've color coded them.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>What's left for you? $<span style="background-color: cyan;">2.50</span> (30%) or $<span style="background-color: lime;">1.68</span> (20%)<br />
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You pay Uncle Sam about 1/3 of that $<span style="color: lime;">1.13</span>/<span style="color: cyan;">1.67</span> (13%,20%) profit<br />
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If your experience with traditional publishing was different than this, I'd love to hear about it. Please comment.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Indie Publishing</span><br />
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Cost of your book in retail stores $13.99<br />
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Bookstores pay 60% of retail for your book that leaves $8.39<br />
Your distributor takes 25% of that 60% They earn $2.10. That leaves $6.29<br />
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Subtract the cost to print your book $1.25(15%)-$3.50 (42%) for a 350 page book depending<br />
on how many you print.<br />
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What you get $3.04 (36%) to $4.79 (57%) if you do all free advertising<br />
Good luck with that<br />
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Uncle Sam takes about 1/3 $2.12 (25%)-3.16 (38%)<br />
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POD (Print on Demand) Publisher I will use Createspace as the example<br />
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Cost of your book $13.99<br />
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You get $6.24 from sales at Createspace<br />
$3.44 from sales on Amazon<br />
$.64 from all other .coms<br />
Your book is not in stores<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Ebooks</span><br />
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Smashwords takes about 19%. That is about $.18 per dollar your book sells for<br />
If you let Smashwords distribute to Barnes and Noble, Diesel, Kobe and others, you end up with 60%. That means that if you sell your book for $2.99 you'll get $1.81.<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Amazon.com (KDP)</span> <br />
If you price your book between $2 and $9.98, you will earn 65%<br />
If you price your book less than $1.99 or over $9.99, you will earn 35%.<br />
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Happy earningHogan's Hero's Swim Schoolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02758528074776239266noreply@blogger.com2