Gail Z Martin's Days of the Dead Book Tour: Indie Publishing in a Weird World

Indie Publishing in a Weird World 

By Gail Z. Martin 

This has been a weird year, in pretty much every sense of the word. Jokes about ‘apocalypse bingo’ aside, we’re all dealing with a confluence of major issues that none of us really have relevant life experience to fall back on for problem-solving ideas. That makes the ability to pivot, adapt, and try new things more important than ever. 

Given concerns about the virus, events are cancelled and people are staying home more than ever. So people have more time than ever to read, binge watch TV, and hang out online, hungry for entertainment. At the same time, job insecurities have made people worried about spending. We want diversion, but our minds are filled with today’s improbable headlines and concentrating can be difficult.

When the world has gone crazy, how do you continue to function—and maybe even thrive—as an indie author? 

The key, I believe, is being willing to adapt and get out of our comfort zones. In-person events have been cancelled, but online events are booming. Convention-style panels, author readings, virtual signings, online meet-and-greets, and live video gatherings may seem intimidating to the camera-phobic, but they’re an essential part of staying connected with readers, other authors, and the fandom community. Zoom is an author’s best friend, along with learning how to be comfortable with Facebook Live and the constantly-changing Facebook Rooms.

People are bored and looking for diversions. They’re also pinching pennies. That makes this a good time to experiment with budget-friendly options like Kindle Unlimited. Boost discoverability with sites like Prolific Works, Book Funnel, Story Origin and Book Sweeps that host themed group promotions featuring multiple authors all offering free stories or excerpts. Readers can get a taste of your style and your worldbuilding risk-free, then feel confident about looking for the rest of your work.

All kinds of cool collaborations are springing up because people have more time on their hands with their normal schedules upended, and because we’re all looking for fun and excitement. Keep an eye out for new podcasts, online conventions, video interview series, group storytelling projects, and other multi-author efforts that enable both the readers and the authors to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves and create community.

Whatever version of normal we find waiting for us at the end of the current unpleasantness, I think we’ll retain the best of the new things we’ve discovered during this extended time at home. That means the skills involved have potential long-term value and aren’t just a passing phase. 

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new! 

What’s new? Plenty!

Sons of Darkness (Night Vigil Book 1) and Inheritance (Deadly Curiosities Book 4) are now on audiobook. 

Monster Mash and Creature Feature are the newest Spells Salt and Steel books. 

Witch of the Woods and Ghosts of the Past are the newest in the Wasteland Marshals series.

And Black Sun is the latest Joe Mack Adventure. 

Coming soon: Fugitive’s Vow (Assassins of Landria Book 3) and Reckoning (Darkhurst Book 3).

GIVEAWAY 

My Days of the Dead blog tour runs through October 31 with brand new guest blog posts, giveaways and more! 

You’ve got to visit the participating sites to get the goodies, just like Trick or Treat! 

Get all the details about my Days of the Dead blog tour at www.gailzmartin.com

About the Author 

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And get a free complete short story, Catspaw, here 
Join our Facebook group, The Shadow Alliance 
Gail’s Supernatural Group is Supernatural TFW-NC 
Check out ConTinual

Gail Z. Martin writes urban fantasy, epic fantasy and steampunk for Solaris Books, Orbit Books, Falstaff Books, SOL Publishing and Darkwind Press. Urban fantasy series include Deadly Curiosities and the Night Vigil (Sons of Darkness). Epic fantasy series include Darkhurst, the Chronicles Of The Necromancer, the Fallen Kings Cycle, the Ascendant Kingdoms Saga, and the Assassins of Landria. She and co-author Larry N. Martin write the Spells Salt and Steel, Wasteland Marshals and  Joe Mack Shadow Council Archives Adventures. As Morgan Brice, she writes urban fantasy MM paranormal romance. Series include Witchbane, Badlands, Treasure Trail, Kings of the Mountain and Fox Hollow series. 

Super Simple Quick Start Guide To Self-Publishing Release Day Blitz! + excerpt

Hot off the presses! SUPER SIMPLE QUICK START GUIDE TO SELF-PUBLISHING by award-winning bestselling author E.J. Stevens is available now!

Super Simple Quick Start Guide to Self-Publishing

by E.J. Stevens
Publisher: Sacred Oaks Press
January 10, 2017
Pages: 105
Genre: Nonfiction
This simple introductory guide will give you the basic information you need to begin self-publishing.

Whether you are writing your first novel or looking to breathe new life into your backlist, this guide will give you the tools you need to successfully self-publish. Useful information, direct links to resources, checklists, and step-by-step tutorials will help you create a professional quality book.

Simple tips will save you time that you can spend on writing, publishing, and promoting your next bestseller.

This book provides an introduction to:

• Building a Writing Template 
• Copyright 
• Beta Readers and Editors 
• ISBN and Barcode 
• Font Licensing 
• Book Covers 
• ARCs 
• Ebook Formatting 
• Print Book Formatting 
• SEO, Keywords, and BISAC Categories 
• Retail Product Pages 
• Pricing 
• Audiobooks and Narrators 
• Translations and Translators 

Each chapter will take you one step, leap, or bound closer to successfully publishing your book. Grab your cape. It's time to be an indie publishing hero!

Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iTunes

Book Excerpt:
Welcome to the Super Simple Quick Start Guide to Self-Publishing. Whether novice or experienced writer, I hope you find this book helpful as you embark on your publishing journey. My goal is to provide you with an easy-to-follow guide that will save you time and money through tips and tricks I’ve developed during my writing career.

This guide is arranged in the order in which I publish my own books. Each chapter will take you one step, leap, or bound closer to successfully publishing your book. Early chapters introduce concepts vital to getting your book published, and give a simple tutorial on how to complete that step, saving you valuable time. Pro tips and publishing life hacks will highlight ways to avoid common pitfalls. Later chapters provide information on what to do after your book launch, including how to make your book available in additional languages and in the increasingly popular audiobook format. At the end of this guide, you’ll also find a publishing checklist and a list of useful resources.

I have successfully published 15 fiction books, including the award-winning Spirit Guide young adult series, the bestselling Hunters’ Guild urban fantasy series, and the award-winning, bestselling Ivy Granger, Psychic Detective urban fantasy series. In 2017, I will release my first works of nonfiction, the Super Simple Quick Start Guide to Book Marketing and this Super Simple Quick Start Guide to Self-Publishing. In addition to my 2017 nonfiction releases, I will be publishing two more books in the Ivy Granger series and two books in the much anticipated Whitechapel Paranormal Society Victorian Gothic horror series.

In recent years, my books have won numerous awards. I am a BTS Magazine Red Carpet Award winner for Best Novel and Best Book Cover, SYAE finalist for Best Paranormal Series, Best Novella, and Best Horror, winner of the PRG Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Paranormal Fantasy Novel, Best Young Adult Paranormal Series, Best Urban Fantasy Novel, and finalist for Best Young Adult Paranormal Novel and Best Urban Fantasy Series.

My novels and novellas have been translated into multiple languages, including German, Italian, Spanish, and Dutch. I have also had the pleasure of working with world famous voice artists in the production of over a half dozen audiobooks.

My books have flown to the top of the Amazon bestsellers lists in numerous categories. I have repeatedly hit the Amazon top 100, and have hit #1 in a variety of categories such as the Mythology & Folktales > Fairy Tales category and the Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Psychics category in Amazon stores worldwide.

I am a guest at conventions and book signings around the world. Recent conventions include Dragon Con, Boskone, Imaginarium, Readercon, and World Fantasy. I frequently speak on panels and teach workshops on a wide range of publishing, writing craft, and literary topics. I have been a guest speaker alongside such notable figures as Charles Stross, Catherynne M. Valente, Orson Scott Card, Rachel Vincent, Paul Tremblay, Maria Snyder, Leanna Renee Hieber, David Coe, Kit Reed, Peter V. Brett, Jacqueline Carey, and Max Gladstone.

It’s important to remember that I did not start out as a publishing hero. I’ve made mistakes, ones that you don’t have to make if you follow the steps in this guide.

When I started publishing my books in 2009, there were limited resources in libraries and online. I was frustrated by conflicting information, outdated books and websites, dead links leading to 404 errors, and false information posted by people with no industry experience.

Today there are hundreds of books, videos, and websites on how to publish and market your book. This wealth of resources is great in theory, but it means that it has become more difficult to find useful information than ever before. With my years of publishing experience, I can shine a light on the most important tasks, help you set clear goals, and provide tips to ensure you achieve those goals.

The Super Simple Quick Start Guide to Self-Publishing will give you the basic information needed to independently publish your book, while providing terminology and resources that will help if you wish to learn more advanced publishing skills.

About the Author:

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E.J. Stevens is the bestselling, award-winning author of the IVY GRANGER, PSYCHIC DETECTIVE urban fantasy series, the SPIRIT GUIDE young adult series, the HUNTERS' GUILD urban fantasy series, and the WHITECHAPEL PARANORMAL SOCIETY Victorian Gothic horror series. She is known for filling pages with quirky characters, bloodsucking vampires, psychotic faeries, and snarky, kick-butt heroines. Her novels are available worldwide in multiple languages.

BTS Red Carpet Award winner for Best Novel, SYAE finalist for Best Paranormal Series, Best Novella, and Best Horror, winner of the PRG Reviewer's Choice Award for Best Paranormal Fantasy Novel, Best Young Adult Paranormal Series, Best Urban Fantasy Novel, and finalist for Best Young Adult Paranormal Novel and Best Urban Fantasy Series.

When E.J. isn't at her writing desk, she enjoys dancing along seaside cliffs, singing in graveyards, and sleeping in faerie circles. E.J. currently resides in a magical forest on the coast of Maine where she finds daily inspiration for her writing.

Join the E.J. Stevens newsletter and learn about news, events, and ghosts. Monthly news updates, tour photos, and exclusive reader perks (FREE reads & giveaways!). Great resources for authors on E.J.'s "Author Resources" page on her official website.

Visit us at http://www.pumpupyourbook.com!

Guest Post: “Top 5” things that being a principal taught me about being an author by Chris Kennedy

I’ve done a lot of things in my life, from flying aircraft for the Navy to being an elementary school principal, to being an author and small press publisher. I’ve been shot at and had people trying to kill me on a number of occasions (besides book reviewers!) Of all the positions I’ve held, though, nothing prepared me for writing like being a principal; it was there that I learned the skills and principles which would serve me well in the publishing industry. With that in mind, I present my “Top 5” things that being a principal taught me about being an author.

#5. You Must Be Edited
One of the first things I sent home to parents had a glaring typo in the first paragraph. It was embarrassing and didn’t set the impression I wanted (and that I needed to be successful). After that, nothing left the office without at least two people taking a look at it. No matter how well you write, don’t ever send something out for public consumption that hasn’t been edited by someone other than you. Just. Don’t. Do. It. You’ll only set the wrong impression and make yourself unsuccessful.

#4. You’ve Got to Spend Money When Needed
I was the principal of a private elementary school, and one of the key tenets for success was keeping costs down. That’s great, but if it’s your only consideration you will never grow or achieve your vision of success. Just like I had to invest in things like new technology if I wanted to have a competitive advantage versus the other schools in my district, authorpreneurs have to invest in things like book cover design and professional editing if they want to be taken seriously.

#3. The Answer Is Nearby, But Only If You Have Someone to Ask
I took over the position of principal without ever having been a teacher. While leading the school was like leading other organizations I had been a part of, there were some things I just didn’t know. When I found myself faced with the unknown, though, I wasn’t afraid to find and ask the people who did know in order to get the information I needed. The answers to all of your potential questions exist around you, but you have to develop connections ahead of time so that when you have one, you already have contacts you can reach out to for answers. The majority of authors are introverts, but you still have to get out and meet people and develop ties if you want to be successful. Many of the best opportunities I’ve had in writing have been because of my network, not anything I was doing at the time. Go to a convention or conference in your genre—all the cool folks do.

#2. There’s Too Much to Do; You Need a Schedule
At one point, I had to fire my janitor. While necessary, that only left one person to do the work—me. All the teachers and aides already had full-time gigs with the children and were unavailable. I had to learn the job of janitor while still trying to fulfill the duties of principal. Both things had to be done. Self-publishing while keeping a day job is a lot like that. Many times, you will feel like you either aren’t making progress or have too many things you’d like to do that you’ll never get them all done. That much, unfortunately, is true; there will never be enough time to do everything you want to (even if you quit your day job; I know—I did). What’s the answer when you’re faced with more than you have time to do? Set up a schedule so that you take care of the things you must do first, and then accomplish as many of the things that you’d like to do as possible (in the order that works best for you). I know that when I’m overwhelmed, I can’t write because my brain can’t focus. Having a schedule ensures I handle the business that must be done, freeing my mind to do important things like come up with ideas to write about.

#1. Know Your Audience (And Give Them What They Want)
After the first performance review I conducted as a principal, my secretary came in and asked what I had said to the teacher; she had left the office in tears. What did I say? I told her she was doing a good job and to keep it up. Coming from 20 years of military service in a male-dominated profession, I didn’t know that I needed to couch my comments in flowers and platitudes, which is what she’d been expecting. She wasn’t prepared for a frank and honest appraisal of her performance—she’d never had one before. The point here is that you need to know what people are expecting of you. If you set your readers up for something (like military scifi) and then give them something else (like dinosaur porn), they are going to be dissatisfied (and make their unhappiness known through things like poor reviews). Know what your readers what and give it to them, or there will be a wailing and gnashing of teeth…and it will be your own!

Happy writing and publishing!
Chris

About the Author:
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A bestselling Science Fiction/Fantasy author, speaker and publisher, Chris Kennedy is a former naval aviator and elementary school principal. Chris' stories include the "Occupied Seattle" military fiction duology, "The Theogony" and "Codex Regius" science fiction trilogies, and the "War for Dominance" fantasy trilogy. Get his free book, "The Death of Atlantis," at his website, http://chriskennedypublishing.com.

Called "fantastic" and "a great speaker," he has coached hundreds of beginning authors and budding novelists on how to self-publish their stories at a variety of conferences, conventions and writing guild presentations. He is the author of the award-winning #1 bestseller, "Self-Publishing for Profit: How to Get Your Book Out of Your Head and Into the Stores," as well as the leadership training book, "Leadership from the Darkside."

Chris lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with his wife and family. He is currently working with the Navy to help shape Navy training processes for the year 2025. He is the holder of a doctorate in educational leadership and master's degrees in both business and public administration.

Introducing IndieARCs! What is it? How to Register

If you like Net Galley then you are going to LOVE IndieARCs!

IndieARCs is FREE for bloggers and readers/reviewers!

What is IndieArcs?
IndieARCs central location for indie books. Readers can request indie books to review from a variety of indie authors.

Here is a basic help video that gives an overview about IndieArcs

IndieARCS has three words to describe its services. Read. Review. Share. 

It’s that simple.

Read.
· Join author’s review clubs and receive free ebooks in exchange for reviews/feedback.

· Participate in the IndieARCs Book Club.

· Create your own book clubs, forums and blogs under your profile and invite others to join you on your latest literary adventures!

Review.

· Provide feedback to authors directly through review clubs, street teams, forums, etc.

· Post reviews, feedback and become part of the IndieARCs Book Club

· Coordinate blog and review tours

Share.

· Send out email updates via the newsletter function

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