Holiday Works Are In The Works

 I have a half dozen, if not more short stories coming out next month. Thanksgiving stories and Christmas stories. I will be posting trailers, my social media pages (not many, just two). I am taking a Coursera writing course now-if I haven't mentioned it-and other writing courses outside of  Coursera. So I have a lot going on. A WHOLE LOT going on, that I will not even mention right now until I know more, there is a lot on my plate right now.

I Am Very Much Determined....

I hope all of you, your familes and friends are safe and healthy during this strange time.  I live with my mom and sister and we are all okay.... BUT  the  day job I had for years is now gone. I was working at home  for two weeks and two days, in March, then I was called and told I had zero hours.

Now, I have always wanted to quit my day job. I have a college degree from Syracuse University, and have been accepting a low salary for years ( under $10K) because I could find nothing better. I had watched several employees-some just new hires,  get promotions in a few months time, while I who had tried many times got nothing. I won't go through all I had experienced there, that is not the point I want to make here today.

I had no way of getting anything better in my city, so along comes COVID-19 and now I am at home. Am I going stir crazy? No! I love being at home with my family, and now have the time to get all those  time consuming jobs and projects around the house and in the yard done. Most importantly,  I have the time to make the life of my dreams come true....to be a successfully published writer. I have sold ebooks,  yes, but not successfully. So now I have all the time in the world, and I am going to focus on one thing at a time, and get the job done!

While I wait for my first unemployment payment (you can guess how crazy that is..*eye roll*) I will be focusing on becomiing better and marketing my books.. I am so bad on keeping up with this blog but, I will post at least once a month to keep you posted.

Take care,  Stay home as much as you can and remember to wash your hands.

The Good, The Bad, And The....Well, You Know

Okay! Unfortunately getting into the Apex Authors was no go. A friend showed tried to help me get some people to sign up. ($1. trial. That's all) Only a few people looked, but didn't sign up. I guess everyone is making major book sales then since they didn't need them, right? I did need them, but since I couldn't stay a member because of no sign ups, I had to move on.

What I need is something that will sell that will take a day to do, or fun to create. In other words, short and Easy. SO...I have done 12 books that was hardly any work to put together, but now I have to start promoting, because no one will know they are there unless they accidentally happen to see it.
Part two, which I am starting this week, is to work on the 'fun' books and then I will have to start promoting them. The whole purpose of doing said books is to generate an income that comes in easily to give me oceans of time to work on my novels.

 In the meantime, I have an Editor working on an old book, and I am working on new fiction books to publish to Kindle and later on, CreateSpace, etc. I am getting to the point that I need a change. Tired of the dayjob, want to wake up every morning and do what I want to do so I am actively pursuing what I have to do to get what I want in 2016.

What are these books that are fun and easy to publish? I will tell you(yes, I promise I will get back to you before next year, LoL.)I have promised a case study, so I will be publishing as each project is completed.

News: Okay, I Am Finally Moving Forward

I am done trying to figure out how to be successful at marketing. I have found a great author's group that will help you learn everything from formatting your ebook, creating great covers to getting reviews. It's a great community. There is training,  Question and answer sessions. I really believe that there is no stone un turned when it comes to this website. Right now there is a trial membership that you really should take advantage of. I am, because I need, and want to desperately work from home.

Apex Authors

Last year was a mixture of good and bad. I was physically unable to do any work for  several weeks. Of the dozen or more books I have in Kindle, I should have been making at least four figures a month, but I didn't. I couldn't work, and with my job- you don't work, you don't get paid!  Well, Fast forward to 2016. I am feeling better, and am determined to make more from my writing. This group is the answer. Sign up today, and take a trial membership. Find out if it can (and it will) help you succeed in selling your books.

Apex Authors

 So, after I digest some of this information, I am going to re-do all of my Kindle books, and expand my horizons. Do you have your books on multiple websites? If not, you should. I will be posting in three months(I hope less than that) the best websites to upload your books to get multiple sales, and I am going back to my book reviews and post a link from every book that I have read, so expect more of that in 2016!  I don't know how long this trial is going to last, so make sure that you sign up today and get more from your writing!

Apex Authors

News

There will be news this month on my writing, and as I do so, I will be posting case studies on my success rate with all that I've ever learned after all this time, LoL. Plus I've made a goal to read 500 books. (yes, that is correct) this year, so to save time, I'll be posting on Goodreads, Amazon, Shelfari so I'll let you know when another one is done here.
I didn't make any New Years Resolutions, but I know what I want for this year, and that is to be more organized and really, really do better on handling time management. Okay! Gotta go and get back to work.

Update And Thanks

Thanks for everyone who has ever posted a comment. I just got around to them tonight. I am really, really behind on my work. Life keeps throwing me this way and that, and I gotta get back on track. Having said that, I will be publishing fiction as well as reviews-when  I get around to reading something. I have TONS of books to read!
I have a writing goal set in mind so I will not be around much until it's completed. I already deleted a few books on Kindle that were not selling, so I got to work on adding more that do sell. So, I gotta split. Hope to post the next Kindle article at the end of the month. It will be all about lists. Do you have one? Until next time....

What I Learned About Kindle Series

I have learned so much about Kindle, I think it's time to share somethings before 2013 ends. This will be in the first of a series of articles about self-publishing for kindle. Today I will discuss what to do, and what not to do.

Don't Do This....
1. Don't use other peoples books to sell on Kindle. I know, all of you write your own books, but if you know someone doing this, encourage them to stop. When I say other peoples books, I mean:
PLR- Private label rights books, you know those reports 'everybody' has the right to sell? Amazon will shut down your account in a New York minute if you upload those kinds of books. Don't even rewrite them.
Outsourced Books-I've read a couple of nightmare stories in the Kindle community about using someone elses book as your own. It can cause trouble for you, especially the money it will cost you. If you write it yourself the only cost you will spend is time.
KDP Free Days I know an author who started out doing those free days for her books, and didn't make much money. When she stopped and used another way to promote her books, her sales soared. Hey, if it works for you, go ahead, but for those who get no profit from it, don't do it. I have tried it, a few times and although I got some  free downloads, I got zilch on sales, which brings me to this last don't on my list.
Nonfiction Anybody who tells you nonfiction is a big seller on Kindle isn't telling the truth. I went to check out something a person on a webinar told me was a good niche. The golden book did not have a good ranking. A good ranking is anything below fifty thousand. Maybe it did once upon a time, but it didn't when he was telling all his listeners to go write books like that. Fiction is what sells more on Amazon and probably other similar websites. Here is some proof-don't just take my word for it. Click on the three graphs. 1000+ Sales A Month Club  Well, that's it for now. I'll continue the next part of the series next week. Happy Holidays!

Urban Fantasy Challenge

I've decided to sign up for the Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance Challenge that is hosted by Book Chick City.  I am going to choose level One:

One Howl: Read 12 UF/PNR Books in 2013

I wanted to read more, but I have a book to be released this year and two next year, so I've got a lot of editing to do! If you would like to be a part of the Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Romance Challenge, you can sign up at the link below.
Urban Fantasy Challenge
I'll put up a list of what I intend to read(which may change) after I post the long awaited book reviews I have promised.

Writing...Writing....And Writing

My books have been pushed back(*Sob*) My first book which was supposed to come out next month is coming out this fall, instead. The last two will be next year. I'm not happy about it, but the books have to sparkle and be solid before you read them, so that's the way it has to be.
So I probably won't be on here for three months.
While I'm busy doing that, I'm also working on books for Kindle. I've read so much success from other authors I'm hoping to find that for myself. There is no place I'd rather be everyday than, working from home doing what I love, so that's where I've been for months. See you in March!

Rapid Publishing

O.K. the promotion of my ebook series did not go as planned :( so I am trying again in September. I have a revised version of Rapid Publishing that will be on Kindle as well. Having said that, books 1-4 will go on this month, and the last three will be in September. Instead of buy one get two free, it is going to be buy one get one free from now on with any book of the series. The free book will always be a pdf, not a kindle or Smashwords book.

After this, I will no longer be doing nonfiction books for writers. I'm working a lot now on my fiction books, three which have be contracted, yes I'm going to be published! More on that as the details are finalized.

News And Reviews

Well, my 'launch' for Rapid Publishing didn't go as I thought it would. I am going to have to do much more planning ahead and tell more than just two or three groups of people. However, I did get one glowing review of the ebook, so I'm hoping for more later on.  I will try again with the launch later this month when more of the ebooks are released. On the positive side,  I have written a 3 book Christian fiction series that  is going to be published! Yahoo!!! More on that, as things go under way. I have written a book review that you can check out anytime you want. Wreath by Judy Christie. I will try to put something on that page at least once a week. Twice when I have more time. Until next week....

Rapid Publishing Is Now On Kindle

I really must apologize. Rapid Publishing has been on Kindle since the last week
of June. I am just now getting together a marketing campaign. This is the first of a series of e-books for writers.
What is it About?
Rapid Publishing is all about getting your book, well, done quickly. Too many writers spend a long time writing their books. You can get your book completed in as little as a week, or a month with careful calculated planning. The first in this series will tell you how to read fast, write fast and get published fast and tools to use. 
Who Is It For? 
Originally I had intended this for people who want to self-publish, or for those who want to begin writing for profit. There are many priceless resources I have found just by being on certain mailing lists, or surfing online that will benefit published writers as well.
Where You Can Buy It
It is $2.99 on Kindle or you can buy it through Paypal and get the PDF for $2.99. Total Pages: 16
Keep reading to find out how you can get more books in the series for free.
The Rest Of The Series
In order, here is the rest of the Rapid Publishing Series.
Rapid Publishing: The Best Way To Sell Your Books
Rapid Publishing: Rich Author Vs. Poor Author
Rapid Publishing: The Secret To Getting Anything You Want
Rapid Publishing: Fabulous Websites For Authors
Rapid Publishing: Free Software For Writers
Rapid Publishing: E-Publishers Directory
The Best Way to Sell Your Books And Rich Author Vs. Poor Author will be on Kindle next week and if you want a PDF, you can buy it through Paypal. So, Here's the deal...
Buy Rapid Publishing and get other ebooks in the series *Free*!

If you buy Rapid Publishing on Kindle or Paypal on the following days: July 24-July 31st, you will get three bonus books:(PDF only)

#1.Rapid Publishing: Fabulous Websites For Authors(Value: $2.99) Free
This is a list of my secret  stash of websites that can help authors sell and promote their books. Many of these I found just by surfing the Internet. Writers Courses, social networks, free publicity(I'm talking television),  web tools, Royalty free and public domain images for your books,  or if you prefer ready made covers, Royalty free music, and free royalty free music for your book trailers and much more!
Total Pages: 12
#2.Rapid Publishing: Free Software For Writers(Value: $2.99) Free
Various kinds of software available online for free to write your books more easily. One software lets you   create novels, comic books, games, music videos, podcasts and more!
Total Pages: 5
#3. Sit Down And Write That...BestSelling Novel(PDF) Free
From Bookproposalwriting.com. This is a great book for beginning writers. Learn how to do research, the basics of writing, writing fantasy, childrens' books, fiction and nonfiction, Copyright, query letters, how to find a good agent, titling you books and more.
Total Pages: 71
Just buy from either link below, send me a copy by email of your amazon/Paypal receipt, and I will send you the links for the three bonus PDF ebooks.

Rapid Publishing + Bonus Material

I must have a copy of your receipt before I send you the links for the free ebooks, and you must buy on the dates specified, because these bonuses will not remain free.  This will most likely be the only nonfiction series for writers I will ever do. If I learn anymore tips, I'll  only be sharing it in a private group.  So, if you are a writer or you want to be a writer, request to be my friend on  Facebook. Since I don't know you, send me a message along with the request, in one or two sentences what you like about Rapid Publishing.

E-Book Profits-Why A Sample Chapter Can Send Your Profits Soaring!(Part Two)

 And I continue with the ideas.....

*  You could give the sample chapter with the full version of the product which is password protected.  Readers who enjoy the test version and decide to go full length simply give credit card details through such as ClickBank and move to a ‘Thank You page’ which provides the password for the full book already in their possession.  (Knowing the full length book is sitting there, tying up space on their desktop, just screaming out to be opened and read, is all the incentive most people need to get that password fast!)

*  You could write an article based on your full length info product, but leave the reader dangling somewhere between casting the article to one side and buying your book.

Ways to do this:

-  Leave questions in your article which are answered in the full length title.  Make readers curious, give cryptic clues, leave the most vital information for Part Two – the paid-for product!

-  Offer articles to editors and publishers of print and online publications and end with questions that are answered at your web site where readers can buy books related to the subject of the article.

-  Get readers to subscribe to your eZine where you’ll answer those niggling

questions and in autoresponder follow ups you’ll promote your main book to the very limit of temptation!

*  The free sample gives credibility in you and your writing ability.  People know the book has  -  probably  -  already been written, and is of similar quality to what they’ve already sampled.  If they have money and they like your work, they’ll buy.  Probably!

*  The sample chapter can include a contents listing for the full length version, where readers can check length (yes some people still believe quantity outshines quality) and you can induce sales with tempting chapter titles and snippets.  It’s a good idea to give the page numbers on which certain highlighted features occur, especially where pages run into triple figures (again, never mind the quality, feel the width), and chapter headings are themselves deliciously vague.  Like this:

“Here’s a sneak preview of ‘1001 Easy Ways to Get Rich Overnight!’

-  How to live in a luxury home without having a mortgage and never having to pay a penny rent (Chapter Twenty Four, Page 201)

-  The four letter word that gets you everything you want out of life, and more!  (Chapter Twenty Five, Page 273)

-  How to get a brand new car and drive it away without having to pay!  (Chapter Twenty Six, Page 307)

-  Four words that guarantee you free travel for the rest of your life!  (Chapter Twenty Nine, Page 406)”

*  People will retain your sample chapter far longer than they will normally keep a sales letter, especially of the printed variety or on a web site with a domain name they’ll soon forget.  So although the majority of people will buy the full length product quite soon after receiving the freebie, you might still get a steady trickle of sales later when busy people find time to read your sample chapter.

Never forget the most common reason of all is to tempt readers of the free infoproduct to click on the link on the very last page where they find your order form and BUY YOUR BOOK!

Plug Your Book! Online Book Marketing for Authors, Book Publicity through Social Networking

The Rapid Publishing Series

The Rapid Publishing Series is just a bit behind schedule as soon as it is live on Kindle, I will be posting it here on the blog. You will be able to choose more than one format, and have the option to get a PDF version. This coming week(finally) Three of seven ebooks of the series will be released and the rest will be released each week and will be announced when available for sale.

Ch-Ch-Changes On My Blog

As you can see I have gotten with the program and added pages so it will be easier to find what you are looking for when you visit. I'll be doing a different header, also, and will be listing my books starting this month and forever more on the books page.

I've just added a new article, in case you want to see it, so come back often, as I plan to do a lot for this blog!

Non Fiction EBook Series Out This Week

There will be a nonfiction ebook series that will be published this week on Kindle. It will also be sold on other online stores as well.  It is called Rapid Publishing. These books will be for people who want to make a living at writing, and those that want to make more money by selling more books. Though this is geared more towards indie publishing, there will also be some vital information for those who have publishers and/or agents. There are quite a few amazing websites for authors to promote their work. Some of these sites you can use free of charge, and you'll be surprised when you see them.

It will be affordable and offered on different formats, and all will be revealed this coming week. There will also be a contest, along with it. Meanwhile, I have and am still reading several books and will get to posting the reviews on Shelfari and Goodreads after awhile. So, back to my projects and look forward to the first installments of the Rapid Publishing series this week.
Self-Publishing with Amazon's CreateSpace: A Resource Guide for the Author Considering Self-Publishing

eBook Profits - Why a Free Sample Chapter Can Send Your Profits Soaring! (Part One)

Why should anyone give a sample chapter or mini-version of their book for free?  The main reason  -  usually to sell or make money  -  isn’t always accomplished at the front end of the marketing process, it often comes later, and brings profits way beyond your best expectations.

Here’s how and why to use the sample chapter technique to generate leads for your info product.

*  To test your idea for a new information product before spending days, weeks, months creating something nobody wants to buy.  If few people request the freebie, your product is almost certainly a no-goer, similarly if the freebie is popular but results in few or no paid-for orders.

*  The sample chapter can be a selling tool not only for its own full length paid-for version, but for other products too, where for example a list or catalogue of additional products is included with the giveaway item.  For instance, the first chapter of ‘The Way to a Man’s Heart: Cooking with Known Aphrodisiacs’ might generate interest in the paid-for version of the book and might additionally direct readers to web sites offering related info products, such as ‘1001 Ways to Be Romantic’, ‘How to Find the Man of Your Dreams’, and so on.  It pays to be careful, however, when including links for other people’s products, and ensure they do not detract from the real reason the sample chapter was given, namely to sell that cookery book.  As for all things in mail order, direct mail, online marketing, you must test response to all your promotions.

*  The first chapter can represent a ‘suck it and see’ guarantee to a product delivered in installments, such as correspondence courses, resell rights packages, and so on.  If Chapter One or Module One isn’t as expected, readers can cancel their post-dated standing order or request a refund of money already paid.

*  Sample chapters can be articles you’ve written for payment elsewhere, where copyright is yours, and the article or series of articles is expanded to book or course format.  A popular article is its own proof of a likely best selling book and you’ve probably completed most of the research already, and been paid for it.


Plug Your Book! Online Book Marketing for Authors, Book Publicity through Social Networking

Book Reviews

O.K. I wanted to list at least three books
that I have finished, but I've only finished one
so far. You can be sure that this week you
will get at least these two:

1. Wedding on the Way by Lois Richer
2. Now Is the Time To Crush It! Why
Now Is the Time ToCash In On Your
Passion by Gary Vaynerchuk

If I can manage it, You'll Also get:
3. Out Of Control by Suzanne Brockmann
4.Put More Cash In Your Pocket By Loral Langemeier
Put More Cash in Your Pocket: Turn What You Know into Dough

Trying to read as many books as I can to see which ones
I want to keep, sell or give away. Writing my own books
at the same time is very challenging. I have to play catch
up and finish a short story I'm doing! Well, here's hoping
for at least two reviews by Monday!

Time Out

I'm going to be disappearing, kind of for the
next couple of weeks. The only thing you'll
see here are book reviews.
When I come back, I'll have that book for
writers I've been talking forever about
sometime at the end of the month.

Articles About Writing

Just so you know, I'm going to be doing some articles
for writers on Associated Content. Just look to the
right of this blog a ways down the page, and you can
see what current articles that I have written. So be
sure to keep checking by because I have some good
information to give you!