Showing posts with label book. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book. Show all posts

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Scattered: KDP and Free Promotion!

So, I have been looking into removing Scattered from KDP's select program.  As apart of the publishing program, I have to keep that specific work exclusive to Amazon.  There is nothing wrong with exclusivity if you have a killer marketing team or great promotional skills.  However, I feel that exclusivity has its drawbacks.

For one, your work only appeals to those with Kindles or Kindle apps.  Now, I happen to know that the Kindle app is very popular among android users.  That is a plus, but I have found that I receive the most sales from Barnes and Noble, not Amazon.  While being enrolled in KDP Select is supposed to change that, giving you work more exposure, it hasn't for me.  I made it onto a list of highest downloaded shorts with a mere 24 downloads.  That is nothing compared to the readership on Barnes and Noble.

Another drawback is that on Amazon your work has to be sold at a price.  I prefer my short stories to be free, but in order to do that, I have to space promotions that last only 5 days over a few months.  My short stories allow readers to get to know my writing style and so they become promotional tools within themselves.  If people like my shorter works, they are more likely to buy my novels; however, if I can't give them away for free, it defeats the purpose.  I do like that if I post this particular short to other outlets, Amazon should have a price match, making it fee on their site permanently.

Looking into my arrangement with KDP Select, I can place Scattered on Smashwords and other outlets in August where it will be FREE!!!  Right now, I decided to use my five days of free promotion.  So, from 5/22/15 to 5/26/15 Scattered will be available to download for FREE on Amazon.com.  Please take advantage if you are interested in reading it.  Otherwise, the next time you will see it free is in August.  Click the link below tomorrow for a free download.

Link: SCATTERED on Amazon

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Virus

So, I just got back from the hospital, and it turns out that I have a virus.  Yay me!  Not really.  This specific type of virus causes canker sores, and let me tell you, canker sores are so painful.  It starts off with flu-like symptoms and then the virus kicks in.  My lymph nodes are engorged.  I just can't wait for this nightmare to be over.  The good news is that once this virus goes away, I will have built up an immunity to it.  It will be unlikely that I will ever get it again.

I haven't been able to write or anything!  But I hope that when I am all healed, I will be able to get started on my latest novel.  Wicked Chemistry is almost complete, and I plan to release the paperback with all tree shorts.  Those on my mailing list will be receiving a copy of the new short.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Updated Collector Short Story Trailer

Hello, everyone.

I just updated The Collector's trailer.  Compared to the old... it is a vast improvement.  Check it out.

OLD


NEW

Special thanks to the artists at DeviantArt.com who have great .png images for public use.  It saved me a bunch of time in creating these images.


CREDITS:
- ROYS-ART for pointing statue - http://roys-art.deviantart.com/art/Statues-02-PNG-Stock-420147732
- OILUSIONISTA for stairs - http://oilusionista-stock.deviantart.com/art/Stone-stairway-stock-354790265
- MOMOTTE2STOCKS for all of the crows - http://momotte2stocks.deviantart.com/art/crow-9-212724189
- ALz-STOCK AND ART for gravestone - http://alz-stock-and-art.deviantart.com/art/Gravestone-PNG-405097600
- ALz-STOCK AND ART for stone arch - http://alz-stock-and-art.deviantart.com/art/Painted-Archway-332423585
- ABSURDWORDPREFERRED for window - http://absurdwordpreferred.deviantart.com/art/Window-transparent-PNG-163124311
- TIGERS-STOCK for hand - http://tigers-stock.deviantart.com/art/604-Hand-Png-349714283
- ENHANCERS for key - http://enhancers.deviantart.com/art/JJ-s-PNG-1-Keys-191539860

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Updated Weeping Willow Short Story Trailers

Hello, everyone.

I just updated my Weeping Willow Part 1 and 2 trailers.  I was happy with the originals, but I wanted more original artwork that told a bit about the story.  So, while the old trailers will still be posted on YouTube.  My new trailers will be posted on my website and Smashwords.  I am posting the old and new ones on her for comparison.

As my skills have improved, I am trying to make my trailers better representations of my work.  I will try to create and upload new versions of some of my trailers.  Also, don't be shy.  Tell me what you think by posting a comment on YouTube.

WWSS1 - OLD


WWSS1 - NEW


WWSS2 - OLD



WWSS2 - NEW


Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Over Half of YA Readers are Adults!

According to surveys conducted in 2012, 55% of readers of YA fiction are adults!  It is no real surprise.  Who hasn't written a bus or a train lately and seen an adult immersed in reading Divergent or Hunger Games or Harry Potter? Adults are increasingly reading Young Adult fiction as the rise of book-to-movie adaptions increasing, giving these titles a wider reach.  The article claims that adults read YA fiction for a bit of nostalgia.  Every adult can identify with awkward teen experiences, but in my opinion, there are more reasons which adults see YA as a better option.

For one, more and more adult novels are leaning towards graphic violence and intimate situations.  Erotica has taken over the indie and traditional markets.  Adults who want cleaner reads are shifting towards books for young readers which are seen as safer.

Another reason is story.  While in the adult realm, crime and suspense fiction seem to be king.  YA fiction seems to be more expansive in genres and much more imaginative, especially with the influx of self-published and indie authors who generally have unique plots.

Either way, YA fiction is just fun.  To read the whole article click on the link below!


Source: http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/feb/24/why-are-so-many-adults-reading-ya-teen-fiction

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Wicked Love Released!

Hello, everyone!

It is just over half past midnight where I am from and that can mean only one thing... Wicked Love has been officially released.

I have published on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Smashwords.  While Amazon and Smashwords have already uploaded the book, Barnes and Noble takes a bit longer.  It can take anywhere from a few hours to a day to show up in your Nook Store, so please keep your eyes open for it.

For those signed up to my newsletter, this month's newsletter has been sent out.  Please follow the instructions to receive your free copy of Wicked Love.

This book has been a long time in the making.  I carried a bit of anxiety around, not wanting to disappoint my readers, but when I released that energy and wrote the book I wanted, I created a unique, emotional ride which holds its own next to Wicked Magic.  I wanted the follow up to Wicked Magic to be just as good, if not, better.  I think I achieved that with Wicked Love.

Smashwords
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Friday, January 23, 2015

Amazon Preorder

Hi, everyone.

I just put through the Amazon Preorder information for Wicked Love. It should load in the next few hours and be available for purchase by tonight or tomorrow.  For those that have mindless, this is great news.

Now for those who read on Nooks, Barnes and Noble does not have a preorder function on nookpress. But I will submit everything at midnight on the first, so it will be ready by the morning of February 1st. Smashwords readers should know that Smashwords does have a preorder option but it must be done two weeks before release, and I am a day short. I will load Wicked Love around midnight so that the early birds will have the ability to buy it.

Thank all of you for being so patient during this process. This journey into writing Wicked Love has taken about 6 months but it was really a two and a half year wait. Wow! Your reviews of Wicked Magic really inspired me to write the best book possible because it pushed me to be also a better writer and storyteller.

Wicked Love is being read by Josie's Haven and will be reviewed on her site soon. Look out for that. I will be posting a link for that as soon as I get that.

Thanks!

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Wicked Love Release Date

Hello, everyone!

Today I will be finishing up the last chapter of Wicked Love.  Writing this extension of the Weeping Willow Series was truly an adventure.  From being sick with the flu and a subsequent cold to family occasions and distractions, there were many obstacles in the six months since I started writing Wicked Love.

Although I plan with a loose outline the plot of the novel, much of the writing is organic and free flowing.  This way of writing is less rigid and more enjoyable.  Even with the small amount of plotting that was done, I have to say that the outcome was beyond my expectations.  I really love the way this book evolved and the worlds I get to dream up as an author.  I hope that no one will be disappointed with this installment and that everyone will see it as an awesome continuation of Wicked Magic.

Although I am basically done with the novel, I still have to edit.  So, the official release date is Sunday, February 1st, 2015.  This will give me time so that I am not rushing the editing process.  The final book ended up being over 88,000 words, so it is my longest book to date.  It is sure to be filled with many errors that need attention.

All of those who have joined my newsletter will receive a free copy.  For all of those signed up, you will receive a code to download your copy from Smashwords.  Please be sure to leave a review upon reading it.

Thank you, everyone, for being patient and awaiting this book with anticipation.  God bless!

Thursday, October 9, 2014

YA Novel Malcontent Free

In honor of my birthday month, I have given those within my mailing list the opportunity to download Malcontent, book three of the Restraint Trilogy, for FREE.

The way the Restraint Trilogy works is that the beginning is the end and the story works its way towards the revealed ending.  Malcontent is the third book, but as the other books, it is really the beginning of the nightmare that ensued in the lives of three women.

If you log into Smashwords.com, you can download Malcontent for free by using a coupon code.  This code will only work for the month of October.  Please share with anyone who might be interested in reading a YA vampire novel.

The code is: GT94R

Wicked Love Book Update

Hey, Everyone.

Wicked Love is now over two thirds of the way completed.  I am currently writing the final twelve chapters.

My editor is in the midst of editing the portion of the book which has been completed.  When I hear back from her, I can get a sense of what needs to be corrected or changed.  I would love to finish the last few chapters within the next month so that I can have it edited and released by  November.  However, I would rather produce an amazing book than rush an underdeveloped story.

I have decided that the end of this book will have a wedding ceremony for Willow and Nalin.  This ceremony will give way to the cliffhanger that will lead people towards the next book.  Traveling to other realms will also be key, both within this book and the next one.  I want for readers to experience other creatures that are alluded to in prior writings.  Stay tuned.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Status Update on Wicked Love

Hey, everyone!

I just wanted to update everyone on Wicked Love since I do read the reader reviews on B&N, and there have been a lot of you who can't wait for the next Weeping Willow installment.  I am happy with all the positive reactions to the short stories and the novel.

Wicked Love is coming along. I have already written about 35,000 words in the past month and a half which was half of my projected word count for this project. I will definitely have to increase that word count. I am fast approaching the halfway point of the book. My editor has read the first third and enjoyed it.

Contrary to what people think, Wicked Love will not be the end of the series. There will be at least another book or two left in this series. I have to make sure Willow and Nalin travel to all the realms at least once.

You won't have to wait so long for the next one. I plan to start writing it as soon as Wicked Love is done.  I just got the idea for the plot of the next book, so I would love to continue writing about these two characters and hope you guys continue reading.

Thanks!

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Wicked Magic Free?

Hey, everybody!

I wanted to know if anyone is interested in reading a free copy of my book in exchange for a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes and Noble.  You can basically copy and paste the same review to all three sites, but the requirement is that the review has to be on all three.  If you can paste it on Smashwords, that would be appreciated.

Book three of my Weeping Willow Series, Wicked Love, is due to be released in October, and I wanted to drum up more reviews for Book Two entitled Wicked Magic.  Book One is a compilation of two short stories which are available online for free all year long.  Those stories will have to be read before the book.

This YA series is about warrior Elves and does have battle scenes, but ultimately, it is a love story between warring races.

I will provide the codes for a free download Smashwords, but if you don't have an account, tell me when you contact me and we will figure something out.  If anyone is interested, please get back to me at smadera23@yahoo.com by August 5th, 2014.

Please enter your email in the white box on the right side of the screen, because a similar opportunity (concerning Wicked Love or the Restraint Trilogy) may be available in the future to only those receiving my newsletter.

Thank you,
Sandra Madera


BOOKS INVOLVED:

Weeping Willow Stories (which have to be read before Wicked Magic)
Weeping Willow (Part One)
Weeping Willow (Part Two)

Wicked Magic: A Weeping Willow Novel

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Progress Report for Wicked Love

Hey, everyone!

My computer has been causing me some major issues.  I have had to resort to wiping out everything and installing factory settings.  However, that has not solved the issues that I am having.  I wouldn't be surprised if my computer is on its last legs or if it has a virus that is effecting the keyboard.  This old thing has served me for five good years which is about the longest lifespan of any laptop I ever had. So it is fine.

It has delayed me from continuing to write Wicked Love, but I am forging onward.  I am almost ready to send the first few chapters to my editor, and start the second third of the book.

I have also been preparing July's newsletter.  It contains a teaser about a special treat I have in store for those special readers who have reviewed my work.  More details in the newletter which will be mailed out on the first of the month..

Thanks to everyone for all of your inquiries and support. Please be sure to leave a review for any of books and sign up for the newsletter.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Unedited Wicked Love Prologue

This is the complete and unedited prologue for Wicked Love and cannot be reposted or copied without direct permission by the author. So, read and enjoy, but please do not repost.


Prologue:

On my Earth, there was a myth about willows. Curiously, my mother would often recount it to me before she tucked me in at night. When I learned my true name, I recalled it faintly as it bubbled up from the back of my mind, but I pushed it away, not wanting to face the truth. It took me a long while to realize that this story from my childhood would inexplicably shape the course of my life.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Smashwords Sale!

Hello, everyone.

As a special treat to honor the release of Malcontent, I will be putting Lament and Malcontent on sale for $0.99.  That means that each book will be less than a dollar each for a whole weekend.  If you have not read this series, I invite you to while it is on sale.  Smashwords, for those that don't have an account, is great because it offers all formats, including .epub for Nooks and .mobi for Kindles.  The sale will take place this weekend, from Friday the 18th to Sunday the 20th.

As for finding out about upcoming sales and releases, there is a way to follow all of my blog posts by entering your email on the right of the screen.  Please be sure to use that option, because I plan to announce a sale before the release of Wicked Love.

Have a happy holiday weekend filled with many blessings!  Thanks!


My Smashwords Page

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Malcontent Published!

Hello, everyone!

Malcontent, the final book in the Restraint Trilogy, has finally been published on Smashwords and Amazon.  It will be available very soon on BarnesandNoble.com.  The upload on that site has been giving me some issues so it will have to wait until tomorrow to work out the kinks.

I have really grown to love these characters, and I'm sad to say goodbye to them; yet, I am happy with the final outcome. Malcontent was the hardest book for me to write. It seemed like a giant puzzle piece that I had to make work in so many aspects, but the result was worth it, and now I can put these characters to bed.

Onto the next project... Wicked Love: A Weeping Willow Novel.

Thank you!



Malcontent is currently available for purchase at... Smashwords and Amazon.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Update on Malcontent

Hello, everyone.

I am happy to report that, after months of writing, I am finally on the final chapter of Malcontent.  This project took longer than expected because it was actually 50% longer than I projected.  However, I could not be more pleased with the outcome.

I will be finished making the final adjustments by tomorrow and then it is time for editing.  I hope to release it by March 3rd on BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com, and Smashwords.com.  Within a month's time, it will be found on all other online retailers.

Thank you!


***UPDATE***
3/4/14 - As of today, I have edited two thirds of Malcontent. I am waiting on my editor to read over the last third. After that, it will take me a day to make those last corrections. I hope to have it out at the end of the week.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Editing Restraint

Hello, everyone.

My computer didn't fail after all. I can breathe a sigh of relief now.

I have finished editing Restraint. The original was edited by myself. Since Susan, my editor, came to me after Restraint was already released, I didn't ask her to edit it. But now she has looked over everything, and I have already made the necessary changes.

While I have uploaded the files, it will take at least a day for the new copy to upload.

For those that have already downloaded it on their nooks, I was told by Barnes and Noble that when your nook has to redownload it (from not using the file) it automatically updates to the new file. Smashwords always makes the new file available to people who have downloaded the original. As for Amazon, please contact the customer service with that question.

Thank you!

Monday, December 3, 2012

Malcontent Preview

Hi, everyone.

I just posted a three chapter preview of, my upcoming novel, Malcontent. The preview is free. As I understand it, there is no need to make an account with Feedbooks if you don't want to. You can just download the pdf.

I am very early on in the writing process, but I was eager to share with everyone what I have written. The preview is located on Feedbooks.com (see the link below).

For those who do not know what Malcontent is about, it is the story of Louise May Reynolds before she elopes with William Carter. I hope that this book will have horror, suspense, and more romance overall.


Feedbooks: http://www.feedbooks.com/userbook/29064/malcontent-a-restraint-novel-preview


MALCONTENT BLURB:
Raised in a world where the first born are often sacrificed, Louise May Reynolds believes it is her destiny to appease her family by entering into an arranged marriage. However, Louise May struggles as she finds marrying Bryan Froster, a powerful and ruthless vampire prince, revolting. In her discontent, she tries to devise a way out of the union, fearing the only way to truly be free of Bryan Froster is death. Scared of turning her back on her family and the clan, Louise May struggles inwardly between what others expect of her and what she wants for herself. Until, she rebels against everything she has been raised to believe. Secretly vowing to escape a life of servitude, she risks disturbing the balance between vampire and servant which can cost her more than she can even imagine. Can Louise May turn her back on her family in order to follow her heart?

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Update on Soft Covers and Pricing


Amazon.com now has both formats up (e-book and soft cover) ready for purchase. The price for the soft cover is $10.99, but you can find it for cheaper on the Amazon Market.

BarnesandNoble.com has the books up, but they are fixing some glitches so the books will not be available for purchase until April 28th. For some reason, Lament's retail value is showing at $9.99 when it is really $10.99 and my editors name is coming up instead of mine. So, Barnes and Noble has some technical issues. However, Barnes and Noble will have the best pricing at 33% off market value. The books will range from $7.41-8.99. These titles may go for even cheaper in the market store once used copies are available.

CreateSpace.com has the books up and ready to buy at retail value of $10.99.

Book Links to Creative Space: