Hey gang, as I promised, here's a pre-release giveaway celebrating the December 1st release of Cocktail Cruises: The Collection. Lots of ways to win, so take a look!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Saturday, November 01, 2014
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Writers' Wednesday: Looking Back at Sales and Royalties
Less than a year ago, I was at a crossroads with my writing career. My first publisher, Samhain, had dropped me about 18 months earlier. My most recent publisher, Lyrical Press, was about to be bought out by Kensington, a NY-based publisher that subsequently ended up offering me a 2-book contract to sign with them. I had also published my first indie title, which had done moderately well in sales. I struggled mightily with brand and name recognition and often thought about just stopping writing altogether, because at times the entire business seemed overwhelming and more work and angst than it was worth.
In early January of 2014, I made the decision to devote 1 year to hard-core publishing work, on my own. I turned down the Kensington contract, deciding I wanted the control, timeline, and greater profits that indie publishing seemed to offer. I had some ideas for stories I wanted to write, but I had no idea how fast I might be able to write and publish them on my own. I also wanted to spend more time and money on marketing my author name. I set a budget of $5000 for the year, which was meant to cover all expenses from publishing (covers, editing, ads, etc) to travel, conferences, and promo items like pens, bookmarks, etc.
In 2013, I made just under $800.00 in royalties. I had 5 books published with a traditional publisher and 1 book indie published, on my own. Though I didn't keep careful records, I'd say I probably spent about $500.00 out of pocket on my writing career.
So far in 2014, I have spent just under $4400 on my writing career, and,my total royalties to date equal just over $8000. I now have 5 books published with a traditional publisher, 6 books indie published, a boxed set with 9 other authors, and an upcoming boxed set of my own. In all honesty, I didn't plan on releasing so many new titles, but it's funny how things work out.
Now, I know authors who spend far less on their writing - and authors who spend far more. When I set out this year, I was hoping to break even. Looking ahead, my total costs for the rest of the year should fall under $500, and my total royalties should be somewhere around $1000 if I'm predicting accurately, so it's looking like I'll come out ahead :)
What did I do? Besides continuing to write on a regular basis, and studying what other authors did that seemed to work, I attribute my success this year to 3 factors:
1. I managed to get a BookBub ad in May 2014 for The Promise of Paradise. Although this was a free book, the 60K downloads, the sales that resulted from it, and my name recognition, along with the 75+ new reviews I got on Amazon, were definitely worth the rather steep ad price (just under $300).
2. I participated in a boxed set, Passionate Kisses, that has so far sold around 65K copies. Not only did this help sales of my other books, it gave me wonderful connections with other authors (and their fans and followers).
3. Finally, through a bit of a fluke, I sold the rights to 5 of my audio books to Audible. That was certainly unexpected, but I think the key lesson there is to diversify as much as you can - sell in other markets, other formats (ebook, print, audio), explore other markets, etc. etc.
Whew! Looking back, I can certainly say I'm pleased with the direction my writing career has taken this year. I don't know if I'll be able to duplicate it in 2015, but I hope so! My advice for other authors, especially those starting out? Don't give up, and learn as much about the publishing industry as you can. Take calculated risks - and most of all, do it because you love it. It's too tough otherwise :)
Write on!
In early January of 2014, I made the decision to devote 1 year to hard-core publishing work, on my own. I turned down the Kensington contract, deciding I wanted the control, timeline, and greater profits that indie publishing seemed to offer. I had some ideas for stories I wanted to write, but I had no idea how fast I might be able to write and publish them on my own. I also wanted to spend more time and money on marketing my author name. I set a budget of $5000 for the year, which was meant to cover all expenses from publishing (covers, editing, ads, etc) to travel, conferences, and promo items like pens, bookmarks, etc.
In 2013, I made just under $800.00 in royalties. I had 5 books published with a traditional publisher and 1 book indie published, on my own. Though I didn't keep careful records, I'd say I probably spent about $500.00 out of pocket on my writing career.
So far in 2014, I have spent just under $4400 on my writing career, and,my total royalties to date equal just over $8000. I now have 5 books published with a traditional publisher, 6 books indie published, a boxed set with 9 other authors, and an upcoming boxed set of my own. In all honesty, I didn't plan on releasing so many new titles, but it's funny how things work out.
Now, I know authors who spend far less on their writing - and authors who spend far more. When I set out this year, I was hoping to break even. Looking ahead, my total costs for the rest of the year should fall under $500, and my total royalties should be somewhere around $1000 if I'm predicting accurately, so it's looking like I'll come out ahead :)
What did I do? Besides continuing to write on a regular basis, and studying what other authors did that seemed to work, I attribute my success this year to 3 factors:
1. I managed to get a BookBub ad in May 2014 for The Promise of Paradise. Although this was a free book, the 60K downloads, the sales that resulted from it, and my name recognition, along with the 75+ new reviews I got on Amazon, were definitely worth the rather steep ad price (just under $300).
2. I participated in a boxed set, Passionate Kisses, that has so far sold around 65K copies. Not only did this help sales of my other books, it gave me wonderful connections with other authors (and their fans and followers).
3. Finally, through a bit of a fluke, I sold the rights to 5 of my audio books to Audible. That was certainly unexpected, but I think the key lesson there is to diversify as much as you can - sell in other markets, other formats (ebook, print, audio), explore other markets, etc. etc.
Whew! Looking back, I can certainly say I'm pleased with the direction my writing career has taken this year. I don't know if I'll be able to duplicate it in 2015, but I hope so! My advice for other authors, especially those starting out? Don't give up, and learn as much about the publishing industry as you can. Take calculated risks - and most of all, do it because you love it. It's too tough otherwise :)
Write on!
Monday, October 27, 2014
Monday Mentionables: Cover Reveal Time for the Cocktail Cruises Collection!
I mentioned on Friday that I'd be sharing my oh-so-lovely cover today, so without further adieu, here it is! What do you think?? I just love it!
So here's the deal: you can pre-order this set, which will release on December 1st. The Kindle link is available right here, and I'll post links for other sites as they become live. Super-low price of only $1.99, so grab it now before it goes up after release day! Want the details? Read on:
Enjoy all three of the Cocktail Cruise stories in one volume, along with cocktail recipes and excerpts from some of your favorite USA Today and Amazon best-selling authors – available only in this collection!
TEQUILA SUNRISE
A brawny construction worker and a plus-sized beauty…
SEX ON THE BEACH
A millionaire playboy and an elementary school teacher turned sex advice columnist…
BETWEEN THE SHEETS
A single mom and a sexy South American dance instructor…
Tequila Sunrise, Sex on the Beach, and Between the Sheets are the three stand-alone novellas of the Cocktail Cruise series, but read together, these sexy heroes and feisty heroines will take you through one hot year on board the Spirit of the Seas, from the cruise ship to the Florida coast and beyond.
EXCLUSIVE to this set: Spirits for All Seasons features yummy cocktail recipes (alcoholic and not) from some of your favorite USA Today and Amazon best-selling authors. Get ready for Santa, spice up your summer party, or prep for football season with these original drink recipes along with romantic sneak peeks and excerpts!
Finally, YES, to all my non-e-reader owning friends and followers, this set WILL be available in print. Stay tuned for all the ordering info on that, still to come.
Happy Monday!!
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