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Sunday, May 29, 2016
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Getting your first novel ready
Preparing one's first novel for publishing can be stressful. It took me several months to get my first, As Snow Falls, to the point I thought it was ready. In anticipation I clicked the publish button. As an author I've learned a lot since then. Now with ten published stories, soon eleven, I want to share my experience with you.
The single most important thing an author needs to do is have their book professionally edited. I've actually seen indie authors who didn't bother with it or self-edited. Don't do it. If you have a limited budget, spend it on editing.
A word about self-editing. It's great to do before handing over to a professional editor but no matter how qualified the author is there will be mistakes that didn't get caught.
That's not to say even a professionally edited indie published book won't receive critical reviews. I promise you that will happen because people read indie books with a far more cynical eye than those from the big 6.
I see the exact same mistakes in the big 6 published books that I see in indie books. It's not fair but indies need a thick skin and a professionally edited book.
After edits are done than a proofreader with a keen eye should take a look at the manuscript. That's where I see the most mistakes with indie books. They have have silly mistakes. A proofreader will find those for you.
I didn't know any editors when I published As Snow Falls so I hired one through Createspace and she was good. She did exactly what I hired her for. I also paid a fortune! Two and a half years ago I incidentally met an editor who I love. She's amazing!
I understood immediately the importance of having a polished book and want to share what I've learned with others. In January I was hired as an independent contractor by C.M. Wright's Author Services as a proofreader. In working with the company completing practice editing runs leading into actual editing for authors I am now part of the Big 3 editing team. And yes, we to do practice editing to continue building our skills. I can say C.M. Wright's Author Services has a tight editing team who is qualified to edit your novel.
We also work well as a team to bring you a polished novel and we won't require you to change your novel but we will offer you recommendations.
The last novel I edited is soon to be released. The author had an amazing story and it was a pleasure to me that I was able to offer her suggestions to make her good story fantastic. Once she has completed all the edits I offered the novel will go through the proofreading process to eliminate typos and strengthen the grammar. It surprises me how many people assume since their novel was edited they have no need for proofreading. That's silly there's always little errors left after editing.
What to expect from C.M. Wright's Author Services:
We'll offer suggestions to strengthen your novel
We'll give reasoning behind our suggestions
We won't force the author to change their book
It is up to the author to accept or reject our suggestions
The Big 3 editing includes:
Developmental editing which includes looking at the structure and consistency of the story as a whole.
Line editing is where we correct sticky or wordy sentences.
Developmental and line editing go hand in hand.
Copy editing is where an editor corrects the grammar.
Visit the website for a more detailed description of these editing processes. http://www.cmwauthorservices.com/editing-services.html
Once all that is finished and the author has made corrections it's really important to have it proofread because it's easy as an author to think you've cleared all the errors but there's usually tiny errors left behind especially if an author has reworded sentences or even added/deleted paragraphs.
I'll use my latest book Return to the Bay as an example. Here's the book cover:
Read the back cover. Do you see the error?
adversaries reads adversaries'. Huh? That isn't in the edited blurb so why is it on the cover. I did the back cover myself and cut and pasted the words. I've rechecked the blurb on word it's not there. Ugh... Now I have to correct the cover and upload it again.No big deal but I'm glad a member of my street team (also my editor) caught it before I ordered the proof copy because I didn't see it. a second set of eyes is best friend to an author.
At C.M. Wright's Author Services we'll edit a sample for free. We want to show you how good we are. Click here for more info.
Since this is a blog post it's not edited not even proofread so there's probably errors. As mentioned earlier self-editing doesn't catch the errors no matter the qualifications of the writer so I'm sure there's errors in this post. Can you find them?
The single most important thing an author needs to do is have their book professionally edited. I've actually seen indie authors who didn't bother with it or self-edited. Don't do it. If you have a limited budget, spend it on editing.
A word about self-editing. It's great to do before handing over to a professional editor but no matter how qualified the author is there will be mistakes that didn't get caught.
That's not to say even a professionally edited indie published book won't receive critical reviews. I promise you that will happen because people read indie books with a far more cynical eye than those from the big 6.
I see the exact same mistakes in the big 6 published books that I see in indie books. It's not fair but indies need a thick skin and a professionally edited book.
After edits are done than a proofreader with a keen eye should take a look at the manuscript. That's where I see the most mistakes with indie books. They have have silly mistakes. A proofreader will find those for you.
I didn't know any editors when I published As Snow Falls so I hired one through Createspace and she was good. She did exactly what I hired her for. I also paid a fortune! Two and a half years ago I incidentally met an editor who I love. She's amazing!
I understood immediately the importance of having a polished book and want to share what I've learned with others. In January I was hired as an independent contractor by C.M. Wright's Author Services as a proofreader. In working with the company completing practice editing runs leading into actual editing for authors I am now part of the Big 3 editing team. And yes, we to do practice editing to continue building our skills. I can say C.M. Wright's Author Services has a tight editing team who is qualified to edit your novel.
We also work well as a team to bring you a polished novel and we won't require you to change your novel but we will offer you recommendations.
The last novel I edited is soon to be released. The author had an amazing story and it was a pleasure to me that I was able to offer her suggestions to make her good story fantastic. Once she has completed all the edits I offered the novel will go through the proofreading process to eliminate typos and strengthen the grammar. It surprises me how many people assume since their novel was edited they have no need for proofreading. That's silly there's always little errors left after editing.
What to expect from C.M. Wright's Author Services:
We'll offer suggestions to strengthen your novel
We'll give reasoning behind our suggestions
We won't force the author to change their book
It is up to the author to accept or reject our suggestions
The Big 3 editing includes:
Developmental editing which includes looking at the structure and consistency of the story as a whole.
Line editing is where we correct sticky or wordy sentences.
Developmental and line editing go hand in hand.
Copy editing is where an editor corrects the grammar.
Visit the website for a more detailed description of these editing processes. http://www.cmwauthorservices.com/editing-services.html
Once all that is finished and the author has made corrections it's really important to have it proofread because it's easy as an author to think you've cleared all the errors but there's usually tiny errors left behind especially if an author has reworded sentences or even added/deleted paragraphs.
I'll use my latest book Return to the Bay as an example. Here's the book cover:
Read the back cover. Do you see the error?
adversaries reads adversaries'. Huh? That isn't in the edited blurb so why is it on the cover. I did the back cover myself and cut and pasted the words. I've rechecked the blurb on word it's not there. Ugh... Now I have to correct the cover and upload it again.No big deal but I'm glad a member of my street team (also my editor) caught it before I ordered the proof copy because I didn't see it. a second set of eyes is best friend to an author.
At C.M. Wright's Author Services we'll edit a sample for free. We want to show you how good we are. Click here for more info.
Since this is a blog post it's not edited not even proofread so there's probably errors. As mentioned earlier self-editing doesn't catch the errors no matter the qualifications of the writer so I'm sure there's errors in this post. Can you find them?
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Awakened: The Reaper's Apprentice Book 1 by CS Patra Audio Review
Very enjoyable and appropriate young adult read!
My Review:
Awakened: The Reaper’s Apprentice Book 1 was a solid book. Four young ladies learn they are demons. Not just demons but the next guardians. But they are young, teenagers, and have no desire to take on the responsibility. The girl’s want to be young and do as young girls do fighting against their chosen path at every turn. It isn’t until tragedy strikes that they buck up and accept the challenge.
I really enjoyed the story. The characters were carved and developed into believable souls. And the world created was believable. There was a part that was a little confusing towards the end but I can’t say. The story held my interest and made me curious and anxious to start book 2.
I listened to the audio version narrated by C.J. McAllister. He did a great job narrating and even changing his voice per character.
Buy:
Amazon
Audible
iTunes
My Review:
Awakened: The Reaper’s Apprentice Book 1 was a solid book. Four young ladies learn they are demons. Not just demons but the next guardians. But they are young, teenagers, and have no desire to take on the responsibility. The girl’s want to be young and do as young girls do fighting against their chosen path at every turn. It isn’t until tragedy strikes that they buck up and accept the challenge.
I really enjoyed the story. The characters were carved and developed into believable souls. And the world created was believable. There was a part that was a little confusing towards the end but I can’t say. The story held my interest and made me curious and anxious to start book 2.
I listened to the audio version narrated by C.J. McAllister. He did a great job narrating and even changing his voice per character.
Buy:
Amazon
Audible
iTunes
Monday, May 16, 2016
Once Upon a Nightmare the Undead Tale of Sleeping Beauty by Edi Cruz
Edi Cruz has released her debut novel. She is a fantasy author of amazing talent and I expect to see more exciting books from her in the future.
Blurb:
She was cursed as a baby, lived her life locked away in her tower, waiting for the one to free her from the bonds of the curse that imprisoned her.
He was a peasant boy, orphaned at a very young age, told to reclaim what was his.
A quest, one hundred years in the making, finally coming to light. But only to go through darkness.
It’s a twist to an old favorite—Sleeping Beauty as never before told.
She was cursed as a baby, lived her life locked away in her tower, waiting for the one to free her from the bonds of the curse that imprisoned her.
He was a peasant boy, orphaned at a very young age, told to reclaim what was his.
A quest, one hundred years in the making, finally coming to light. But only to go through darkness.
It’s a twist to an old favorite—Sleeping Beauty as never before told.
Buy links
Find Edi
Friday, May 13, 2016
Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris Audiobook Review
I have loved this series since I picked up and read book 1. I've been holding out on reading book 13 Dead Ever After because I didn't want the series to end. And I had tears in my eyes, not because it was sad but because there won't be another. I have to say the ending was good. The entire book was amazing!
For readers not familiar with the Sookie Stackhouse series this is what HBO based the series True Blood on. Book 1 and season 1 are almost alike but that's as far as the similarities between each book and each season go. The series is set in the south and vampires have just "come out" so to speak. There is a lot of political stuff such as equal rights etc. for vamps. Synthetic blood is what made it possible for vampires to join society so to speak. In my opinion this series is genius.
My Review: (my cut and paste audible review)
What did you love best about Dead Ever After?
The same thing I love about every other book in the series. Charlaine Harris has created a vampire/ supernatural/ mystery series that is intriguing, hilarious and very entertaining. Not to mention unlike anything else.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Dead Ever After?
For me the end. I have read each and every book in this series, holding off on the final book only because I knew this is it. So the end will stay with me, although I can't give away any spoilers to those who are still holding out.
Which scene was your favorite?
All of them. I loved the story and each scene flowed to the next.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes!
Any additional comments?
The first 12 books in the series I read so listening the this book was a different experience. Johanna Parker nailed the voice and added another dimension to the story. I don't generally read or listen to books twice but I may have to make an exception and listen to them all in audio.
Amazon
iTunes
For readers not familiar with the Sookie Stackhouse series this is what HBO based the series True Blood on. Book 1 and season 1 are almost alike but that's as far as the similarities between each book and each season go. The series is set in the south and vampires have just "come out" so to speak. There is a lot of political stuff such as equal rights etc. for vamps. Synthetic blood is what made it possible for vampires to join society so to speak. In my opinion this series is genius.
My Review: (my cut and paste audible review)
What did you love best about Dead Ever After?
The same thing I love about every other book in the series. Charlaine Harris has created a vampire/ supernatural/ mystery series that is intriguing, hilarious and very entertaining. Not to mention unlike anything else.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Dead Ever After?
For me the end. I have read each and every book in this series, holding off on the final book only because I knew this is it. So the end will stay with me, although I can't give away any spoilers to those who are still holding out.
Which scene was your favorite?
All of them. I loved the story and each scene flowed to the next.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes!
Any additional comments?
The first 12 books in the series I read so listening the this book was a different experience. Johanna Parker nailed the voice and added another dimension to the story. I don't generally read or listen to books twice but I may have to make an exception and listen to them all in audio.
Amazon
iTunes
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Caught in a Web: Invisible Spiders Book 2 by Jason Davis Audiobook Review
I love horror and zombies. Caught in a Web is an impressive read and different kind of zombie story.
My Review:
Caught in the Web is a unique zombie apocalypse story. The residents of a town are quarantined and aren’t aware of it. The military is surrounding the town and scientists are brought in while the residents of the town discover there are zombies amongst them. The story focuses on a small group trapped in a bar and how they survive or don’t while the residents of the town become zombies.
Daren Marlar narrates the story and overall does a great job. His voice is clear but he read as more of an “announcer” and that didn’t always work for me with this book. There’s a lot happening and a lot of action.
The idea Jason Davis uses, invisible spiders, is a different. I have seen almost every zombie movie, read several zombie books and his is unique. I enjoy that creativity in taking a worn out concept and making it his own. The only thing I didn't enjoy about the book was the authors repetitive descriptions because they slowed down the pace of the story for me but otherwise an entertaining read and highly recommended for zombie fans.
Amazon
iTunes
My Review:
Caught in the Web is a unique zombie apocalypse story. The residents of a town are quarantined and aren’t aware of it. The military is surrounding the town and scientists are brought in while the residents of the town discover there are zombies amongst them. The story focuses on a small group trapped in a bar and how they survive or don’t while the residents of the town become zombies.
Daren Marlar narrates the story and overall does a great job. His voice is clear but he read as more of an “announcer” and that didn’t always work for me with this book. There’s a lot happening and a lot of action.
The idea Jason Davis uses, invisible spiders, is a different. I have seen almost every zombie movie, read several zombie books and his is unique. I enjoy that creativity in taking a worn out concept and making it his own. The only thing I didn't enjoy about the book was the authors repetitive descriptions because they slowed down the pace of the story for me but otherwise an entertaining read and highly recommended for zombie fans.
Amazon
iTunes
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Blur by Kristen Middleton Audiobook Review
An entertaining read for the vampire lover!
My Review:
Blur is an exciting read from start to finish. The story begins with Nikki and her twin brother Nathan moving out of state due to their mother’s new job. But it’s more than that, their father went psycho on their mother and she’s running so to speak. Hoping to find a safe place for the family to live that he hopefully won’t track them too.
Nikki’s a pretty average teen who shortly after moving to Shore Lake meets a cute boy she crushes over. In a very short time she gets a job and meets Ethan, a vampire or Night Roamer. Instantly she finds herself under his spell and deeply attracted to him. She struggles with this yet is under his spell.
As a vampire book lover I enjoyed the story and may listen/read again in the future but I didn’t find it unique enough to go completely wild over. But it is an entertaining story that I recommend for any paranormal book lover.
I listened to the audio and even though I enjoyed the story I had a difficult time listening to the narrator at times. Not enough to discourage me from listening.
Amazon
Audible
iTunes
Kristen Middleton
Facebook
Twitter
Website
My Review:
Blur is an exciting read from start to finish. The story begins with Nikki and her twin brother Nathan moving out of state due to their mother’s new job. But it’s more than that, their father went psycho on their mother and she’s running so to speak. Hoping to find a safe place for the family to live that he hopefully won’t track them too.
Nikki’s a pretty average teen who shortly after moving to Shore Lake meets a cute boy she crushes over. In a very short time she gets a job and meets Ethan, a vampire or Night Roamer. Instantly she finds herself under his spell and deeply attracted to him. She struggles with this yet is under his spell.
As a vampire book lover I enjoyed the story and may listen/read again in the future but I didn’t find it unique enough to go completely wild over. But it is an entertaining story that I recommend for any paranormal book lover.
I listened to the audio and even though I enjoyed the story I had a difficult time listening to the narrator at times. Not enough to discourage me from listening.
Amazon
Audible
iTunes
Kristen Middleton
Website
Surviving the Biker by Cassie Alexandra Audiobook Review
Absolutely enjoying this series!
My Review:
Surviving the Biker picks up where Resisting the Biker left off. Adriana is upset at Trevor and ignoring him while his ex-girl friend is playing the pregnant card and using guilt to shack up with him. The things she does in the book are beyond rotten. There’s quite a few eerie characters in this book that made my skin crawl. Especially Mud.
I hate to say too much and give anything away but there’s tons of excitement and suspense as the story progresses. The story line is easy to follow and filled with surprises!
Amazon
Audible
iTunes
Cassie Alexandra
Facebook
Twitter
Website
My Review:
Surviving the Biker picks up where Resisting the Biker left off. Adriana is upset at Trevor and ignoring him while his ex-girl friend is playing the pregnant card and using guilt to shack up with him. The things she does in the book are beyond rotten. There’s quite a few eerie characters in this book that made my skin crawl. Especially Mud.
I hate to say too much and give anything away but there’s tons of excitement and suspense as the story progresses. The story line is easy to follow and filled with surprises!
Amazon
Audible
iTunes
Cassie Alexandra
Website
Ben Burgess Jr. Review of Love and Happiness
A realistic look at marriage or any long term relationship through both characters eyes.
My Review:
What a great story! The characters, Chris and Karen, are rich and believable. The story is a realistic look at the average couple’s life. A father and husband who works long hours to support his family. A wife who also works but feels ignored by her husband and makes some bad decisions. Choices that could rip their family apart.
Ben Burgess Jr. has the ability to drop the reader into the world of his characters through alternating first person points of view. This allows the reader to understand on a deeper level the characters opinions and thoughts. The plot is solid and offers a few surprises that had me cringing. An excellent read!
Amazon
Nook
iTunes
Google Play
Get in touch with Ben
Linkedin
Goodreads
Amazon
Website
What a great story! The characters, Chris and Karen, are rich and believable. The story is a realistic look at the average couple’s life. A father and husband who works long hours to support his family. A wife who also works but feels ignored by her husband and makes some bad decisions. Choices that could rip their family apart.
Ben Burgess Jr. has the ability to drop the reader into the world of his characters through alternating first person points of view. This allows the reader to understand on a deeper level the characters opinions and thoughts. The plot is solid and offers a few surprises that had me cringing. An excellent read!
Amazon
Nook
iTunes
Google Play
Get in touch with Ben
Goodreads
Amazon
Website
Monday, May 2, 2016
Release Day Blitz Circles of Trust by Christina Hart
Davis believed his life and everything about it was perfect.
He had a great job, his own house on the beach complete with a private 'dungeon' for his more adventurous encounters, great friends, the perfect club membership at a private BDSM club, and what he felt was most important, total control - until the day he was forced to realize that perfection wasn't something he could control.
Imanya and Kaena were as opposite as two women could be, but had one thing in common...Davis.
Learning to trust again will prove that while he is the 'dominant' in the bedroom, they control what really matters...his heart.
Christine Hart started writing about romance in grade school when she wrote a story about a love struck puppy. The puppy got his happy ending and Christine became addicted to writing. Believing there can never be enough romance in the world, Christine enjoys writing about unusual, quirky and slightly neurotic characters who sometimes make unlikely choices as they deal with even more unlikely situations but always find true love and their happily-ever-afters. She currently resides in California and even when life interrupts, which it usually does, has made it a rule to write every day - even if it's only one line.
Find her and stay up to date on Facebook here:
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