THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

Trying to get the set up right for the fifth book has been difficult, but I think it's now shaping up. The beginning has to be right or the rest of the book will deteriorate into confusion. I admit, I can get obsessed about it, but it HAS to be right. Still only 6 or 7000 words, but it should pick up from here. I think, with luck, ready at the end of the year. Also pursuing new covers and a movie trailer for White Jade

What a great review of my Caribbean mystery DEADLY EYES!
Mike Meyer
http://bethartfromtheheart.blogspot.com/

Hello everyone,
my books can be reached at:
http://www.amazon.com/Subhajit-Gangul...
Thanks a lot.

Aren't we all indie authors? Everyone driven with a passion to write does so with an independence of mind and spirit. Whether they have a great agent and a regular publisher, they are still at heart indies, thus I'm wondering if the word "indie" is appropriate.

I guess, for me, Indie implies Independent - ie going it alone whether by choice or necessity. I do agree though that just because an author may have an agent/publisher it certainly does not preclude them from having an inependent spirit or mind. I should imagine (for I can only imagine at the moment!) that it must be harder to retain independence of mind and spirit when others such as agents and publishers are involved in your work.

My hats off to all of us that write and put our work out there!!

I think given both the current technology & the recent, dramatic changes in the publishing industry, that today's Independents are just the next natural phase in the evolution in how books are created and dispersed.

In the old days you just submitted to the all-powerful publisher, then for years you had to have an agent submit, now you must show a track record before the big houses, which are now relulated to being distrbution outlets, will consider you or your work.

So Independents, good or not, are not bucking the current trend so much as they are the trend.

It's a natural thing.

Bryan wrote: "I think all of us Indie Authors could use the help of a good, nurturing editor as opposed to the cynics on Amazon who can only snipe at everyones work. Bravo. I plan to send her an email myself. ..."

Bryan, you would correct. I have gone through three editors and finally found one who was giving me the works. I needed it. Findind a competent editor is almost as hard as writing the story. I also learned to re-read the book after the editor said they were finished. Being in construction for twenty-five years I usually took a mans' word that the work was done, therefor I didn't need to follow his footsteps to guarantee the work was properly completed. Not so with editors.

Indie authors versus mainstream. There are great authors in both realms. The Indie market is opening doors which once remained closed. This we know. What I'm enjoying the the immense diversity now available for public consumption. I've read many books of late that would never have seen the light of day because of content or size. Below is a small list of some of those authors.
Sandra Wolters-parnormal criminal suspense.
Doug DePew- memories of the Cold War in Germany
Harry Smith-Barley Hole Chronicles-excellent memoira bout England before and during WWII.
Christine Hughes and Patience Prence-Apocalypse writers
Mark Rice-heavy metal enthusiasts-Metallic Dreams
Other great Indie authors are Jim Burkett, Charity Parkerson, Debra Burroughs, Irma Fritz, Barbar Ebel, Tim Greaton, Rick Murcer and a host of others.

I currently have a WWII/Vampire thriller availble. This vampires do not sparkle or get all lovey dovy. These are the vampire of old:blook scuking brutal createures who have found an enemy more vile than themselves:The Third Reich. http://www.amazon.com/Occupation-eboo...

FREE to download until August fourth. Lawman by Virginia Llorca

contemporary womens fiction (love story)

ttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KN6S4E

Lawman

For those of you with a Kindle, my newest Epic Fable, 'Piercing the Elastic Limit' has been posted in the free Kindle Library.

As the jargon implies, Epic Fables are simply told stories holding larger, universal implications unique to the human condition.

Although classified as Science Fiction the book defies genre, being an exciting 'who done it' adventure tale that's getting good feedback for the true history included.

The 'Elastic Limit' is a technical term used in the books that deal with time distortion, as well as being a metaphor for the reader’s imagination.

If you have a Kindle, it's a free download, so enjoy & let me know what you think.

Not only am I an Indie author myself, but I do what I can to help promote other Indie authors. I feature authors on my blog Juniper Grove through interviews, guest posts, and giveaways. I am currently scheduling appearances for September so any authors who are interested, please feel free to visit my blog to sign up.

I was also wondering if there is anyone here who interviews Indie authors on their blog, specifically authors in the horror or YA paranormal romance genres. Or if anyone is currently accepting reviews in those genres. If so, please send a message my way and let me know.

Thank You!

Jaidis
JuniperGrove.net

Jaidis wrote: "Not only am I an Indie author myself, but I do what I can to help promote other Indie authors. I feature authors on my blog Juniper Grove through interviews, guest posts, and giveaways. I am curren..."

super- so very important to help promote Indie writers (as well as all our Member Writers)- an important part of the overall mission of James Mason group

The best way to support Indie authors or any other authors for that matter is to buy their book and post a review on Goodreads and Amazon. Just remember to be kind and supportive.

I can't tell you how many people like that I am an author but won't reach into their pocket to spend the couple bucks for one of my books. Yet these are the same people who will first in line to ask for a charitable donation, buy cookies, bake sale and so on.
I have bought more books since I began writing then ever before. And don't leave the reviews up to those who would love to write but say they are too busy reading. Go figure. Support Indie Authors!!!

On further reflection what we need is our own network to match those of the established publishing marketplace. They consist of Agents, Editors, Artistic types for bookcovers and marketing and distribution.

We already have the product and the main gripe I hear is the product needs to be upgraded. ( Note to all.)

We have the greatest distribution system out there and is growing - Amazon- I store- and others.

Ereaders and Ebooks are scaring the hell out of the traditional market because we can change our price below their costs at a moment's notice.

But we can't match them in the traditional papermarket. What to do? Go strictly digital. Yell at the rooftops- Save a tree- Buy an eBook! Put it everywhere....
What else is needed? This is where the traditional market place ( Agents, reviewiers, editors and publishers can come together- )
Why not have them do our reviewing and our editing at a reasonable rate or a percentage of the profits.

Bookcovers can be done for less than twenty dollars on line. That leaves distribution- that is their strength in the paper world, the world which everyone is leaving behind. But we can all survive jsut not the way we did in the past.

I would love to see a group of English or Grammar teachers get together, read, review and critique new books.Or they could assign a pass fail on all books. Just something to think about.

Whew- amazing what a pot of coffee will do for the adrenalin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bryan wrote: "On further reflection what we need is our own network to match those of the established publishing marketplace. They consist of Agents, Editors, Artistic types for bookcovers and marketing and dist..."

Part of the problem with printed works (Softcover or Hardback) is the cost of printing. For anyone that doesn't know, authors can publish their books via Amazon Create Space. They have different options available for the cover art that is free or you can go with a package deal that costs a lot more.

As for proofreading...I've seen books that have been through professional proofreaders that need some help. If I'm able to, I bring what I find to the author's attention in private instead of blasting via a review. I think that is the kind thing to do. Sometimes the errors have been fixed but the update has not reached the end-users so it isn't fair to be-rate some one in public. I think reviews so be about the overall story line and if I as a reader can relate to it.

That's my 2 cents worth. If you've read this far, then thanks!

Lynn

Bryan wrote: "Whew- amazing what a pot of coffee will do for the adrenalin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

For a moment there I was thinking it was just sweet sweet drunk talk.

The responsibility for the quality of the product lies with the author and at their discretion. If they choose to employ a copy editor or editor for content, that is their option and the final product will succeed or fail on its merit. Nor is there any issue with the physical distribution.
Grocery stores sell shelf space to distributors and manufacturers; no doubt bookstores do the same thing with publishing houses and the indie or even small print publisher just can’t compete it that arena.
The hinge point is in getting the potential customer to the point of sale. I’ve got a website and a blog. I’ve tried tweeting till my fingers hurt and FB just doesn’t seem like a good business model to me. I certainly don’t follow some pharma or shoe company because they tell me to ‘follow us on Facebook. Of course, I don’t go look at new homes or stop for a pizza because some guy is twirling a sign on a street corner.
I guess I just don’t think the social media world is going to do much for book sales even though I know of authors who have done well. In fact, I really hated it during the Olympics when they broke coverage to tell me how many tweets there were at #MichealPhelps or how Gabby Douglas was ‘trending’.
E-book marketing is still struggling and I don’t think even the big guns know what to make of it. How many of the books that popup on goodreads in adverts do you look at. I think what is needed is a small cartel of Independent authors who are willing to tirelessly tag and flog and review the works of maybe another dozen authors who RECIPROCATE (are you listening, you writers who haven’t quid pro quo the reviews I did). Of course, who has the time when you are flogging your own work. I’m open to suggestions. I think goodreads is a good a place to find out what readers are looking for and what they like. I’ve not done anything with shelfari. I don’t yet know what works but I’m certain that going it alone is a lonely struggle.

Ken,

I think you have some valid points. Writing more than one quality book and getting great word of mouth seems to help the most in our business.

I can attest to one person doing it all...on their own does not work. Whenever possible I help pay it forward to my fellow authors. "Random Acts of Kindness, Senseless Acts of Beauty!"

Lynn

Whether you like to laugh, cry, or be thrilled by mystery and suspense, I might just have something here for you. I'd love to have you check out my work.
Mike Meyer
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005E7M8CW

Lynn wrote: "Ken, I can attest to one person doing it all...on t..."

I think what is needed is to have a small but energetic network of authors who support each other. Problem is the ones you get along with might be in a genre you care nothing about or you just don't like their writing style. Enthusiasm counts, right?

I see on other boards where authors are reciprocally tagging and liking each others books but its just a free for all 'you tag mine, I'll tag yours'. It sounds like the approach might have some promise but needs a cohesive group of a dozen or so people to stick with it.

I've posted some questions there asking if, when all was said and done, did they think they got some results.

Hi all, free today through Sunday, The Lance, Book Two in the Project series. If you haven't met Nick and Selena, Ronnie, Elizabeth and Steph before, pick it up.
If you like action/adventure, you will like this one...
http:// www.amazon.com/dp/B0087458M6
The Lance

Alex wrote: "Hi all, free today through Sunday, The Lance, Book Two in the Project series. If you haven't met Nick and Selena, Ronnie, Elizabeth and Steph before, pick it up.
If you like action/adventure, you w..."

love the Nick Carter books!!!! good going Alex!!

Thanks, Rick. Book Five is now starting to come together. About 30% through the draft. I hope to have it out at the end of the year.

Ken

I think it can result in sales. I'm involved in some of those groups. After joining the last one, I saw some sales when a week or so before there were absolutely zero. It's a matter of getting your name out there.

In my way of thinking, it isn't necessarily about the genre you are supporting, it's about supporting fellow authors. If along the way I see a book in a genre that particularly interests me then I can put it on my wish list or TBR list in the case of Goodreads.

Lynn

Alex

Thanks for letting us know about this great deal. I downloaded The Lance and tweeted it out in hopes others may like it as well.

Here is the current U.S. stats: Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Free in Kindle Store)
#4 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Fiction > Action & Adventure

Lynn

Hi Lynn, Thanks much. I just got home to see those stats, which makes my afternoon. Two more days to go free, so maybe it will reach #1. The Lance
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0087458M6

Alex wrote: "Hi Lynn, Thanks much. I just got home to see those stats, which makes my afternoon. Two more days to go free, so maybe it will reach #1. The Lance
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0087458M6"

It is possible, here are the latest U.S. stats: Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #101 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Free in Kindle Store)
#5 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Fiction > Action & Adventure

If you see it go to number 1, you should do a screen shot of it, to save for future reference. I've even seen some put that they made #1 on their Product Description.

"Bestsellers" to you.

Lynn

Thanks for the tip, Lynn, I would never have thought of that...currently #4 in Action/Adventure and #79 overall.

Ken wrote: "Bryan wrote: "Whew- amazing what a pot of coffee will do for the adrenalin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

For a moment there I was thinking it was just sweet sweet drunk talk.

The responsibility for the quality ..."

I wholeheartly agree!!!

really facinating discussions going on here

Alex wrote: "Thanks for the tip, Lynn, I would never have thought of that...currently #4 in Action/Adventure and #79 overall."

You're welcome Alex. Super numbers.

Look the overall in the U.S. stats went up to #77:

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Free in Kindle Store)
#4 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Fiction > Action & Adventure

Lynn

Got to #12 in the UK, #29 in Thrillers.

Support only good writing.

Thanks to any and all who picked up a copy of The Lance yesterday. This was a very successful promo for me. It's very clear to me that success comes only through mutual support. Kind of Biblical..."as ye give so shall ye receive..." I think I'd better do a lot of "giving".

Alex wrote: "Got to #12 in the UK, #29 in Thrillers."

Way Cool! Great numbers.

Lynn

Alex,

You're welcome for the download and helping share the news.

I think you did give...you gave your books away for free! :)

Lynn

I know that I am a new member to the group and I feel awful at starting a topic like this but I have just been informed that my new novel The Diamond Seekers is out on August 31st. If anyone would care to try a sample you can obtain the 1st 4 chapters here http://www.barkingrainpress.org/diamo... and for a limited period anyone who then cares to purchase will be given a 35% discount.
I don't think anyone will be disappointed with the read and I would really be grateful if you will help spread the word.
Jack Everett

Hi Jack, I'll check it out. There's no issue with self promotion and sample chapters are the best way to see if a book is well written and interesting. Good luck with it. (I just checked out the site and the book looks good, so I'm looking forward to the sample)

Bless your cotton socks Alex, I hope all of our members feel the same.
http://jackleverett.me.uk

Hi Jack, here's a link to an interview just posted in the UK. Fiona McVie might like to interview you as well.Best,
http://www.inspirationforum.co.uk/sho...

Alex wrote: "Hi Jack, here's a link to an interview just posted in the UK. Fiona McVie might like to interview you as well.Best,
http://www.inspirationforum.co.uk/sho..."



Excellent interview Alex.

Thanks, Jeff. Fiona is a nice person...

I read your interview and enjoyed it I had my first book accepted by Robert Hale in 1982 a long time after you but still an age ago.

Thanks!

Thanks, Jack. Fiona makes it a very easy process. Today has a mixed start. Good stats on KDP Select, a bee in my coffee that stung the **** out of my tongue.
Never happened before, at least I didn't swallo the darned thing.

My novel Good Intentions was recently published and is available at http://tinyurl.com/bp7b47d. Good Intentions is about a future United States that has become the ultimate nanny state. One man, Winston Jones, is chosen by the mysterious Fairness for EveryBody Society to be the next president because he has the required makeup—ethnic, racial, religious, sexual orientation, etc.—to “fairly represent the diversity of America.” The book is his reluctant adventure to discover what America is about and how to get it back to its real values. He comes across many clashing groups including “The Documented,” a group of legal aliens that refuse to break the law and thus get no government entitlements. He also comes in contact with Radical Femlamism, a bizarre melding of Radical Feminism and Radical Islam. All along he’s tracked by the Freedman Group, a collection of “subversives” who believe in free market capitalism and secretly run businesses without government interference. These issues are particularly relevant to the upcoming presidential election and the future direction of our country. Whether you agree with the premise or not, I think you’ll find the book interesting, thought provoking, and most of all fun.

Hi folks, FREE today is White Jade http://www.amazon.com/White-Jade-The-...
Book One in the series, an action/adventure page turner. Free through Monday. Please tell your friends. Enjoy your labor day weekend!

Alex; Got it, will read it in the next month and leave you a great review as I enjoy great action books and will tell my friends. Good luck and keep writing.
Ken Rossignol

Hi Ken, thanks. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Appreciate you spreading the word.
Best

Alex,

As you know, I've already downloaded this one. I'll tweet out the Amazon link for you though. Here's the current U.S. stats: Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #501 Free in Kindle Store
#14 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Fiction > Action & Adventure

Lynn

Bob,

I've 'liked' your book and I've put it on my Amazon Wish List. The basic concept seems intriguing to me. Our book Call Sign: Wrecking Crew starts out in the very near future with an election result that would be considered historical if it weren't fictional. :)

Lynn

Call Sign: Wrecking Crew