(2/1/23)
Happy Groundhog Day Eve!
Since I’ve been remiss, I figured I would finally do a big blog update concerning my impending release. Some of this information is way overdue, but there have been a lot of things going on behind the scenes.
For starters, there was almost yet another delay… Yikes! But we managed to get things sorted. As far as I am now aware, everything is go for March 15th.
As a reminder, my novel will be released in two formats: trade paperback and eBook. And while the trade paperback will be distributed by various outfits such as Baker & Taylor worldwide, the eBook has been captured by Amazon through an exclusive arrangement to last at least the first three months. I chose this, this time, to see if it will allow me more promotional opportunities. If it doesn’t, I will open it back up later to the various other eBook distributors.
People who like Apple Books or whatever shouldn’t worry. You guys are still good to go, since I think you can still download the Kindle App and read the eBook on your special device in that way (i.e. As I understand it, it’s really only a matter of the shop you’ll be buying it from).
Q: Why trade paperback instead of hardcover this time?
A: Well, if you happen to watch a lot of daytime TV, like certain authors who work from home, then you’ll know this has to do with the ever important “Three Ps”: Price, Price, and Price! This book is a big boy, and an indie hardcover this size would cost a fortune. By going paper I was able to keep the maximum price below the $20 threshold.
Q: You mentioned promotions…
A: Yeah, stay tuned and keep your eyes on my Amazon page while I figure out how all this works. Notice also that my eBook is cheaper this time compared to last. It’s a huge bargain already in my opinion at the base price of $4.99. Remember this isn’t just the beginning of some lightweight series; it is a large self-contained story that took me years to write. Heck, as I dream it, it could serve as the basis of an entire full animated season! 😉
Q: You said you were going to tell us more about the cover…
A: Here’s where I get to sing the praises of the designers at my publisher, BookBaby. That is a bespoke cover, folks! And to make matters even more astounding, the team at BookBaby was apparently able to do it with only art assets and graphic design—meaning that it’s not an original painting but instead a delightful, beautiful Frankenstein. By the way, I did at one point try to hire an artist, but was unsuccessful. When I told BookBaby about the dream cover that got away they just replied, “Let us see what we can do!” How about that!
Q: OK, so about that scene…
A: That’s “Pia,” the fox and fifth member of the party, curled by the fire in Eloise’s chateau, along with Birk’s sword, and Ivy’s backpack visible nearby. If you’re worried about Galan not being represented, don’t be, he’s on the back! That’s his half-eaten biscuit from a separate (humorous) scene featured on the back cover.
Q: What’s so “Southern” about chateaus, goblins, elves, and evil sorcerers?
A: Nothing, unless the author was raised in the Deep South, and happened to have set his fantasy upon very familiar terrain. I wanted a story about characters and not some invented geography.
Q: So, where do we go from here?
A: I’ll be approaching libraries shortly armed with promotional copies, especially those who were kind enough to support me in the past. Obviously, I’d love for you to buy my book, but I didn’t write it to get rich; that’s why libraries play such an integral part in my “marketing” plan. I want readers! And what better way to get them than by way of their local library. Libraries are such wonderful places. Be sure to ask for my book at yours! Speaking of, earlier this week, I sent my copies to the Library of Congress. I should, therefore, be all set—got my Library of Congress Control Number and everything (it’s 2023900639).
That’s all for now, but I’ll continue to keep you posted going forward. And, when the book comes out next month, don’t be shy–if you like it, TELL YOUR FRIENDS! I don’t have much money for advertising, or extra time for that matter. It’s all on you, for I’m busy, writing alone in the dark.
P.S. I’ll be making another separate post today to feature early reviews. That’s right, I got some, and they’re really good! I like their pointed comments.