In a previous post, I mentioned my concerns about supplying my bank account number to Amazon in order to self-publish my ebook. The concerns revolve around hacking, not Amazon, but I just don't want my numbers out there. My solution: open a new bank account
That's what I did today, and I have since submitted my ebook to Amazon. It should appear in their catalog in 48-72 hours. That will complete my distribution to the ebookstores that I consider most important. I'm quite certain that there are other ebookstores that do a great deal of business and I'll be missing them, but for the moment I'm accepting that. If you happen to have a favorite online store other than the ones I've listed, please leave a comment. My greatest limitation for distribution is lack of knowledge of all the outlets.
That was all for qualms, now on to quirks.
The theme for my day was upsets and embarrassments, though the majority of those had nothing to do with my writing or publishing. I found a monstrous error in my ebook, the Title Page had the title for my next book! This wasn't true in the early distributions (I updated it once due to a dislike in formatting) but I found it today. The only word I can think of is mortifying! The wrong title!
While I will puzzled on how this happened, I set to correcting it immediately. A fresh upload to Smashwords has been completed and hopefully will distribute rather quickly. I don't have a rush of sales right now, so I'm not too worried anyone will stumble on it. But still...
Another quirk I ran into was on Barnes&Noble. They don't use ISBNs for ebooks. Instead, they assigned an EAN to my book. Searching by title will bring up the book, as will searching by EAN... but not the ISBN. I'm more than a little befuddled, but there it is.
So future self-publishers, you've been educated... not everything in publishing uses the ISBN after all.
It's the Labor Day weekend, so I'll sign off by wishing you a good holiday. I plan to relax and write. :)
Friday, September 2, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Spread your wings, my darling...
Heavenly Matchmaking: Meant To Be is now available on Smashwords, Kobo, and (drum roll, please) iTunes. How awesome is that? And get this, the estimated print length from iTunes is 472 pages. I suppose 117K+ words could generate that many pages in print.
My next manuscript is currently at 257K+ words. Hmm, better wrap it up before it rivals War and Peace. (And then edit and edit and edit and edit.)
Observation of the day: Driving in the rain, in a vehicle I am unfamiliar with ... struggling with windshield wiper controls, softer breaks, steering uniqueness ... Nightmare. Taking father to pick up more loving family at the airport in that vehicle, same storm ... Priceless. Welcome home, Mom and Sis!
My next manuscript is currently at 257K+ words. Hmm, better wrap it up before it rivals War and Peace. (And then edit and edit and edit and edit.)
Observation of the day: Driving in the rain, in a vehicle I am unfamiliar with ... struggling with windshield wiper controls, softer breaks, steering uniqueness ... Nightmare. Taking father to pick up more loving family at the airport in that vehicle, same storm ... Priceless. Welcome home, Mom and Sis!
Monday, August 29, 2016
And the distribution goes on...
The distribution from Smashwords.com has begun. Heavenly Matchmaking: Meant To Be is already up on Kobo.com. More locations to come. I've also made a page on Goodreads.com, which is how I discovered the book was available on Kobo.
What I've learned:
1) Instant publication to a single site is possible, it just depends on the site. Instant publication to multiple sites requires a wonderful little thing called the pre-order. I'll be investigating in more depth when I publish again and will report back.
2) All sites follow their own procedures and therefore have their own cycle time before adding a book to their catalog. I'm also told it is possible to be rejected, but so far so good. Smashwords was instant to their site. I was told to expect up to 3 days for Kobo, it was less than 4 hours.
3) I'm still dragging my feet with regard to publishing to Amazon. Reading all the terms I have to agree to has made me reconsider. And on top of the many rights you sign away (I'm still not sure I understand that and will be rereading tomorrow), they also want a bank account to electronically pay me. Sounds good until you think about the fact that then my bank account number is sitting out on some server somewhere just waiting to be hacked. Yes, more thought must go into this one.
4) I thought my coupons would work at any retailer, but I'm having trouble using one on Kobo, so it may only be on Smashwords that I can give discounts. It's also possible that more time is needed for the coupons to be active on other sites. More investigation required.
5) Despite living in a world of "instant" gratification, there are still things that take time, and patience truly is a virtue. (Still waiting to hear back from Goodreads about my author page... patience.)
Best wishes in your current endeavors.
What I've learned:
1) Instant publication to a single site is possible, it just depends on the site. Instant publication to multiple sites requires a wonderful little thing called the pre-order. I'll be investigating in more depth when I publish again and will report back.
2) All sites follow their own procedures and therefore have their own cycle time before adding a book to their catalog. I'm also told it is possible to be rejected, but so far so good. Smashwords was instant to their site. I was told to expect up to 3 days for Kobo, it was less than 4 hours.
3) I'm still dragging my feet with regard to publishing to Amazon. Reading all the terms I have to agree to has made me reconsider. And on top of the many rights you sign away (I'm still not sure I understand that and will be rereading tomorrow), they also want a bank account to electronically pay me. Sounds good until you think about the fact that then my bank account number is sitting out on some server somewhere just waiting to be hacked. Yes, more thought must go into this one.
4) I thought my coupons would work at any retailer, but I'm having trouble using one on Kobo, so it may only be on Smashwords that I can give discounts. It's also possible that more time is needed for the coupons to be active on other sites. More investigation required.
5) Despite living in a world of "instant" gratification, there are still things that take time, and patience truly is a virtue. (Still waiting to hear back from Goodreads about my author page... patience.)
Best wishes in your current endeavors.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Why Did I Indie Publish?
I'm so wound up after today, with too much excitement for the publication of my first book, that I can't sleep. (What better time for a blog post than when you're dead tired, but wide-awake?)
I thought tonight I'd spend a few minutes talking about why I chose to be an Indie author/publisher. I have some comments posted on my author interview at Smashwords, but I'd like to expound a little more here.
What lead me to consider the idea of Indie publishing was, of course, a bit of disappointment from the traditional publishing industry. I had a real struggle getting any kind of response from anyone. I will say that the few who were kind enough to reject the work or to reject the work with feedback are my heroes. Some of that feedback changed the book as you can see it today. It's hard to believe that with the massive pile of queries coming in to these individuals, that they can take the time to write back.
But plenty of them didn't. I sent in query letters and heard nothing. Some websites say things like "you will only hear from us if we are interested" and that's fair. But it's also very disappointing to an author. I liken the experience to trying to communicate with a Black Hole, everything goes in, but nothing comes out.
The number of queries I was sending began to drop off as life became busier and I was not only holding down a full-time job, working on my next novel - now tentatively planned for an Indie release in January 2017 - but trying to be a good wife and mother. Rewriting and trying to perfect the query letter dropped lower and lower on my daily priorities list and eventually I stopped altogether.
Fast forward, I was asked last week how my current book was coming along. I was proud to say that I'm nearly finished with the first draft. I'm working on the climax and really hope to finish in the next few weeks. Then there will be some monstrous editing and it will be ready for publication.
It sounded fairly good, apart from the writer's block I've been having lately, but the question of the publication had come back to the forefront for me. Did I really intend to finish another book and go through all that querying again? Probably with the same results?
I'd seen articles about Indie publishing via some of my writers' groups and had read many with more than a little casual curiosity. But it came on suddenly, after talking to my very kind friend who took the time to ask about the book, the need to publish.
It wasn't about the time it could take to start querying again. It wasn't about the querying itself or the disappointment. I just suddenly needed to have my book out in the universe.
A book can't be liked or hated if it's nothing more than bytes on my computer. It can't share a story when it's in storage. Nothing would happen if I did... nothing.
So for a few days, I went the last steps investigating Indie publishing, seriously considering platforms and distribution methods and late last night, I suddenly has a plan. The execution of the plan began today.
I've no idea yet if it's for better or worse, but I know that I finally made that step. People can read my work, if they choose. Yes, it's a little terrifying. I desperately want my work to be loved and I know that it won't be universally. But, it's also extremely liberating and exciting.
There are other things I really like about Indie publishing that are in my author interview, linked above, so you might take a glance there if you are considering such a step yourself.
Whatever your plans and whatever comes to you tomorrow, good luck and good night!
I thought tonight I'd spend a few minutes talking about why I chose to be an Indie author/publisher. I have some comments posted on my author interview at Smashwords, but I'd like to expound a little more here.
What lead me to consider the idea of Indie publishing was, of course, a bit of disappointment from the traditional publishing industry. I had a real struggle getting any kind of response from anyone. I will say that the few who were kind enough to reject the work or to reject the work with feedback are my heroes. Some of that feedback changed the book as you can see it today. It's hard to believe that with the massive pile of queries coming in to these individuals, that they can take the time to write back.
But plenty of them didn't. I sent in query letters and heard nothing. Some websites say things like "you will only hear from us if we are interested" and that's fair. But it's also very disappointing to an author. I liken the experience to trying to communicate with a Black Hole, everything goes in, but nothing comes out.
The number of queries I was sending began to drop off as life became busier and I was not only holding down a full-time job, working on my next novel - now tentatively planned for an Indie release in January 2017 - but trying to be a good wife and mother. Rewriting and trying to perfect the query letter dropped lower and lower on my daily priorities list and eventually I stopped altogether.
Fast forward, I was asked last week how my current book was coming along. I was proud to say that I'm nearly finished with the first draft. I'm working on the climax and really hope to finish in the next few weeks. Then there will be some monstrous editing and it will be ready for publication.
It sounded fairly good, apart from the writer's block I've been having lately, but the question of the publication had come back to the forefront for me. Did I really intend to finish another book and go through all that querying again? Probably with the same results?
I'd seen articles about Indie publishing via some of my writers' groups and had read many with more than a little casual curiosity. But it came on suddenly, after talking to my very kind friend who took the time to ask about the book, the need to publish.
It wasn't about the time it could take to start querying again. It wasn't about the querying itself or the disappointment. I just suddenly needed to have my book out in the universe.
A book can't be liked or hated if it's nothing more than bytes on my computer. It can't share a story when it's in storage. Nothing would happen if I did... nothing.
So for a few days, I went the last steps investigating Indie publishing, seriously considering platforms and distribution methods and late last night, I suddenly has a plan. The execution of the plan began today.
I've no idea yet if it's for better or worse, but I know that I finally made that step. People can read my work, if they choose. Yes, it's a little terrifying. I desperately want my work to be loved and I know that it won't be universally. But, it's also extremely liberating and exciting.
There are other things I really like about Indie publishing that are in my author interview, linked above, so you might take a glance there if you are considering such a step yourself.
Whatever your plans and whatever comes to you tomorrow, good luck and good night!
I'm e-published!
Yesterday, I made the decision to Indie publish and I've published Heavenly Matchmaking: Meant To Be on Smashwords. I'm excited and proud to have put this book out into the Universe. Read a free sample of 20% of the book, available in epub, pdf, lrf, pdb, and the on-line reader.
(Is it weird that I'm thrilled to say "I have an ISBN" out loud? I hope not. ISBN: 9781370893577)
The complete book is available in epub, mobi, pdf, lrf, pdb, and an on-line reader.
This novel is currently available as an ebook on:
Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/661637
Kobo at https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/heavenly-matchmaking-meant-to-be
iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/heavenly-matchmaking-meant/id1148769514?mt=11
Barnes&Noble at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heavenly-matchmaking-kelly-lopushansky/1124491299?ean=2940153703770
Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Heavenly-Matchmaking-Meant-Kelly-Lopushansky-ebook/dp/B01LGL6MK8
Sunday, May 22, 2016
The Worst Kind of Struggle
Okay, I admit the title is a lie, well not a lie... more of an exaggeration. So many more things worse than this could under the title of the worst kind of struggle.
What is my supposed worst kind of struggle? It's a lot like a writer's block, but not quite the same. It's writer's resistance. I've actually made it to the end of this novel, or should I say I've written to the end section. Now that I'm staring down the finish line, what do I do? I stare at the screen for a bit and then turn on the television, or pick up a book, or clean the house... the list goes on from there and gets more and more pitiful.
I'm fighting writing the end of this novel. It's not like I don't know what happens. It's not like I don't like the ending I'm heading toward. So why am I fighting this? I do know a few possible reasons.
I don't want to say goodbye to characters is a top contender. But, if I'm honest, I've been thinking quite a bit about my next project. So how much can I be worried I'll miss them?
There's also the ever popular fear of failure/success. If I... oops... when I finish this novel, I'll be looking at revising and then the dreaded publishing specter. I think I kinda like this one. It has a loaded, psychology punch to it. What if I actually succeed and get this book out? What if I don't? What if I do and I can't write another? All kinds of good stuff in this one.
The one I dislike the most, that's come to mind in just the last few minutes, is that deep down I'm not really a writer. The supporting evidence not being the 386 pages I've put down so far. But a real, quality, scary and panicky kind of thought, none the less.
I've been told all writer's go through times of self-doubt. I don't know if that's exactly true, but it's certainly believable. I've questioned my skills and talents in other areas before. It's probably something we all go through.
So what do I do? Power through? Head down and nose to the grindstone? ... and stare at a blankish screen where the end of my novel ought to be. Honestly, I'm not sure.
Maybe I need to refill my creative cup. Maybe it's a discipline issue. (I could definitely buy into a discipline issue...) Maybe analyzing it will just give me more to distract myself (hmm... that seems likely).
Somewhere inside there used to be a desire to tell this story. The desire was so great, that I couldn't help but write. There were days I could barely manage to get through my day job, I was so ready to write.
I can only hope that I can find that again. And soon. This story deserves its ending.
What is my supposed worst kind of struggle? It's a lot like a writer's block, but not quite the same. It's writer's resistance. I've actually made it to the end of this novel, or should I say I've written to the end section. Now that I'm staring down the finish line, what do I do? I stare at the screen for a bit and then turn on the television, or pick up a book, or clean the house... the list goes on from there and gets more and more pitiful.
I'm fighting writing the end of this novel. It's not like I don't know what happens. It's not like I don't like the ending I'm heading toward. So why am I fighting this? I do know a few possible reasons.
I don't want to say goodbye to characters is a top contender. But, if I'm honest, I've been thinking quite a bit about my next project. So how much can I be worried I'll miss them?
There's also the ever popular fear of failure/success. If I... oops... when I finish this novel, I'll be looking at revising and then the dreaded publishing specter. I think I kinda like this one. It has a loaded, psychology punch to it. What if I actually succeed and get this book out? What if I don't? What if I do and I can't write another? All kinds of good stuff in this one.
The one I dislike the most, that's come to mind in just the last few minutes, is that deep down I'm not really a writer. The supporting evidence not being the 386 pages I've put down so far. But a real, quality, scary and panicky kind of thought, none the less.
I've been told all writer's go through times of self-doubt. I don't know if that's exactly true, but it's certainly believable. I've questioned my skills and talents in other areas before. It's probably something we all go through.
So what do I do? Power through? Head down and nose to the grindstone? ... and stare at a blankish screen where the end of my novel ought to be. Honestly, I'm not sure.
Maybe I need to refill my creative cup. Maybe it's a discipline issue. (I could definitely buy into a discipline issue...) Maybe analyzing it will just give me more to distract myself (hmm... that seems likely).
Somewhere inside there used to be a desire to tell this story. The desire was so great, that I couldn't help but write. There were days I could barely manage to get through my day job, I was so ready to write.
I can only hope that I can find that again. And soon. This story deserves its ending.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Random Thoughts From A Tired Mind
I've been having trouble sleeping lately. Some of the time, it's genuinely me. Either I can't relax or I can't stop thinking about something that happened during the day. (I love to kick myself for things I said. Anybody with me on that?) And then some of time, it's truly not my fault.
The weather woke me up two nights ago about an hour and a half after I went to bed. When rain and thunder wake me, I have to check out the weather radar to see how severe the storm really is. I find it hard to go back to sleep worrying that a real weather event is on it's way (read: tornado).
So I checked my favorite website for weather, weather.com, and as expected, it wasn't anything serious, just ridiculously heavy rain and lightning. I'd have hoped that I would be able to get back to sleep after that, but the rain was really that loud, it sounded like hail.
After that and a few other nights of inadequate sleep, I find myself asking a lot of weird questions.
Why, if it's supposed to be high efficiency, doesn't my washing machine allow me to use the same water I used to soak my clothes in bleach, to then wash them by just adding detergent and starting a wash cycle, instead of forcing me to drain the basin and start from scratch?
How can there be such a thing as color-safe bleach? Bleach takes the color out of things...
Why do clocks run to the right (clock-wise), instead of the left (counter clock-wise)? And why do I even care if most of the clocks in my life are digital anyway?
When did I become so old that I don't see a single movie trailer that appeals to me? No plot is even hinted at in these things, they're either just a series of jokes or explosions, maybe both. Seriously? What about that is supposed to make me want to see this movie?
Does anyone else find the remakes of old movies, or the reboots of old series, as irritating as I do? (I'm guessing at least some of time it's yes, since they don't always do very well.) New movies in a series are at least different, if not terrific. (I'm crossing my fingers for the new Star Wars movie.)
Why are violets blue? Shouldn't they be... oh, I don't know... violet? On a related note, not all roses are red... although that's just an observation.
Who decided on red, yellow, and green for traffic lights? (I'm sure there is a real answer to this question.) There are people with red/green color blindness...
Anyone out there have a good suggestion on how silence the mind and get some sleep? I could use it.
The weather woke me up two nights ago about an hour and a half after I went to bed. When rain and thunder wake me, I have to check out the weather radar to see how severe the storm really is. I find it hard to go back to sleep worrying that a real weather event is on it's way (read: tornado).
So I checked my favorite website for weather, weather.com, and as expected, it wasn't anything serious, just ridiculously heavy rain and lightning. I'd have hoped that I would be able to get back to sleep after that, but the rain was really that loud, it sounded like hail.
After that and a few other nights of inadequate sleep, I find myself asking a lot of weird questions.
Why, if it's supposed to be high efficiency, doesn't my washing machine allow me to use the same water I used to soak my clothes in bleach, to then wash them by just adding detergent and starting a wash cycle, instead of forcing me to drain the basin and start from scratch?
How can there be such a thing as color-safe bleach? Bleach takes the color out of things...
Why do clocks run to the right (clock-wise), instead of the left (counter clock-wise)? And why do I even care if most of the clocks in my life are digital anyway?
When did I become so old that I don't see a single movie trailer that appeals to me? No plot is even hinted at in these things, they're either just a series of jokes or explosions, maybe both. Seriously? What about that is supposed to make me want to see this movie?
Does anyone else find the remakes of old movies, or the reboots of old series, as irritating as I do? (I'm guessing at least some of time it's yes, since they don't always do very well.) New movies in a series are at least different, if not terrific. (I'm crossing my fingers for the new Star Wars movie.)
Why are violets blue? Shouldn't they be... oh, I don't know... violet? On a related note, not all roses are red... although that's just an observation.
Who decided on red, yellow, and green for traffic lights? (I'm sure there is a real answer to this question.) There are people with red/green color blindness...
Anyone out there have a good suggestion on how silence the mind and get some sleep? I could use it.
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