Reality Check - July 30, 2011

You've no doubt seen the success stories of those who self-publish their e-books...people who sell a million copies, are able to write full-time and make a living at it. And no doubt, you've heard them pitch the idea that writers would be foolish not to do it this way...

And it makes you wonder, maybe I should do it too...

So, to test this theory, I've self-published two pieces, first (back in December) my Aston West novella Seeker...and then (2 weeks ago), my latest (non-Aston) novel, The Cure. The first, I've priced at the ultra-low 99 cent level (for a 20K word novella), while the latest is available for a more moderate $2.99 (for around a 60K word novel). With these two data points, I'm hoping to give a more accurate reading for would-be self-published authors (and myself) as to whether this golden goose is really as shiny as we'd be made to believe.

A few things to realize about me (for comparison purposes):
-I have been previously published, though by a small press without widespread bookstore distribution, with two books under my belt (Heroes Die Young and Friends in Deed). I also have developed a small niche following based on my series of short stories featuring Aston West.
-I do not have hundreds of thousands of followers on my blog, nor my Twitter feed nor my Facebook fan page. I believe that all of these together net about 1000 people, maybe.
-I do market myself, through my social media outlets, through online groups and webpages, and through visits to conventions from time to time.
-I have a full-time job that I use to fund my writing exploits, so I don't have a lot of spare time to write or market (but I make do with the little time I have).
-I'm generally able to get a new novel finished in about a year or two (see the aforementioned full-time job information), though I've been attempting to better that.
-My two self-published titles are only available in e-book format, though I'm expecting to eventually self-publish a print version of The Cure (and am in talks on bringing Seeker to print as well)

So, all that being said, here's the breakdown so far:

Seeker has been out since (late) December 2010, on Amazon (Kindle) and Smashwords (who has then distributed to such spots as Kobo and B&N (Nook). It's averaged around 2-4 sales most months. With the price point of 99 cents, royalties are low, around $2-3 a quarter (which because of the minimum payment requirements, are being stored up until I sell enough). The sales totals for this book come in around 40 books in the last 7 months. For comparison, my first quarter sales of my two small press books (which are priced at $2.99 and $3.99/$4.99 (depending on the store)) ran 12 and 5 copies each...I have not yet received the second quarter statement.

[For those keeping score at home, my novella sold 13 copies in the first quarter...but at a much lower price point...royalties, however, weren't that much different, which is another post for another day]

The Cure has only been out for two weeks, so more concrete sales numbers will be forthcoming in future updates...though I can say that the "initial rollout" sales are fairly consistent with those I saw with Seeker back in December (and ironically, are running fairly close to the sales of Seeker in the same two-week period). I will note here that after The Cure came out, I did see an uptick in sales of Seeker from June, from 2 to 4

So, I don't really know how often I'll give these updates, but stay tuned for more. And hopefully the numbers that I post will give you a feeling of what to expect from a foray into self-publishing e-books.

Weekly Goals - July 26, 2011

Here I thought I'd completely blown off my goals this week. Turns out, I actually accomplished all of them (all ONE of them ;-D ). So, one more week in the pseudo-vacation, and then it'll be back to work on some more Aston goodness. Until then, have you all seen that Dead or Alive is now available as an e-book over at Smashwords (and of course, if you're an iPhone or iPad user, there's an app for that too).

Results for this week:

1. Finished Rogue Dancer

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. Absolutely nothing... ;-)

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (Revisions requested)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

Tag, you're It!

I don't normally do these things, but since Joyce blogs about once every 8 months (hee hee) and decided to tag me, I figured I'd give it a go.


What do you think of when you the hear the word tag?
Being tagged by my younger brother (and tagging him in return) with a clenched fist...

Do you think you're hot?
Not in any way, shape or form...but thankfully I've got enough money to make up for it...

Upload a picture or wallpaper that you're using at the moment.

I've been using this for well over a week...the cover to my new novel.


When was the last time you ate chicken?
Sunday night at the hospital, it was chicken-fried-chicken, which is the saddest bastardization of a decent food (chicken fried steak) ever conceived.

The song(s) you listened to recently.
Several, as I tend to listen while I'm writing or doing writing-related activities. Ones that I can recall off the top of my head: "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele, "Bodies" by Drowning Pool, "Numb" and "In the End" by Linkin Park, and "Hotel California" by the Eagles.

What were you thinking as you were doing this?
I wasn't...I find my blogs work a lot better if I don't do a lot of thinking...

Do you have nicknames? What are they?
None that could be uttered in mixed company (see previously mentioned brotherhood...).


Tag 8 blogger friends:
Carla
Candice
Angie
Karen
Diana
Lynn
Kimberly
Clifton

Who's listed as No. 1?
Carla, one of my great friends I've found recently through Twitter. We've grown very close, probably because we have most of the same behaviors... ;-)

Say something about No. 5
Diana is a fellow Champagne Books author, and a fantastic writer. Thank goodness she writes fantasy, so I don't have to directly compete with her. Haha.

How did you get to know No. 3?
Unless I'm mistaken (which gets more and more likely these days), I believe Angie and I met through Blogger and through the forums over at the former Ray Gun Revival. Even if I don't remember how we originally met, we've been hanging out on each other's blogs for some time, and even do a little critiquing for each other now and then.

How about No. 4?
Karen is a nut, and her blog proves it. Still, it's fun reading, even if I don't often know how to post a response to what she writes... ;-)

Leave a message for No. 6.
Lynn, it saddened me when your company stopped working with fiction...even if I understood the move.

Leave a lovey dovey message for No. 2.
(This could get awkward)
Candice, thanks for all the support and I hope you and your books eventually hit the big time as you (and they) deserve!

Do No. 7 and No. 8 have any similarities?
None as far as I know, aside from the fact both are writers of one type of another. One writes novels, and the other has an extremely entertaining webcomic.

Okay, there you have it...stay tuned for tomorrow's regularly scheduled goals post.

Weekly Goals - July 19, 2011

Well, formatting the e-book took far less time than I'd imagined, so as those who've been following the blog this week can attest, I've already published The Cure and posted its cover art. Now that this major project is done, it's time to get caught up on some of my reading I've been slacking on...and then start August off with more Aston West goodness.

Results for this week:

1. Converted The Cure for Smashwords and Amazon both
2. Posted cover art

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. Finish reading Rogue Dancer by K. M. Tolan

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (since June 19)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

Six Sentence Sunday: The Cure (Second Try)

Well, since apparently last week, I just thought this was something to do for fun, I was not aware there was an official sign-up for Six Sentence Sunday. So, this week, I've actually signed up, and will present a different set of six sentences from my upcoming release (scheduled for the end of the month), The Cure. Enjoy!

***

She looked around, seeing peaceful digital artwork by artists with names she didn’t recognize. The distinct stench of fresh paint spilled off the walls. They’d gone to great lengths to liven up the facilities over the past few months. There was no sense in it. Putting a friendly, pleasant face on the surroundings didn’t hide the fact there was only one reason to come here.

To visit the dead.

***

And be sure to keep an eye out for more information over on my Twitter feed or my Facebook fan page. And if you can't wait for the end of the month, head on over to AstonWest.com where you can check out my other published novels and short stories as well.

THE CURE: Now Available

The long wait is over, and my new novel The Cure is now available. Check out my site's page for the details, including links to go buy your copy.

An Except From THE CURE

Sweltering heat followed Mila as she entered. Second-guessing her morning wardrobe decision, at least her dark suit jacket covered up her sweating skin.

A reception desk sat off to her left. Mila didn’t recognize the cheerful young woman behind it, which set her hackles up. The baby-faced redhead sat with a nail file, grinding like a mad woman as she chomped just as hard on chewing gum. Bouncing curls atop her head accompanied her breasts as they burst forth from her low-cut black top. She looked up at Mila and flashed a brilliant smile.

“Can I help you?”

“Where’s Barbara?” The regular receptionist would have taken Mila right away to where her family waited. She’d been through this same process daily, step-for-step over the last three seasons, coming up on ten months now. Every lunch break, like clockwork. No one knew outside of this building. Not the people she worked with, not even her relatives. Nothing good could come from too many people being aware of her activities.

“Called in sick this morning, so I was told. I’m from the temp agency.”

“Mila Groso,” she muttered. “I have an appointment.”

The young woman motioned. “Please have a seat.”

Mila turned toward several plush white chairs along the opposite wall. “That’s really not necessary...”

The busty redhead put on the fakest smile Mila had ever seen. “Oh, it’s no bother.”
Frowning, Mila could do nothing but follow the woman’s instructions. The young temp dropped her file and picked up a small cylindrical transmitter, squeezing the sides to pop the handset open. A communication link was established with a dual-tone beep. She held her hand up to muffle her voice. Without any background noise, though, Mila still heard every word. “Mister Docken, there’s a Mila Groso here. She claims to have an appointment, but nothing’s listed.”

Listening to the response, her face grew serious before closing the transmitter again. Without a care, she flashed another fake smile. “He’ll be out soon.” Barely a moment passed before she’d gone back to her nail file.

Mila pursed her lips and squirmed, unable to find a comfortable position in the chair. She looked around, seeing peaceful digital artwork by artists with names she didn’t recognize. The distinct stench of fresh paint spilled off the walls. They’d gone to great lengths to liven up the facilities over the past few months. There was no sense in it. Putting a friendly, pleasant face on the surroundings didn’t hide the fact there was only one reason to come here.

To visit the dead.

Down a second hallway, a door lock clicked open, drawing Mila’s attention. A tall, gaunt man in a freshly pressed white dress shirt, black trousers and tie stepped into view. Relief worked its way onto Mila’s face at the sight of someone she finally recognized.

“Mila,” he said, drawing close, “sorry to keep you waiting. Your regular viewing room is ready.”

She stood and smoothed out her dress pants, taking the high road by forgiving the utter inconvenience she’d been put through. “Thank you, Paul.”

His smooth black hair caught the light from above while he gave off a weak smile. “You’re welcome.”

The pair walked along the corridor, the only sound coming from Mila’s heels striking the faux wood floor. They passed through an ornate doorway into a rectangular waiting area. Waist-high leafy plants stood in each corner.

Once they were out of earshot, Paul mumbled to Mila. “Sorry about that. It was a big surprise finding out Barbara wouldn’t be in this morning.”

It really wasn’t her concern, but Mila still figured an inquiry appropriate. “Is she okay?”

“Her niece called this morning. Apparently, she came down with something nasty.” He glanced toward the lobby. “I hope she comes back soon. It’s hard to find good help.”

Mila nodded absently. She’d always been able to find excellent employees and had never needed temporary help. With this experience, she counted it a good thing.

Paul held a hand out toward another pair of plush white couches. Mila figured the facility had bought in bulk. “I’ll just double-check everything’s as you’ve requested.” He left her there, entering the central of the three viewing rooms while she sat down once more.

Such frequent visits weren’t in the standard burial contract, and had been negotiated for a significant price. Calling it a request was putting a definite spin on things.

Mila’s limbs shook, just as with every visit. Even being strong-willed as she made herself out to be, the entire situation still struck unbridled fear into her bones. A death sentence carried out on her family’s murderers had not appeased her bloodlust.

Neither had it assuaged her guilt.

She composed herself as the door opened and Paul stepped out. A cold chill flowed out to greet her. “Take as much time as you need.”

“Thank you,” Mila mumbled, walking inside.

“I’ll be up front whenever you’re finished.” Paul shut the door behind her.

She took a deep breath and stared at the two sarcophagi. The standard white coffin had been upgraded with ornate markings and shiny metal carvings mounted to each corner and around the base. It had been billed as a flowing pattern meant to speed the decedent’s path to the afterlife, or some other such nonsense meant to soothe a survivor’s grief. Dark purple blankets hid wheeled carts which rested under each casket. These provided the means for Paul’s staff to roll them inside the viewing rooms. She’d only heard stories of the underground storage vaults where so many dead were held, having no desire to see them.

All citizens of this planet were buried in sealed caskets, preventing decomposition as was the Vetrasian custom. Mila still recalled the interment service held in this very room. Outside the building had been so dreary and rainy, an unlikely circumstance for the then-summer season, but matching Mila’s emotional state at the time.

Silence closed in from all sides. Despite the center’s use of floral sprays as a mask, there was no way to completely eliminate the musty stench emanating from the underground vaults. She shifted up to the caskets, her shaking hands creeping toward the transparent shells. Every visit confirmed what she knew, but couldn’t accept. It hadn’t been a bad dream. Her family was truly gone forever.

Even now, she wasn’t convinced. She’d be with them soon enough. That was the only thing providing her solace, letting her sleep at night.

Looking through the clear lid at her daughter was almost as if gazing into a mirror of the past, her foolish youth. This teen’s face, though, was a model of steadiness, framed by the same thick, dirty blonde, shoulder-length strands Mila herself was burdened with. A long white dress was the standard burial garment for all the planet’s women.

“Oh, sweet Oreana...” Mila choked on her words, and streams of tears flowed down her face.

She wiped her eyes and turned to the second casket, where her husband’s tanned face sat in wait atop a white suit, the standard men’s burial garment. She longed to once more run her hand through his brown ratty hair, to stare into his sky blue eyes. “Gordon, my love,” she whispered. Stroking the hard plastic cover with her fingers, Mila tried to remember what he felt like. It made her sob even more that she couldn’t recall the memory.

She looked upon both bodies, as always marveling she couldn’t make out the slash marks and stab wounds they’d received from their killers. Paul and his staff had done a fantastic job, but even without visible reminders, she couldn’t clear the bloody images from her mind. There was no silencing their final screams of agony and terror which echoed within her mind.

Mila closed her eyes and the tears gushed forth. She should have arrived on time that fateful night. If she had, they wouldn’t have been waiting in the parking lot when a pair of vagabond killers had found them. Random as it had been, her family ended up dead, because she always put work ahead of everything else in her life.

With a sigh, she eased her eyelids open, blinking away tears and glancing back and forth between the corpses. A small smile formed while the liquid train slowed. Increasing hope filled her heart, knowing she had a plan, even though formed from grief and desperation. With every passing moment, Mila knew without a doubt she was getting closer to the cure she’d been seeking these last ten months.

The cure for death.

Cover Art for THE CURE

Just posted this up on my fan page, but going to put it here as well...the cover art for my new novel, THE CURE.

And stay tuned! I plan on posting up an excerpt from The Cure tomorrow, in preparation for its release over the weekend.

Weekly Goals - July 12, 2011

Finished with The Cure edits, and now it's time to get down to the nitty gritty details on formatting it for publication. Still shooting for an end-of-the-month release...and also had some good happenings with another of my story being accepted for publication.

Results for this week:

1. Finished edits on The Cure
2. Book blurb and tagline is completed

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. Convert The Cure into its e-book format for Smashwords
2. Post The Cure cover art up for the fans to enjoy

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (ACCEPTED)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (since June 19)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

Six Sentence Sunday: The Cure

Just figured I'd join in on the Six Sentence Sunday craze that I've seen over and over again on Twitter...so here is my first contribution, a segment from the first chapter of my upcoming novel, The Cure:

Random as it had been, her family ended up dead, because she always put work ahead of everything else in her life.

With a sigh, she eased her eyelids open, blinking away tears and glancing back and forth between the corpses. A small smile formed while the liquid train slowed. Increasing hope filled her heart, knowing she had a plan, even though formed from grief and desperation. With every passing moment, Mila knew without a doubt she was getting closer to the cure she’d been seeking these last ten months.

The cure for death.

Weekly Goals - July 5, 2011

Things are rolling fairly smoothly now. Edits are nearly completed for the Cure, and as I mentioned in the comments to my last post, I'm hoping for an August release.

Results for this week:

1. Edited 10 chapters of The Cure

And now the goals for this coming week:

1. Finish edits (5 chapters) on The Cure
2. Polish book blurbs and taglines for The Cure

Submission status for the week:

Short stories:
"Generations" (since May 24)
"Some Assembly Required" (Resubmitted with requested revisions)
"Collateral" (since May 23)
"Sweet Embrace" (since June 19)

Aston West
novels
short stories
writing goals

The Money Factor

Through these many years of writing and publishing, I've come to notice a trend.

First, there were books on how to write...and then writer's conventions, seminars, and other events, all for the sake of teaching you how to improve your writing and breaking into the publishing business.

Then, getting a publisher required an agent, a person who took a percentage of your pay in order to act as a gatekeeper.

And once you were published, you'd often times have (or hire, if your publisher didn't) a publicist to take care of setting up events and such.

Now the game has changed, and authors are striking out on their own. But to do it "right" you'd have to hire professional editors, cover artists and those who could convert your manuscript for publication as an e-book or paperback.

And now that agents are slowly losing their grasp as gatekeepers to the publishing world, they and others are now willing to take on all the heavy lifting of getting a book ready for publication, as e-stributors.

Which goes to show something that I've always maintained (and was just telling a friend of mine the other day): There's a heck of a lot more money involved in the business of writing, than in the actual writing itself...