Have they sent a thank you note? In fact, they seem to go out of their way to squeeze the authors who helped put them on the map. They won't give the top royalty to authors who sell in India unless the author's book is in the Select program. For the last month, they've undertaken a program of removing reviews written by other authors and posted to an author's book. Here's yet another article on what's happening with Amazon reviews from the Los Angeles Times Book section.
Hey, We Read Too Long before authors write books, they read books. We're all voracious readers. We have opinions and should have the right to express our opinions. I mean, this is a country of free speech. I've never posted a review that I didn't believe in, and that goes for books and anything else I buy online. I read a lot, and I review a lot here on SlingWords. I post reviews only if I can in good conscience give a 4 or 5 star review. All the books I read that fall below that standard do not get reviewed because I'm not going to slam any author when I know that it may affect their ability to earn a living.
Maybe part of it is my mother's teaching. She always said, "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all. Amazon sells more of my books than any ebook seller, and I love the ease with which I buy books for my Kindle, but I wish they'd give some thought to improving their business practices where authors are concerned.
- BLOG PAGES.
- Are You an Author?.
- Mr. Tall, Tan...& Tasteless (Practically Perfect Heroes Book 2)!
Reviews are just the tip of the unfairness iceberg. Don't even get me started on their refund policy that allows readers to get a book, keep it for 7 days in which time they probably read it, and then request a refund. Those wonderful devices made my indie career possible. You Are Not Your Writing. An important lesson a professional writer must learn is this powerful truth: You are not your writing. Your Writing You must learn to separate your self-identity from your writing. You have to learn that because if you don't, you're going to be one miserable writer.
People who don't understand this truth are those who get crushed by rejection and bad reviews. I know some writers who reel from one nasty comment to another. If they read some good review, they're ecstatic. If they read a bad one, they're in the pits of despair. If your writing gets rejected by an agent, an editor, or a reader, that does not mean that you have been rejected, but a lot of people think it does.
Separation Learning that you are not your writing is necessary in order to survive this fierce business. If you cave at the first sign of rejection, i. Rejection — from publishing professionals and from readers — is a huge part of being a professional writer whether you're published by a traditional publishing company or you're indie published.
There will be peaks and valleys. Success is a long road. Learn positive ways to deal with the valleys. Takeaway Truth The sooner you learn that you are not your writing, the happier and more productive you'll be. The Next Big Thing. On her post of the same name, Donna had a lovely picture of herself wearing her tiara. Alas, I have no tiara, and, more's the pity, Donna didn't ship hers to me. So I'm illustrating my post with the symbol of celebration. I'm getting ready to open one any day now.
Joan's Next Big Thing What is the working title of your next book? You won't believe this, but I have 2 novels I'm finishing, almost back to back. I won't even talk about the 3 nonfiction books I plan to publish before the end of the year. The first novel is Scents and Sensuality , the last of my 4 Lingerie Cover books. The second is Cinderella Blue , the second in my duet series: For this meme, I'll focus on Scents and Sensuality or this post will get really long. Where did the idea come from for the book?
From my interest in the science of smell and the science of sex appeal. Lots of scientific studies have been done -- much of it in Europe -- on these intertwined subjects. What genre does your book fall under? I write funny, sexy romance, and these books fit that description perfectly. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Amanda Whitfield and Harrison Kincaid are the two people in Scents and Sensuality who are made for each other. They just don't know it yet. If I were casting a movie, I'd choose Chris Pine for Harrison because he has the ability to be sexy, devil-may-care, funny, and he's totally male.
Kristen Bell would make the perfect Amanda because she is smart and pretty yet she has the ability to portray an underlying vulnerability and uncertainty about herself. What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Perfumer Amanda Whitfield, desperate for a date to her snooty cousin's wedding, pretends to be a hot babe to hook a man, but computer geek Harrison Kincaid, desperate to teach his matchmaking mom to mind her own business, isn't what she had in mind.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? As with my other books, I'll be self-publishing this one too. However, like my other books, I'm open to sub-rights deals for Scents and Sensuality too. How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
This is a long story. Scents and Sensuality began life as a previously published novel from Kensington. Under the title Say Yes, the book was published many years ago. Since I own the rights to my backlist, I had planned to update and expand the book. I can remember getting fan mail on Say Yes. However, when I went in to read the book, I hated it. I couldn't believe it was so, well, immature, but it reflected the times in which it was published.
I guess the truth is that I had changed as a person and a writer.
Book 2, All Brides Are Beautiful
I like to think that my writing improves with every year that passes. I spent days searching for the original hard copy, the notes, the outline, or anything pertaining to the book. I didn't even have the computer file any longer since that was 2 PC's ago, and I think I had moved about 3 times since the book had been published. With every move, I threw away more stuff just so I wouldn't have to move it. I had to start from scratch in a year in which I was putting on a wedding for my daughter, dealing with some family medical issues, overseeing two home remodels, and diving into audiobook production with my existing books.
Just as I'd get going, something to do with all all that other stuff would occur that would take me away from the writing. Then I'd have to try to get back "into" the book. With all those interruptions, I just couldn't find the essence of the the characters. I couldn't see why anyone would give a crap about them or their issues. I wrote and wrote until the book was double in size, but I still didn't like it. I got it proofread, but I still didn't like it. So I wouldn't publish it.
It wasn't until a couple of weeks ago of hanging in there that I had a breakthrough. Finally, I cared about Amanda and Harrison and his desperate, matchmaking mom. Now, as soon as I get rid of all those extra pages, I'm ready to publish it. All this emphasizes the point that just because you're written and had published a dozen books or more, that doesn't mean it ever gets easy. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? So I guess if you like their books, you'll like mine too. Who or What inspired you to write this book? I was always interested in the brain link between smell and memory.
Strictly because of interest, I read some scientific studies about smell, and that led me to an interest in perfumes. When I began updating the book about Perfumer Amanda Whitfield, I branched into the fascinating studies done in the last 10 years on the science of sex appeal. Some might be interested in the computer technology at the turn of the century -- that whole Y2K thing that had people predicting the end of civilization.
When the book originally came out, right about that time, I had letters from readers who wanted to know whether I was a computer programmer in my real life. That's it from me. Now, I'm passing the baton to my author friends: Bella Street -- Bella Street Writes -- http: Last week I was part of a discussion about nonfiction indie books. The actual subject was which is easier to sell: Of course, the correct answer is: Fiction Nonfiction is niche oriented just as fiction is.
Of course, in fiction, we call it genre, but it pretty much means the same.
Dictionary of spoken Spanish
Readers interested in a particular subject area niche look for that in nonfiction. Readers interested in a particular kind of story genre look for that in fiction. Normally, I talk about fiction since that's where most of my book-length work is focused. I do have 1 nonfiction available Written Wisdom: Before the end of the year, I be publishing 3 other nonfiction books: With all that coming up, I've been thinking quite a bit about how to successfully market nonfiction ebooks. Here are my thoughts. Learn more about Amazon Prime.
Please try your request again later. I am a kitty lover with a bionic knee. I have a cat who likes to use the computer. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, where my e-books take place. Those stories got rejected and I turned them into a book. When you read all of these books, think "Gilmore Girls" meets "Taxi. My dad passed away on March 30th of this year and I miss him so much. He and my mom were married 64 years--very romantic. My alter ego, Vi LaNance, writes R-rated romantic comedies. They are part of the Disguise series, and these two books feature the hunky Cincinnati Red Wolves shortstop and the Red Wolves mascot, Darlene Dover and the new team manager, Mateo Gervaise, and Raven Wolf, who is working three jobs.
Vi and I wrote a book together that is not a romance, a labor of love called "More Than Just a Dog," dedicated to anyone who has ever lost a pet. Are you an author? Even now it wouldn't be possible. He hasn't come yet. Even if he doesn't come we'll have to begin. Though I wasn't born in the country, I know it very well.
He left the class because he was feeling sick. Is there enough room in the car for everybody? Which is cheaper, the bus or the street car? He couldn't maintain his authority. They reported it to the authorities. The car moved very slowly. We're not making any progress in our work. The floods ruined the crops. He agreed to what they said. He's a very promising young man. He gets ahead of everybody in his work. He shamed his whole family by his conduct. After he said it, he was ashamed. The mechanic repaired the damage without delay. The shipment was damaged by the rain.
We have to notify the police. I'm warning you for the last time. They revived the fire by putting on more wood. Why don't you keep your eyes open? Step lively; it's very late. Wake up; you're half asleep. I want to help him carry the packages. Don't smoke on an empty stomach. Let's take that chance. He likes games of chance. He chose them at random. This would embarrass anyone. When I told him that he was very much embarrassed.
The enemy suffered many casualties. There was a general fall in prices. He dropped out of the club. For lack of payment they dropped him from the subscription list. Let's go down the stairs slowly. Bring the suitcase down from my room. Will you help me take the suitcases down from the rack? They saw us as they were getting off the train. He bent over to tie his shoe. I want a low table. He's shorter than his brother.
They were speaking in a low voice. Let's put the basses on the left. The temperature's fallen below zero. The superintendent lives on the ground floor. What's my bank balance this month? Don't rock in the chair; it's going to break.
Nancy Goldberg Levine
Three shots were heard. He had three bullet wounds in his chest. They're giving tickets free. He tried to get her on the phone without success. Can I cash my check in this bank? All the benches are taken. The skirt had three red bands. He wore a red sash across his chest. That band gives me a headache. A gang of thieves works these parts. Please bathe the children. I'm going to take a bath. It's very pretty and besides it's cheap. They sell things very cheap in this store. There's a sale today in that department store.
He eats too much. What he did was an outrage. I like her an awful lot. How many times have you made the trip by boat? We need an iron bar. The spectators cheered the players on. He dicho que te calles. I told you to shut up! Do you have enough money? She's a rather pretty woman. There wasn't enough food for all. The suit's made of very rough material. Please beat the eggs. He defeated his enemy. They haven't unpacked their trunks yet. He doesn't appreciate favors. The profits were very high. He doesn't know the difference between good and evil. He spoke very well. The beer's very cold.
He has a great deal of property. He's rich rather than poor. All right or Correct. Pay close attention to what I tell you. Have you bought the tickets? Give me the money in fives and tens. You have to put a screen in front of the door. I wish I'd bought a white dress! There are white people, Indians, and Negroes in this city. They hit the target. Leave this sheet blank. They hit the mark three times.
The soldiers had target practice in the morning. He didn't open his mouth all afternoon. The subway entrance is on the corner. The child's sleeping on his stomach. He was lying on his back on the beach. What an embarrassing situation that was! What sultry weather we're having! What a shameful action!
Blow the horn so that car'll let us pass. I'm out of breath. Give me that iron ball. We bought some tennis balls. There was a crowd of people at the entrance of the theater. She carried a silk purse. I need a paper bag to put it in. I don't know what the quotations are on the exchange today. They used a pump to take out the water. The bomb destroyed three houses. It struck like a bombshell! Where is there a filling station? Se puso una bomba. He got drunk [ Am ]. Three bulbs have burned out.
Thank you for your kindness. Please wait a moment. He was lying on the bed. Be careful, don't throw away those papers. Look how that ball bounces. I want a can of tomatoes. When he heard it he jumped. The theater was jammed. Be careful, it's a fierce bull. He got very mad. I don't like this paper; it's too shiny.
He gave her a diamond bracelet. Let's drink to your health! I said it as a joke. He takes everything lightly. He's abrupt in his way of speaking. That's a very good car. It was a good opportunity. I'm not feeling very well. Bueno, nos veremos a las cinco. All right, we'll meet at five. He gave it to me willingly. They made a terrible racket. He went out with a bundle of clothes in his hand. He has a swelling on his head.
As soon as he saw what he had to do, he ducked out. They were making fun of him. Put these letters in the mail box. He's a perfect gentleman. Here's your bill, sir. She wears her hair loose. Nothing else will fit in the trunk. The piano won't go through that door. There's no doubt that he's English. That child has a very large head. He was the leader of the movement. You have to use your brains in this work. He plunged into the water head first. Business is in a mess.
He never loses his head. Ese proyecto no tiene pies ni cabeza. There's no rhyme or reason to that plan. From end to end. We can't leave any loose ends. They passed the Cape of Good Hope. He has corporal's stripes. They put an end to the conversation. I know the story from beginning to end. They carried out the plan right away. Take this junk out of here. Every day he says something different. Every one paid for his own meal. He asks me for it every time he sees me. A heavy rain fell. He dropped to his knees. The suit's becoming to him. His birthday falls on Sunday.
He was taken sick a few days ago. I didn't realize it until much later. She fell down the stairs. Be careful, don't drop the tray. He was lame after the fall. The opposition of the House caused the fall of the government. He gave her a box. He put a lot of money in the savings bank. They keep their jewelry in the safe. Look and see how much the cash register rings up. We have to see how much cash we have on hand. I'm going to buy a pack of cigarettes. They've lost the key to the drawer. They received a box of books. She turned him down.
They flunked him in geometry. He got a cramp while he was swimming. The dagger penetrated to his heart. I got home drenched. He pulled his hat down to his eyes. Let's figure out the cost of the trip. Please heat the water. They warmed themselves in the sun. He's had a fever for the past few days. Is this good material? Be careful, the soup's very hot. Why are you so quiet? He kept quiet while we were talking. He kept the truth from us.
You're talking too much. Se callaron de repente. All of a sudden they stopped talking. What street do you live on? I had no choice but to throw him out. When his business failed he was left penniless. We're in a blind alley. There was a calm after the storm. He takes his time when he works. These pills will ease the pain. He didn't calm down until much later. I don't like the heat. It's very warm today. Everything he's saying is slander. What size shoe do you wear? I'm going to chock the wheels so the car won't move.
Please make my bed. He's been confined to bed for the past three months. What kind of a camera do you have? They were talking together like old pals. The maid hasn't made up the room yet. Ask the waitress for the menu. I want to reserve a first-class stateroom. He hasn't changed a bit since I saw him. Can you change a ten-peso bill for me?
Has there been any change in policy? Do you have any change? What's the rate of exchange on the dollar today? I'll give you this book in exchange for the other one. He's very fond of walking. You have to move cautiously in this matter. Is the road all right to drive on? I don't know how to go about getting it. They started out the following day. He was in his shirt sleeves. The soldiers will soon return to camp. I didn't hear how many times the clock struck. We lived in the country for many years. She found her first gray hair. She has a lot of gray hair.
We passed through the Panama Canal. The boat was approaching the English Channel. They brought us a basket of fruit. There are tennis courts in this park. What's the latest song hit? Give me a light for my cigarette. They decided to exchange prisoners. This man's very tiresome. It's a very tiring job. She gets tired quickly. He's always harping on the same string.
I want to learn that song. The tenor sang very well tonight. I'll have to tell it to him straight from the shoulder. How much do I owe you? He's a singing teacher. I like folk songs. Stand the book on edge. A lot of sugar cane is grown in Cuba. He carried a cane. They have to fix the water pipe; it's clogged. He bought a double-barreled shotgun. Have you seen the Grand Canyon? He wears a Spanish cape.
The door needs another coat of paint. Poor people, they're on the downgrade! This tank has a capacity of thirty liters. He's a very capable business man. I'd like to talk to the foreman. It's a room large enough for a library. He's not capable of such a low trick. I've been told that he's a very competent person. The company has a capital of a million dollars. They took a trip to the capital. I've read only the first three chapters. Don't pay any attention to her whims. She has a very pretty face. I don't understand the words on the face of the coin.
He told him right to his face. He had to face the music. He's a man of very good character. Everything she does shows she has character. You have to put more coal in the stove. They were splitting their sides. He doesn't have enough money to travel. This mule can't carry a heavier load. It's a cargo ship. They're taking the freight out of the car. They loaded the truck. The battery has to be charged. The cavalry charged the enemy. I'm charging this amount to your bill.
Joan Reeves: November
He was very affectionate with his parents. My best regards to your family. I usually eat meat once a day. This cold weather gives me goose flesh. Do you want beef or pork? I need a leather briefcase. The correspondence is kept in several files. I like horse races. They live on Third Avenue. He's preparing for a diplomatic career. He wrote it hurriedly.
He sprinted to catch up to them. The highways in this country are excellent.
There was a mule cart on the road. We're going home by car. I'm going to mail this letter. He received a registered letter. Let's play cards a while. She was carrying a large leather bag under her arm. He took his wallet out of his pocket. Will that briefcase hold many books? What time does the mailman come? Will you be at home this afternoon? Are you married or single? This is the priest who married them. These colors don't match well. He'll be married next Sunday. He married a very young girl. Have you got something to crack these nuts? This orange has a thick rind. Where do I throw these eggshells?
You're getting to be an old crab. The soldiers were wearing steel helmets. The ship's hull is damaged. Though you rack your brains over it, you won't solve it. You very nearly guessed it.