Freebie Friday

My short story, Pretty Pink Planet, is included on Indies Unlimited Freebie Friday list: http://www.indiesunlimited.com/

Joy’s writing news update

My latest e-book, The Doorway and Other Stories, will be available as a free download on Kindle June 8 & 9: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SV1FB2

I’m happy to have some of my old stories in one place. Except for The Princess Quest, which is a humorous fantasy, and Old Rex, a ghost story, the rest of the stories are all science fiction adventures of different types, involving aliens, time travel, symbiotes, and humans searching for a home and/or family. All the stories have been published elsewhere–sometimes more than once–over the years, except for Royal Guardians. And you don’t need a Kindle! There’s a free app on the webpage.

In the meantime, Pretty Pink Planet is always free: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615 (SF) Lori, an agent of SOESFOL, visits Prism to track down planet pirates and rescue aliens.

And my other e-books include: Hidebound: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ICFOHY (SF) After Anfissa meets Ferenc, they flee to a planet where even the grass is deadly.

Hot Yellow Planet: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94029 (SF) In this Pretty Pink Planet sequel, Lori and Chiing continue their adventures.

Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/71560  (Non-fiction) How one woman bought and remodeled a foreclosure; it didn’t even have a kitchen sink!

More marketing suggestions

I found a really helpful marketing article in the Build Book Buzz newsletter. It’s not just the usual hints; she gives good examples: http://buildbookbuzz.com/5-book-marketing-lessons-from-an-author-who-is-getting-royalty-checks/

E-mail attachment warning for writers

“Tip: You may remember how I warn authors in The Frugal Book Promoter against using attachments when they e – mail, especially when contacting the media. Well, now comes confirmation that maybe you will believe. Time magazine includes a warning on their roster page not to do so. It says, “Write to Us: Send an e – mail: letters@time.com. Please do not send attachments.”

“I know many of you are still attaching because you attach in your e -mails to me. Often the attachment is easily short enough to fit nicely in the window of an e – mail, so there is no need. Remember how I also say your job is to make it as easy as possible for your contacts to help you promote by using your name, title, articles, etc.? Putting your information in your e – mail rather than attaching makes it easier for them. But more importantly, they will see what you have to say. Many media outlets block e – mail with attachments and/or won’t open or read them.  Time is one of those that won’t.”

From Sharing with Writers, Carolyn  HowardJohnson’s Newsletter: http://www.AuthorsDen.com/adstorage/1713/SharingwithWriters_May28_2012.pdf

 

What reviewers look for in a book (link)

What do reviewers want to see in your book?   Excellent and useful article from Indies Unlimited.  I enjoyed it–and thoughtfully considered each point…  Link: http://www.indiesunlimited.com/2012/05/06/what-reviewers-want-part-1-2/

Bad book reviews

Here’s a helpful article by Joan Stewart of Publicity Hound on reacting/responding to reviews of your book: http://publicityhound.net/authors-why-you-shouldnt-respond-to-bad-book-reviews/       Be sure to check out the article and comments on Good Reads also. (She includes a link.)

Writing contests and editors

I came across a good article, Sneaking in the Back Door, in the January 2012 issue of Writer’s Digest.  The author suggests entering writing contests with editors as judges (among other things).  It worked for her!  She focused on contests sponsored by chapters of Romance Writers of America.  (Many writing organizations sponsor contests on the national and chapter level.)  [Also check out regional contests looking for writers in your state and also category--history, etc.--contests.]