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Old 01-22-2010, 09:35 PM   #1
Syn
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eBooks

This is a question I asked on my livejournal, but I thought I'd come here to my favorite peeps and see what you all thought. I've been writing a series of paranormal romance novels (7 so far, with 55 total planned), but I've been reluctant to send it to publishers for fear of the inevitable rejection. I was given advice by a friend of mine that I might try publishing my work as an eBook. I researched the format and the process and it seemed a little overwhelming at first, but then someone on livejournal sent me to Amazon, and their process seems fairly straightforward and easy. It seems like a good idea.

What I'm getting at is, do you read eBooks? If you do, what do you like to pay for them? Where do you buy them? What sort of books do you like? What draws you to a the book? Cover, genre, summary, price?

Also, if you know of anyone who has published an eBook, do you know how it went?

I know I have a lot of questions, but I really value outside opinions and I'd like to be well-informed before I do this.
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Old 01-22-2010, 09:49 PM   #2
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Well I already told you about my Kindle and how hooked I am. I don't know what I'd do without it!!

Let me tell you what I know:

1. Price is HUGE. Kindle faithful argue about that all the time. The general rule seems to be that hardbook books start out fairly high as a preorder (between $10 and $15, which is very high for a Kindle book). Once they crack the NY Times bestseller list they move down to $9.99. This is still considered gouging by many Kindle users, who often post about it in the forums. Check those out to get an idea what Kindle users really think.

2. Cover is not important. eBook covers tend to be clunky and amateurish, and often very ugly. This bothers no one so far as I can tell.

3. Romance is huuuuge, and paranormal romance (or PNR) is huuuuuuger. There is also apparently a fairly good market for romantic erotica, which is called romantica, and paranormal erotica. I did not know this until I got caught up in a thread called "cringeworthy love scenes". And man....it got really ugly. And sometimes laughable. Seriously, you all should check that thread out, if only for the detailed synopsis of the "romantic" book about the satyr who falls in love with the hermaphrodite in (I think) Victorian England.

4. I always look at three things. First I check out genre/synopsis and price. And if those two things look pretty good, I read the reviews. I depend a lot on reviews. (So if you ever do epublish, let me know so I can review your stuff!)

Seriously, you really should be looking at the Kindle forums. You can learn a bundle there!
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Old 01-22-2010, 11:05 PM   #3
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I scanned through the Kindle forums last night, but haven't had a chance to really dig in yet. I saw a few interesting discussions that I'd like to go back and read. I'll go there as soon as I can, and get lost.

You've give me fantastic advice yet again, and I really appreciate it. Until two days ago I didn't know much (really, nothing) about eBooks, and now I feel like I'm getting a grasp on the whole thing. Honestly, I'm probably going to do this...but I just want to know everything there is to know before I do. I'm very cautious.

Maybe if I just look at it like I'm submitting fanfic that I might get paid for, I won't be so anxious? lol Hey...that actually does make me feel better. Weird.

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Seriously, you all should check that thread out, if only for the detailed synopsis of the "romantic" book about the satyr who falls in love with the hermaphrodite in (I think) Victorian England.
....My brain doesn't know what to do with that. And yet it's trying....
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Old 01-22-2010, 11:17 PM   #4
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Have you also considered Lulu for print copies? It seems fairly easy to use and no publisher needed. It mgiht be something to look into if you're wanting to go that route too.
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Old 01-22-2010, 11:20 PM   #5
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I hadn't thought of that, actually. I'd love to do print copies too--there's just something about holding an actual book in your hands that I love, you know? That's why the eBook thing never occurred to me. I'll look into Lulu. Thanks!
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Old 01-22-2010, 11:23 PM   #6
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There is! I tend to use my ebook for fanfic mostly as I much prefer the feel of a 'real' book, (though there are books so big it comes in very handy) and I've been impressed with how Lulu's come out (I buy Wil Wheaton's books there).

It's print on demand so you don't have to pay out money up front, and you can sell the digital version on there too, which is a bonus!
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Old 01-23-2010, 04:06 PM   #7
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Wil Wheaton writes books? I follow his twitter, but I had no idea. He was my very first crush. True story.

I really like the sound of Lulu. I might look into doing both soon. This is such a big step. I've been sitting on these books for about three years now, so actually doing something with them is a huge step for me. But I'm excited, and you've all helped me so much. Thank you!
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Old 01-23-2010, 07:38 PM   #8
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Quote:
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Wil Wheaton writes books? I follow his twitter, but I had no idea.
He does. Three of an autobiography nature - Just a Geek, Dancing Barefoot and the Happiest Days of Our Lives, a sample book of extracts from his previous work, blogs and some fiction called Sunken Treasure and a Trek 'recap' book called Memories of the Future: Volume 1.

I don't think he's the Best Writer Ever!!1! but I do enjoy his work, especially Memories of the Future.

He blog tends to have more info on his writings if you're interested.

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He was my very first crush. True story.
He was my second, after Michael J. Fox and was one of the main reasons I got into sci-fi.

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I really like the sound of Lulu. I might look into doing both soon. This is such a big step. I've been sitting on these books for about three years now, so actually doing something with them is a huge step for me. But I'm excited, and you've all helped me so much. Thank you!
Hope it all goes well! Let us know if and when you decide to take that next step.
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Old 01-23-2010, 09:45 PM   #9
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Hope it all goes well! Let us know if and when you decide to take that next step.
I surely will! I'm looking into Wordsmash and the Nook too, so I've got my work cut out for me.

I used to read WW's blog years ago, but I got out of the habit. I'd love to read his stuff. I'm going to look him up right now! I'd really like to read the Trek book. Thanks!
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Old 03-06-2010, 12:38 PM   #10
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http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003AZY5PI

For anyone who cares, my first novel, "Something Wicked" is now for sale on Amazon for the Kindle. The price is $2.99. HTML and PDF versions will be available on my website once I get it up and running.

Thank you Emma and Angela for all your help! I couldn't have done this without you guys!
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Old 03-06-2010, 01:24 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Syn View Post
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003AZY5PI

For anyone who cares, my first novel, "Something Wicked" is now for sale on Amazon for the Kindle. The price is $2.99. HTML and PDF versions will be available on my website once I get it up and running.

Thank you Emma and Angela for all your help! I couldn't have done this without you guys!
Congrats, Syn! That looks awesome. And I'm so proud of you!
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Old 03-06-2010, 05:08 PM   #12
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Bought it! Looks like there's a couple of typos in your blurb though...can you edit that?

You should find the "shameless self-promotion" threads in the forums and post your info!
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Old 03-07-2010, 12:26 PM   #13
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I noticed the typo, and fixed it. I had to republish it. The errors should be corrected by tomorrow sometime. I have to watch that. I get too excited and don't edit.

Thank you so much for buying it! I'm so stoked! I've never sold my work before. It's surreal!

I'll do some shameless self-promoting soon. I can do it to my friends, but with strangers I'm much more shy about it LOL It makes no sense.
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Old 03-08-2010, 08:46 AM   #14
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Oh, my! That sounds really good. Just up my alley kinda story. Let us know when you have the pdf version available 'cause me no have hella 'spensive Kindle.
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Old 03-09-2010, 05:24 PM   #15
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Amazon now has Kindle software available for both PC and Mac. I find myself reading my Kindle books at home on the computer more than my Kindle, while I still carry my Kindle with me everywhere I go for portable reading. (And if nothing else, with the Kindle software you have access to hundreds and hundreds of free or reeeeeally cheap books, some of which are pretty awesome.)

Kindle software also makes it possible to read books usually cheaper than buying--anything on the NYT bestseller list tops at $9.99, or used to. If I really like something I may go buy myself a permanent copy, but for most books I'd rather just buy the ebook.
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But you didn't have what it takes.... an evil hand!

Resistance is futile. Assimilation is---oooh, porn!

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