tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post6284850654817612934..comments2024-02-12T17:59:33.534-06:00Comments on RAZORED ZEN: Some Notes on Publishing Killing Trail: Part 3Charles Gramlichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-832171461034218432010-07-29T20:53:14.208-05:002010-07-29T20:53:14.208-05:00Gary, thanks. You're right. There is a lag f...Gary, thanks. You're right. There is a lag from the moment you upload it to when it is published. I should have pointed that out.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-47978816476361426932010-07-27T19:29:35.030-05:002010-07-27T19:29:35.030-05:00One thing should be noted about publishing to Kind...One thing should be noted about publishing to Kindle. When you go through the upload process, and think you're done, and get sent to your bookshelf, and see your book listed...you may not be done. If the "status" column shows READY, it has not yet been published to kindle. Scroll farther to the right than may be be displayed on your browser (I use Firefox) to a column labeled "actions". Click on the drop down then on EDIT. Your book is not in the kindle system and being readied for publication till the "status" shows the next step, which is IN REVIEW.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09045625031532254829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-42716121377011424082010-07-27T08:22:39.289-05:002010-07-27T08:22:39.289-05:00Bernardl, I appreciate that, man.Bernardl, I appreciate that, man.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-73772833190786312592010-07-26T10:50:03.394-05:002010-07-26T10:50:03.394-05:00It's a very promising start Charles. Very good...It's a very promising start Charles. Very good series.BernardLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09722619048888613647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-69863556557348846442010-07-25T21:52:23.486-05:002010-07-25T21:52:23.486-05:00Lana, well, your's is a bit more mulah than mi...Lana, well, your's is a bit more mulah than mine is sweetness.<br /><br />Don, I have the covers on the sidebar clickable but I might be able to do that paypal thing. I'll have to see if I can set that up. I didn't know I could even do that. Thanks for the tip. Glad you are enjoying Killing Trail.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-12220135772762870712010-07-25T15:37:55.409-05:002010-07-25T15:37:55.409-05:00First off, this series will be incredibly helpful ...First off, this series will be incredibly helpful for quite sometime and you deserve a big thanks for that.<br /><br />Second, I'm continuing to enjoy "Killing Trail" - great job.<br /><br />Third, I think that you probably need to continue getting the word out. Question is, how to do it without sinking in tons of time without commensurate return. I know sidebars can be quite cluttered but a link to purchase Killing Trail on your sidebar would be great. Paypal on that sidebar next to the book would generate some sales - I got some Lillie subs that way when I added it. Since you've just got a separate account for amazon (I did the exact same thing when I became a seller for them) you can use that to set up Paypal at low risk (actually, no risk - I've been selling for amazon for years and never had a problem, ditto Paypal).<br /><br />How about a quickie webpage for the book. Links and texts of reviews and blurbs from readers. Samples: the first two paragraphs of a story or a selective passage. I'm just thinking out loud here cause I'm no marketer myself.<br /><br />Take a look at this webpage if you haven't seen it already ... <a href="http://www.westernwriters.org/" rel="nofollow">Westerns Writers of American</a> ... lots of contacts on the bar along the top. <br /><br />The price of your volume should lure people in. Thank you for making it available so reasonably and for the great stories.Issa's Untidy Huthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07352841590717991698noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-89278097897021531012010-07-25T15:20:31.456-05:002010-07-25T15:20:31.456-05:00Don't feel bad, hon. The only photo book I'...Don't feel bad, hon. The only photo book I've sold so far was to me. <:\Lana Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06975996208260144558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-2856493491554982782010-07-25T10:46:39.693-05:002010-07-25T10:46:39.693-05:00Jess, thanks for the info. I will definitely look...Jess, thanks for the info. I will definitely look into it and may give it a try. I should learn more about it at any rate.<br /><br />Heff, HA HA HA HA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.<br /><br />Oh, did I laugh that out loud?<br />No need to worry, the colors are only to further obscure my overly handsome face.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-80261520004486367672010-07-25T09:39:17.806-05:002010-07-25T09:39:17.806-05:00COMPLETELY off topic, but your photos are starting...COMPLETELY off topic, but your photos are starting to SCARE THE HELL out of me !!!Heffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13396114362826135207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-55958501010226104762010-07-25T08:01:55.809-05:002010-07-25T08:01:55.809-05:00Hey now...you know how short tweets are.:) Just tw...Hey now...you know how short tweets are.:) Just tweet in the morning, again at lunch and then once in the evening. That'll get you started. When you decide to do it, be sure to put a bio and your blogsite on your profile. From what I've read, people don't like to follow anyone who doesn't have a bio. <br /><br />D.B. Grady, one of our BWG members, connected with an editor on twitter and he's now writing for The Atlantic. He lives in Baton Rouge--you may know him. Of course, he tweets a lot and aggressively. I have shy tweets. I find twitter very intimidating. :0 Along with FB and other social networks that put me "out there." But you'd be great at it 'cause you actually have something to share! Have a great Sunday!Jessica Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18320362797117599955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-67375200119260384602010-07-25T00:39:28.157-05:002010-07-25T00:39:28.157-05:00Jess, I'll have to look into Twitter. I just ...Jess, I'll have to look into Twitter. I just don't know if I have any more time than I'm already using. Thanks for the tweet, though! :)Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-90667433111095170362010-07-24T22:04:40.408-05:002010-07-24T22:04:40.408-05:00Charles, thanks so much for details, details, deta...Charles, thanks so much for details, details, details. <br />BTW, I have writer friends who swear by Twitter. Give it a try. I just tweeted a link to Killing Trail.Jessica Fergusonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18320362797117599955noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-75113149586172228482010-07-24T19:42:06.827-05:002010-07-24T19:42:06.827-05:00Steve, I haven't really looked into smashwords...Steve, I haven't really looked into smashwords. Can I upload it without any issues from Amazon?Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-35177428533185515612010-07-24T16:41:11.184-05:002010-07-24T16:41:11.184-05:00I'm loving the Trail, will write my review onc...I'm loving the Trail, will write my review once I get my act together a little bit...<br /><br />You gonna upload to Smashwords, too?Steve Malleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17561234111786788616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-90439061734025711852010-07-24T14:39:51.331-05:002010-07-24T14:39:51.331-05:00Laughingwolf, I'll eventually put them all thr...Laughingwolf, I'll eventually put them all three together as well, probably for the Illuminata.<br /><br />Cloudia, it depends on the topic. Sometimes I enjoy this kind of step by step focused thinking. Most of the time not.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-49849374996386942392010-07-24T14:03:17.668-05:002010-07-24T14:03:17.668-05:00e publishing drove me mad with stuff like this! I&...e publishing drove me mad with stuff like this! I'm coming to understand that I have attention issues that have shaped my whole approach to life and my life's results. I've done a LOT with discipline - I only realize how much now. My eyes glaze over when something like this is explained to me, but I've learned how to put brick on brick with intense focus.<br />Thanks for the insight, Doc :)<br /><br /><br /><br />Aloha from Waikiki, Charles <br /><br /><a href="http://comfortspiral.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Comfort Spiral</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Aloha from Waikiki <br /><br /><a href="http://comfortspiral.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Comfort Spiral</a>Cloudiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05853753108637831069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-70319253115684776202010-07-24T14:00:01.820-05:002010-07-24T14:00:01.820-05:00thx for the update and tips, charles, have compile...thx for the update and tips, charles, have compiled all three into my notes, and passed em on to pals...laughingwolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08873675614347328116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-75277222757188149622010-07-24T09:07:40.139-05:002010-07-24T09:07:40.139-05:00Bryan, glad if it's been of help.
Deka Black...Bryan, glad if it's been of help. <br /><br />Deka Black, that actually was part of my intention. that's how I remember them too!<br /><br />pattinase, the reviews are probably important for that. I need to see about getting more of those, although it's not so easy to ask for reviews when you can't send them an actual copy of the kindle book.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-45482664954342135492010-07-24T07:01:12.525-05:002010-07-24T07:01:12.525-05:00Some one needs to go into the business of figuring...Some one needs to go into the business of figuring out a way to publicize ebooks more widely-to get the word out beyond your personal reach. Then it will take off, I think. Until then, it's going to be slow going.pattinase (abbott)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02916037185235335846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-88958677906381441972010-07-24T04:55:47.365-05:002010-07-24T04:55:47.365-05:00You're welcome, Charles. ^^ By the way. I don&...You're welcome, Charles. ^^ By the way. I don't know if was your intention, but i started remember this series by his colours. The green article, the blue one...Deka Blackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08328847551867893941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-86320993875767880552010-07-24T01:10:11.426-05:002010-07-24T01:10:11.426-05:00Thanks for all this info Charles, it was very grea...Thanks for all this info Charles, it was very great insight. When I need to upload something in Kindle format, I know I will refer to these notes. Thanks!BStearnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00110189767629308496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-5833442995877320582010-07-23T21:31:33.767-05:002010-07-23T21:31:33.767-05:00Angie, thanks for the encouraging words. I'm ...Angie, thanks for the encouraging words. I'm certainly not bumming in general, just thinking about the work hours to payoff ratio. Trying to make a living from creative efforts is so tough. But the readers make all the difference. Not having done this before, I also kind of figured that 90 percent of the sales would take place in the first couple of weeks. I'll see, and hope some future quarters are good and steady.<br /><br />Tom, I'm sure that's the case. I know someone who published an urban fantasy recently who seems to be doing quite a bit better in sales, but I know that is a popular genre right now. Still, there are a lot of folks I meet online who really do like westerns. I wouldn't have had many sales at all without some of those folks.<br /><br />Ty Johnston, I'm trying to keep pretty careful records on everything so I can see what works and doesn't, both for myself and for my blog readers, who will get to hear all those reports down the line. 33 is definitely a whole better than 2.<br /><br />Deka Black, I also know that the economy is not that great right now, so folks are struggling, here and over there. I appreciate the kind words. I've actually been pretty lucky lately in other monetary endevours, which has given me enough to buy some books. Not everyone is so lucky.<br /><br />Kate Sterling, cool, Kate. Thankee. I've certainly downloaded quite a bit of free stuff myself. I'm going to go to Smashwords later this evening.<br /><br />Ron Scheer, That's certainly what I'm hoping for, that an investment now will pay off down the line. Only time will tell, of course, and I do know quite a few people who are just now thinking of getting Kindles or ebook readers. And I don't think the ebook market is going to shrink anytime soon.<br /><br />Travis Cody, hum, a Kindle virgin eh? :) Thanks, man. I appreciate it.Charles Gramlichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02052592247572253641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-51349885299471244962010-07-23T20:55:32.799-05:002010-07-23T20:55:32.799-05:00It'll be 34 copies as soon as I get my Kindle,...It'll be 34 copies as soon as I get my Kindle, which I ordered last night. The reasons to buy finally exceeded the reasons to wait. I should get it on Tuesday. <br /><br />Yours will be my first Kindle book purchase.Travis Codyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06192526507760146748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-75293502442845247362010-07-23T20:04:41.518-05:002010-07-23T20:04:41.518-05:00Charles, my hats been off to you so long I'm g...Charles, my hats been off to you so long I'm getting a head cold.<br /><br />There's so much to learn about how this new medium of distribution is going to work (and pay), but I keep thinking of Jakob Nielsen, the usability expert, and what he said about Web content: as long as something is out there and available to readers, they will continue to find it. I could be dead wrong about this, but epubs have a potentially endless shelf-life. Printed books just don't have that. Ebooks don't get remaindered; they don't go out of print.<br /><br />When I kept a website that over time accumulated a truckload of pages, I could watch the traffic, and it didn't seem to matter how long something was up there, if it was useful, people kept finding it.<br /><br />This seemed to bear out Nielsen's point. As long as it's there, readers will continue to find your book and want to have it.<br /><br />And, remember there is a host of readers who haven't yet bought their kindle. Count me among them. Like most people, I'm not an early adopter; but the tipping point is rapidly approaching. When that happens, we'll start learning a whole lot more. Meanwhile, "Killing Trail" is on my wish list.<br /><br />I applaud all that guerrilla marketing you did to launch the book and get it some attention. That wasn't a waste of time and effort. I've already written too much here, but as a former marketer, I'll just ask that you believe me.<br /><br />You did good.Ron Scheerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15357501069513854664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28221839.post-77436770742196208692010-07-23T20:00:28.697-05:002010-07-23T20:00:28.697-05:00Well, make that 34 now, Charles. :) I just got my...Well, make that 34 now, Charles. :) I just got my copy.<br /><br />And I feel you. Since I put my short story on Smashwords in April, I had 781 downloads when I offered it for free. But when I put the price at .99 last month, I sold 1-count it-1 copy. :/RK Sterlinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01034917381901499281noreply@blogger.com