Trying not to be too disappointed that my interview with a local magazine ended abruptly when the journo found out my book is self-published.
Apparently her magazine has a policy not to cover those books.
She was very excited about it and we talked for 20 minutes. Then: "Tell me how you got your publishing contract."
I hadn't tried to hide anything. She just didn't read the tip sheet I sent her.
She apologized but I'm still bummed.
Spent today getting automation working for https://handheldradio.net - it was broken because MailChimp. I think it's working again, now with MailerLite.
#indieAuthor problems.
I played around with Canva for quite a while before I decided to invest in hiring a cover designer. Take a look at some of the cover concepts I was considering before landing on the final cover for my novel, Debra Lee Won't Break.
https://popediting.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/cover-evolution-getting-to-the-right-cover-for-my-novel/
This blew me away. I had no idea the local paper was going to do such a big story on me! Wow! People in town told me I needed to see the cover of the Ware River News, but not why.
And I've had folks stop me telling me how much they loved the book.
:swoon:
Central Massachusetts folks - Tomorrow afternoon I will be hosting a reading, signing, and reception to celebrate the publication of my 9th novel, LITANY FOR A BROKEN WORLD.
Sunday March 16
4 pm
Stone Church Cultural Center in Gilbertville, MA.
Copies of the book will be available for sale.
If you're an indie author & need to order author copies in paperback for any reason, even if you use Amazon POD, it's a good idea to ALSO set up your books at Ingram Spark. Why?
1. Anyone can ask their local bookstore to order your book through Ingram. Bookstores will NOT order via Amazon
2. Author copies can be expedited. Amazon's take weeks. Ingram's prices are comparable, even w/ rush production. (2nd day shipping is expensive, but UPS ground was not & took 3 days)
Asking again: Any of our indie writers out there have opinions on Draft2Digital, either way? I'm already happy with my print and digital formatting, but managing a pile of stores is a bit of a pain.
Somehow while I was editing my old epub gig yesterday it got automatically delisted, no backsies.
I have built a new epubs gig! Please spread the word. I am a pro at epub formatting and if you want your epub for a novel or other chapter book to shine, I'm your person. See my new gig page for the details, and please, hit me up, I love what I do!
https://www.fiverr.com/s/2KZ86KL
Some real numbers related to self-publishing a book 3 weeks post release:
My books are avail in wide distribution, as ebook & in print.
This is my 9th published novel.
Production costs: approx $5,000 includes editing, cover art, book bub new release email, SFWA new release email, & netgalley x 1 mo.
I am able to do print/ebook formatting, so no cost.
ebooks sold since 2/10: 115
print books sold: 25
Total earnings to date: $465.00
(Continued)
The Haven Spec Magazine kickstarter has only 4 days to go and is $806 away from funding. Can we give em a share? Maybe help them get there? https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/haven-spec-magazine/haven-spec-magazine-2025
/gen How hard is it to publish an ebook on a non-Kindle platform? I love reading indie and self-pub authors, but I admit that Kindle as the only option really pushes a title down the priority list for me. Is this something that's largely inaccessible for most authors, and I'm asking for too much, or are there reasonable spaces I could be asking indies to check out?
I'm accepting a few new #freelance #editing 
clients in the coming months. If you're interested, let me know ASAP. Spots are limited :) #writers #amediting #amwriting #indiepub #indieauthors http://www.venessagiunta.com/editing-services/
As I'm preparing my class Know Your Competition, I'd love to hear some of the ways you've used competition research to improve your book or your marketing plan.
Also, as I prepare this class, I'm reminded how much I love researching other books!
Want to support an independent business instead of billionaires? May I recommend https://l.xal.li/XALSHOP ?
50% everything with discount code THOFK through July 21st!
CLIP AND SAVE!
Details: https://thofk.substack.com/p/readable-merchandise
Straight to the store: https://l.xal.li/XALSHOP
Need a break from social media doomscrolling this weekend?
Upgrade to a MUCH HIGHER QUALITY OF DOOM for your devices!
#EbooksForMyFamily #GuaranteedToDegradeTheFabricOfSociety #NotSuitableForThrowing
BARNES AND NOBLE SCIFI THRILLERS
Here’s a promo for Nook readers who want to support indie authors!
Check out this list of indie horror, science fictions, and fantasy available at Barnes & Noble.
Attention Kobo Plus Readers: KOBO PLUS BOOK BINGE
Find your next favorite fantasy, scifi, or horror read from this selection of indie works available on Kobo Plus. Happy reading!
Woot! Somebody bought two of my books last month! I made a whole 72¢!
Now out! Happy book birthday to Nothing Good to Say!
To buy: bit.ly/42pqdgo
To bookmark: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212315097-nothing-good-to-say
