Monday, September 24, 2012

THE NEW BOOK COVER

Well, I think I finally got what I wanted.  I'll know better about the colors when I finally get to printing...so wish me luck, but I really think this is going to work.

Hope you enjoy!  june





UPDATED SEPTEMBER 26...I'VE DECIDED TO GO WITH A MORE BROWN/RED BACKGROUND, JUST LIKE ON MY SIDEBAR...AGAIN, FINE TUNING WILL GO IN TO EFFECT DURING PRODUCTION.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

BOOK PUBLISHERS!

Right now I'm in the process of really making certain that the new book layout, rewrites, editing, and book cover,  is as perfect as I can make it.  Then I'm moving forward on my own.  I'm becoming a book publisher!

Yes, that's what I said, a book publisher.

I've researched and read and discussed and have determined that since no one else is interested in publishing my book at present, and the subsidiary companies really rake you over the coals...enough is enough!
Lucky for me I found out in time, that through these companies you receive an ISBN number...which is the bar code on the back of all books that are published and sold...and in turn, they end up with all the publisher rights...owning a majority of your book!

There is one legitimate company that sells ISBN numbers for publisher, authors, etc that gives you the complete right to your book, period.   And through this method I would purchase my number as the publisher.

So this got me to thinking.  These companies can't do anything more than I can in regards to promoting, as it turns out.  So why not just do it myself!   The industry has changed dramatically within the "brick and mortar" venue...everything is electronic these days.  Book stores are closing and Amazon is king.

Then I thought, well, how would that be for me to help other people publish as well...how can I make this work and not have it take away time from writing my own series?

So Ray and I are working through some ideas and I'll keep you updated as to where and how we plan to move forward as book publishers....that's right, I said book publishers!

Keep you in the loop as things manifest....thx for all your support...june

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

PRINTING A BOOK

So update, I'm in the process of printing the book.  I took out the post that had a couple of chapters because I've made changes to the story.

In the meantime, I've been working on finding an agent/publisher.  It's not an easy task.  It appears it all settles on to the perfect query letter, just to get their attention in the first place.  Unfortunately for me, it took a year to figure out the perfect letter, but I think I've finally finalized one.  So hopefully the new queries I send out will make a difference and catch the right person's eye.

In the meantime, again, I am working with our local book shop, The Bookshop Santa Cruz, on printing the book.  They have a program that allows me to print on demand in minutes, without costing thousands of dollars.  They also provide promotion deals which include a featured spot in the store, a book reading, website space, etc.   So I've decided to move forward with this for now and see where it leads me.

I just want this book out there already!   It's a good read and has something to say.

The second book is in the works and is flowing even better than the first in suspense and twists and turns...I'm SUPER pleased!

So just wanted to give an update.  Plus I wanted to include a couple photos of the near finished Annabel and Pips.  OH! and I've decided to change the cover of the book to not include Benjamin's head anymore...it's about the tree and the goggles just don't make sense with this book, he uses them in the second..soooo...changes...but soon come, I promise.

I believe I'm going to do some kind of special deal where the first thirty people who purchase a book get a free Mathilda tee with that...or something, a poster perhaps...we'll see...but it will be something fun!

Thx for all your support, xox june



Annabel and Pips standing on the Aeroquatic...
still needs a name!


Friday, February 17, 2012

BENJAMIN GETS A FACE LIFT

Just a quick update.  The manuscript is finished and I am actively seeking a publisher/agent.  In the meantime I am putting an ebook together...it's a pain in the butt to say the least...none of this tech stuff is easy.  However, I need a cover for the book.
That's when I realized the one I have is simply not the right one anymore.  When I first painted Benjamin, he had no home...but now he does and it's in the 21st century!  So I am updating his image a bit and creating a new look for our beloved Benjamin.  These are just a teaser....the finished product to be released next week...thx  for the support!

The Grandfather Tree

Benjamin wearing his aviator googles now...

This is the sketch of  Pips's  Aeroquatic
(and the reason Benjamin is wearing googles...hint hint)

Annabel Wickcliff and Pips
xoxo juner