Indie Author Down Under Event

Mark those calendars, book your babysitters, lets show Australia we support our Indie authors too!

So many awesome authors will be by my side and you can meet us all for just $10. There are heaps of giveaways, prizes and books. 

Don't miss out!

You will regret it and punch yourself in da face!

Kez

KDP payment options

Well I had this whole blog in my head ready to tell you how us Aussies can get paid into an account and use a prepaid master card just like eftpos. Instead of taking months to get paid it would be...well maybe a month. Haha

I just got it all organised, even had KDP cancel checks they were sending and asked to place funds in the said account. At no time did they say, Kez, we are about to announce you can use your Australian account and be paid Australian dollars. 

GAH!

Yep, I get an email this morning that has been sent to thousands telling me this new piece of fantastic news. 

Right now, I want to kick my employers butt!

So for those who don't know, you now can get paid into your own account! Check your emails!

On an even better note, I cracked that 50k today. The story is on the down hill. LOVE IT!

NEVER GOODBYE Teaser #1

“Don’t lick your lips and look all innocent, because all I want to do is kiss you and I promised you that you could trust me.” Holy crap, he wants to kiss me!

I swallow the huge lump that’s formed in my throat and reach out to touch his cheek when his eyes spring open. “Keep them closed.”

“Closed?”

“Closed.” I smile, because he actually does what he’s told. I love that he makes me smile. I love that he makes me feel something other than sorrow and grief. Slowly I lean across the wide bench seat, ignoring my screaming brain cells telling me to stop and I hover before his lips. Then, just before they meet his, I tilt my head and I kiss his cheek and feel his grin against my own. Yep, it’s official — I’m a big chicken, but I still loved every second of it.

He opens his eyes slowly, keeping the big grin I’ve brought to his face as he looks at my lips and then my eyes and for a moment I wish I had gone through with it. 

-Harper

Look out for more news and teasers on my facebook page and remember 10% of sales goes to Chase. It would be helpful to share the love

http://www.amazon.com/NEVER-GOODBYE-Albany-Novel-ebook/dp/B00EJ4DEHE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377658511&sr=8-1&keywords=never+goodbye

Never Goodbye sends 10% sales to 6yr old cancer battler

My baby just went live!

Okay, so this is my 6th book. But never before has it been so real. 

Never Goodbye is something different. It's closer than anything I have done before because I have shared so much of my life in there.

You see, when I was a teen, I had cancer. 

Actually, I was given two weeks to live and I will always remember what that did to my parents.

Any way, in the beginning of the novel I put a personal note of my story followed by the story of little Chase. He too is fighting cancer, only he is just 6 years old and this is his second round. *heartbreak.

So, after finding out he and his family are battling through this once again I knew I had to help and the only way I could, was through sales.

Now, 10% of sales will be going to Chase and his family with their approval to fight against the growing medical bills and fuel.

Never Goodbye had gone live today and on top of that good news, I just got word Chas can walk a little now, so treatment is working. *pray*

What I need from you all is to share your butts off, if you can't buy the book, then share the cause.

I don't care where you share it or how many times you share it, just SHARE! BUY! HELP!

Chase won't be going to Kindergarten tomorrow with the rest of his friends, but I want him to know we are all here for him.

I sent him a couple of presents as seen above, but that means nothing to being well and having your parents there with you.

Amazon is live and we are waiting for the rest- CLICK HERE

On the 15th (U.S time) Book Addict Mumma will be hosting NEVER GOODBYE the tour  which I will be giving away a kindle ink

This is another chance to share your butts off!

So keep your eye out for this one.

<3 Kez

Give me BOOKS, Australian and New Zealand authors come together for one big giveaway

Huge, and I mean HUGE giveaways.

Get in on this right now, features Australian and New Zealand authors...that would be me. lol

Enter now

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Never Goodbye countdown- August 15

18 flipping days until release. Arghhhhhhh

Date night @ a glance

SOME ONE COULD HAVE TOLD ME JAX TELLER (Jackson Nethaniel)WAS IN THE MOVIE PACIFIC RIM!
How could I have missed this memo?
Okay, okay, back to the beginning. I got a bit ahead of myself.

So it was date night tonight. Yeah, apparently saying 'date night' makes me old. That's what my teens say. But you wanna know what? I actually enjoy calling it date night because it means something different from family night or any other ordinary night.
So, we're back a little early (another old couple trait. lol. I'm only 33 for goodness sakes) and I thought I'd let you know that even after 16 years together I still love going to movies and dinner with him.
Now I love the prep for date night, legs and all shaved and hair nice, mick looks hot and off we go to uncle dans (Dan Murphey's) grab a 6pk of rum thinking we could sneak a can in to the movies...(rebels aren't we) got a guilty conscience when the cinema filled with teen boys though, so out came the bottle of water instead.

Get this...I was the only girl in the cinema to see Pacific Rim. I told Mick that makes me all the more hotter. hahaha oh and there was this big and I mean big guy with a superman top on and his belly fell out when he stretched and it was ewie and Mick has now informed me I can never complain, so I wont as long as that never happens to him or I'll cut him off. lol. So I guess that made him all the more hotter and together we were one hot couple.

Back onto the movie. Have to say, the movie was okay-3/5. I love a sci-fi, love action and especially Armageddon type films. Pacific Rim was a mix of so many films it was laughable. It was a mix of Transformers, Jurassic Park, Power Rangers, Robocop and Independence Day.
Aliens mess with cloning dinosaur DNA to take over earth because they are lazy bastards who can't do it themselves like the rest of the alien movies we have come to love.
Men go all power ranger/robocop in giant robots to fight them, but not before linking minds with their partners because one man cant operate a giant robot on his own and they need to operate both sides of the robot. I guess we cant have stroked out robots now can we or we may end up with them walking with the zombie drag and then that's another movie to throw in the mix.
So they fight and it's pretty cool and then they go through the underwater wormhole which reminds me of an anus with glow sticks and they save the world.
That's it. 2 hours later I was entertained, I got a small perv, but it wasn't awesome and yet I loved every second because I was with him.
Dinner choices are many and yet we ended up at the pub and then home early.
Romantic? Many may say not. Me, I'd tell them it's not the destination, its the company.

So now we are home, under a doona listening to one of the kids yabba on while we watch tv and I tell you all that 'date nights' aren't old. They don't have to be extravagant and you don't even have to be out all night.
Date night is simply taking the time for each other and going on a date where he opens doors for you and we laugh and enjoy our time together...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...enjoy it a lot now and ....later ;)

Never Goodbye is now with the editor

Can you believe it?

#Never Goodbye (An Albany Boys novel) is right at this moment hitting my editors inbox.

Does this mean it will be released early?

Ahhhh, no. It means I have just a little bit more time to make sure it's perfect.

August 15 will be a huge day with the Blog Tour starting on release day, hosted by @Book Addict Mumma. There will be swag and all sorts up for grabs, but most of all and importantly, there will be a charity event which I will have more information to very soon. 

If you would like to join the tour by hosting, contact me or Book Addict Mumma

For now though, click on the Never Goodbye link above and add it to you Goodreads, if not GR then make sure you have 'liked' my author facebook page for the latest info.

Squeeeeeee! I'm freakin pixie excited, I'm sweating glitter over here. 

NEW RELEASE : 3in1 for the price of 1. The Moore Justice Trilogy. AVAILABLE NOW!

IT'S AVAILABLE NOW!
Batman has been in her cave and look what she has done!

The Moore Justice Trilogy, which is THREE books in ONE, will be available on amazon, kobo, itunes and B&N.

There's no waiting for the next story, this is the whole series in one package filled with young love and the struggle to keep it. 

Excerpt: Claire’s heart ached right through her chest for the dream he was promising, but knew deep inside that what had to happen would forever alter the love they shared. It would never be the innocent thing that tales were hushed to children before bed; it was more like the tales you tell people in warning. That’s what they had become; a tragic warning of heartbreak to young lost lovers. Could she go as far as saying they were not unlike the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet? In her heart she would say yes, they shared a love that was not for this life and it was killing them slowly.

***

So keep your eyes peeled for more updates.

amazon
http://www.amazon.com/The-Moore-Justice-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00DL0OUBQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372115557&sr=1-1&keywords=the+moore+justice+trilogy
amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Moore-Justice-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00DL0OUBQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372118818&sr=8-1&keywords=the+moore+justice+trilogy
B&N
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-moore-justice-trilogy-kerri-williams/1115804376?ean=2940016597522

Indie self published Author event with 'The Highs & Lows Of A Hybrid Author'

                                                                                                                                                             For this stint of the Indie Author Event I'm proud to not only be one, but also to host one. 

Introducing Karly Blakemore-Mowle

The highs and lows of a hybrid author

Once upon a time it used to be that an author would dream of the day he or she became published…nowadays it’s a lot more involved than that.

Authors today have many options available to them and I’m lucky enough to be a new species of author called the Hybrid author…this does not mean I run without making any noise or use less petrol in fact I barely ever run and I’m sure if I did, I’d make a LOT of noise…(mostly wheezing and spluttering). No, a hybrid author is an author who is both traditionally published (through a major publishing house) as well as self-published.

How did this happen?

Well, in my case, it came about due to frustration. I began writing romantic suspense and was published by a small American publisher originally, before having Allen & Unwin publish my rural fiction line in Australia.

I have loved my experience with my Australian publisher and have been very fortunate to have such a large publisher take me under their wing.

My experience with small publishing houses though has been a lot different.

 While I’m grateful for the experience I’ve gained when I started out as a first time published author,  I soon became incredibly frustrated by the lack of foresight these small publishers were exhibiting.  This led to my decision to self-publish. With sales of around $13 USD a quarter for four books, I was gobsmacked by the lack of any attempt by my small publisher to try promoting my books. They refused to lower  e-book prices even when it was clear that self-published authors were benefiting hugely by  having sales and specials,  gaining valuable exposure for their books. This frustrated me and made absolutely no sense that a business wouldn’t be actively trying to make money. Added with an embarrassingly low standard of edits, and disorganisation with edits being rushed through more often than not, only days before release—it soon became obvious that I was wasting my time with small publishers.

Compared to the professionalism of my Australian publisher and a team of dedicated, highly trained editors and proof readers, there was no way I was able to take the small publishing house seriously.

So what to do? The romantic suspense and Young Adult genres I was writing were not being published by mainstream publishers here, and I had built up a following of loyal readers who wanted to keep reading my books. The answer became clear…Self-publishing.

The sudden freedom of having complete control over everything from covers to editing was a heady sensation. I loved that I could now control my prices—have a sale whenever I wanted and yes…sell books! LOTS of books.

Would I ever give up my traditional publisher? The simple answer would be no. As much as I love the freedom of self-publishing, there are aspects of traditional publishing that cannot be replaced. Their distribution alone is worth its weight in gold…and book sales! Whole departments dedicated to art work, publicity and sales…priceless.

The down side?

When you first start out with a major publisher, you understandably get little input into things like covers. As my sales have grown and books I’ve released increase, I’m finding my publisher is a lot more willing to work with me on this—it’s not the same freedom of being able to choose my own cover and titles, but I’m certainly given a lot more of a say nowadays.

The down side is the actual division of payments—as an author you get 10%. The upside—you sell more books.

The upside of self-publishing (with an established following of readers) you get 70% …the down side; you sell less books and getting your print copies distributed into stores is next to impossible.

My advice?

Don’t turn your back on the traditional publisher route, if the opportunity arises to pitch your book to a publisher, do it. The experience they can give you is invaluable…but don’t give up your dreams of self-publishing either—it can be very rewarding—it’s slow and steady and takes a lot of work and promotion to sell your book and your name to readers, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you see your book doing well.

Avoid small publishers unless you are certain they are trustworthy and intend to help your book succeed to the full extent of their abilities. There are a few good ones out there…but in these times, there is little a small press publisher can do for you that you cannot do for yourself and they take a large chunk of the sales.

Conclusion

I consider myself very lucky to be a hybrid. I have the best of both worlds and I wouldn’t trade either one of them. They actually complement one another.

Bio

Karlene Blakemore-Mowle lives on the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW, in Australia. Proud mum to four children and wife to a real life hero, she’s lucky to be able to do the two things she loves the most—being a mum and writing a variety of genres including Romantic Suspense set in exotic places around the world, Young Adult, Rural and Fantasy.

You can find out more about Karlene’s books on her website- http://karlenebm.blogspot.com.au/

Or add her in twitter -@KarleneBM

And on Facebook- FB Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karlene-Blakemore-Mowle/188934751196310

Missing the balance and finding one hell of a cool read by Ashley Wilcox

Righto, I have discovered I'm lousy at the balance act of an authors life of late. 

I've been working lots, writing less and reading even lesser.

It's a shame that I like stuff or I wouldn't have a day job.

Stuff is addictive. lol

So today I was up from about 5am after hubby who was out late last night looking for a missing boy in the boy, called me to let me know he was found. I was so happy and elated I couldn't sleep and I have one of those torturing imaginations that start to imagine the what if's with my own children. So out come my escape-my kindle. 

I was gifted WAITING ON FOREVER by Ashley Wilcox and I tell you what, it wasn't long before I was lost in the story and laughing. Yeah this one had me laughing instead of sobbing which is a nice change actually. 

You can find my review on my review blog http://anindieaffair.blogspot.com.au/

It was a nice change to read actually. I truly miss it.

How can an author miss reading? Well how the hell do you think I became an author?!

I would have finished it earlier had I not reminded myself I need to BALANCE it all out. I have to get housework done, dogs, kids and write.

I ended up promising facebook followers I would write today...oh yeah, I had to post on fb too. Balance remember. lol

Now before I get to the writing part of my balancing act of the day I thought I would share my thoughts and woes over my balancing failure as I doubt I'm alone out there...YOU aren't alone out there.

Before I go, I just want to say thank you to Ashely for helping me escape today.

Happy reading, writing, balancing,

Kez

 

Never Goodbye is nearly here

This baby is close to finishing and then of course will come the edits. Normally I dread that stage-dread being, rather have someone kick me in the boob like some sick ninja- but this project is exciting me so much that I can't wait.

It's up on goodreads so add it to your shelves http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17696042-never-goodbye

So keep your eyes and ears open, release date will be announced shortly.

Happy reading

kez

Leigh Bennett visits on her blog tour Interview & more

I'm excited to have Leigh stop by on her blog tour today and because she is so amazeballs, she has a competition for a $20 amazon gift card. 

I wouldn't mind one of those.

Good luck and say hello.

Author Bio: Leigh Bennett is an Australian author who lives in Melbourne’s hilly and rugged outer east with her husband, three sons, a beagle x cavalier dog and five chickens.

Currently a stay at home mother, she has worked in the public service, education, road and music industries.

She enjoys reading, cooking and writing stories full of fun, drama, love and always with a happy ever after. 

Leigh on the grill: Tell us a little about yourself and how you became a writer.   

I actually don't really know.  I think it was something that had always been in the back of my mind but seemed so out of reach.  It didn't occur to me to just get started.  Then once I did, I realised how much I loved it.  And best thing, I could do it from home, around my kids. 

Are you an Indie author or traditionally published?  

Indie.  It's been hard work but a fabulous learning experience.  

How do your stories come to life, from fiction or fantasy? 

 Mainly from fantasy but occasionally I'Ll be inspired by a real life event and can and have loosely based scenes on those.  

Are you a ‘go with the flow’ writer or do you have structure? 

 I prefer a bit of both, not strictly adhering to either.  I have a fairly loose outline to give me guidance but I try to be flexible as far as the actual story goes and just go with it. 

Have you always wanted to be a writer or did you want to be something else?

 I first wanted to be an actress, but have since discovered that writing allows me the same thing with getting into a character. 

What groups are you affiliated with and how have they helped you through your journey of publication?

  I'M mainly involved with a few groups on Facebook which have been fabulously supportive. I'Ve been able to shared what I'D learned, and  a few times I've seriously considered giving up writing and and they always talk me out of it.  

How much marketing do you involve yourself in and with the mass consumption of social media, does this play a part in your marketing choice? 

 As an indie author I don't have much choice.  No one else is going to do it for me.  Of course it can help or hinder so you need to make your smart choices – no spamming! 

 Don't worry. I'm traditional published as well as indie and I have to still do the same amount of marketing for both.

Here’s a random one for you. If you could be one animal, which would it be and why?

  I used to enjoy scuba diving so probably a dolphin (or a seal so I can return to land lol) I really used to love time under the water.

What would you say is your inspiration to write in general or writing  a particular scene? 

 The current novel I'M working on bases a lot of scenes on atmosphere and eeriness, so I enjoy looking at visual cues for that.  Hot guys are also good visual cues dependent on the scene.  Otherwise music helps a lot  too.  

Tell me about how you came up with your title and cover?  

The title literally just popped into my head.  As for the cover I was originally going to go for a cartoon style chick lit cover but decided to try something a little different, especially as the second book in my mind wouldn't have suited that style of cover.  I trawled the photo sites and found the picture of the rose and pentacle and asked my cover artist if she could use it.   Hopefully it still suits the genre. 

Do you have any tips for other aspiring writers or authors out there?  

Just get on with it.  You are the only thing holding you back.  Get help, in the form of beta readers and listen to what they say.  Learn at every opportunity to become as good as you can at your craft and then get better.

So, I think we’ve gotten to know you a little now. How’s about we step it up a notch. Are you panicking? Lol. Do you have any dirty little secrets or confessions you’d like to share with us- what’s on the blog stays on the blog, right guys. (wink) 

 I wrote a song and hired the guitarist from Aussie band, The Angels, to help me out with it.   Even after that it was still crap LOL.   I also once modelled a swimsuit as a 'real girl' model in Cosmopolitan, back in around 2000.  It's not really a big deal as everyone seems to model nowadays but as I'M only 4'11" it's not like I'D ever be seriously considered, but it was good fun.  

 Yes, because we all model. *cough. 

Tell us of your releases- where and when can we buy them?  

My debut novel, Flirting with Magick was released in February this year.  It's available as and ebook on Amazon, Smashwords and all the places Smashwords distributes (except ibooks – they're fussy and I haven't worked them out yet)  It's also available in paperback through Amazon and Createspace.

 Congrats!

In one word, how would you best describe yourself? 

Reserved (Although I just realised you're probably seriously doubting that, considering my answers above)

If you're referring to the modelling, then yes Leigh. SHUT UP! LOL

Now that we’re all friends, tell us your most embarrassing moment?  

I actually wrote it into my novel as a form of therapy.   The bit where Abby trips over in front of the celeb guy really happened to me.  Except the guy was a radio personality – no one famous LOL, but he was very rude just pointing at my belongings and not helping me.    And I didn't have a hot guy rescue me :(   

Ahh, I know what is in my purse and I would be mortified.

Do you have any upcoming signings or author appearances you would like to share?  

No, but if I do you'll be the first to know! 

We better!

Thanks for stooping by on your busy blog tour Leigh, it was fun.

Good luck everyone with the competition: **Everyone who leaves a comment on Leigh’s tour page will be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Flirting with Magick before May 13 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**

If you would like to find out more about Leigh follow the links and her tour

Tour: http://www.clpblogtours.com/2013/02/flirting-with-magick-by-leigh-bennett.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeighBennettWriter

Blog:  http://abroomwithaview.blogspot.com.au/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6591663.Leigh_Bennett

Twitter: @LeightaBennett

Buy Leigh's books here: Oh and I noticed today it is 99 cents/pennies, so it's a great time to buy.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BF3EGRY

AmazonUK:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Flirting-with-Magick-ebook/dp/B00BF3EGRY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362737060&sr=8-1

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/285976

Blurb: When a new-age remedy fixes Abby Williams' career rut, the twenty-five year old figures a spell could heal her broken heart too...

Suddenly, she’s having hot sex with an even hotter musician, which might work as long as she doesn’t get in the way of his rock stardom. Her work colleague is flirty and fun, but could he be keeping something from her? And now, the guy who broke her heart wants to rekindle their relationship. Can she trust him enough to give it another shot?

So far, it seems Abby’s spell hasn’t worked. Or then again, perhaps it has?

Sounds pretty awesome huh. I have to say I was supposed to review this one for the tour but I got sick and unfortunately my day job took over, not to mention kids and hubby. So I haven't been able to read it yet. Very sucky of me and I apologise, but as soon as I do I will make sure you all know about it.

Excerpt provided by author: Eventually the wine became too much for my bladder and I excused myself to go to the bathroom. On my way back I noticed the pub had thinned out, with most patrons having moved on. A familiar face at the bar caught my eye.

“Hi Robbie!” I exclaimed to the TV host I had met only a week earlier. As I did so, I missed the step up to the bar and suddenly found myself face down on the carpet, with the contents of my handbag flying everywhere. I managed to compose myself enough to keep talking(albeit a little too quickly), whilst picking up my belongings (why, oh why can’t I clean out my handbag more?).

“I’m Abby ... From Lancer Morris ... well, not anymore, I finished yesterday ... we met about a week ago.” I stood up. He replied by pointing to a lipstick and a tampon which had rolled under a barstool. “Um, thanks.” I picked them up, trying to ignore the stickiness of the floor, while wishing it would actually open up and swallow me. He then pointed to some loose change that had rolled all over the floor in different directions.

Shit.

“Don’t you know how to help a lady out?” Scott appeared, glaring at Robbie. “Or are you just an arrogant turd?” He said it loudly enough to elicit a number of disgusted stares toward the TV host.

Robbie silently turned his back, downed the last of his drink, and motioned to his two friends who were chatting up some jailbait at the other end of the bar. “Shit band anyway.” He muttered under his breath before slinking out of the room.

“Are you okay?” Scott crouched next to me and dropped some of the rogue coins into my bag.

I picked up a condom from under his feet. “Um, I don’t have this because I’m a slut ... I don’t actually...” I began, then popped it irritably back in my bag and turned to thank him, feeling my cheeks grow red as I realised his face was only centimetres from mine. I could smell the masculine aroma of pine scented soap mingled with the smoke and beer of the pub, and see the smoothness of his recently shaven skin. As our eyes met and my heart skipped a beat, the previous night’s spell fast tracked its way through my head. Could it be working this quickly? Could it be him? I held my breath, unsure of what to do or what his next move was, but not wanting to spoil the moment.

“Hey, Scotty. We’re dying of thirst over here.” Nathan, who had impeccable timing, broke the magic.

Scott stood up, pulling me with him. He ran a hand through his hair and placed his order at the bar while I headed back to the table, my knees still shaking.

Damn. 

Well I want to know if it will be Robbie or Scott. I guess we will find out.

Happy reading and look for the review on An Indie Affair at a later date http://anindieaffair.blogspot.com.au/

Kez

e-book summary on publishers revenue for 2012

So here is a summary or brief cap on the article from digital bookworld & Association of American Publishers showing how e-books account for 23% of the publishing revenue for 2012.

Note: This is my view on how it reads and I don't take credit for anything I mention below. I just want to be helpful. I know how freaking time poor I am so if someone showed me a cap version of a report, I'd love them to bits. So here ya go...

• Not only are e-books accountable of 23% net revenue but also they are up 17%  from 2011. (awesome) 
• Dec 2011 was not a strong sales growth month. (Typical. I released Hunger For Justice for then)
• adult fiction and non fiction e-books were up nearly $1.3 billion in revenue. a 33% gain. Again even during an economic crisis, the publishers trade is still growing.
• childrens books were up by a whopping 120% to $233 million. Assumed to be due to such popular books released like The Hunger Games.
• religious books up by 20% at 57 million
• I'm not sure why YA or NA dont have an actual category but most are placed under some sort of association of the above three. (I suspect it would have been huge)
• due to Decembers slow growth, albeit still a growth of 20%, speculation is 2013 may be slow also compared to last year. (We'll see) it also speculated that in 2011 it was the year of the kindle where on xmas morning tha'ts what you got and of course you loaded that baby up. 2012 was the year of the tablet which comes with many more gadgets to play with and load.

Well that pretty much sums up what I got from the AAP reports and Digital Bookworlds blog.

If you would like to read the more articulated version and see the reports go to http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2013/ebooks-account-for-23-of-publisher-revenue-in-2012-even-as-growth-levels/

Happy reading and writing

Kez

Tips on book covers for indie authors

Re-visiting a useful blog for writers.

Do you ever judge a book by its cover?

Well, I’ll confess that in the times of e-books, I am definitely guilty of that. There are literally thousands of books out there on Amazon alone and it’s so easy to flick down the screen and pick a book by the cover that stands out and grabs your attention.

Whether you are designing it yourself or having a designer do it for you, you still want to be able to have an idea of what you want and what the reader will buy.

For many this may be a half-naked man, (yes please) for some it may be a child holding a scraggly toy rabbit or maybe it’s artistic and animated. Every ones tastes are different, but I do think that before you go out there and design your cover you should do some research first and make sure it is applicable to the genre your write.

It’s no good to have a cute young couple holding hands on the front of a book like a YA novel which is actually about a farmer in his thirties who finds a three boobed alien in his corn field. No, your readers will definitely be disappointed, if not, a little freaked out. But once you have that down, it’s much easier to shop for your pictures. Yes I said‘shop’ for your pictures because you can’t just go google image surfing and use whatever you like.

Now, I used a fantastic company called Okay Creations. I already had an idea of what I wanted my cover to portray and any good designer will have questions so he or she will get this just right for you (hopefully the first time round.) This part is important because you don’t want to be wasting your time and definitely not theirs because they have a life too and some may even charge you extra to meet your indecisive needs and when you’re an Indie author, you really don’t want to be forking money out needlessly.

If you are doing it yourself and have Photoshop on your computer and actually know how to use it, you may be able to design your own cover. Sadly, I’m not one of those lucky or intelligent bastards...

Excerpt my article comes from being a guest on Monique Mcdonell's blog. For the rest of the article go to http://moniquemcdonell.weebly.com/2/post/2012/12/guest-post-by-kerri-williams-diy-covers-and-contracted-designers.html

Hope it helps, good luck.
Kez

10 days, 10 blogs, 10 chances to win. Blog tour for The Moore Justice Trilogy novels

Can you believe the tour is only a couple of days away?

10 Days, 10 Blogs, 10 Chances to win!

So I thought I better let you know where I'll be and what's up for grabs.

• 18th Candy Coated Book Blog http://sweettreatblogblog.wordpress.com/

• 19th The Phantom Paragrapher -  http://thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.ca/

• 20th Always A Book Lover http://alwaysabooklover.wordpress.com/

• 21st Beauty Brains and Books http://beautybrainsandbooks.com/

• 22nd A Broom With A View Blog http://abroomwithaview.blogspot.ca/

• 23rd Book Crush Reviews http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/

• 24th I Love Indie Books http://www.iloveindiebooks.com/

• 25th Crimson Flower Reviews http://www.crimsonflowerreview.com/

• 26th Steph Wonderland http://stephwonderland.blogspot.ca/

• 27th Life As I know it http://wendywilken.blogspot.ca/

• 28th Britt Reads Indie http://brittreadsindie.blogspot.ca/

What a massive line up of generous and adorable bloggers/reviewers who've read my novels and jumped on board for my first tour. 

Each blog will have a rafflecopter entry and the more points you gain the more chance you have to win some cool prizes.

Ahhhhh, the prizes. Let me share what I have for you.a Rafflecopter giveaway So with all that I expect to see you all there and good luck!

Happy reading and Happy touring.

Tour dates and times are United States time zones