Month: May 2012

Sneak Peek: Ghost in the Machine by Ed James

Today we have a sneak peek from Ed James’ mystery novel Ghost in the Machine.

Ghost in the MachineDetective Constable Scott Cullen of Lothian and Borders has only been three months in CID as a full DC. He is assigned a Missing Persons case which has stretched his uniform colleagues. Caroline Adamson – a young, recently divorced mother from Edinburgh – has disappeared whilst on a date.

The more Cullen digs into her disappearance, the more he unravels her private life. Who was she on a date with? What happened during her divorce from Rob Thomson? As Cullen’s own private life gets messier and the relationship with his DI deteriorates, Caroline’s body turns up and he finds himself hunting for a ghost in the machine.

 

Ghost in the Machine is available through Amazon.com, Amazon UK and Smashwords. Continue reading “Sneak Peek: Ghost in the Machine by Ed James”

How to Make a Living as a Writer by Stacy Mantle

Author and Freelancer Stacy Mantle
Author and Freelancer Stacy Mantle

I’ve got good news. It is possible to make a living as a writer. I’ve done it for nearly 20 years and while it hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows, I have managed to eke out a fairly comfortable life, keep my animals fed, and once in a long while, save up enough to go on vacation for a few days. So, how do I accomplish this amazing feat? I operate on a simple premise:

Writing is a numbers game.

Making a living as a writer is not about how good you are. It’s not about how much raw talent you have. It’s about getting your name out there enough times that people start to take note of you – even if it’s only on a subconscious level.

In order to succeed, writers must operate on the same principles as a company launching a new product: Get it out, get it seen, and get it sold.

There is an old marketing adage called “The Rule of 7.” The theory behind this rule is that the average consumer needs to see a product seven times before they consider purchasing. The actual number may vary according to which article you read, and I’ve seen it range from anywhere between 7-20. But, the principle remains the same: Visibility means (eventual) sales. Continue reading “How to Make a Living as a Writer by Stacy Mantle”

Indies Unlimited Adds Kathy Rowe to the Roster

Author Kathy Rowe

We are pleased to announce that author Kathy Rowe has been added to the staff here at Indies Unlimited. Kathy is a prolific multi-genre author who has been writing for more than twenty years. She also has more than twenty years of active military service to her credit. She has been stationed at various bases around the U.S.A. and in Europe. Even more important than her military experience is the fact that she is also a farm girl. This unique combination of military experience and farming acumen makes her the perfect choice to help with my tractor beam.

Kathy now lives in eastern Kentucky with her husband, two dogs, two cats, and three horses on a 100 acre farm. She does her best to juggle farm chores, haymaking, writing, book formatting, and animal care into her busy day. Once in a while she gets to go fishing or take a nice walk by the creek. If it would ever stop raining, she’d like to saddle up once in a while and go for a ride. She loves interacting with her fans, and appreciates all reviews and feedback.

You can find more information in her Blog, Facebook Page, Twitter, and Amazon Author’s page.

More important than all this though, is this special announcement:

Today is Kathy Rowe’s Birthday!

So wish her a happy birthday and welcome her aboard. Somebody cut the cake while I run downstairs to look for another set of keyboard manacles.

Goodreads Giveaway Tutorial

Author Laurie Boris
Author Laurie Boris

Last year, I attended a workshop given by a local published author on how to promote your book on social media. “Goodreads?” she sneered, in response to an audience member’s question about the site. “I don’t know anyone who’s on Goodreads.”

Uh…well, there are LOTS of people on Goodreads. And they love books. I mean, seriously love books. Some members of this community read hundreds of books a year. They talk about them. Review and rate them. Many blog about them.

Yeah, Goodreads can be buggy, like so many other social media sites, and isn’t the most intuitive place out there. But its many features outweigh the occasional glitch. For one, you can maintain a “bookshelf” of books you’re reading, have read, and plan to read, so you can make friends based on common interests and favorite books or authors. You can join a multitude of groups and grow into the community. Participate in a book club, and read and comment on the selection of the month. You can become “fans” of your favorite authors and follow their reviews and blogs. Continue reading “Goodreads Giveaway Tutorial”