Day: June 2, 2014

International Novel Award Is Accepting Submissions

WVA Logo 2013 WhiteWriters’ Village is accepting submissions for its quarterly International Novel Award for new authors. Open only to writers who have not been trade published before. Previously self-published works are acceptable.

Prizes: First place, $800 and the possibility of representation by international literary agency A. M. Heath. The top eight finalists will also gain a brief critique of their novel by the judge, distinguished novelist Michelle Spring, Royal Literary Fellow, Magdalene College, Cambridge.

Entry fee: $22 per submission.

Deadline: June 30th, 2014.

For more information, please visit their website.

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Indies Unlimited is pleased to provide this contest information for the convenience of our readers. We do not, however, endorse this or any contest/competition. Entrants should always research a competition prior to entering.

Five Traits of the Indie Author

Five Traits of the Indie AuthorIndie authors and self-publishing in its current state have been around for a while. In fact, the first eBooks surfaced in 1998 and of course, with the advent of the Kindle in 2007, the market exploded. The feud between traditional publishing continues to wage, both on our turf and off. With all the hoopla, indie writers have quietly developed a skill set essential for success in writing and just about any other business. Without these traits, chances of making it as an Indie Author are slim. These are not textbook examples or the result of a Quinnipiac Poll, but my observations since diving into the world of self-publishing in 2010. Here are my top five traits found in Indie Authors. Continue reading “Five Traits of the Indie Author”

Featured Book: RAD and the Quest for Geminus

RAD and the Quest for GeminusRAD and the Quest for Geminus
by Julius Kohanyi
Science fiction and fantasy
Available from Amazon

“RAD” is a celestial messenger from the Constellation Gemini who descends to Earth as a 12-year old orphan boy in search of his “twin” half-brother, and with the Divine help of two Friars and a mysterious Diva, travels across North America helping kids in need and fighting Evil.

The “Donut Hole” within Amazon’s KDP Select “Free” Periods

donuts
Mmmm… donuts.

Many authors might not have run into this donut hole while placing their book or books free in this program. I want to explain what it is along with how you can find where it occurs now or in the future, while providing a refresher on how to display the Select information.

First, a little background for those not familiar with Amazon’s KDP Select program. This program allows an author to have one or more of their books in this program provided they give KDP Select an exclusive distribution for 90 days. That means it can’t be available anywhere else in eBook form during that period. The benefit I’m going to be specifically talking about here is the ability to have that book, or books, free for five days within that 90 day window. Free means people can order them on Amazon free without any charge and without any royalty to the author.

I like donuts, probably a little too much. I could tell some stories, but I would only get myself into trouble. I know…I know…stay on track here.

As a relatively new author with six books, Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and the “Select” program has been a true benefit to me. It has allowed my books to be published and discovered within the reader world. There are many debates over this program, but I love it. However, on a recurring basis, I run into the donut hole in the Amazon KDP Select 90-day free period. Continue reading “The “Donut Hole” within Amazon’s KDP Select “Free” Periods”