I must say I sort of stiffened when I saw three stars, braced for some negativety. But OMG! This has to be one of the best reviews of Never Ceese I've ever seen. Thank-you again Evan. You nailed it!!!
Read Evan's goodread review here!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Lighting Source and inconsistent print run color.
*Update 10/30/09*
From Lightning Source:
When you submit a file in RGB, it must be converted to CMYK. Variation can occur during the conversion. Further, our printers, which print in CMYK, operate within a range. Each printing will vary based on these variables. The printed copies you received over 3 months ago are within that variance. We will not be able to replace copies that are printed within variance.
So if you're able to live with the fact that books could vary this much from printing to printing, even after being converted to CMYK (what's up with that!) then Lightning Source certainly has its advantages. I, however, knowing that this type of variance shouldn't happen, am now looking for another way to keep my work out there.
All offers considered. No affiliated Christian publishers please and no POD's or vanity presses. Thank-you for your consideration. Also UK publishers are certainly welcome to toss in their bid should they want to. :)
You can find my e-mail address at www.foreverricard.com at the bottom of the page but you'll need to hurry because of resubmitted a request for TWCP to take me up on my offer.
Other than the fact that I couldn't get the resolution like I wanted it, arrrgh, you can still see the difference in printings. I was sent two boxes of the darker copy and assumed since my file was RGB that I'd just have to settle for this but it looked okay. It never entered my mind that there would be such drastic differences in printing from one run to another. Oddly enough, there doesn't seem to be an inconsistency anymore. The last two stores who ordered the paperback from Lightning Source got the lighter better looking cover. Here's what I was told when I sent one of my darker copies back to Lightning Source:
" . . . Since the file was created with RGB color space instead of the suggested CMYK color space, you will notice a greater variance between printings. We suggest that if you wish to make changes to the file, it would be best to create the cover with CMYK color space for processing. You will see slight variance within each and every printing, especially with those files that have a heavy saturation of cyan/blue."
First of all, no one suggested anything to me. CMYK is always the preference though so why wouldn't I have done it in CMYK if I could have. Secondly, I've printed through other printers with RGB format with NO inconsistencies between runs. None. Nada. Exactly the same from run to run or at least if there were any differences, they weren't drastic. Such variance from print run to print run isn't the fault of the RGB file.
Bottom line, I think Lightning Source owes me a box of books printed the way they're printing now. What do you think?
From Lightning Source:
When you submit a file in RGB, it must be converted to CMYK. Variation can occur during the conversion. Further, our printers, which print in CMYK, operate within a range. Each printing will vary based on these variables. The printed copies you received over 3 months ago are within that variance. We will not be able to replace copies that are printed within variance.
So if you're able to live with the fact that books could vary this much from printing to printing, even after being converted to CMYK (what's up with that!) then Lightning Source certainly has its advantages. I, however, knowing that this type of variance shouldn't happen, am now looking for another way to keep my work out there.
All offers considered. No affiliated Christian publishers please and no POD's or vanity presses. Thank-you for your consideration. Also UK publishers are certainly welcome to toss in their bid should they want to. :)
You can find my e-mail address at www.foreverricard.com at the bottom of the page but you'll need to hurry because of resubmitted a request for TWCP to take me up on my offer.
Other than the fact that I couldn't get the resolution like I wanted it, arrrgh, you can still see the difference in printings. I was sent two boxes of the darker copy and assumed since my file was RGB that I'd just have to settle for this but it looked okay. It never entered my mind that there would be such drastic differences in printing from one run to another. Oddly enough, there doesn't seem to be an inconsistency anymore. The last two stores who ordered the paperback from Lightning Source got the lighter better looking cover. Here's what I was told when I sent one of my darker copies back to Lightning Source: " . . . Since the file was created with RGB color space instead of the suggested CMYK color space, you will notice a greater variance between printings. We suggest that if you wish to make changes to the file, it would be best to create the cover with CMYK color space for processing. You will see slight variance within each and every printing, especially with those files that have a heavy saturation of cyan/blue."
First of all, no one suggested anything to me. CMYK is always the preference though so why wouldn't I have done it in CMYK if I could have. Secondly, I've printed through other printers with RGB format with NO inconsistencies between runs. None. Nada. Exactly the same from run to run or at least if there were any differences, they weren't drastic. Such variance from print run to print run isn't the fault of the RGB file.
Bottom line, I think Lightning Source owes me a box of books printed the way they're printing now. What do you think?
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Proud to present Angel Time
Like this book needs an introduction. :) Anne Rice, one time vampire writer, now writes for general market Christian readers specifically. She's given up her vampire writing for naught, as I understand it, because it points to a very dark time in her life that she'd rather not revisit. So going back to her Catholic roots, she's now writing with a more defined perspective. Not as defined as affiliated Christian publishers thank goodness but defined none-the-less.
Will it be good?
*gasp*
What kind of question is that?
Of course it will be. After all, this is Anne Rice. It wasn't what she wrote about that made her who she is but her exquisite style. Keep in mind, despite writing Christian fiction, you won't find Mrs. Rice's work in larger Christian Bookstores as you should. Knopf publishing isn't affiliated. However, I do foresee some larger Christian bookstores ignoring this fact as Mrs. Rice stands to sell a lot of books!
So there ya go! Another non-affiliated Christian book and at least two more to come in this series. I'm excited.
Will it be good?
*gasp*
What kind of question is that?
Of course it will be. After all, this is Anne Rice. It wasn't what she wrote about that made her who she is but her exquisite style. Keep in mind, despite writing Christian fiction, you won't find Mrs. Rice's work in larger Christian Bookstores as you should. Knopf publishing isn't affiliated. However, I do foresee some larger Christian bookstores ignoring this fact as Mrs. Rice stands to sell a lot of books!
So there ya go! Another non-affiliated Christian book and at least two more to come in this series. I'm excited.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The discussion begins!
****Update****
The Open Book Society had been wonderful this month, spotlighting Never Ceese. They're up to chapter 23 now and bearing down on the end of the book. If you've read the book please don't hesitate to join the discussion. If you haven't read the book maybe you could check out some of the chapter summaries to see if it's something you'd like. :)
The link below is the one you'll need to go to. Thanks again OBS! I need all the support I can get.
The discussion of Never Ceese, chapter by chapter, has begun. Sooooo . . . what are you waiting for! Go! Go! Go! And tell your dang friends 'cuz I don't have many. ;)
Forum discussion of Never Ceese by Sue Dent at the Open Book Society!
The Open Book Society had been wonderful this month, spotlighting Never Ceese. They're up to chapter 23 now and bearing down on the end of the book. If you've read the book please don't hesitate to join the discussion. If you haven't read the book maybe you could check out some of the chapter summaries to see if it's something you'd like. :)
The link below is the one you'll need to go to. Thanks again OBS! I need all the support I can get.
The discussion of Never Ceese, chapter by chapter, has begun. Sooooo . . . what are you waiting for! Go! Go! Go! And tell your dang friends 'cuz I don't have many. ;)
Forum discussion of Never Ceese by Sue Dent at the Open Book Society!
Vamp Fest 2009 and Barnes & Noble
Wahhhh! Despite my best efforts, (which included driving a leeetle bit faster than I'm used to because of being thrown off schedule due to my daughter's High School State band competition going into the wee hours of the morning)I missed my panel at Vamp Fest!!! And to see all the wonderful photos being posted on Facebook doesn't make this reality any easier to take. Do go check the photos out.
They are wonderful!!
It wasn't all for naught though. I did make it to New Orleans, late and because of having kids and school the next day, unable to stay beyond the panel I MISSED, I managed to swing by the Metairie Barnes & Noble. They'd ordered 10 of Forever Richard, two of which had already sold and 5 of Never Ceese. Unlike in my local B&N here in Ridgeland, this is what I found upon entering the store.
My local B&N has two copies of Forever Richard tucked away in their "appropriate" place on the shelve with no copies of Never Ceese the paperback with some store employees claiming they can't get that book. Funny. This B&N had no problems neither did they have any problem putting it on an appropriate display and I'm not even local to them though I did live in Mandeville for four years, and loved it. Enough belly-achin' though. Do run over to the Metairie store and buy up these books. I'd really like for them to sell so my publisher and I don't have to eat them. I autographed five of each while I was there.
They are wonderful!!
It wasn't all for naught though. I did make it to New Orleans, late and because of having kids and school the next day, unable to stay beyond the panel I MISSED, I managed to swing by the Metairie Barnes & Noble. They'd ordered 10 of Forever Richard, two of which had already sold and 5 of Never Ceese. Unlike in my local B&N here in Ridgeland, this is what I found upon entering the store.
My local B&N has two copies of Forever Richard tucked away in their "appropriate" place on the shelve with no copies of Never Ceese the paperback with some store employees claiming they can't get that book. Funny. This B&N had no problems neither did they have any problem putting it on an appropriate display and I'm not even local to them though I did live in Mandeville for four years, and loved it. Enough belly-achin' though. Do run over to the Metairie store and buy up these books. I'd really like for them to sell so my publisher and I don't have to eat them. I autographed five of each while I was there.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Amazon Advantage. Wow!
At some point this year, I set up an Amazon Advantage account . . . I thought. I never utilized it and actually couldn't remember. When things started appearing on my sellers page I didn't like, (exclusively affiliated books showing up for sale with my non-affiliated book *gasp*)I contacted Amazon. They said I could control this through my Amazon Advantage account. So . . . I tried to log-in.
I couldn't remember my password though and asked for help. I was then told, I didn't have an Amazon Advantage account. Okay. Whatever. So I attempted to apply. I entered my company name in the appropriate blank and was told that company already existed in the database. So I couldn't apply for Amazon Advantage unless I made up a company name. I contacted Amazon Advantage (e-mail of course) and was told I DID have an Advantage account and they gave me a password so I could access.
I know. Curious, isn't it?
I entered the password and immediately the screen came up with internal error. I contacted Amazon to let them know. 24 hours later I'm told that the tech couldn't duplicate my problem. He said I'd applied for an account in February and he'd fixed it so that I should be able to simply apply for a new application. I of course know what's going to happen. As soon as I enter company name, it says that company is already in the database and I can't go any further.
Boneheads!
I get to wait another 24 hours now for who knows what. I'm sure it will be exciting though. :)
In the meantime, since I can't control what shows up on my product pages, such as what books are selling with mine, (which isn't accurate actually, it has more to do with other authors tagging their work with yours etc . . . )please know that I don't suggest buying affiliated work with mine. It's very different and doesn't usually appeal to general market readers. Other than that, I don't like supporting publishers who affiliate themselves with organizations that exclude my work from their stores.
Fine if you like the work they put out. I just don't support that mentality.
I should be able to fix that as soon as Amazon Advantage removes their head from . . . that place where it is. :) I wouldn't hold my breath though.
UPDATE:
Well, I went ahead and slightly altered my company name and was able to start he application process. :) but O_o what's this? I have to pay Amazon Advantage $30.00 a year and THEY get to determine what they sell my book for and who gets to sell it!!!!
I wasn't even planning on selling anything through Amazon Advantage. I simply wanted control of my sellers pages and Amazon told me I needed to join Amazon Advantage to do this. *Sue stands and claps, which is difficult to do while typing* Good one Amazon. You almost had me there. I think I'll keep my $30.00 thank-you. For the record, that's why Forever Richard isn't selling through Amazon at this moment. They set the price. First they set it too high, higher even than some of their authorized and non-authorized sellers and then they set it so low that my publisher was making about 2 cents off each book which meant I'd make a nickel . . . maybe.
Oh to be like Amazon. NOT!
I couldn't remember my password though and asked for help. I was then told, I didn't have an Amazon Advantage account. Okay. Whatever. So I attempted to apply. I entered my company name in the appropriate blank and was told that company already existed in the database. So I couldn't apply for Amazon Advantage unless I made up a company name. I contacted Amazon Advantage (e-mail of course) and was told I DID have an Advantage account and they gave me a password so I could access.
I know. Curious, isn't it?
I entered the password and immediately the screen came up with internal error. I contacted Amazon to let them know. 24 hours later I'm told that the tech couldn't duplicate my problem. He said I'd applied for an account in February and he'd fixed it so that I should be able to simply apply for a new application. I of course know what's going to happen. As soon as I enter company name, it says that company is already in the database and I can't go any further.
Boneheads!
I get to wait another 24 hours now for who knows what. I'm sure it will be exciting though. :)
In the meantime, since I can't control what shows up on my product pages, such as what books are selling with mine, (which isn't accurate actually, it has more to do with other authors tagging their work with yours etc . . . )please know that I don't suggest buying affiliated work with mine. It's very different and doesn't usually appeal to general market readers. Other than that, I don't like supporting publishers who affiliate themselves with organizations that exclude my work from their stores.
Fine if you like the work they put out. I just don't support that mentality.
I should be able to fix that as soon as Amazon Advantage removes their head from . . . that place where it is. :) I wouldn't hold my breath though.
UPDATE:
Well, I went ahead and slightly altered my company name and was able to start he application process. :) but O_o what's this? I have to pay Amazon Advantage $30.00 a year and THEY get to determine what they sell my book for and who gets to sell it!!!!
I wasn't even planning on selling anything through Amazon Advantage. I simply wanted control of my sellers pages and Amazon told me I needed to join Amazon Advantage to do this. *Sue stands and claps, which is difficult to do while typing* Good one Amazon. You almost had me there. I think I'll keep my $30.00 thank-you. For the record, that's why Forever Richard isn't selling through Amazon at this moment. They set the price. First they set it too high, higher even than some of their authorized and non-authorized sellers and then they set it so low that my publisher was making about 2 cents off each book which meant I'd make a nickel . . . maybe.
Oh to be like Amazon. NOT!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Publishers welcome to ask.:)
Just in case there was any question, I, Sue Dent, of S D Enterprises do own the rights to Never Ceese the paperback and did have to go through Lightning Source when my first publisher went defunct as a traditional publisher. Yep. Now I get to deal with the POD stigma despite being traditionally published initially. Yes, I can get into any bookstore but I get woefully fed up defending my book because of the POD status. Get a grip!!!
Having traditional distribution would certainly make things nicer. If you're interested, you can of course contact me. :)
And yes, I think I'll exclude any and all affiliated publishers who might have the nerve to ask. LOL (Like I have to worry about that.)
That's all. Just wanted to share. :)
Having traditional distribution would certainly make things nicer. If you're interested, you can of course contact me. :)
And yes, I think I'll exclude any and all affiliated publishers who might have the nerve to ask. LOL (Like I have to worry about that.)
That's all. Just wanted to share. :)
It just keeps getting better. :)
I just found this entry on paranormal romance author Lori Devoti's blog. The discussion was about werewolf books.
My first werewolf was probably a Nocturne…. Come to think of it, it might have been Unbound… Oh wait, wait! But before that came Never Ceese by Sue Dent. Really good book!
I definitely like a protective wolf. I like the mating for life concept, but not neccesarily the destined fate. There’s something to be said for choice.
Wow! That's like to opinions from romance readers in a row. Maybe I am a romance writer. Hmmm . . . LOL
My first werewolf was probably a Nocturne…. Come to think of it, it might have been Unbound… Oh wait, wait! But before that came Never Ceese by Sue Dent. Really good book!
I definitely like a protective wolf. I like the mating for life concept, but not neccesarily the destined fate. There’s something to be said for choice.
Wow! That's like to opinions from romance readers in a row. Maybe I am a romance writer. Hmmm . . . LOL
See. It pays to agrue on Amazon!
Romantic Times has or had a challenge going for their members to read books associated with a category. Category 7 was read an Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance book. I was quite tickled when I saw Never Ceese listed by one member and even more tickled when I read their review . . . I think you can call it that.
7. For Halloween, read an Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance book.
NEVER CEESE - SUE DENT.
not sure if this falls under urban fantasy - I'd call it paranormal since it's a werewolf and vampire but there was no romance really until hints near the end but it's set in the 'real world'. I saw this author on an amazon discussion arguing about the strict guidelines for christian publishers and how her work was christian yet couldn't be published by one so decided to check out the first book. It's YA paranormal and about a female who's made a werewolf before birth and a man who's made a vampire against his will. Both are considered cursed and don't want to die cursed. They travel to NY in hopes someone there can help them get rid of the curse then they can be saved.(both were raised christian) yet with the curse they're unable to have sex, can't set foot in a church, cemetery, near a cross or say anything religious/christian without suffering debilitating pain.
I found the book humorous in places, mainly from the vampire being sarcastic and the werewolf being naive about people things since she spent almost her entire adult life in wolf form. Both have trouble holding in their wolf/vampire. Overall it was a good book. The romantic interest is towards the end when they reach NY but mostly a kiss from the werewolf to one of the others there and the female friend there seems to like the vampire. since it's YA nothing else was done!
ok, if this isn't 'legal' to count lemme know 'cause I have a lot of paranormal I can read and probably will!
See. She would've probably never found my book if I'd not been arguing on Amazon. :D But just so the argument wasn't for naught, my work is only Christian in that several of the characters have strong spiritual ties to their past. I write for the general market and not the market CBA Christian publisher serve and have been serving since 1950. My work is very different from anything they put out. It doesn't help my work sell to be associated with them by a label. That's what the "discussion" was about. :)
As far as romance . . . yeah there is some but I would say die-hard romantics might not see enough for their taste. This reader didn't seem to mind though. :)
7. For Halloween, read an Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance book.
NEVER CEESE - SUE DENT.
not sure if this falls under urban fantasy - I'd call it paranormal since it's a werewolf and vampire but there was no romance really until hints near the end but it's set in the 'real world'. I saw this author on an amazon discussion arguing about the strict guidelines for christian publishers and how her work was christian yet couldn't be published by one so decided to check out the first book. It's YA paranormal and about a female who's made a werewolf before birth and a man who's made a vampire against his will. Both are considered cursed and don't want to die cursed. They travel to NY in hopes someone there can help them get rid of the curse then they can be saved.(both were raised christian) yet with the curse they're unable to have sex, can't set foot in a church, cemetery, near a cross or say anything religious/christian without suffering debilitating pain.
I found the book humorous in places, mainly from the vampire being sarcastic and the werewolf being naive about people things since she spent almost her entire adult life in wolf form. Both have trouble holding in their wolf/vampire. Overall it was a good book. The romantic interest is towards the end when they reach NY but mostly a kiss from the werewolf to one of the others there and the female friend there seems to like the vampire. since it's YA nothing else was done!
ok, if this isn't 'legal' to count lemme know 'cause I have a lot of paranormal I can read and probably will!
See. She would've probably never found my book if I'd not been arguing on Amazon. :D But just so the argument wasn't for naught, my work is only Christian in that several of the characters have strong spiritual ties to their past. I write for the general market and not the market CBA Christian publisher serve and have been serving since 1950. My work is very different from anything they put out. It doesn't help my work sell to be associated with them by a label. That's what the "discussion" was about. :)
As far as romance . . . yeah there is some but I would say die-hard romantics might not see enough for their taste. This reader didn't seem to mind though. :)
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Best Advertisement is Free.
I have to tell you that one of my most treasured finds while googling to see if my book was getting any kind of attention (and therefore possible sales) was when I found Never Ceese mentioned on TVtropes.org. While the site itself is slightly tongue in cheek, Never Ceese was mentioned along with books by Tolkien and other such astronomically great authors. Here's the link if you don't believe me. And here's the page if your browser lets you see it. Simply scroll down to literature.
Do keep in my when those on this site say Christian vampire they are not referring to work put out by CBA or ECPA, two fee oriented organizations who lay claim to the label Christian as far as any kind of literature goes. Christian in this context refers to the fact that faith is an important part of the story. *Sue throws on brakes to get back on track*
Okay, so yes. I was extremely proud of this mention. After all, the publisher of Never Ceese is no more. I had to republish my paperback through Lightning Source to keep my Thirsting for Blood series alive. Then I'm searching the web today and come across this. Again, here's the link for those who are browser impaired. And here's where you can view it now. You will have to scroll down a bit but it's worth it. Oh my is it worth it! :)
Okay, if you still have trouble seeing it, I'll post it for you. *Sue grins from ear to ear*
Richard, a vampire in Sue Dent's Christian werewolves-and-vampires novel Never Ceese needs blood to survive, but copes with it in a novel way — he tells a sob story to people on the Internet about his mother needing blood transfusions and gets donations to live on. He still occasionally craves blood from a living animal, but can cool his urges by draining blood from livestock. One of the biggest weaknesses of vampires focused on in the book is that vampirism is a "curse" that prevents a vampire from interacting with, speaking of, or even thinking of anything holy — not just crosses, but Bible verses, God himself, churches, etc. Richard, with help of a mentor, can fight against it enough that he can manage to quote John 3:16 ("For God so loved the world..."), but still has to go through quite a bit of pain to do it.
Did you notice this line? "a vampire in Sue Dent's Christian werewolves-and-vampires novel"
Just keep in mind that this doesn't meant CBA affiliation. I've not sold out. This book is written for the general market and not a closed market of specific Christian readers.
My series is what it is! And it don't get any better than that! Check out my Thirsting for Blood Series. You might actually be glad you did! :)
Do keep in my when those on this site say Christian vampire they are not referring to work put out by CBA or ECPA, two fee oriented organizations who lay claim to the label Christian as far as any kind of literature goes. Christian in this context refers to the fact that faith is an important part of the story. *Sue throws on brakes to get back on track*
Okay, so yes. I was extremely proud of this mention. After all, the publisher of Never Ceese is no more. I had to republish my paperback through Lightning Source to keep my Thirsting for Blood series alive. Then I'm searching the web today and come across this. Again, here's the link for those who are browser impaired. And here's where you can view it now. You will have to scroll down a bit but it's worth it. Oh my is it worth it! :)
Okay, if you still have trouble seeing it, I'll post it for you. *Sue grins from ear to ear*
Richard, a vampire in Sue Dent's Christian werewolves-and-vampires novel Never Ceese needs blood to survive, but copes with it in a novel way — he tells a sob story to people on the Internet about his mother needing blood transfusions and gets donations to live on. He still occasionally craves blood from a living animal, but can cool his urges by draining blood from livestock. One of the biggest weaknesses of vampires focused on in the book is that vampirism is a "curse" that prevents a vampire from interacting with, speaking of, or even thinking of anything holy — not just crosses, but Bible verses, God himself, churches, etc. Richard, with help of a mentor, can fight against it enough that he can manage to quote John 3:16 ("For God so loved the world..."), but still has to go through quite a bit of pain to do it.
Did you notice this line? "a vampire in Sue Dent's Christian werewolves-and-vampires novel"
Just keep in mind that this doesn't meant CBA affiliation. I've not sold out. This book is written for the general market and not a closed market of specific Christian readers.
My series is what it is! And it don't get any better than that! Check out my Thirsting for Blood Series. You might actually be glad you did! :)
Monday, October 19, 2009
New Christian Book releases from Amazon.
Well, I know I was interested right away when this came to me via e-mail! I'm happy to report that out of the seven books listed only two were from a CBA affiliated publisher, that being Waterbrook Multnomah and Howard Books. *WaterBrook Multnomah was launched in September 1996 as an autonomous evangelical Christian publishing division of Random House. Howard Books is Simon and Schuster's CBA affiliated Christian imprint. The other titles were from general market publishers, I'm assuming with distribution through Spring Arbor since this is supposed to be the only way they can officially claim to be Christian titles.
I'm also not so happy to report that the only one of these Christian titles to show up in any of the larger Christian Bookstores, on-line or otherwise, is the one published through Waterbrook Multnomah and Howard Books. Go figure.
So just in case anyone is paying attention, Christian authors who pay to be affiliated with CBA and ECPA are able to take advantage of massive shelf space in all larger Christian bookstores (thus driving book sales up whether they sell or not) AND because of the merger of Spring Arbor with Ingram, the affiliated authors can also flood general market bookstores with their very targeted fiction.
Other Christian authors who choose not to write targeted fiction or pay CBA or ECPA (even though their work officially qualifies as Christian because it has been approved by Spring Arbor) are excluded from all larger Christian Bookstores.
I would say they're excluded from on-line larger Christian bookstores but upon further investigation, Christianbook.com (one of the larger Christian on-line sites) actually did carry all seven of the books. So it seems that while Christianbook.com is primarily exclusive to CBA and ECPA fiction, they will list books simply from Spring Arbor if the publisher is big enough. I consider that quasi-exclusive and still certainly not the place to shop for Christian fiction that appeals to all. IMO.
Upon googling I did find this article seemingly written by someone from Lifeway. For the life of me I couldn't figure out what to make of it. Take it for what it's worth. It could be propaganda but it's not in me to research it further. It does make for very interesting reading though and certainly makes one wonder. Here's the link
*Excerpt from Random Houses site.
I'm also not so happy to report that the only one of these Christian titles to show up in any of the larger Christian Bookstores, on-line or otherwise, is the one published through Waterbrook Multnomah and Howard Books. Go figure.
So just in case anyone is paying attention, Christian authors who pay to be affiliated with CBA and ECPA are able to take advantage of massive shelf space in all larger Christian bookstores (thus driving book sales up whether they sell or not) AND because of the merger of Spring Arbor with Ingram, the affiliated authors can also flood general market bookstores with their very targeted fiction.
Other Christian authors who choose not to write targeted fiction or pay CBA or ECPA (even though their work officially qualifies as Christian because it has been approved by Spring Arbor) are excluded from all larger Christian Bookstores.
I would say they're excluded from on-line larger Christian bookstores but upon further investigation, Christianbook.com (one of the larger Christian on-line sites) actually did carry all seven of the books. So it seems that while Christianbook.com is primarily exclusive to CBA and ECPA fiction, they will list books simply from Spring Arbor if the publisher is big enough. I consider that quasi-exclusive and still certainly not the place to shop for Christian fiction that appeals to all. IMO.
Upon googling I did find this article seemingly written by someone from Lifeway. For the life of me I couldn't figure out what to make of it. Take it for what it's worth. It could be propaganda but it's not in me to research it further. It does make for very interesting reading though and certainly makes one wonder. Here's the link
*Excerpt from Random Houses site.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
British Fantasy Society Top twenty something!
I stumbled across this just a few minutes ago at www.britishfantasysociety.org.uk and I must say that even though I've no idea what this is a list of I do know that I like it. Forever Richard in the top twenty of some very grand books.
Perhaps placement on the list is superfluous yet being on the list isn't. Do read Maryann Boo's outstanding review of Forever Richard when you get the chance. :) Then go read Forever Richard or Never Ceese (paperback version) if you've not read Forever Richard first. It's a series after all. I'd certainly want you to get the most out of it.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Savenger Hunt Sue Dent edition!
Aww, check this out! Especially if you want a free copy of Never Ceese (the paperback of course! :))
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Barnes & Noble Metairie
3721 Veterans BoulevardMetairie, LA 70002
504-455-4929
Okay. So you want to help me out? Of course you do. As you know, or should know after reading my blogs, no smaller than larger press author has a chance in a brick and mortar bookstore. Sure, if they're with a legitimate traditional small press they can get in (because of the coveted distribution deal) but no bookstore will automatically order a few copies and of course no small author WANTS THEM TO because if they did and the books didn't sell they'd simply come back to the publisher who'd then have to pay for returns and probably never actually get the book back. SOOOOOOOO, I'm always hesitant to call larger bookstores to ask them to put a few of my books on the shelf because I don't want to cost my publisher money (you know, in case they don't sale during that very short time they're on the shelf because books from small presses are pulled like one week later (how stupid!))
Barnes & Noble in Metairie has ordered 10 copies of Forever Richard and 5 of Never Ceese the paperback. I asked them to do this since I'll be in town October 25th at Vamp Fest. Of course they obliged because there's no problem getting the books after all. However, I'm not so optimistic. If no one buys the books they will come back to me, as is the case with Never Ceese or go back to my publisher as is the case with Forever Richard. We will have to eat books which will ultimately be destroyed if they are even in a shape worthy of being destroyed. Bookstores don't generally care how returns get sent back or what shape they're in. After all, they don't have to pay anything. Wonderful how the publishing industry works isn't it?
If you buy the book and bring it with you to the paranormal literary panel I'll be moderating at Vamp Fest on October 25th, I'll be more than happy to sign. :)
Do send all your friends in the area over to buy both books if this is their genre. I don't want to think of them being destroyed because I was too optimistic.
I've also contacted the Lifeway in the area to see if they'd order a few copies so my CBA and ECPA readers could support their stores. I just sent the email as the manager suggested I do with the associated ISBN numbers. I'm not expecting anything to come of this but it never hurts to ask . . . again. :)
As for my local folk, my publisher has probably already eaten the 10 copies of Forever Richard my local Books-A-Million ordered because I forgot to mention they were there. If not, run by and pick up a copy. Also the Ridgeland Barnes & Noble has copies of Forever Richard and probably hard copies of Never Ceese though I asked them to pull these. They're supposed to have the paperback of Never Ceese but I've not been there to check. Of course they can order it. I don't like to push going to my local B&N though as they still owe me and another author money for a booksigning. Seems like they could get that together.
There's also a wonderful Mom and Pop store here in Ridgeland that carries both Forever Richard and Never Ceese and if they run out, they call me and I take them more AND they're signed or at least can be. :) That would be The Book Shelve on Highway 51. Absolutely any local store can order either book if they don't have them with the exception of Lifeway or Family Christian or any other large Christian bookstore but you already knew that. :)
But that's how it works folks so run over to Metairie and buy those books up.
PLEEEEEEEASE!!! :)
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Shroud Magazine reviews Never Ceese?
I had no idea Shroud Magazine reviewed Never Ceese! Isn't it interesting how things happen? :)
So here ya go.
Shroud Magazine's review of Never Ceese
So here ya go.
Shroud Magazine's review of Never Ceese
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
The Christian Publishing Industry
This is the article I wrote for the newly formed CMA. You may still visit this LINK to see the entire newsletter full of good information. I've only posted my article here for convenience of locating it. :)
The Christian Publishing Industry –
By Sue Dent
The Christian Booksellers Association formed in 1950. Before that, Christian authors from all walks of faith were published by general market publishers and sold in general market bookstores. Beyond that, no Christian Publishing Industry as such, existed. Christian Bookstores didn’t carry fiction. They sold Sunday School material, Bibles, and trinkets.
In 1950, all that changed [http://www.cbaonline.org/nm/timeline.htm] when a group of Christian Bookstores, and it is important to note these were Baptist Bookstores, decided they wanted to provide customers with fiction that defined who they were, fiction that appealed to a narrowly targeted audience, overt and sanitized and carrying a cover-to-cover essence of what they considered “Godly.” The Christian Booksellers Association, or rather CBA, came into existence. Their market has been, and still is, as defined as:
“. . . the primary market served by Christian Retail stores is the evangelical market…. ”
Other markets CBA “seeks” to serve:
“About half of Christian retail stores also seek to serve the needs of Catholic customers and Spanish-language customers. About a quarter seek to serve the urban market, and about a third seek to serve the home-school market.” http://www.cbaonline.org/nm/media.htm
The CBA market as defined here, is still evangelically narrow.
CBA operates as a gatekeeper organization to ensure that member publishers tow the line. In return, member publishers are guaranteed a spot in Christian Bookstores. In 1974, a group of these publishers formed the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association or ECPA to do the same thing the CBA was doing. http://www.ecpa.org/faq.php
Over time, these two organizations became referred to as the Christian Publishing Industry. ECPA and CBA-affiliated publishers were widely accepted as the only true Christian publishers and Spring Arbor, CBA’s official distributor, became known as the official Christian distributor. Yet with the label “Christian” being such a broad term by definition, the waters began to get muddy.
It isn’t unusual and indeed is quite the norm for those in the CBA and ECPA camp to define their market as CBA or ABA, secular or Christian thus excluding, whether intentional or not, every other Christian market out there. Not an earth-shattering proclamation unless one considers that CBA and ECPA, who serve a narrow market of Christendom, are now being recognized as the Christian Publishing Industry. CBA and ECPA publishers began to make enough of an impact monetarily that bigger houses took notice. Several larger houses such as Harper Collins and Random House added affiliated publishers as imprints. Some of the imprints did very well, and continue to do so. Others didn’t, and the trend of acquiring affiliated imprints seems to have stopped, or at least slowed down.
The next big change in the Christian Publishing Industry came in 2006, when
Ingram acquired Spring Arbor. Is this the beginning of the end of exclusivity? It certainly looks like it could be as Ingram/Spring Arbor allowed non-affiliated Christian books into distribution to the CBA and ECPA market, or rather the Christian market. Despite this monumental move, however, Christian Bookstores remain exclusive to CBA and ECPA-affiliated work. The only advantage for a non-affiliated Christian author, once their work is deemed “socially acceptable” for the Christian Market, is that exclusive Christian Bookstores can order their work if a customer asks.
With CBA and ECPA defining the Christian Publishing Industry, and meeting no resistance, it is no surprise that absolutely everything in Christian publishing, called “Christian,” is associated with these two fee-requiring affiliations. ECPA and CBA both hold award ceremonies to recognize the best in Christian Fiction. No book is eligible unless published by a CBA or ECPA-affiliated publisher. If non-affiliated work is allowed in, it is held up against CBA and ECPA standards.
The American Christian Fiction Writers Association (ACFW), is a writing group designed to help Christian authors find a CBA or ECPA-affiliated publisher. The ACFW’s Book of the Year awards allow non-affiliated Christian authors to participate (entry fees, of course), but, again, non-affiliated work will be held up to CBA and ECPA standards.
The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is a blog tour for Christian authors who wish to participate. An author pays $500, provides upwards of fifty free books, but will be scrutinized and perhaps turned down, if their non-affiliated novel doesn’t match up against CBA or ECPA standards.
It goes on and on, and it makes one wonder when the madness will ever stop. Slowly, things are coming around. The Christian Media Association (CMA) recognizes and sees that something needs to be done, so the Christian Publishing Industry actually represents what all Christians want to read, rather than what some want to read.
Addendum:
Please understand that CBA, because of its large audience and more certainly because of the money they show themselves making, has come to define the Christian Publishing industry.
Isn't it interesting though? CBA is a fee based organization. For the fee they give affiliated publishers who promise (by joining) to abide by a specific and targeted writing agenda, the opportunity to flood larger affiliated Christian Bookstores with their work thus insuring them the best chance to sell their work. No non-affiliated author, even with legitimate distribution through Spring Arbor, can get in these exclusive stores.
In conclusion there's nothing inherently wrong with an organization charging a fee and promising/providing something in return but I think there's something very wrong when that association is defined as an industry set up to provide services and help for all Christian publishers/authors. Hmm . . .
I'm not one to tell a reader what books to buy and not to buy but I will tell you this, anytime you buy from a CBA or ECPA affiliated publisher you're supporting an industry that doesn't support all Christian authors. Christian publishers who don't pay the large fee are excluded from all larger Christian bookstores on-line and otherwise, blogs, award ceremonies, promotional opportunities etc . . . yet CBA is heralded as the Christian publishing industry.
Because I appeal to that wonderful audience, affiliated books are being bundled with mine on different sites. PLEASE, if you enjoy affiliated work don't buy it bundled with mine. I don't want to know that I furthered this kind of exclusive mentality. Shouldn't I be interested in sales you say? Yep I am interested in selling books. I'm also very interested in pointing to publishers who are working to help all authors make a living. I'm not interested in exclusivity. ;)
The Christian Publishing Industry –
By Sue Dent
The Christian Booksellers Association formed in 1950. Before that, Christian authors from all walks of faith were published by general market publishers and sold in general market bookstores. Beyond that, no Christian Publishing Industry as such, existed. Christian Bookstores didn’t carry fiction. They sold Sunday School material, Bibles, and trinkets.
In 1950, all that changed [http://www.cbaonline.org/nm/timeline.htm] when a group of Christian Bookstores, and it is important to note these were Baptist Bookstores, decided they wanted to provide customers with fiction that defined who they were, fiction that appealed to a narrowly targeted audience, overt and sanitized and carrying a cover-to-cover essence of what they considered “Godly.” The Christian Booksellers Association, or rather CBA, came into existence. Their market has been, and still is, as defined as:
“. . . the primary market served by Christian Retail stores is the evangelical market…. ”
Other markets CBA “seeks” to serve:
“About half of Christian retail stores also seek to serve the needs of Catholic customers and Spanish-language customers. About a quarter seek to serve the urban market, and about a third seek to serve the home-school market.” http://www.cbaonline.org/nm/media.htm
The CBA market as defined here, is still evangelically narrow.
CBA operates as a gatekeeper organization to ensure that member publishers tow the line. In return, member publishers are guaranteed a spot in Christian Bookstores. In 1974, a group of these publishers formed the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association or ECPA to do the same thing the CBA was doing. http://www.ecpa.org/faq.php
Over time, these two organizations became referred to as the Christian Publishing Industry. ECPA and CBA-affiliated publishers were widely accepted as the only true Christian publishers and Spring Arbor, CBA’s official distributor, became known as the official Christian distributor. Yet with the label “Christian” being such a broad term by definition, the waters began to get muddy.
It isn’t unusual and indeed is quite the norm for those in the CBA and ECPA camp to define their market as CBA or ABA, secular or Christian thus excluding, whether intentional or not, every other Christian market out there. Not an earth-shattering proclamation unless one considers that CBA and ECPA, who serve a narrow market of Christendom, are now being recognized as the Christian Publishing Industry. CBA and ECPA publishers began to make enough of an impact monetarily that bigger houses took notice. Several larger houses such as Harper Collins and Random House added affiliated publishers as imprints. Some of the imprints did very well, and continue to do so. Others didn’t, and the trend of acquiring affiliated imprints seems to have stopped, or at least slowed down.
The next big change in the Christian Publishing Industry came in 2006, when
Ingram acquired Spring Arbor. Is this the beginning of the end of exclusivity? It certainly looks like it could be as Ingram/Spring Arbor allowed non-affiliated Christian books into distribution to the CBA and ECPA market, or rather the Christian market. Despite this monumental move, however, Christian Bookstores remain exclusive to CBA and ECPA-affiliated work. The only advantage for a non-affiliated Christian author, once their work is deemed “socially acceptable” for the Christian Market, is that exclusive Christian Bookstores can order their work if a customer asks.
With CBA and ECPA defining the Christian Publishing Industry, and meeting no resistance, it is no surprise that absolutely everything in Christian publishing, called “Christian,” is associated with these two fee-requiring affiliations. ECPA and CBA both hold award ceremonies to recognize the best in Christian Fiction. No book is eligible unless published by a CBA or ECPA-affiliated publisher. If non-affiliated work is allowed in, it is held up against CBA and ECPA standards.
The American Christian Fiction Writers Association (ACFW), is a writing group designed to help Christian authors find a CBA or ECPA-affiliated publisher. The ACFW’s Book of the Year awards allow non-affiliated Christian authors to participate (entry fees, of course), but, again, non-affiliated work will be held up to CBA and ECPA standards.
The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is a blog tour for Christian authors who wish to participate. An author pays $500, provides upwards of fifty free books, but will be scrutinized and perhaps turned down, if their non-affiliated novel doesn’t match up against CBA or ECPA standards.
It goes on and on, and it makes one wonder when the madness will ever stop. Slowly, things are coming around. The Christian Media Association (CMA) recognizes and sees that something needs to be done, so the Christian Publishing Industry actually represents what all Christians want to read, rather than what some want to read.
Addendum:
Please understand that CBA, because of its large audience and more certainly because of the money they show themselves making, has come to define the Christian Publishing industry.
Isn't it interesting though? CBA is a fee based organization. For the fee they give affiliated publishers who promise (by joining) to abide by a specific and targeted writing agenda, the opportunity to flood larger affiliated Christian Bookstores with their work thus insuring them the best chance to sell their work. No non-affiliated author, even with legitimate distribution through Spring Arbor, can get in these exclusive stores.
In conclusion there's nothing inherently wrong with an organization charging a fee and promising/providing something in return but I think there's something very wrong when that association is defined as an industry set up to provide services and help for all Christian publishers/authors. Hmm . . .
I'm not one to tell a reader what books to buy and not to buy but I will tell you this, anytime you buy from a CBA or ECPA affiliated publisher you're supporting an industry that doesn't support all Christian authors. Christian publishers who don't pay the large fee are excluded from all larger Christian bookstores on-line and otherwise, blogs, award ceremonies, promotional opportunities etc . . . yet CBA is heralded as the Christian publishing industry.
Because I appeal to that wonderful audience, affiliated books are being bundled with mine on different sites. PLEASE, if you enjoy affiliated work don't buy it bundled with mine. I don't want to know that I furthered this kind of exclusive mentality. Shouldn't I be interested in sales you say? Yep I am interested in selling books. I'm also very interested in pointing to publishers who are working to help all authors make a living. I'm not interested in exclusivity. ;)
Monday, October 05, 2009
Thank-you!
As you know, because my first publisher went under, I had to re-publish my self-published paperback. The smarter move would've been to give/sell my second publisher the rights to my originally self-published version of Never Ceese so that I could get the distribution they offer without the POD stigma but Journey Stone refused to return hardback rights until they sold all of the stolen books they kept before selling all their stock to a liquidator. (Sorry. Too bothersome to get a lawyer. I have enough to deal with as it is.)
Of course the hard back rights have little to do with my self-published paperback so it would still seem prudent to re-publish Never Ceese with my new publisher (again for the distribution and no POD stigma)but most publishers frown on re-publishing anything. I will say however, The Writers' Cafe Press was more than willing but was extremely concerned about having their companies name associated in any way with Journey Stone Creations.
So yes. Thank-you for supporting my efforts by purchasing the paperback when you can and by purchasing the liquidated copies of Never Ceese the hardback and not the ones for sell through Amazon by Amazon as those are the ones Journey Stone is providing.
Do know that because Never Ceese, the paperback is re-published through Lightning Source, the POD stigma is soundly in place and despite being short listed for a Bram Stoker award and going through the motions of being traditionally published originally, you will have to ask for it and most likely won't find it on the shelves of general market bookstores. They can get it though so do order. :)
As far as how to help matters on the Christian publishing front, just keep in mind that the Christian Booksellers Association and affiliated stores, publishers, authors, blogs, book tours etc . . exclude (according to www.cba.org)based on their very targeted and specific market and for the most part do not support non-affiliated Christian authors. It's a hard pill to swallow if you consider that each time an affiliated book sells, more money goes into an organization that categorically denies the merit, quality and purpose of every non-affiliated, non-fee paying Christian publisher/author out there.
But their readers are awesome and I'm happy to have many of them as my fans. :)
I do thank each and every one of you for your support. ;)
Of course the hard back rights have little to do with my self-published paperback so it would still seem prudent to re-publish Never Ceese with my new publisher (again for the distribution and no POD stigma)but most publishers frown on re-publishing anything. I will say however, The Writers' Cafe Press was more than willing but was extremely concerned about having their companies name associated in any way with Journey Stone Creations.
So yes. Thank-you for supporting my efforts by purchasing the paperback when you can and by purchasing the liquidated copies of Never Ceese the hardback and not the ones for sell through Amazon by Amazon as those are the ones Journey Stone is providing.
Do know that because Never Ceese, the paperback is re-published through Lightning Source, the POD stigma is soundly in place and despite being short listed for a Bram Stoker award and going through the motions of being traditionally published originally, you will have to ask for it and most likely won't find it on the shelves of general market bookstores. They can get it though so do order. :)
As far as how to help matters on the Christian publishing front, just keep in mind that the Christian Booksellers Association and affiliated stores, publishers, authors, blogs, book tours etc . . exclude (according to www.cba.org)based on their very targeted and specific market and for the most part do not support non-affiliated Christian authors. It's a hard pill to swallow if you consider that each time an affiliated book sells, more money goes into an organization that categorically denies the merit, quality and purpose of every non-affiliated, non-fee paying Christian publisher/author out there.
But their readers are awesome and I'm happy to have many of them as my fans. :)
I do thank each and every one of you for your support. ;)
Sunday, October 04, 2009
How to identify affiliated work.
If you're interested in knowing if a publisher pays to be affiliated with the Christian Booksellers Association then you may go here to find out. A CBA member emblem or exhibitor emblem will be next to the name if they pay to be affiliated and are bound by conventions to write for that very targeted but large market of Christians.
I'm not sure why CBA simply doesn't list affiliated publisher's only. Seems like that would be a lot easier. My guess is that they simply get a list generated by Spring Arbor, the official distributor to the Christian market and add the membership emblem after the fact.
But anyway, that should help you know who you're supporting when you buy books--if that's a concern to you that is. ;)
I'm not sure why CBA simply doesn't list affiliated publisher's only. Seems like that would be a lot easier. My guess is that they simply get a list generated by Spring Arbor, the official distributor to the Christian market and add the membership emblem after the fact.
But anyway, that should help you know who you're supporting when you buy books--if that's a concern to you that is. ;)
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Open Book Society begins discussion of Never Ceese
Starting October 1st, the Open Book Society will be doing a chapter by chapter discussion of Never Ceese as I understand it. Do check it out as I would appreciate any support. In addition, you'll get a play by play look at my Bram Stoker Short-listed debut novel. They will be reviewing the paperback of course. ;)The Open Book Society will also be posting an interview to go along with hosting Never Ceese and my Thirsting for Blood Series as their club choice for the month. Do spread the word!
The web address to the forum that you should visit NOW LOL and vote and say hi and wait anxiously until Monday as I'm doing is: Right Here! :)
Friday, October 02, 2009
Okay. I won't be touring Lifeway. :)
Okay. I won't be touring Lifeway, or Mardel's or Northwestern or Family Christian or any other large Christian bookstore and neither will any other Christian author whose publisher doesn't pay the Christian Booksellers Association the required fee to get into these stores. After all, that's what the fee is for. That and they have to follow writing conventions and a very targeted agenda. :)
Even big mainstream authors (who are Christian and appeal to all audiences including CBA's) who could care less about getting into larger Christian bookstores can't get in because most are published by mainstream houses who aren't affiliated (even though they do have imprints that are affiliated.)
Fair enough I suppose.
It is a head scratching situation though. Affiliated publishers can flood general market bookstores with their author's targeted work and started doing so the second Ingram, one of the top distributors in the world bought CBA's official distributor Spring Arbor from CBA. Smart move on CBA's part I'd say. They can now offer affiliated publishers the opportunity to get their very targeted fiction into general market bookstores AND offer them exclusive rights to be in Christian Bookstores.
Makes an author almost want to get hooked up with an affiliated publisher doesn't it? I know I looked until I realized I'd have to compromise my writing to the nth degree so that it only appealed to their very targeted market. YIKES!
So I'll be setting up things here and there with other authors of faith most likely at general market bookstores. :)
Hope to see you there.
And yes, the larger Christian Booksellers such as Christianbooks.com operate the same way. No non-affiliated authors. What a shame.
Also most smaller Christian Bookstores being choked out by the larger ones DO allow non-affiliated Christian authors in. They just can't seem to get a foothold. Maybe ya'll could help them.
Thursday, October 01, 2009
CBA affiliated houses offering co-publishing?
*warning. This is for my author friends. Don't read if you don't want to see something about the publishing industry* :)
First of all, let's define Co-publishing. Everything I've ever read about it, after being offered a deal like this from my first publishers was, don't do it. Stay away from it. Any publisher that offers this is not a traditional publisher and you'll not get the perks that come with being traditionally published PLUS you'll have to pay! (BTW my first publisher recanted after I shared what I learned and said they just always mention this first because it's less expensive for them. Then they had to remove this wording completely or writersmarket.com wouldn't list them as the traditional publisher that they were but no longer are.)
This advice even came to me from my first editor who knows the "b'ness" BTW. Turns out she was right. I did further research myself to find that in fact, co-publishing is not that different than vanity press.
Why then would any traditional publisher offer this as an option? I would have to say that they see authors paying for such ventures and they need money too. Honestly though, I'm not aware of any general market publishers wading into the murky waters of co-publishing however it has been brought to my attention that several CBA affiliated publishers are. So look out! Be aware! These are desperate times and it seems it calls for desperate measures.
Co-publishing/vanity press is not the desired or recommended way to get published I don't care how big the publisher offering this option is. It's not fixing the problem but if you want to give these publishers your money, that's your prerogative. I personally don't have that kind of money to waste.
If you'd like the name of one affiliated publisher who is offering this, let me know and I'll share. Otherwise, just read the submission guidelines. If the words co-publishing are mentioned or you pay us x amount or this is better than traditional publishing, remove your hands from your computer keyboard, raise them in the air, get up and run away screaming.
Also, I know of several general market houses that have their own POD and self-publishing entities but none that offer co-publishing as far as I know. *gasp* If anyone else is aware of a general market publisher like Random House or Harper Collins doing this, I'd love to hear about it even though it would only make me wonder what the publishing world is coming to or has come to.
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