Big Things Coming

It's been less than a month since I released my third book, The Phoenix Blade: Project Justice, and it's been an interesting and fun ride since.  There are three big announcements regarding The Phoenix Blade.
1.  I will be conducting a book signing/launch event in Huntington NY at the Book Revue (313 New York Ave, Huntington, NY) at 7pm. 
2.  I will be on the Anthony Charles Podcast in the upcoming weeks to talk about and promote The Phoenix Blade.
3.  I will be going on my first Virtual Book Tour (which is in the process of being setup as we speak).

I wanted to take some time to share a few things since releasing the book. 

The first has been that nothing comes easy.  The things in life you want the most, you have to work very hard for. 

The second goes hand in hand with the first.  There is no such thing as an overnight sensation or success.  Actors/Actresses, Writers/Authors, Musicians, Producers/Directors, and Athletes have spent countless years trying to get where they are today.  It's taken me eight years just to reach this level in my literary career and it feels like I'm just starting. 

The third has been about self publishing and promoting.  The self publishing part is easy when you know where to go and what to use.  I suggest avoiding anything that requires you to spend a lot of money for their paid services.  If you need an editor or someone to read your work over, there are other options out there for less money.  I made this mistake once; on my first book, Chamber of Souls.  I used IUniverse thinking it was the least costly way to self publish.  They were helpful, but could not get the cover the exact way I wanted it without it costing more money than I already paid.  The cover still came out nice, but not the exact way I wanted it.  The next issue was in regards to royalties.  They only gave me 20% Royalties on any book sold on their website or on Kindle; which provided very little profit for me.  It was only until I purchased my books in bulk and sold them that I began making money.  The final issue was advertising the book.  They offered to help you advertise your book, but for another high end fee.  I chose not to use them again, but will still get a call almost every month for the last two years with them trying to sell me on one of their advertising programs or to get me to order more copies of my book.

Now I'm not saying you shouldn't go with them, I'm saying there are better alternatives to getting your work into the hands of your potential readers.  Since the release of my first book, I have put out two other books by using CreateSpace.  This site works directly with Amazon.com to help you publish your book for free.  The only times payment have been required were if I wanted to open up additional channels for distribution ($25), if you need them to design your cover for you ($399), and then when you need to buy copies of your own book to sell.  It is also free to publish on Kindle.  You choose what percentage you get on your royalties 30% or 70%. 

When you self publish, you handle the advertising for your book.  The best ways to promote your book are through LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, and PinYourBook.com.  There are also other ways to promote.  Blogging has become one of the best ways to get attention for your books, and finding other blogs to do guest posts on or author interviews.