Getting That Book Out There

                   

You finally did it, your book is done. Hooray!! Now what? Do you sell it to a major publisher, taking the risk of your book getting lost in the shuffle, overlooked in favor of big-name authors? Or, do you decide to really lay it on the line and team up with an experienced book consultant who will help you to publish it yourself, on your own terms?

The Book Publishing Game

Today, many authors are deciding to go out on their own, as far as publishing their own book goes. There are arguments on either side, as far as self-publishing or selling a book to a major publishing house. For those who decide to self-publish, the advantage is in keeping all the rights to the work, and any income the book generates. Selling to a publisher means giving away the rights, as well as a percentage of the sales. It’s also hard to get a publishing deal if you are not a big name author, so self-publishing is a way to get a work out into the world, on your own terms.

Order Fulfillment

A self-published author must deal with the marketing and printing of a book as well as getting the book orders fulfilled. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but for many authors who are passionate about what they do, the work can be a joy. It’s also good to know that there are good options for order fulfillment out there, through mailbox centers. Mailbox centers are known for offering P.O. boxes, and other services like an apostille in NYC and document printing. These centers also offer warehouses for product storage (like books) and the means of taking on all the order fulfillment (packing and shipping) of book orders that come via email.

So, for anyone thinking about getting their book out there, the good news is that there is a way to get it done and get it into the hands of the reading public. Yes, it’s a big job, but it may be a little easier than you think.

               

Death At A Fixer Upper (A Home Sweet Home Mystery) By Sarah Hobart

** I received a free copy of Death Of A Fixer Upper in return for my honest review as a part of House Party's Chatterbox program. Al opinions are my own. **

I have to say that the book cover really caught my eye. I think it really adds to the mystery and sort of reminds me of fairy tale books I had as a kid. (Which are also interesting because the covers sometimes seem to reflect a more happy and jolly story, rather than a mystery or suspense story.) That's the case with this book.

I agree this book is very fast paced and held my attention well! I did have a slight issue with sometimes having to reread a few sentences back just to remind myself of which characters were who and where. (There are a lot of characters!) I do feel that a few less would have helped a little bit. (Maybe there is something I'm missing, but, a couple of books in a series would be great and maybe introduce a few characters at a time.) I do feel that this would be a great series!

I don't know what I think about the main character, Sam. I think she was portrayed well, I am just not digging Sam's style but, that's my opinion and certainly shouldn't take from the book. Personally, I found parts of Sam's hectic, strange life, very familiar, and I know a couple of people who are similar to Sam. She is an interesting character, just not fascinating. I also like how the author uses adjectives and describes scenes. I think she did a wonderful job there! In some places, it starts to get irritating because it seems to be to many descriptions. (For instance, the icky smell in the bathroom in the beginning.) But, one of my favorite authors, Clive Barker, sometimes takes pages and pages, just to describe one thing. I find a lot of his books to be very hard to read because of how he dwells on abstract things for so long. This author isn't nearly as overly detailed as him! (That's a compliment by the way!) She does a fine job painting the pictures in your mind, of every single scene and character, so, that's a plus also!

The story itself is original and holds your interest. However, it's a very fast read and one of those books that you read on a sunny Saturday afternoon outside. It doesn't take up all of your attention and if you have to put it back down, (because of kids chatting your ears off!), it will just take a second to get back where you were. I enjoy these kinds of books even though I really love books that are a little more in depth. I think of the difference as a television sitcom as compared to a documentary and this book of a sitcom.

I think the story and the author's writing style are fabulous and I love the level of expertise the author has with real estate. Having experience or legitimate research in a career or in the character is one of the ways a book gets a lot of good review. Sarah Hobart does really well with forming a good story, delivering some very unexpected twists, and helping you to see everything play out in your mind. These are the reasons I am giving this book 4 stars

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Deathloop by Gil Brailey

The characters are well constructed and described, so much that you can see them in your mind. The story itself will certainly draw you in and it may confuse you once or twice, or more, but just keep reading, you will catch on;)

Zach's character is a bit unnerving, although, you have to have a little bit of compassion for the guy. He really isn't all that bad, however, he does treat women a little wicked. (well he isn't the only one in the world). Even still, he does play an interesting part in this book, terribly mysterious and as much as you want to hate him, you can't.
I thought this was an odd book, in a good way, definitely wasn't mainstream, or something you may see, "Everybody reading at the beach" or "Everybody running to the bookstore for". I think they should though, it is an unusual book, and that is what makes this story so superb!
It reminds me of the type of book that will have it's own following, like certain bands, and those "out of the ordinary" type, books, movies, cult like genres. I would be one of them for this book, especially if there were more of these like from a series, or books written by this author, along the same lines.
It was unusual in the sense that I find people and their minds, intriguing. To have such an imagination, to conjure up a story that is so twisted and crazy and make it an easy book to read, fairly paced action, certainly enough to keep you interested, is a definite asset. (Especially in today's society where things don't seem as accepted or welcomed as they used too) I admire this when I read a book from an author that has some insanity trapped in there.
That is why I love books so much, they still seem to be for the most part, uncensored. Unlike music and movies and well, people's opinions.
The story does start out from another part of the story, so be prepared to be a little confused, but it is pretty obvious after you read it. (A lot of movies do this too and I always think it just adds to the twisted plot and adds a star:)
I wouldn't really know where to classify this, I know we have to have "genres" in a sense, but there should be an "unknown, crazy but worth your time" section. (and possibly a "unknown, not so crazy, waste of time" section, lol. This book, I would put in the worth your time group, because it is. It won't leave you bored, sure won't make you that confused, and it will keep you guessing, thinking and at the end, pretty explosive stuff there. Certainly not what I expected!
It does have some past life stuff, so I would guess if you are a non believer, that may disappoint you, but uh, that's what the story is kind of about! It also has a little swearing, not a lot, not a bunch of sex, and not any jumping around. It is written very strategically and offers a few hours of pure enjoyment!

You can read more about this book and the author, here!
You can also check out Deathloop on Facebook!
Follow Gil Brailey on Twitter!

Have you read this book? What did you think?
** I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review **

From the Chrysalis by Karen Black

I received a copy of this book, and as soon as I clicked to open the file, I started reading it. It is one of my favorite kinds of books, the kind that jumps right out and starts from page 1. no waiting, and the story unfolds rather quickly.
Liza and Dace are cousins, and Liza falls in love with Dace, who is a few years older then her, and also on his way to prison for murder. (although he really isn't guilty). It takes place in the 60's and 70's and also in Canada.
Dace ends up being a part of the Canada prison riots, and gets in even more trouble. Dace is a loyal friend, to loyal and takes the heat for a lot of people. Which in the end, gets him in trouble that he doesn't deserve.
From the Chrysalis, is Karen Black's debut, which is an amazing debut, very well written, smooth writing style, and very descriptive. She has a style all her own, and I personally would like to read more from her in the near future.
This story is one you won't be forgetting anytime soon, nor will you want to put it down. You will probably end up hoping for the best for Liza and Dace.
If you don't usually like violence in your books, then you may want to skip over the prison riot sections, although this was written so descriptively and flows nicely!! It isn't to over the top, however, I don't normally have an issue with violence and things of that nature in the books I enjoy.
The author has a fascinating imagination, and this book proves that! She has taken facts and an actual event, and turned it into a twisted, suspenseful, romance novel.

You can buy this book on Amazon..

Please leave any comments below! have you read this book? What did you think?


**I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review**

Blogging for Small Business

Yes, another Roadrunner Digital eBook;) I can't help it, this site is like a gold mine for bloggers, small businesses, Ebayers, anybody who is looking for solid information on how to earn more money online, and from home.
This specific book, is easily read, understood, and teaches many, many things about all of the opportunities there are out here.
If you are just starting, or already blogging, even if you are a seasoned blogger, there will be some valuable information for you in this book. This is especially helpful for the self starter, newbies, and social media junkies;)
It explains why every small business should have a blog, the many ways of earning money through your blog, and help with how to start, what to expect, how to make deals, sales, pretty much everything basic for all kinds of sites, blogs,and businesses.
I have to admit, I am partial to this specific site, (Roadrunner Digital), because I have yet to get a bad eBook from here. I may not be making lots of money online, nor am I a master at social marketing, earning money, or anything for that matter. (well, maybe my bartending skills are out of this world;) But, I learn most, through the eBooks offered on this site. I also store information, take notes, and save files, and can help point others in the direction of very informative books on these topics. The directions would all pretty much go to this website and the eBooks they offer.
I highly recommend this eBook for ANY small business, and ANY blogger, and ANY body who wants to start and learn from an eBook that is not going to tell you that you have to pay any amount of money for their advice and education, other then the cost of the eBook itself;)

**I received a copy of this book in return for my honest review**

More Free eBooks on Amazon!! (2 Days Only!!)

These are just a few of what is free today and tomorrow on Amazon!!
Scroll down on any of these free eBooks, and find a bigger list, and a chance to win a gift card!!

250 Bath and Body Recipes eBook Review AND Roadrunner Digital eBook Giveaway!!

If you are a friend of mine, (I like to say friend, rather then "follower", or "fan"), or ok, a reader;) then you probably have seen me go absolutely crazy about this very cool website and digital eBook store, RoadrunnerDigital!
I do love to read and to learn, and so do my little ones, and Roadrunner Digital has an awesome variety of books to choose from. So far, I grabbed recipe books, books that help with internet marketing, social networking, understanding SEO, how to make lip balm and lip gloss, (which is one of the summer activities, Genevive, and I will be doing together;), and this super sweet book, 250 Bath and Body Recipes!!
This is chock full of some easy to make recipes for all kinds of things that we pay way to much for at the store! Homemade bath and body products are also much better for you then the products we buy at the store, pus, we know what is going in them!
This is also a fun thing to do with your little ones, which is what Genevive and I are starting together. We are trying to have our own thing, since Genevive's oldest sister, Bethany, (Our 1st little princess:), is out on her own now, and then she has these 2 terribly annoying but so adorable, brothers, lol! I figured, if mommy and Genevive have our own special things to do, then mommy and Deegan, and mommy and Aaron, the kids feel much more important and are a lot happier! They, and I, can look forward to our own special time together.
Of course, we do things as a family, but with 4 kids, and now a granddaughter on the way, it is important to make sure that each of them has their own thing. Their dad always gets to do the fun stuff with them, (or so it seems), since daddy's always have them outside when they cut the grass or work on cars or 4 wheelers, and watch the cool stuff on TV. (What's TV, right??) lol;)
But anyway, back to this fun book and giveaway!!
You can find most all of these ingredients in your house, the grocery store, and a pharmacy! You can make anything from powders, to cleansers to masques!! Anything that will save money, and be better for my family, is always going to be my first choice. I am sure it is yours too!! Plus, you get the added benefit, which is, you have something fun to do with children, grandchildren, a neighbor, your mom, friends, you can have a much needed girls night out and hang out and bake cookies, (or just eat them;), and try the recipes in this eBook!
You can win your own copy, (this is valued at $27), and it is an instant download, so as soon as you reply to the winner notification email, you can download it asap!!
You can enter here!!
Leave comments below and let us know what eBook you would like to see next as a prize!! You will earn a couple extra entries this way and the more entries, the more prizes!!
You can check out Roadrunner Digital here, and leave the title of what you would love to own, below!!

30 Lip Balm and Gloss Recipes (Roadrunner Digital)

I have been searching, looking, everywhere, asking everybody for clues, info, legitimate places to get recipes for home made lip gloss and lip balms.
Of course, I found some cool blogs where they had some very good recipes, that you can make with chocolate, things like that. That is great, but I was planning on making our own, and maybe to sell..
My 5 year old, Genevive, and i have plans to make our own lip glosses, fruity, candy, soda flavored, lol, and since we go through so much, I thought we would save money at the same time!!
I came across this book, and it actually has lots of good information! 30 recipes, and ingredients that I have heard of and can get!!
I am so annoyed with recipes that have some crazy ingredients that I can't get local, or semi local, and I also would like stuff that is edible, and would be perfectly fine to use on your lips! (and eat, lol, since that is normally what little girls do)
This book has step by step instructions, easy to understand, and actual good recipes!! I love it! I also found all of the stuff needed at a local store, so as soon as I make it there, we are getting started!
I have had nothing but luck with this website, and all the books they have to offer1 Everything from making your own lip gloss, to brownie recipes, to social media, to affiliate marketing, to children's books! It is just the coolest eBook store I have found.
I just grabbed a couple more books last night and will be posting about them very soon. I can't say enough how much each book I have read so far from RoadrunnerDigital has helped me in some aspect of my cooking, crafts with my kids, my online business, and there is really so much to choose from!
The prices are also perfect and they have awesome sales!! The best part is, when you make a purchase, you can read it instantly!

Affiliates, Youtube, Giveaways, and all I need to learn!

I am now starting my next venture in the blogging world. It is time consuming for somebody like me, since I am still only about 6 months into this, and I have never had to learn these things before.
This is not nearly as crazy as my episodes with Google the last couple weeks! Thank goodness that is all resolved!
I am getting emails with "approved accounts", and I am stuck the second I log in! So, this weekend it is my goal to figure these out, set them up accordingly, and start on my next project. (email newsletters)
I already have email newsletters now, but through my Blogfrog account, I noticed that I am actually able to send these newsletters out for free! Not to mention, it is much less time consuming since I do not have to click through all of my contacts.
I also noticed there are a few companies that are offering free trials for their email newsletter programs. I will be shopping around for a few weeks first, so if anybody has any suggestions, please comment and let me know!
I hope that by next spring, I have a decent network built, and have learned the basics, and a little more, and I will be working on my 3rd blog at that time! This is a major goal for me, and I am nothing but determined to have this all figured out and squared away.
Don't forget to "like" my page on Facebook, and find me on Twitter!
I do have giveaways going all the time, and offer daily updates on freebies and deals.
Thank you in advance for any advice on blogging, learning this stuff, and finding a reputable email newsletter host!
Next month, or hopefully this month, I will be working on a Youtube channel, where we will do product reviews!
By the end of this year, i hope to have my whole "Couponing 101" course, complete, and possibly offer a very cheap ebook as well. Other then affiliates, ebooks, Youtube, video reviews, my main task will always be NETWORKING!!!
Which, by the way, I am looking for sponsors for my "1500 Facebook Fan Giveaway".
I am close to 1000 right now, and would like to partner up with some companies, SAHM businesses, any small business, who like to donate an item for this event, and your business, blog, pages, products, will aslo be posted all over my networks!