For best viewing, enlarge the video.
Happy 4th to those in the US. Hope you're having a great
and safe holiday.
The jumping off a cliff part I don't mean literally. Recently, Lindsay Buroker of E-book Endeavors, suggested free reads be put up for distribution on Smashwords. Like most, I had them up on my website. But here is a place distributing books and stories to 'the audience' where they don't have to work so hard to find you. So, I made up some book covers, edited the stories, formatted them and went for it.
It was an exhilerating thing to do, and gets me better distribution than leaving them on website did. Plus, I can now get reviewed, which is a new thing. Something else we have to get used to as writers. Crit groups is one thing,a review from someone who doesn't know you is something entirely different. Another step down the writer road.
At any rate, it's a great idea for continuing to build our platforms -- to put our free reads up on Smashwords. Amazon doesn't let you put something to free. It might match over time, but there's no guarantee. So, I'm going to stick to Smashwords for free reads. Good practice in formatting, too.
You'll see my three stories in my sidebar -- Translations, Small Graces and Plantgirl. They're three stories I read at the library. Got good reactions from all three. Plantgirl got me my first fan. So, read and enjoy. Here's my Smashwords page: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/mpaxauthor
What about you? Learn any new tricks for platform-building?
18 comments:
Ooh, this is very cool. I may have to give it a try, thanks, Mary!
That's cool. I'll have to download those tomorrow. I love the covers M Pax. You did a great job with presentation. I've never thought to use smashwords for free stories. Let me know how it goes!
Neat. This definitely looks like something to try. As for platform building, so far I'm just trying to attract blog readers.
'Crit groups is one thing,a review from someone who doesn't know you is something entirely different.'
Very true, but very good, I think. Off to check out your excerpts.
'Small Graces.'
'The ozone smelled different. Sweet, not like the recycled twang which abused her nose aboard the Mother.'
This is where I was drawn in past the point of no return. I loved this. The title is excellent, beautiful play on words. I've read a lot of non-fiction in this vein and not a lot of fiction-- the Singularity, uploading consciousness, etc.
***SPOILER ALERT***
I have to admit, I though the alien bodies were going to merge with hers, not revive one of hers.
I like it M Pax. A lot. I like the way your mind works. I think it was a great idea for you to post your work in a wider forum.
Lovely covers! I'll have to check them out when I get home. Can't open them on my phone. ;)
That is a cool idea. I'm going to check them out soon when I get some time! Have a Happy Fourth! :)
Very cool. The covers are great and you will get interest over at Smashwords. Congrats on taking the plunge.
Hi, M.
Good luck with Wicked Writers. What day are you posting? I was doing every other Friday. Since I left, I have been doing a lot of author events, but doing hardly no blogging at all, other that posting. Hopefully, this is going to change. I have been spending my day today saying hello to the folks. *waves hello* Hopefully, you will see me more often...over at "Wicked", too. ;) I love those guys!!
-Jimmy
That's cool! I want to read them.
love the pics on the covers of your stories, but I'd change the fonts and the position of the titles :)
Hope you had nice holidays with the loved ones, Mary!
Very cool! Off I go...
Congratulations on getting your stories out there! If you check yes-distribute for all the partners on the Smashwords dashboard, your ebooks should eventually get to B&N, iTunes, and Sony too. I've had a lot more downloads of my freebie at B&N than anywhere else, and I know it's helped with my novel sales over there!
Also, thanks for the mention on your blog and the review of Encrypted over at Smashwords!
Love your covers, especially Plantgirl... going to have to read that one:)
great covers. It's fantastic you're getting your stories out there :)
Great idea. I can't wait to read your stories.
I wanted to post some short stories for free, but I always end up putting them into my main books. I wish I could publish them separate, but I always find that they fit so perfect into the big books. Frustrating, but that's just the way things work out.
I read Plantgirl yesterday - I LOVED it! Amazing ending. I can't wait to read the other two.
Post a Comment