Monday, September 28, 2009

Issues and general questions

Okay as you all may have noticed it is the 28th and there is no chapter. My publisher asked that I not post entire manuscripts on line for free any more as it is probably not good for book sales. Since he had this whole contract thing I kind of had to listen. SOOOOOO that is the issue here are the questions. I can post short vignettes [pretty much the same length of regular chapters] about various things related to the Channel Rider world. These would cover things I wasn't really planning to put in the book, kind of like background info that I keep in my head. Like why did Elena break Troy's nose and get kicked out of Danvers. When did Therese's jealousy spill into hatred? Random stories of pilots past,That sort of thing. The trick with that is that you have to ask questions otherwise I will end up running through my short list very quickly. The second thing I could do is to start posting from a completely different story. Third option, general short stories, and fourth oprion some wierd amalgamation of the above options. Any thoughts? v

10 comments:

Will said...

Or you could decide what means more to you. The income from potential book sales, or the pleasure generated for those who read your stories online and the loyalty which follows?
Surely if people enjoy reading your books online for free, then they'll want to posess a physical copy too?
Could you not self-publish your works (e.g. lulu.com) and therefore set your own rules?

Steve said...

Well, a contract is a contract, though I think your publisher is being a bit short sighted - since I'm not in the USA it's not like I can easily get a paper copy of your work!

I'd quite like to read some short stories based on the background of stories so far - perhaps how the military linked up with Ian? Elena's first months away from the family and actually setting up the shop. Soem of the stories of when she was being brought up as a young girl by her grandfather. I'd also would like to read some of your other work. One thing that would concern would be that you didn't overload yourself. If you commit to keeping this site going, then you'll be writing for your publisher , writing for here and presumably the day job - you still need a life in all of that! I've always enjoyed reading short stories anyway, so I'm bound to go for that option.

Steve

Gary said...

I love your writings.
But please think of yourself first.
The writing & publishing business is a tough business.
So many authors are not earning much let alone a living from writing.
With ebooks it is very affordable.
I know some people won't like what I have just said but think about it.
If you had a particular gift & could actually "work" at what you love doing?
I wish you the best whatever you decide.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad for you that you actually did manage to get a publishing contract, but from the reader side... Not happy (and not in the USA). Also, a contract allowing them to pressure you into something like that is not nice, to put it like that. I'll refrain from using the words I think of.

Unknown said...

Congrats on having a publishing contract. While I understand the publishers desire to not give away your work I hope you will still consider electronic distribution. I, like a lot of people am much more likely to purchase books available electronically these days.

buzybee06 said...

Hi there, First off I would like to say kudos to you for getting your books published! As for the story, I have enjoyed reading about Elena and her adventures, but as you have noted, your web site is dedicated to promoting YOUR writing. I would love to read something different a new story line, back story about the guild. Maybe try something we wouldn't normally see.
But yes Please Keep writing.

Eldoran said...

To be frank, I'm not likely to buy a copy either way. I don't do online shopping (it is still too dangerous for my taste) and here in Austria English books are either best sellers available in a few book shops or ridiculously overpriced (and have to be ordered first).
I really love your writing style, so any of the mentioned options seems wonderful to me.

Anonymous said...

I am veary happy for you. Sad for me, I love your story and now must do with out for a bit. Glad you have a contract and hope to see your name in print soon. Best of luck and let us know when book 3 is out. Oh now get back to work so I have a story to read. Thanks Richard

Tom said...

Well, I have enjoyed the story and will be searching the publisher for the continuation. One question is, "Who owns the copyright?" If you do and the publisher is licensed by you then I can see where the publisher might be up set with free posting. There are some online writers, either bloggers or actual authors who ask for donations from the on line "free" readers, and are published so one can buy their books as well. I would hope you would have a choice. To be honest I am taking advantage of "free" reading but when I can I will make a donation to the author personal cause when I can and if they say where or how to donate.
I have enjoyed the story and feel hanging as Elena and Benjamin walk down the corridor arm and arm. There seems there is more of a untold story and, if I understand, the publisher wants us to buy and not donate directly to you. Of course the publisher will have a wider distribution if they think there is a good market for the story.

Tom said...

Well, I have enjoyed the story and will be searching the publisher for the continuation. One question is, "Who owns the copyright?" If you do and the publisher is licensed by you then I can see where the publisher might be up set with free posting. There are some online writers, either bloggers or actual authors who ask for donations from the on line "free" readers, and are published so one can buy their books as well. I would hope you would have a choice. To be honest I am taking advantage of "free" reading but when I can I will make a donation to the author personal cause when I can and if they say where or how to donate.
I have enjoyed the story and feel hanging as Elena and Benjamin walk down the corridor arm and arm. There seems there is more of a untold story and, if I understand, the publisher wants us to buy and not donate directly to you. Of course the publisher will have a wider distribution if they think there is a good market for the story.