Eric Wilson of Fireproof gives Never Ceese 4 Stars!

Say it ain't so? Yep. Some time back I earned a grand review from New York Times Best Selling author of the novelization of "Fireproof" Eric Wilson. He posted it on Amazon one day out of the blue. I didn't expect it and was quite surprised to even see it there. Why would a New York Times Best Selling Author of anything leave a review of one of my books.

Well as luck would have it, he posted it on Amazon who recently started removing reviews by authors on other authors books. Good thing I copied the review before they deleted it so here it is in all its glory!

Eric Wilson
September 6, 2007
4 Stars

Circling the Camp

Sue Dent has done the unthinkable. She's pushed the boundaries of Christian fiction, circling the camp with a small publisher, howling for someone to take notice. And it's working.

"Never Ceese" is a blend of traditional vampire themes and modern smart-mouthed characters. Ceese is a werewolf on her way to a British castle, where she will rendezvous with Richard the vampire. Ceese is in a constant struggle with "the wolf" inside, while Richard is trying to maintain a modicum of control over his fang-toothed desires. This unlikely pair, united by an old woman named Penny, discover they have mutual childhood links. As they travel to meet a young college-age researcher, their pasts come to light. Romance flits about in unexpected places. And a self-seeking professor angles to take their immortality for himself.

The standbys are in play--garlic, crucifixes, wolfsbane, etc--but Dent adds a few of her own elements to this classic battle between the old ways and new. There are few surprises, but the story moves at a quick pace, leavened with humorous dialogue and clever insights. Dent's characters struggle with their cursed sinful natures, seeking release--if such a thing is possible.

In the end, all is resolved--if not a bit suddenly on some levels--and possibilities are left open for the sequel, "Forever Richard." I guess I know what book to add to my Christmas list. With Dent circling the camp, someone's bound to wake up to this genre's possibilities.

 
Actually I've not done the unthinkable at all. In fact, as far as what he's talking about here, I've done nothing at all. I'm not circling any camp and no one in that camp cares at all that a puny little POD author even wrote a book. Ah but thanks for the kind words Mr. Wilson.

Update on dead link. UGH!

*** Update on update: And if you want the link, you can just go google it. They didn't repost the book cover. Didn't care about the new republished version, didn't even bother to say, "congratulations, hey can we do a review of your newest book." I know, how vain of me. They didn't even bother to keep the comments that came over with it. I'm sure they were lost. Ask them about it though. They have wonderful insights as to why I have no right to speak to them the way I did. *Sue shakes her head disconcerted.* It's a "targeted" site that "will" review *ahem* "secular" work or rather non-targeted. You get what you get. Their entire front page is covered with books by "targeted" Christian publishers. Good grief! All while my interview sits in archive and I've never been contacted since to do another interview or heaven forbid a review. Even though my work continues to appeal overwhelmingly to CBA's targeted audience. Nope. I'm a nobody even after being short-listed for a Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a First Novel and making the long-list at the British Fantasy Society. I hate sites that pretend to be something they're not all for the sake of looking like they're helping someone they never cared to help. My interview is in archives. Wow! Thanks for all the love. You know what, I'm gonna post the link. Oh do go post a comment: http://thechristianmanifesto.com/archives/book-review/forever-richard for the review by Jake Chism and http://thechristianmanifesto.com/archives/3602 Y'all go pile on the comments and see if we can't get it to the front page of the site. We only need 18 or 19 from what I can tell. Well, if things work right. ;)

***Update: Oh my! I did hear back but it took me two days to track someone down. Then I had to listen to how nasty my post was below, where I boldly inserted a statement form their front page? "I would've preferred an email," they said, "instead of that nasty blog." Sorry, guy, didn't have an email. The one I found led to a dead link and the last time I posted a "friendly" notice on my blog that the link had disappeared, you responded quite nicely as to where it had been moved. Thought it might work again. The e-mail I found on FB worked, though now I'm sort of sorry it did. Good Grief!! I really held to hope that this "Christian" Magazine, in spite of the usual division of the market into "Christian" meaning evangelical and "secular," meaning every other faith, would in fact break all the molds. Sadly, it's the same old same old.
***Update over***

Long story short, after appealing to this magazine to please give all authors equal play, I got the interview reposted. But not without being told that they really didn't like me and didn't want to put it back up. LOL To that I say, feel free to pull it at any time. If I'd known for sure this magazine was like all the other "Christian" magazines out there, I would've run as fast as I could the other way. As a rule, I don't open myself up to be abused and disrespected.

***update over***

Well I'm currently putting together an Electronic Press Kit and went to put links to the grand two part interview I did with Jake Chism of the Christian Manifesto that was moved from it's original location shortly after going live only to find that it's missing once again. Oh good grief. Yep, it's one of the best interviews out there and I can't find it once more.

If you look at the "about me" section on the Christian Manifesto it says this:

" . . . We’re just as comfortable reviewing and critiquing the creative work of Eminem as we are Steven Curtis Chapman. We won’t crucify an artist because he swears too much nor will we praise an artist simply because they make worship music. We won’t degrade an author because their writing is risqué or praise one because their main character is an Amish woman . . ."

But being comfortable doesn't seem to mean they won't move your interview or completely get rid of it shortly after inception or at some point when they think you're not paying attention. How much you want to bet I don't hear back from these guys this time as to how to get to this grand interview. Oh, and for the record, after the first move, the pictures that went with the interview NEVER showed up again including the book cover. Appreciate the respect guys. Seriously!

Seems to be just another case of the "conservative evangelicals" throwing their assumed weight around again. So sad. :(

If I'm not given the links soon, I'll post the interview myself with added bonus material. :)

What follows is the ORIGINAL post. It no longer applies the interview is once again gone.

I told them I wouldn't do the interview unless I could speak frankly about the "Christian" publishing industry. They agreed that this was fine. Guess I should've made them agree to not pulling the interview whenever they please.

*****Nuther UPDATE*****
Mr. Jake Chism did the work for me and found the links. How's that for cool!

Part 1

Part 2

Jake rocks!


****UPDATE*****UPDATE****
See comment from C.E. Moore to this post for "importante informacion!" The mysterious disappearance of my interview at The Christian Manifesto isn't that at all. It seems they simply moved. I just didn't get the change of address notice. LOL I'm off to get it now and will repost the link to my interview if it was moved as well. Of course it was moved. Why would they not include my interview in the move. *Sue looks around paranoid starts gnawing on fingernails* They wouldn't not move my interview, would they?


Earlier this year I did a wonderful two part interview with the Christian Manifesto. I even linked to it of course so others could learn more about my books etc . . . Don't know what happened, but the blog is gone!!! Poof! Vanished into thin are. Maybe they just moved the interview and renamed the blog. I'll see if I can find out. That was a really good interview too. Oh well, se la vi.

Bellbrook on Lockdown Press Release

Not due to go out until Sunday but you get the scoop here first:

Horror Author Sue Dent is Scheduled to Bring It to Lockdown at Bellbrook, OH Oct. 28-30 Accompanied by The Paranormal Investigative Team of Chris Matheny and Kim Brouillette of What Lies Beyond?

The entire town of Bellbrook, Ohio will be on lockdown for this paranormal expo. There will be numerous events; guest speakers, paranormal investigations, vendors and so much more. Sue Dent will be in attendance with her Black Bed Sheet Books titles.

With large bookstores such as Barnes & Noble asking all publishers to abide by an "industry" standard return policy that is antiquated, outdated and unworkable, not to mention put in place during the depression to save flailing bookstores of that era, small published authors have had to come up with some very creative ways to get their books to their reading public.

"I've started doing horror conventions," Sue says, "as well as events like "Bellbrook on Lockdown" just so I can set up to sell my books. When my friends Chris Matheny and Kimberly Brouillette told me about this event, I was definitely interested."

Sue, being an outspoken advocate for small published and self-published authors went on to say, "I try to make it easy for my fans to get my books since large bookstores won't carry them due to the fact that small publishers can't make their books returnable by that unworkable "industry" standard return policy and survive. And now, since large bookstore chains such as Barnes & Noble no longer take books on consignment, I've had to work even harder. Quite disillusioning indeed since I'd say that over 75% of the publishing "industry" is now made up of small publishers and self-published authors and large bookstores still ignore us as if we don't exist or matter."

"Not to worry," says Sue. "There are plenty of other places to find my books. Most of the time I'll be on hand to sign them too as is the case here."

"Lockdown at Bellbrook" looks to be an exciting, fun and spooky time for all except for possibly the faint of heart with special appearances by folks such as SyFy's Booth Brothers and ghost hunter extraordinaire Keith Age. Also the SyFy channel will be on hand for a special reveal. You can find more about that here: http://www.beyondtheveilparanormal.org/bellbrook2011.php and here: http://bellbrookonlockdown.webs.com/

"You'll also get to meet Chris Matheny and Kimberly Brouillette of What Lies Beyond? Do visit their blog at http://whatliesbeyond4u.blogspot.com/ to learn more about them as they'll be leading and orchestrating a few Ghost Hunts themselves," Sue says, "including one at The Kickstand Lodge, a Bed & Breakfast in nearby Spring Valley where we'll be staying. The hotel was built in the 1800's and guests have reported hearing odd noises from time to time."

Sue adds, "Because I'm going to be in the area, I did attempt to make it easier for my fans in Dayton to come see me by contacting a local Barnes & Noble. But of course since I've opted not to abide by that "industry" standard return policy that sinks all small publishers, they won't hear of it. And as I said above, they absolutely no longer allow any author in for an event unless that "industry" standard death certificate is adhered to."

So come on out to the "lockdown" and help support all small publishers such as Sue's publisher Black Bed Sheet Books. Good reads for the season and any other time as well. "You can always stop by The Kickstand B&B to get an autographed copy of any of my books or to just talk shop. Let me know when you're coming and I'll be glad to accommodate being there for you."

Sue will have her Black Bed Sheet published and 2007 Bram Stoker short-listed Never Ceese with her as well as her newest release from BBS, Electric Angel.

"I would like to add that you may order my books from any bookstore including B&N. Though no large brick and mortar bookstore will ever carry my books due to my not signing on to that insane return policy, they can order them for you."

# # #

Haper Collin goes POD!!!!!!

Oh this is far tooooo good not to share. Here's the link to the story called:

HarperCollins Publishers Making 5000 Titles Available Print on Demand

Here's my comment if you could care less about what the articles says but want to see my comment. Of course! Who wouldn't?

"Even as digital book sales grow, bookstores continue to be an important place for customers to shop for physical books. The goal of this initiative is to give the local bookseller the capability to provide customers with a greater selection of HarperCollins titles in a physical environment," said Brian Murray, President and Chief Executive Officer of HarperCollins Publishers.

Large bookstores are only an important place for large publishers as no small publisher can operate under the "industry" standard return policy that "sinks" all small publishers should they sign on to it, (which they have to for large bookstores to carry their books) and now it's barely working for large publishers.

How HILARIOUS that Harper Collins (and I'm sure the others will follow suit if they've not done so already,)is considering that "great evil" POD publishing! Hysterical.

Here's an idea. Since large publishers are responsible for that insane "industry" standard return policy, why don't they ALL work with "their" bookstores to fix it so All publishers large and small can compete!

Too funny. That return policy was created to save bookstores during the depression, put in place by Simon & Schuster and then by the other few large publishers of the day. Now those SAME publishers are throwing "their" bookstores under the train! I guess they're beyond saving.

My thoughts: bookstores should stop pandering to large publishers and create an "industry" standard return policy that works for the "industry" today--before it's too late--if it's not too late already. I guess large publishers today lack the "perseverance" and moral fortitude they had back in the day. Borders is already gone because of this problem. Who will be next?

Here's a comment that I posted on my Facebook page which in no way is to infer that I like Facebook it's just that it's free and I don't mind that they make money selling information that I want out there to begin with:

Is it not the most hysterical thing you've ever read!!! Harper Collins are the ones that gave CBA affiliated Zondervan their OWN imprint so they could discriminate in large bookstores as well as within large "Christian" bookstores, making the publisher, once owned by Family Christian but then disowned for their "evil" ways (because after all Harper Collins are the ones who distribute the "Satanic" bible) suffer for their wicked ways. Zondervan's response to the complaints from their one time owners, "It was a hostile takeover. We had not choice." LOLROFL Oh yeah. Like they couldn't "just say no." *Sue hums then sings* Money, money, money, money--Monnnn aaaaa!

Bellbrook on Lockdown!

And check this link out to learn waaaaay more about What Lies Beyond and myself!

Don't buy my books from B&N or Amazon!

Wow, really? An author is asking readers NOT to purchase their books from Amazon or B&N. Most authors expound upon the virtues of having their work available through these "wonderful" venues.

A.) NO ONE asks to be listed on B&N or Amazon it automatically happens whether you like it or not. Secondly, why would I want to be listed on B&N on-line when they won't even consider carrying my books in their brick and mortar stores therefore making it impossible for me to plan an event there. And all because I chose "NOT" to agree to the "industry" standard return policy that sinks ALL less-than-large publishers. They don't even pursue setting up a separate return policy that works better for ALL. But that's because large publishers, back in the day, designed the warped "industry" standard return policy not the bookstores. So in B&N's defense, it's the large publishers that truly suck. Even so, I won't support any bookstore that doesn't support small publishers.

Oh and B.) why would I ask to be listed on Amazon when they blatantly list two of my books as available through them as "new" THROUGH AMAZON when there's no way for them to "legally" get them. They're both out of print and quite unavailable. My correspondence with them has been a circular discussion of biblical proportions and I'm forced to sit back quietly because I can't afford a lawyer and, well, it's hardly worth it.

Either way, I didn't ASK to be listed on these sites, no author does, it's automatic once you apply for a ISBN through Bowker and stick it on your book. How nice!

Of course you may purchase ANY of my books ALL day long through Black Bed Sheet Books and well that would be wonderful. I also offer it for sale on my site at SueDent.net and it's available at many other on-line sites OTHER THAN Amazon and B&N . . . THANK GOD!!

Lighting Source's definition of "Return Policy."

Let's begin.

From LSI's contract

BACKGROUND ON RETURNS

Typically publishers grant booksellers the right to return unwanted and/or overstocked copies ofbooks. These books are considered “returnable”.

Sue's thoughts: Pay very close attention to this. The ONLY publishers who grant booksellers the right to return unwanted and/or overstocked copies of books are large publishers AND not only do they give bookstores that privilege but grant them other privileges as well. It is part of that warped "industry" standard return policy Simon & Schuster [and soon the other few large publishers] set up during the depression to keep bookstores from going under. The problem: once the depression ended and bookstores were able to stand on their own again, no one changed the blasted return policy and in fact, it became the "industry standard."

As books are returned, booksellers charge publishers for the cost (i.e. their purchase price) of any books returned and expect to be reimbursed. The cost of returned books is either deducted or netted against the proceeds of book sales of the publishers’ titles in the month returns are shipped to the publisher.

Sue's thoughts: If only that was how it worked. It isn't and you can research for yourself to see that there is WAY more to it than that. What's listed above is only a very, very, very small part of how it really works. Keep in mind it's part of that "warped" industry standard return policy. The only part that makes a modicum of sense.

Some booksellers will only purchase books on a returnable basis;

Sue's thoughts: Let's go ahead and say it right now. No larger bookseller such as Barnes & Noble will purchase your book unless you make it returnable by that warped "industry" standard return policy EVER, no matter what. MOST small booksellers will which is refreshing as this means a very workable "return policy" is used.

therefore, there is a probability that sales may be reduced if a title is designated as non-returnable.

Sue's thoughts: LOL You bet sales will be reduced. No large bookstore will ever order your books period! But then, when you make your book returnable according to the "industry" standard, even when a large bookstore buys your book they aren't technically buying it because they get to send it right back whenever they want to and they get to do so for FREE! They don't even have to pay shipping, according to that warped "industry" standard return policy.

Publishers must weigh the risk of returns against the potential for increased sales and be prepared to reimburse booksellers for the cost of returns as they occur. Publishers who make their titles returnable typically place a designated percentage of their proceeds from sales into a fund (or reserve account) that is used exclusively to pay for the cost of future returns.

Sue's thoughts: For the publisher, and I'm not talking about the large publishers who that warped "industry standard return policy works I mean the small publisher, there is GREAT risk of returns and the absolute unbelievable hard truth is that small publishers typically NEVER get their returned books back so they're out the print cost of the book. More on that in a moment. Needless to say, the above statement is only speaking about larger publishers.

Having said that, here are the choices you get to make as a publisher if you use Lightning Source, Ingram's POD distributor. Pay very close attention.

Returns Designation Meaning

No - Select this designation if you do not want to allow your titles to be sold on a returnable basis. LSUS will not accept returns from booksellers for any title so designated.

Yes-Deliver - Select this designation if you want to allow your titles to be sold on a returnable basis and you would like to receive a physical copy of the book upon its return. If you select this option, you will be charged for the current wholesale cost of each book returned, plus a $2.00 per book shipping and handling charge. LSUS does not guarantee the condition of the book being returned

Yes-Destroy - Select this designation if you want to allow your titles to be sold on a returnable basis and you would not like to receive a physical copy of the book upon its return. If you select this option, you will be charged only for the current wholesale cost of each book returned. No shipping and handling fees will apply. LSUS will destroy any returned books that it receives if this option is selected

Sue's Experience with Lightning Source: No matter what option you choose, you NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER will see your "returned-from-the-bookstore" book. I chose Yes-Deliver and expected to see my returned book sent back to me. Hahahahahahaha! Yeah right. I thought this because of this statement " and you would like to receive A physical copy of THE book upon ITS return."

I'm going to give you a few seconds to decide what YOU think that means . . . . . . . . . . okay, times up. If you thought it meant you will get your "returned-from-the-bookstore" book back, guess again. YOU WILL NEVER SEE IT AGAIN! It isn't even an option. When I contacted LSI to ask them "what up" they had this to say. And yes, I have the emails:

"No you don't get the book back, what we do is print you a NEW copy and charge you $2.00 shipping for it."

I said, "where is my returned book?"

"Oh we destroy that."

What? What? What?

"I didn't choose "Yes - destroy" so I want my damn book back like your contract states."

"Well, that wording really needs to be changed."

At this point I just sit in silence thinking WOW! And this is legal. They've no fear whatsoever. Their contract is full of wording that infers one thing but means another. Unbelievable. I did tell them at that point that I felt this was illegal and they blew me off. I told them to tell me where it was they destroyed the books as I wanted to "see" my book before it was destroyed as I didn't believe it ever came back to them as they "inferred." Their response, "oh trust me. We take care of it." I never did get a location I could visit.

Bottom line is, LSI never sees the returned books. They don't want to pay to have it shipped back and neither do they want to pay to destroy it. Since they won't divulge the location were the destruction of the book occurs, I'm going to assume they don't destroy them either. Were do said books go . . . hmmmm . . . there's lots of money to be made selling returned-from-the-bookstore books to wholesalers who dabble in such things.

Now before you go on and think I've got it "in" for LSI, ALL POD distributors operate this way and it's due to that warped "industry" standard return policy. LSI is so bold about it because apparently they think the well-they're-doing-it-too mentality will protect them. So far so good.

If you're a publisher and you make your books returnable according to that standard then you're basically sunk. I've asked my publisher to make ALL my books non-returnable according to that "industry" standard. But basically my books aren't non-returnable at all. If you'd like to work out a return policy that benefits both the publisher and the bookseller he'll be more than happy to work with you. Hopefully my decision will help keep my publisher alive and kicking for a LONG, LONG WHILE.

But to be so bold as to sit there and tell me that I don't ever get my returned book back when the contract clearly read that I will . . . wow, just wow!

Reviews of Electric Angel!

You won't see reviews popping up on Electric Angel overnight as is the case with soooooooooo many books an author publishes. The reason: A) I'm not with a large publisher therefore news of a new release takes a LOT of time to get out there. B) I don't solicit reviews therefore they come in their own time.

I also do not think reviews do anything to help sell a book and shouldn't. It's nice to know someone read my book and enjoyed it. And the kind words are certainly appreciated. But reviews aren't moderated and in most cases can't even be left unless the fan "joins" the site or at least "purchases" another product from that site. For instance, to leave a review on Amazon, you have to have bought a product in the past or purchase a product straight away. And that's to leave a comment on a product you bought SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! And Amazon is where most other bookseller sites go to get reviews. Either there or Goodreads, a site heavily sponsored by large publishers who don't give a "darn" about small pubbed authors period.

So to learn the "truth" about what "real fans" say about my book, you best start looking here as I'll post responses as I get them. Mainly because it's so dang encouraging to me. ;) Here's the latest:

Laurie Froehlingsdorf, part owner of Shoutlife.com says of Electric Angel: "I started reading it last night and I am hooked! Love the fact I can read it on my kindle."

In reference to authors/publishers/readers of that targeted "Christian" market that so frequently ignore the fact that I exist AND appeal to their readers ergo offer NO support whatsoever publicity-wise or in any other way: "still sucks that people are so closed minded!"

Love me some Shoutlife!!!

Love ya, Laurie!

Ghost Hunters, Paranormal, Sue Dent, Oh MY!

Check it out! Yours truly has been added to the guest list along with Chris Matheny and Kimberly Brouillette of RIP/WLB! Watch for the press release coming soon! Yeah Baby cuz it ain't Halloween unless you entertain some spirits . . . and settle down with some "fitting for the season" reads!

Kindle Author Interview? Can this be?

There's this nifty little blog hosted by David Wiseman where Mr. Wiseman interviews and features Kindle authors. Well, I thought it was a particularly attractive blog and asked Mr. Wiseman if he ever considered interviewing authors who had a Kindle book but not through Amazon and if so, could said author be interviewed. He responded with, "yes. Lets!"



So I got the questions today and turned them in today! At some point here in the very near future you will see an interview with me about Never Ceese, the Black Bed Sheet "KINDLE" Edition available only through Black Bed Sheet Books and possibly some other venues my publisher may choose but not through Amazon (because I choose not to. Yeah. My publisher's cool like that.)



Wow! Now that's cool! In the interview I explain why I personally don't use Amazon to publish my books in Kindle format as well as the advantages of not doing so. I'll let you know when the interview is up otherwise you can just keep checking David Wiseman's Kindle Authors blog! ;)

WTF2!

A little bit more abut just what WTF2 means!



WTF2



Click above if you dare. ;)

Want your book in a B&N Brick & Mortar store?

Then sell your soul to the devil. Here's one example of how that works. Pulled from Barnes & Noble corporates website.

Your willingness to place your book with a book wholesaler may determine whether or not we carry it. Wholesalers normally expect a 50-55% discount, pay in 60-90 days, and expect books to be returnable. Some expect free freight. Placing your book with a wholesaler will simplify your billing (one invoice to one location). It also allows Barnes & Noble to place larger orders and put the book on automatic replenishment. Wholesalers are used by many segments of the book industry: publishers, libraries, and booksellers. Other bookstores order from the same wholesalers used by Barnes & Noble. We can help put you in touch with an appropriate wholesaler.

Amazing isn't it?



They say, "Your willingness to place your book with a book wholesaler may determine whether or not we carry it."



Just forget the word "may." If you or your publisher do not work with a wholesaler/distributor such as Ingram's Lightning Source or BookMasters, you can forget about your book ever seeing the inside of a B&N. You can bank on that.



They say, "Wholesalers normally expect a 50-55% discount, pay in 60-90 days, and expect books to be returnable."



Not the case at all. Barnes & Noble expect a 50-55% discount, pay in 60-90 days and expect the books to be returnable according to "industry standard" rules. They're the ones asking for that not the wholesalers/distributors. Like the way they put that off on the "other guy."



They say, "Some[wholesalers/distributors] expect free freight."



LOLROFL Somebody has to PAY for freight. B&N NEVER does because their large publishing houses do. Oh bad distributor/publisher of small press books!!! Bad, bad, bad!!! How dare you expect B&N to operate like a "real" business.



They say, "Placing your book with a wholesaler will simplify your billing (one invoice to one location). It also allows Barnes & Noble to place larger orders and put the book on automatic replenishment."



Barnes & Nobles only place larger orders with their big publishers. They just want you to sign on to that ludicrous "industry standard" return policy so they can send your poor book back the second it comes in the door, (for free because they didn't have to pay freight and they don't have to give your publisher their money back for 60 to 90 days and you'll never get the book back.)



They say, "Wholesalers are used by many segments of the book industry: publishers, libraries, and booksellers. Other bookstores order from the same wholesalers used by Barnes & Noble. We can help put you in touch with an appropriate wholesaler."



Translation, "Others do business that way too so it must be okay." What a way to justify something so messed up. Good grief.

Want to set up an Author Event at a brick and mortar B&N?

Okay, here's what B&N corporate has to say about that:

National touring authors are typically organized and supported by publishers through our home office. Most store events, however, are arranged through our stores in coordination with publishers.

If you would like to be considered for an author event, call your publisher or contact the community relations manager or store manager at any local Barnes & Noble store. Use our Store/Event Locator to find the store nearest you.

Here's what I say. I called about getting an event set up having done a few in the past, one of which I've yet to be paid for but I too poor to sue over a few books sold. Of course they know this so what do they care. Thanks local B&N for all your wonderful support. Anyway, corporate B&N told me that CRM's are no longer being used in this capacity. Funny they haven't changed that on their site yet. And the CRM position was being done away with. Well, there goes ANY chance of anyone OTHER than a large publishing house scheduling ANY event at a Barnes & Noble.



National Touring Authors are with big publishers. Of course B&N gives them events. No one else gets in ever. Getting rid of the CRM to me is like getting rid of the dead wood as the ship goes down. But yes, that's what coporate B&N told me.

Once upon a time, on a Social Network far, far away . . .

Okay, so maybe not far, far away . . . LOL Yet round about when Never Ceese started to appeal to readers of a market I NEVER IMAGINED would like my work, I began looking for ways to get to where they shopped. I found Shoutlife.com and after being more or less banned from similar sites or being creeped out because "Jesus" friended me (seriously!) I sort felt like I was wasting my time.



Then I found Shoutlife and their response to my joining was to put me up as a featured author and make me Staff Pick. Well, well, well . . . GUESS WHAT? I sort of stopped hanging out there because I was soooooo busy writing and I can only handle so many Social Networks at a time. I just popped back in to began pimping Electric Angel and . . . wait for it . . . I am currently the Staff Pick on the Author's page AGAIN and currently number eight on their list of authors!!!



Here's the link to the page where they list their featured authors: Shoutlife.com



Yes you'll have to join to see it but it is free AND I promise you that Jesus won't attempt to add you to his page . . . well maybe he won't. LOL It's a pretty laid back and accepting site. Family friendly is their motto. So anyway, thought I'd share.

Still a Chance to win a FREE copy of Electric Angel!

Yes, I do understand that the blog you have to go to is most likely the LAST place you thought you'd see me doing an interview. But I have readers from this "closed" market and I can't get to them through the venues that matter because I DON'T write specifically for the "discriminating" publishers that supply them with fiction.



Lena Nelson Dooley is one of the FEW bloggers/authors who will even humor me so I can let those fans know I've a new book out. Y'all don't have to like that sort of fiction to post (I know I don't.) You don't even have to agree with the way these targeted Christian publishers do business (again, I know I don't.) BUT go load my interview down with comments so it will keep those readers looking. Love y'all!!!



Here's the link: LenaNelsonDooley.blogspot.com



And yes, I still write general market horror/fantasy etc . . . Yeah! Yeah!



Go over there and talk up Zombies and werewolves and vampires. That should do it. LOL

Mainstream Christian Fiction?

Why can't the "evangelical" publishing houses come up with a name? EGADS! They came out of the gate in 1950 abusing the label "Christian" fiction when the work they put out (according to their own words) was "targeted" fiction for their store visitors ONLY (the then Baptist Bookstores and now Lifeway, Mardel's etc . . .) and not fiction that would appeal to ALL readers who fit under the umbrella Christian. Even today they mark their demographic as evangelicals and SOME Catholics. Not sure what that is about. Weird huh?





The label seems to be mutating now into ALL kinds of different things to thoroughly confuse anyone who is interested. Here are some examples:



Edgy Christian Fiction

Mainstream Christian Fiction

Family Friendly Fiction



and the list goes on and on and on with new ones popping up every day.



What's wrong with just picking a name and sticking with it? Can you imagine if Harlequin had the same problem? LOL We might be seeing markets like:



Mainstream Romance Almost

Scripted Romance

The First Kiss Always Happens on Page 32 Romance

Romance You Don't Have to Predict So You Can Enjoy the Story



But Harlequin doesn't have this problem. Their branding says it all. They have a HUGE readership and will keep it because some folk LOVE that style of writing. Take note "evangelical" publishers. PLEASE! You're driving me crazy.



And for the record, if C. S. Lewis actually started his writing career today, no Christian publisher would take him but of course he would soar in the general market as that's the market he wrote for. I suspect he'd be as ardently against such publishers being wishy-washy about their branding as I am. I suspect he'd be more like William P. Young in telling them to buzz off once they actually came to him after turning him down BEFORE his "own" marketing efforts garnished him a significant number of sales.

Simon & Schuster Celebrates Banned Book Week!

Here's the LINK: Simon & Schuster Celebrates Banned Book Week! or in this case, "here's your sign."



So the publisher responsible for the ludicrous "industry standard return policy" between bookstores and distributors that ensures ALL small publishers will fail if they abide by it, is now celebrating banned book week!



Is anyone really waiting for their true color to show?



Good Grief!

I SAID Interview up!!!

LOL Aw, I know it's early but do go check out my answers to Lena Nelson Dooley's interview questions. This is a very popular blog among those who enjoy the fiction put out by publishers who serve that very targeted demographic of Christians that I don't write for but appeal to.



Here's the link: Lena Nelson Dooley's Blog



Lena is one of the few bloggers who humor authors who come through general market publishers so let her know y'all appreciate it. I do because it's one of the RARE opportunities I have to reach those readers as most of the venues won't even list work from authors who don't write targeted fiction much less talk about them AND let them speak their mind!



Lena rawks!



Now go let her know it. ;)



You're incentive . . . you could win a copy of Electric Angel from just posting.

New York Times Best Selling E-books.

Oh yes, let's clear things up for those who don't bother to read how the New York Times Best Selling book list are compiled. This is for e-books.

"About the Best Sellers

These lists are an expanded version of those appearing in the August 28, 2011 print edition of the Book Review, reflecting sales for the week ending August 13, 2011.

Rankings reflect weekly sales for books sold in both print and electronic formats as reported by vendors offering a wide range of general interest titles. The sales venues for print books include independent book retailers; national, regional and local chains; online and multimedia entertainment retailers; university, gift, supermarket and discount department stores; and newsstands. E-book rankings reflect sales from leading online vendors of e-books in a variety of popular e-reader formats."

Please note that the E-book rankings reflect sales from leading online vendors of e-books. This would be places like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, places that smart publishers stay away from as both take liberties with e-books that only a publisher should have. They offer returns of e-books without asking the publisher and they automatically put an e-book into their lending library where buyers can lend out e-books to MANY friends for up to 14 days for FREE without asking the publisher. In Amazon's defense they do make an effort to tell you about the lending library but the window of opportunity to "opt out" is short lived and the link is broken and to the best of my knowledge no one has EVER been able to "opt out."

"E-book sales are tracked for fiction and general nonfiction titles. E-book sales for advice & how-to books, children’s books and graphic books will be tracked at a future date. Titles are included regardless of whether they are published in both print and electronic formats or just one format. E-books available exclusively from a single vendor will be tracked at a future date."

Oh right!!! LOLROFL Let's all hold our collective breath on that and see how many of us perish before it happens!

"The universe of print book dealers is well established, and sales of print titles are statistically weighted to represent all outlets nationwide. The universe of e-book publishers and vendors is rapidly emerging, and until the industry is settled sales of e-books will not be weighted."

Which means the only e-books making the list are e-books you publish through Amazon or B&N and not any from anywhere else--not until the industry settles anyway (that elusive date again.) So at least two "exclusive" distributors of e-books get to flaunt their stuff. Sound familiar?

"Among the categories not actively tracked at this time are: perennial sellers, required classroom reading, textbooks, reference and test preparation guides, journals, workbooks, calorie counters, shopping guides, comics, crossword puzzles and self-published books."

OMG! Did they actually type that!!!! Titles not included are self-published books! I think they did. Right up there with crossword puzzles, calorie counters--welcome to the publishing world author! ;D Your work is crap EVEN if you work with the best editor in the business and turn out an e-book that sells more than any on the New York Times Best Seller List! Big Dogs a barkin'! Step aside and listen to them howl!

"The appearance of a ranked title reflects the fact that sales data from reporting vendors has been provided to The Times and has satisfied commonly accepted industry standards of universal identification (such as ISBN13 and EISBN13 codes). Publishers and vendors of all ranked titles conformed in timely fashion to The New York Times Best Seller Lists requirement to allow for independent corroboration of sales for that week."

Need I say more. WHAT A CROCK! Yep, go grab your New York Time Best Seller e-book now. Support exclusivity and all it brings with it OR you can just go to the publisher's site and buy e-books there. Mine will be exclusively available at Black Bed Sheet Books--in ALL formats known to man DRM free because we all know if somebody wants to steal something there going to get it anyway so why make the paying customer suffer!

My mock-beta reader of Electric Angel has finished the book!!!!

And just give me a second for the head swelling to go down!. LOL

"I have completed chapters 15 through 30 and what a ride you have me on woman! Again, I don't want to spoil but the 20 year jump into the future and all that has gone on and the lives of those involved has really opened up a very real and unreal world. The balance of reality in current events and the fantasy of the characters intermingles to the point where you can actually imagine this happening! There is a lot of logic and scientific fact in this story and Sue,you have done your research! I feel like I am right there along with those guys in the car at the end of chapter 30 and I feel like we are so close to finding you know who!!!I can't wait! . . . .There is a quote that I just love between Zachary and Reg when Zach says, "You're comfortable molding situations to fit your ideology. I prefer to mold my ideology to fit the situation." That was bloody brilliant!"

I have to say I was blown away that she picked up on that quote as if you'll recall, that's the one I posted on FB when it came to me. I told y'all it was good! ;) Okay. Now for the rest.

" . . . I didn't realize that I only had about 10 more pages to read so I just finished the book! What a tremendous and very touching ending! I want to also say that if you have any interest in pitching this as a movie, I think you should do it!!!This would make a great film and at the very least a SyFy mini series or something like that!!Go for it! Keep up the great writting and I can't wait for your new books to come out! Now I can get back to Never Ceese!"

Thank-you soooo much Michelle for giving such a thorough response. I feel much better not about promoting this. So yeah. Y'all go buy the book. ;) Oh and off course the ebooks that you purchase through Black Bed Sheet Books has three photos taken of Ron Fitzgerald by Jim Sorfleet as the character "Jeri." Good stuff!

And so the Amazon shenanigans begin!

Yep. Go check this out:



Electric Angel, temporarily out of stock at Amazon!



Yes, the madness started yesterday when the listing came up as, "let us know if you want to be told when this book becomes available at Amazon." LOLROFL Really? By the end of the day it was showing up as "In Stock" which in itself is a lie because no one stocks books that aren't made returnable by "industry standard." They only order them when an order is placed. But it's a lie that Amazon puts up all the time. They aren't singling anyone out. They'll say that since Lightning Source (the distributor) shows there is an availability of 99 books (when there isn't. The books are POD and aren't printed until an order is placed. That's Lightning Sources lie) then Amazon can "claim" the book is in stock at Amazon. And really who does that hurt, I guess.



But today Amazon has gone out of their way, or not, to show Electric Angel as being "temporarily out of stock!" Well, that sort of puts my first theory to rest. I'm laughing so hard now my sides hurt. Oh, yes. You missed out! Electric Angel, which is never stocked by Amazon to begin with is now temporarily "out of stock."



Well believe that lie (or mindless misrepresentation of the facts) if you want to, Electric Angel is available ALL DAY LONG at Black Bed Sheet Books in all DRM free ebook formats including but not limited to: non-Amazon Kindle, non B&N Nook which is also readable on your IPAD etc . . .



Even B&N will order it for you in their Brick & Mortar stores and on-line and for right now at a darn good price unless shipping takes it back up to more than the $10.00 you can get it for at Black Bed Sheet Books.



And keep this in mind, no publisher has a choice about whether their books show up on Amazon. It's an automatic. It's a gift from Bowker that comes when you purchase your block of ISBN's. When you assign the number the book is automatically listed on Amazon on-line and Barnes & Noble on-line. Some gift. Sort of like that Christmas present you just smile an nod at but know that it will go straight in the garbage as soon as the giver leaves.