Author: selfpublishingadvisor

Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Tuesday Book Review: “Pretty Blue Death”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.
When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

pretty blue death dan blair

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Pretty Blue Death

by Dan Blair

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781478788393

Synopsis*:

A twisted psychopath targets a group of friends. A page-turning thriller from page one! Mark and Daly Ford are living the good life in the San Fernando Valley of southern California. Busy building their security company, they are shocked when a long-time friend drowns unexpectedly in his pool, shaking their world. With no foul play or reason for the drowning indicated, they, along with their neighborhood poker group, are baffled. Just as the alarm of losing a good friend begins to subside, another friend from their group dies of a massive heart attack while working at a food bank.

Both deaths appear to be innocent enough, but Daly’s instincts from her years with the L.A.P.D.’s Behavioral Analysis Unit cause her to question if the deaths could be linked. But what is the common thread explaining the murders, if that’s what they are? Mark and Daly thrust themselves into investigating if their friends’ deaths could be more than coincidence … and perhaps a deadly vendetta being carried out against their close-knit group. Worse yet, could the person behind these deaths be someone from within their group of friends?

Mark and Daly plunge headlong into solving the mystery, joining forces with an eccentric scientist friend from their poker group with strong analytical skills. As bodies continue to pile up, they’re joined by a police detective from Scotland Yard, Sean McClarey, on loan to Santa Monica PD. Still mourning the loss of his wife during childbirth, Sergeant McClarey throws himself into the case, bringing his respectful yet penetrating style to his interrogations. Will this band of friends be able to unravel the twisted intentions driving the serial killings in time? How many of their friends may die while they’re piecing the puzzle together? Will Mark and Daly be next on the killer’s list? Enjoy the twists and turns of this non-stop thriller leading to a surprising climax, punctuated by a psychopath’s obsessions

 * courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Review

“Pretty Blue Death” by Dan Blair is one of the most unique suspense thrillers I have read in a while. The characters are so down to earth one can imagine playing poker with them and socializing on a daily basis.

Mark and Daly Ford run their own security company, while some of their friends hold work in the food conglomerate business, a hospital and in real estate. All are successful in what they do and are devoted to their families.

The mystery begins when their friend Tommy is found dead in his pool, discovered by his wife, Pat. Given that Tommy was an avid swimmer and swam on a daily basis, this stumps them all. After Tommy’s funeral, another friend suddenly dies, with no clues as to why. The big question is, is someone targeting this group or is it just a coincidence?

As Mark and Daly investigate the possibility of foul play, Sergeant Sean McClary, on loan from Scotland Yard, gets the feeling all is not what it seems. As more members of the close knit group die, readers get snippets of dialogue from a couple of women characters that have anger and revenge on their mind. The ending however, regardless of your sleuthing skills, will shock you.

The characters are well-developed; the plot is well thought out and researched. This read will keep you guessing as to motive, and who did it, and just when you think you have it all figured out, another twist puts you on an entirely different trail. I thought the method of killing was unique and how the perpetrator accomplishes it was brilliant.

The author provides a fast-paced, engrossing read that challenges you to the end. He provides a detailed knowledge of personal interaction and perfect revenge even if it is only in their minds. I found myself looking up specific plants mentioned in the plot and how they are used and possible potential hazards to a person. If you like books that put you in the action, have a great plot and keeps you searching for clues, “Pretty Blue Death” by Dan Blair is the book for you.

– reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views

Other Reviews

Intriguing plot and personal relationships make this a good book to read. The mystery keeps you interested in the plot while the characters personal and inter personal relationships keep you reading to know more about them. I am pleasantly surprised when the author surprises me with a characters humorous personal faux pax or interpersonal revelation.

– Amazon reviewer Frank Gruber

Just finished this book and I have to say it was a great read! The characters are well thought out, the plot twists were exciting and unexpected each time. I couldn’t put it down! I would highly recommend it to anyone and hope Dan is underway with book #2!

– Amazon reviewer Sally

 

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Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space!

Self Publishing Advisor

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news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 4.9.2018 – The Interviews!

the word "april" from the wooden letters

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically interviews with or articles written by self-publishing authors and experts!

It’s not every day you see the expression “unexpected author,” but thanks to Alex Brown of the Lewis County Chronicle, that’s exactly what we’re hearing this week. Brown covers the story of Stefanie Bridges-Mikota, whose book  By His Hands “unexpectedly” reached publication this year. Self-professing as “not a person who likes to just sit and do nothing,” Bridges-Mikota got into writing as the inevitable consequence of reading–specifically modeling reading for her kids, a practice which took on a life of its own as her kids grew older and she began reading as much for her own reasons as for them. Writes Brown:

Her tale follows the path of Allie, who’s fleeing an abusive situation, set the amid the Great Fire of 1910 that burned through the Northwest. The intertwining of history and fiction was spurred by Bridges-Mikota’s genealogical research, tracing her great-grandfather’s death as a railroad worker in Montana. The region and its past proved fertile ground for her creative energy.

After having no luck with the traditional publishing route, Bridges-Mikota heard about, then pursued, self-publishing. “When you actually hold the book in your hand,” she says, “it’s just a feeling of completion.” With her children now just as involved in the self-publishing process as she is, those long hours investing in reading to and with and for them seems to really be paying off. And yes, there are more books on the way!

Speaking of worthy causes, here’s one out of Fort Wayne: teenager Madison Turpin has written and self-published a work of science fiction geared towards tackling tyranny in all of its forms, including that of the digital space. (And if that’s not timely, we don’t know what is!) According to KPC News: “It was a passion of mine, definitely, from the start,” Turpin said. According to the article, she began writing at age 5, and when she turned 11, she announced to her parents her intentions to publish a book before graduating high school. And she has! Her first book, Wired: The Original Resistance, tackles issues which will be familiar to many of our readers. According to KPC News:

“Wired” is a futuristic, science fiction novel which follows the journey of Bree McAnderson as she navigates a world dominated by electronic devices all produced by a single company. What seems like an age of great technological advancement has a dark secret as these electronics start to take over the minds and bodies of all human beings. Bree joins a rebellion dedicated to ending the electronic company and its devices’ power over humanity, but Bree has secrets of her own.

If you enjoy stories of young heroes overcoming systemic obstacles and beginning new lives, then you might enjoy the story of Madison Turpin. Oh, and you might like Wired: The Original Resistance, too. And when push comes to shove, it’s authors like Turpin who are the future–not just of self-publishing, but of publishing at large and the social movements which enable widespread, positive change. We’re cheering for her!

spa-news

As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self-publishing industry.This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self-publishing process, which will lead to a greater self-publishing experience. To help you stay current on self-publishing topics, simply visit our blog every Monday to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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Alternative Marketing Methods, Book Marketing, elizabeth speaks, in your corner, Marketing Your Self-Published Book, Uncategorized

In Your Corner: Ask the Right Questions!

questions ideas

Regardless of whether you are holding out for an old-fashioned publishing contract or taking matters into your own hands with custom self-publishing, here are 5 questions you should know the answers to when you decide to publish:

  1. What is the minimum number of books you have to purchase, and what does
    each book cost you? Many require certain quantities to be purchased at highly marked up prices. That is how they ‘get you.’
  2. Who determines your retail price? How much is it? Here’s another one to look out for. You should have that control. Publishers that don’t allow that are often in the business to make money on your book. You’ve done the work. You should see the rewards.
  3. Who determines how much money you make from each book? Another good test. Your publisher should pay 100% of the difference between the wholesale price and the production price of the book. Most publishers pay anywhere from 5%-50%.
  4. Do you receive marketing support after publication? Free services like the Marketing COACH offered by Outskirts Press is an invaluable collection of proven tactics shared to help improve your book sales.
  5. Do you retain all the rights to your book? You definitely should. Check the contract of wherever you publish.

Whatever questions you ask, the sheer willingness to ask them will make a world of difference to your self-publishing experience. Those who don’t ask questions end up trapped in contracts which leave them underserved, or worse, while those who do ask questions are on a constant quest for self-improvement and the improvement of their circumstances and sales. That questing spirit? That’s one of your greatest assets.

Never be afraid to ask the hard questions.

You are not alone. ♣︎

Elizabeth

ABOUT ELIZABETH JAVOR: With over 20 years of experience in sales and management, Elizabeth Javor works as the Director of Sales and Marketing for Outskirts Press. The Sales and Marketing departments are composed of knowledgeable publishing consultants, customer service reps and book marketing specialists; together, they all focus on educating authors on the self-publishing process to help them publish the book of their dreams. Whether you are a professional looking to take your career to the next level with platform-driven non-fiction or a novelist seeking fame, fortune, and/or personal fulfillment, Elizabeth Javor can put you on the right path.
Self-Publishing Book Review of the Week, Uncategorized, weekly self published book review

Tuesday Book Review: “Sunaru”

Book reviews are a great way for self-publishing authors to gain exposure. After all, how can someone buy your book if he or she doesn’t know it exists? Paired with other elements of your book promotion strategy, requesting reviews is a great way to get people talking about what you’ve written.
When we read good reviews, we definitely like to share them. It gives the author a few (permanent) moments of fame and allows us to let the community know about a great book. Here’s this week’s book review:

sunaru larry lueder

Sunaru

by Larry Lueder

Publisher: Outskirts Press

ISBN: 9781432713553

Synopsis*:

Manators, horrex, bull-bears and …

In all the universe, only humankind stuggles to settle into distant planets on faraway galaxies. Sunaru is one such life supporting planet and this is one in a series of stories of such life struggles.

 * courtesy of Amazon.com

Featured Review

The author has taken us into the future, with space travel made easy, new planets discovered and the dangers of setting up a new civilization. One cannot take on the expedition if they do not meet the requirements, one of which is that you are an ex-con and willing to fight. Also on board are frozen embryos, clones and a mix of people from other planets.

The discovery of Sunaru is one of excitement and danger- no civilized person has been here before. What they didn’t realize is that they are not alone- Manators, horrex and bull-bears are in hiding waiting for them. In an instant they will appear and one of the explorers will disappear.

Through the author’s excited voice and description, the readers are able to imagine that this one-day may be where we live. It is filled with drama, daring escapes and creatures you couldn’t even imagine. Mr. Lueder brings in new concepts of families, medicine, weaponry and survival that none of us might even imagine.

I must say that science fiction isn’t something I read a lot of; however, while reading “Sunaru” by Lawrence Leuder I felt that the author was giving us a preview of what’s to come. This is the first in a series for the author; the ending of the book leaves you wanting more.

– reviewed on Reader Views

Book Trailer

tuesday book review

Thanks for reading!  Keep up with the latest in the world of indie and self-published books by watching this space!

Self Publishing Advisor

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news from the self publishing world, self publishing news, Uncategorized

Self-Publishing News: 4.2.2018 – The Company Files!

april

And now for the news!

Some highlights from this month in the world of self-publishing, specifically news from or regarding self-publishing companies!

Ever wondered where to get started when it comes to self-publishing? Mashable, one of the great pop culture news archives and indices, and its Team Commerce are this week advocating that you take a class–or rather, several classes–on the subject. The classes they’re specifically recommending are not, unfortunately, free, but they are proprietary to Mashable and therefore not underwritten or selling any one specific self-publishing platform or company–an important fact, given how much industry-related material is generated to drive publicity and sales; to find (at least mostly) neutral and objective material like this is rare. Even if you don’t invest in the course series, which is called “The eBook Self-Publishing Bundle,” the points it covers make for a great summary of what’s hot and important in self-publishing today, from building a responsive website to preparing your manuscript for reading on the Kindle to how to use the writing software Scrivener to ways to boost writing productivity habits. If this course series is any indication, we can look for a lot more high-quality self-publishing-related news and information from Mashable in the future.

Every now and again, we like to cover material that we may not personally agree with, but which we think might have some bearing on how we perceive the process through which we are all going here on Self-Publishing Advisor (that is, the self-publishing process). This article, which comes by way of Cornelia Scott Cree of the American Thinker, is less of a think piece than it is a make-you-think piece, a warning or signpost on the way to self-publication. It’s not easy, Cree indicates, to parse what’s real and what’s not in the industry, and what’s going to help you out in the long run versus what’s doable and easy in the present. You might use words like “venting” or “diatribe” to describe Cree’s piece, but the fact remains: many authors get into self-publishing because no other avenues forward present themselves, and then they find themselves woefully under-prepared to both navigate the system and succeed. If for no other reason than to see your own struggles reflected back at you, take a look at Cree’s original article … and then dig in and do your due diligence, and find a partner or reliable self-publishing company which doesn’t offer empty promises.

spa-news

As a self-publishing author, you may find it helpful to stay up-to-date on the trends and news related to the self-publishing industry.This will help you make informed decisions before, during and after the self-publishing process, which will lead to a greater self-publishing experience. To help you stay current on self-publishing topics, simply visit our blog every Monday to find out the hottest news. If you have other big news to share, please comment below.

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