When Crystal asked me to write about my
success as an author I was flattered and a bit overwhelmed. I’m not a USA Today
bestseller or NYT Bestseller but I do sell and have hit #1 Amazon numerous
times, ARe bestseller though it’s a moot point now as with Fictionwise. I’ve hit
bestseller on Bookstrand. Managed in the hundreds on Barnes and Noble. Was
author of the year with a book of the year. Second in so many categories with
different books and publishers with awards.
All authors love to write so it’s not that
I’m doing anything differently. All authors have passion, drive, and I bet each
of us is an emotional roller coaster. My words are geared to what I’m feeling
most often. If I’m sad so are my characters, when happy, ticked off—same.
So why do some authors sell better than
others? I’ve read amazing books that get little notice and some really awkward
stories that go far. I’m not sure there is a ‘fair’ factor involved. I think
there is a lot of luck. I also think promotion has a great deal to do with some
authors. For instance: If you have a box of kittens in a barn in a corner who
will know? You might get the odd family member or friend. But if you put a sign
up outside the barn it may catch added attention. If you go a step further and
put flyers out you may sell all your kittens, in the paper, you may even have
some asking when the next litter will be born.
A good publisher is important if you
decide to go traditional. It’s in a publisher’s best interest to help you with
your book, after all they have an investment. Check out the publisher and their
authors. If you have a publisher who couldn’t care less, callously tosses your
hard work up for an unreasonable amount or a paltry sum you’ll run into
difficulty if they leave you stranded and do zero promotion—either way. If the
cost is too much remember, readers blame price on authors regardless when being informed the publisher
sets the price. If the cost is too little other than for sales purpose readers
may think the story isn’t even worth the small amount. Do your research. If you
self-publish be forewarned you’ll need the backup of some die hard readers.
Readers are invaluable. Readers who take the time to share your work, review
your work or offer suggestions are gold. Treat them as such because they have
no ulterior motive, they just love your work and you’re lucky to have them.
Know your worth. I don’t mean simply
money, I mean know what your words mean to you. Years ago I had an editor
rearrange a story until I felt it wasn’t mine, I felt bullied. Some changes are
fine, some advice is truly wonderful, but the second you put your words down you own them, you have to be happy with
them. Your life won’t be over if you tell someone ‘reject changes’ and put your
foot down. YOUR name is on the cover. Yours. That’s what people remember.
Why do you write? No—really? Each time
before I begin a story I ask myself that very question. Like dreams there are
some who must continue their explorations in their sleep because their mind
will not be contained when your eyes close. Words are explosions onto paper.
Extensions of you that will not be
harnessed.
Go big or go home…always go big because,
no worries, if you’re an author you will always have a home. It’s inside you.
It’s where your characters live until you write the life into them. I can write
anywhere. My thoughts and ideas are a blink of an eye away at any given time.
And don’t just ‘write what you know’. I’ve never met a Zargonnii, Castian or
Tonan warrior! Step out of your comfort zone, there is no ‘box’. Do, write what
you feel.
So, why/how do I sell books? Hell if you
can figure it out let me know. It’s 1am as I finish this. I still have zero
clue. Then again, it’s 1am. Everyone in my house is asleep including the dog.
Whether you sell or not, ask yourself one
last question. Does writing make you happy? If the answer is yes, then you have
the most important sale of your life; you just sold you—to you. That is the
most important emotional financial exchange of your life. You must be important to you.
You will be the one weathering the insecurities, the edits, the frustration,
the patience needed involved from start to—lol, there is no finish. You will
weather the reviews from day one until you pull the book and decide it’s ‘day
done’. I hope you never have a day done. Welcome to being an author.
J by C. L. Scholey
Here are the books that went bestseller.
C.L. Scholey's Amazon Author Page
Clarity's Doom: https://www.amazon.com/Claritys-Doom-Ancient-Origins-Book-ebook/dp/B01HIULQXY/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
*GET THIS BOOK NOW FOR A DISCOUNTED RELEASE PRICE - OFFER VALID ONLY FOR A LIMITED TIME*
Five sizzling hot stories of shifters finding their mates
MOUSE AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER by C. L. Scholey
A mouse by any other name would still be a mouse. Except Carlin is no mouse—it's just her nickname. Kidnapped by a Kodiak bear shifter and his gang, they demand Carlin shift into the mouse they think she is to help them rob a bank. When she's unable to shift, her captor assumes she's merely frightened and she’ll eventually shift…or die.
Tarvor has been on the gang's tail for years. The bounty hunter wasn't in any rush to capture the thieving nuisances, but now they have his mate. No more will Tarvor let the shifter gang run loose. Tarvor wants Carlin, and he wants her now.
LORD OF THE HUNT by Juliet Cardin
For generations the men of the Cole family have turned into wolves. Balen Cole has relentlessly searched for an end to the transformation. He becomes especially desperate when his betrothed arrives earlier than expected, seeking his protection.
Alena Harford had to rush to Balen's side when another man sought to claim her as his own. Though she’s heard the rumors about the Cole family, Alena is willing to risk anything to be Balen's bride. She plays the role of a delicate lady, but she isn't as helpless as she leads others to believe.
The pair finds love in each other's arms. But can they survive when a vile menace arrives threatening to expose their secrets and endangers their very lives?
MOONLIGHT by Ashlynn Monroe
Joslyn Jamison is a human woman that was raised by werewolves. After graduating college, she returns home, trying to decide if she should marry her long-time boyfriend. The man she really desires is Kane Wolfe, the secret crush of her teen years, but he's very off-limits.
Kane Wolfe is used to getting what he wants. He patiently waited for Jossy to grow up and see that she belongs to him, but he waited too long. Convincing the human that she's a fit mate for a werewolf is harder than he thought it would be.
When Joslyn is thrown into the middle of a pack war Kane is prepared to do whatever it takes to protect her. She's brave enough to live in his world, but is she courageous enough to accept him as her mate?
THE HUNTER by Olivia Starke
In order to impress Mike Conner, her crush from the gym, Trinity Gaines decides to head to a local conservation area to snap some wildlife pics. When she's attacked by a large animal, she's left wounded and helpless against whatever is stalking her through the trees.
Hunter Mike Conner let a werewolf slip from his grasp. Then he finds Trinity stranded in the forest after being attacked by the monster, and he's riddled with guilt. She's been served a death sentence—one he'll have to carry out himself in a few short weeks before she shifts.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, but Trinity and Mike find themselves in a fight for their lives. Will they survive or will the werewolf within Trinity destroy them both?
WILLIAM’S WARRIOR by T. Cobbin
Porsha was born prematurely—a rare thing for a dragon shifter—and even as an adult, she's still small. Because of her size her parents were very protective. Now, her mother and father have decided it's time for her to mate, and they're determined to find the perfect person. They plan a party to introduce her to those males they deem worthy. The night of the party, Porsha runs away, and shortly afterward she joins the staff at Dragon's Heart as a waitress.
William returns to work at Dragon's Heart after taking some time off to deal with the loss of his mother. He's trying his best to move past his grief and get on with his life. When he meets Porsha, a new employee at the club, both of them immediately know that they're destined to be mates. But they may never get the chance, because Porsha's parents show up, determined to take her back home.
C.L. Scholey is proudly represented in promotion by
The Owl Branch Book Promotions, LLC
An excellent article! I'm very happy that you write (please continue...)!
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