…are a bright spot in my day.
I wish I could say we are 100% ready to go with the e-books. I know Lynn is really trying to make it work. We are most of the way there, but we’ve all been hit with emergencies of one kind and the other. Just as soon as she announces the site works, we are going to be there with a splash. Jane’s busy making covers. I’m busy trying to get the new Bren book finished. And Lynn’s trying to understand that program.
I’m looking forward to seeing what you folks do with the e-book site. Do you have any particular projects in mind for it, or are you going to focus on getting the out of print stuff available first?
First, the op stuff, and whatever else I can liberate. These are the ones that exist, but aren’t readily available (some at premium prices). Then I’ll see what I can do that’s new.
Looking forward to it. I truly think this is the future of publishing. I can’t even express how happy it will make me to be able to purchase books and other written material directly from the author, and not have the profits skimmed by a dozen “middle men.” Is there any assistance in particular that you need? Maybe some of us could pitch in and help? I am not that tech savvy, but I bet a lot of people on this list are. Or is it just finding the time? Not being nosy, just trying to help. 🙂
When you actually have books to sell…!!!
I am truly looking forward to being able to buy those out of print ebooks but I can’t tell you how much I want it to be as effortless and painless as possible for you. So take your time and get it right for yourself. We’re not going anywhere 🙂 I like you writing and not wrestling with the distribution project hehehe… Like to see your success with it to become the model and inspiration for other authors to use. Let us know if we can help with anything. Maybe a list of places/pages to notify or post when you have going?
All kinds of things you can do once you have the basic mechanics working. Offer one free short story or novel that you don’t ever expect to make money on again, in order to get people here – but not until you have others for them to come back and buy. Have good short descriptions of each offering on the same page as the free one. Have an easy to get around layout. (Steve Jordan has a nice looking layout, though you as a more established author shouldn’t need to offer “bundles”)
Take your time, don’t let the delay from your original plans bug you – it’s all good as long as it’s right. 🙂
What wayspooled said.
I know you are feeling frustrated by the various delays, but really, it’s not yet six months since you came up with the whole plan — that’s like lightning for a store startup. Don’t worry. When you set ’em out on the table, we’ll be there.
You guys are so kind.
and personally I am enjoying this blog a LOT and enjoying about my fifth re-read of the foreigner series … I am with Bren on the station at the moment 😀
so yes, don’t worry, this sort of thing has got to be quite complicated to get working and on top of your already busy schedules …
Hello this is a test. I hope to get my Avatar up and running soon.
Hi, I am a fan ever since I read “Cuckoo’s Egg” which along with the Faded sun trilogy and the Foreigner series are among my most favourite books.(I have over 40 of yours 🙂
I just wanted to wish you success with your E-book venture, though for me there’s nothing better than sitting in front of an open fireplace with a real book and a glass of wine.
Any project, especially the moment you involve a computer, will take longer than expected and involve far more things than first thought of. It’s far, far better to take the time, get things right and then launch then to try and fix everything after (though if people followed that advice I would be out of a job sorting out their messes), especially as the “cost” (time or money or effort) increases dramatically when you try and fix something that is live. It may be a cliche but in general slow and steady is the best way. And personally if it gives you more time to work on the next Bren book that’s a win 🙂
It’s far, far better to take the time, get things right and then launch then to try and fix everything after
Exactly. And you need people to beta test it and try to poke holes into your site and procedures, because what seems logical to you isn’t always to someone removed from the experience. (Still happy to volunteer.) Working in customer service gives me a new appreciation of how inventive users can be.
I don’t think anyone here is begrudging the time it takes to set up an online store, let alone a whole back catalogue!
Basically, I agree with everyone else. You have enough stresses in your life without pushing too hard on this project. We’ll be here when it gets done.