Stuart Aken: Publishing

Showing posts with label Publishing. Show all posts

Friday, 12 December 2014

Let’s Get Digital, by David Gaughran, Reviewed.

A book I bought as part of a package for indie authors. I’m glad I did. So far, and this is the second in the pack of three, it has been a thoroughly worthwhile investment in terms of time and money. In fact, I would happily have paid significantly more for these books.

This volume is very much about the nuts and bolts of indie publishing. There is a good deal of history and background, which it is tempting to skip. Don’t: you’ll miss out on some very useful information. There are sections on the craft of putting a book out there as an indie author, and sections on why you should do this.

It’s a real eye-opener; giving background to the now fast-decaying idea that self-publishing is naff, or for those who can’t get a ‘real’ publisher, or is a route to poor quality. Self-publishing has been accused of all these things and, in the recent past, there has been some justification for this. However, bear in mind that Thackeray, Dickens and Johnson all self-published. And, these days, many well-known mainstream authors are turning to self-publishing simply because it gives them complete control over their books and invariably leads to much higher returns than those made with traditional publishers. I exclude small independent publishers from this description: many of them do a very good job indeed.

Ever since the bean-counters overtook the running of the now corporate structures that play, badly, at publishing, the author has been viewed as a necessary evil by most of them. Instead of seeing the creators of their books as an asset, these ‘bottom line’ merchants consider most authors a distraction from the making of money.

Self-publishing is a route to real success for a growing number of writers. But if you’re wondering whether it’s for you, read this book first. It will smooth out a lot of the kinks you might otherwise encounter and it will guide you through the process in easy steps.

There is a wealth of information within these pages (screens) and the appendix alone is worth the price of the book; the resources section is invaluable. Easy to read, easy to absorb. I fully recommend it to any writer considering self-publishing, and even for those who have already started along the path.

Wednesday, 8 October 2014

#BookADayUK; A Reader Event For October. Day 8

The theme for day 8 is, 'Best bookshop find'. Difficult for a true reader. I mean, where do you start?

I've bought hundreds, possibly thousands, of books during my life so far. How to select the best ever from a bookshop? That means leaving out dozens and dozens of really good books, potentially giving the impression they weren't up to scratch, simply by their exclusion. But a choice must be made.

Mine would therefore be Dorothea Brande's excellent work, Becoming a Writer.

Why this book out of all those I've bought and read?

Whenever I'm asked to give advice to would-be writers, I always suggest that they read this book BEFORE they put pen to paper. And I do this because so many wannabes really shouldn't be trying to write. Too many have poor English skills and many more simply see it, erroneously, as a way to make a quick fortune. It isn't: The average income from writing for an author in the UK is less than £1000 per year. Yes, you read that correctly. Less than £1000 per year. And that average includes such best-selling authors as J.K. Rowling. Imagine how that skews the figures and means that most writers actually earn significantly less than the wonderful £1000.

Dorothea Brande's book sets exercises designed to let the reader see whether the life of the writer is actually the right life. She uses a great deal of common sense and the accumulated knowledge from teaching would-be writers to explain what being a writer really means.

For those who do her exercises and discover they can develop the discipline and application required, her book is a constant encouragement to do well. I first picked this up in a bookshop in the mid 1980s, when the book had been reprinted after a number of years of unavailability. I pounced on it the moment I saw it, as I had read a borrowed version some years earlier.
So, that's my choice for today. Do you have one?

Saturday, 4 October 2014

#BookADayUK; A Reader Event For October. Day 4

Today's event asks participants to present a book with a beautiful spine. Appearance and content are
inextricably linked in the minds of most readers. One book with a beautiful spine? I must have read hundreds. And then there are all those ancient tomes I've perused on the shelves of crumbling stately homes. How to select a single volume, and display it here? Well, it clearly has to be a book from my own shelves. Most of these are relatively modern. And, scanning my shelves, seeking out those spines that make me tingle (sorry for the pun) I recollect that I went through a period when I removed the dust covers from most of my hardbacks. That means a lot of the good 'uns have now vanished into the paper recycling bin of history. Which leaves me with a rather smaller selection from which to choose.
But I can't select a single book. I find a group, whittle that selection down to a handful and then further reduce to a few. Here they are. Please forgive the inclusion of my own book here: I didn't design the cover, my publisher put it out to a brilliant cover designer. As for the rest, I think they speak for themselves.
Don't forget, if you want to get involved as reader or writer, or both, here's the link to the website.
And don't forget to use the #tag, #bookadayuk for any tweets you send out there. Let's get support going for our high street bookshops, eh?

Monday, 15 September 2014

Apologies for Absence, And a 5 Star Review!

Regular readers will be aware I've been a bit spasmodic with my posts recently. There are reasons.
Mostly domestic.
My wife's beloved sister died recently. I'm undergoing some minor, but disruptive, medical treatment, my daughter has returned from a lengthy spell of adventure overseas and is now seeking work here, our house is up for sale and attracting viewers, my brother is scheduled for heart surgery, and I'm attempting to end a 10 year spell of relative physical inactivity by making myself fit again (amazing how you discover muscles you never knew were there!).

So, things have been a little disconnected here for a while and will probably remain so for a while longer! Nevertheless, I've kept up with many of the things that keep contact with the wider world, and even done a bit of writing. For the future, I shall attempt to make my posts here a little more regular once more.

In the meantime, here's a 5 Star review of 'Joinings', that I came across by accident whilst searching on Amazon. I thought I'd share it because it's from a complete stranger who has clearly enjoyed the work.

5 stars

ONE OF THE BEST FANTASY NOVELS IN A LONG TIME!, April 20, 2014

Online Book Reviews "A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies... The man who never reads lives only one | George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons"

This review is from: A Seared Sky - Joinings (Paperback)

Joinings by Stuart Aken is the opening book in the projected A Seared Sky trilogy. This science fiction, romance, action and fantasy-adventure novel of epic proportions spanning over 800 pages will delight lovers of the genres as this is one in which they can afford to really bury their heads in. It is also a testimony of the creativity of this British author who through this book loudly proclaimed that he has much to write and share. The beautiful prose, delectable style of writing and the sharpness of the story is enough to keep one absorbed to the last page.

But what really is inside this tome of a novel? To put it simply, it is the story of Tumalind and her betrothed, Okkyntalah, and the precarious situation in which Tumalind lands when she is deceitfully chosen as a Virgin Gift instead of another with important connections. In a world ravaged by superstitious beliefs, fanaticism and hierarchal corruption of the highest order, nothing ever really stands the test of the ordinary, and nothing is what it seems. Dagla Kaz is no ordinary leader either. As the high priest, he is feared and adored, and he is determined to exchange the virgin gifts before the scorched skies returned to normal.

Stuart Aken crafted an extraordinary story populated by extraordinary characters. Aklon, a renegade and the son of Dagla Kaz, is one fascinating character who readers will root for as he walks the path of redemption. Aglydron, the father of Tumalind, is on the most important mission of his life. Aken beautifully spins a tale that is both complex and riveting, as stunning as the world the characters inhabited.

Will you be stiff bored by this mammoth novel? If you are seeking my advice, here’s my answer: Anyone on the lookout for a mesmerizing read will really enjoy this tome. Though set in a fantasy world, Aken created relatable characters with relatable teething troubles which most readers will be able to identify with.

It is a story driven by false prophecy, recklessness and the desire to right a wrong. Joinings: A Seared Sky by Stuart Aken is one of the most enjoyable fantasy novels that I have read in a long, long time. It is incredibly intriguing, gratifying, gripping and spellbinding.

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There are buying links here on the blog, but, for your convenience, one click here will take you to your local Amazon page. And a click here will take you to the publisher's store, where UK readers can obtain the print book post free, and may even get a signed copy, if there are any of those left!

Thursday, 21 August 2014

Partings; A Seared Sky Now Available on Amazon

As promised, here's the link to take you direct to your local Amazon site, where you can buy a copy of , as an ebook.
Partings; A Seared Sky
This, as many of you will know, is the second book in the Fantasy Trilogy. You enjoyed Joinings, now you can enjoy Partings.
The third book, Convergence, is due for release before Xmas, so you can read the whole tale this year!

Wednesday, 20 August 2014

A Seared Sky: Partings now Available!

Just a quick note to let you know that you can now acquire a copy of the second volume of my epic fantasy, Seared Sky. Partings is currently available only in digital form, but is due to be released in print form very shortly. Keep an eye on this blog for the announcement. Sorry for the delays, folks. Dan, my publisher, has been mega busy with both the convention, FantastiCon 2014 and with the distribution of a new line of scifi novels associated with the popular Elite computer game.

So, you can currently obtain the ebook via Fantastic Books Publishing using this link.

Shortly, I'll be able to give you a direct link to Amazon for the digital version, and in a couple of weeks I'll provide a link for the print version. Patience, my friends. All will be well!

Saturday, 28 June 2014

Amazon V Publishers: The Book Wars?

Books (Photo credit: henry…)

Almost daily, we’re bombarded with attacks on Amazon by publishers and attacks on Publishers by Amazon and writers. Many can see that neither Amazon nor the major publishers are doing the book world a lot of good. In fact, it’s been suggested that the current war on books, and its major antagonists, will soon effectively destroy literature as we know it.

Amazon has other interests as a retail outlet, but it’s the book side that engages writers and readers. Major publishers long ago stopped pretending they had any concern for authors other than those who are already celebrities. The bean counters took control of reading choice decades ago.

Whilst these two large parties slog it out to the detriment of both creators and consumers, the world of books slowly drowns in the conflict.

It seems to me there must be another way. Self-publishing appeared a likely alternative for many authors, but Amazon took control there as well, devouring or disabling all major opposition in its rush to rule the game and satisfy its investors.

The major publishers, of course, continue to refuse to come to terms with the modern world and, in spite of the very clear example of inaction in the music industry, take a wait and see approach, which has left them floundering and at the mercy of the giant in the field.

Another way?

Seems obvious to me, but then I’m neither businessman nor accountant; I’m just someone who loves reading, books, and writing, so what do I know?

Obvious?

If the major publishers, together with the multitude of small independents, could get around the table, bury their idiotic jealousies and petty squabbling for celebrity crap, and set up their own online sales and retail-based distribution company, they could out-Amazon Amazon. The current situation is dangerous for books and readers: any industry in which an effective monopoly governs the market is doomed to dictatorship by that giant. But a co-operative of publishers, acting in concert, could act as an effective modifier in the marketplace and undo the damage currently being done to the world of books.

Of course, I realise this is a pipe dream: the publishers have demonstrated their idiocy, their ‘head-in-the-sand’ attitude, their total lack of concern for developing the very talent that supplies them with new products, and their petty rivalries over shelf-space etc.

But this is a war unlike any other. This is a battle for the very survival of literature. Do we want to lose a whole generation to games and social networks, or will publishers actually do something to stop the rot and return to doing what they once did so well? Are they going to get back into the business of developing and selling books, or will they allow inaction and misplaced self-interest to destroy a world so many of us hold dear?