The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing and Self-Promoting

I self-published my debut collection, Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles, using Create Space. I selected nineteen previously-published stories. I felt hesitant about publishing any stories that weren't reprints. Why? I think I lacked the confidence to know which stories were "good enough". If a magazine or anthology editor selected it for publication, I felt better about including it. Even then, however, I revised, polished and made minor corrections to every story. For many, I benefited from the expertise and input of members from my local critique group. After nearly two years of editing the stories included (and dropping a few weak links along the way), I felt I had a quality product that I wouldn't be embarrassed by a stranger (or, for that matter, a friend, family member, acquaintance or coworker!) reading my stories.

My sister, Heidi, took the cover photo. My stepdaughter, Ashley, took the author photo. My writer friend, Karen, helped me set up a couple book signings and printed business cards for me. Hopefully everyone is getting a clear picture that this was "homemade" all the way.

More good news: As of this writing, six readers have posted reviews on Amazon. They're all five-star reviews. I greatly appreciate it when a reader takes the time to give feedback. I received a nice review on the horror web site Hellnotes from K. H. Vaughan. I received something like 34 'likes' for the review, which far surpassed 'likes' for other reviews posted. Again, greatly appreciated!

Now for the challenge of Self-Promotion: Last month, I conducted a contest and gave away a free book and a free exclusive story. This month I've been giving some behind-the-scenes author notes on all the stories collected in Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles. I sent out fifteen query letters, asking potential reviewers if they would like a copy of my book to read and review.

I humbly note that I got two new subscribers to my blog, got one response to my query letters, and have sold a total of three books in the last six weeks.

That doesn't sound like a lot. It doesn't feel like a lot. Turns out promoting one's work is harder (and less fun) than simply writing!

So here's what I decided: I'll keep promoting myself and my work, but not at the expense of my writing. After not being very productive for the last several months, I have completed TWO brand-new stories, and am about half-way done with the first draft of a third.

That, to me, is time well spent.

Here's a link to order my collection, if you feel so inclined.

This is a link to the Hellnotes review of my collection.

Hellnotes Gives "Bedtime Stories..." A Positive Review

K. H. Vaughan has read and reviewed my collection "Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles" on Hellnotes.

"The author experiments with a variety of narrative and voice styles, giving the stories some variety, but they hold in common relatively tight, controlled prose punctuated by the occasional striking image or unexpected twist...Ludens appears to have a strong interest in tapping folklore and history for his work.  There is also a theme of body horror present, with several effective stories about parasites, invading insects, and taxidermy.  Overall, I would describe the tone of the volume as understated, wistful, and somewhat sad.  Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles was a creepy pleasant surprise, and I am looking forward to seeing more of his work."

Read the full review HERE.

Upcoming Published Stories and Some Story Notes

Recently published stories:

"Life and Limb" in Blood Rites: An Invitation to Horror (Blood Bound Books)

"Granted Wishes" in Dark Light 2 (CHBB Publishing) 

Coming soon:

"Monday Mourning at the Curl Up & Dye" in Over My Dead Body! (online, May issue)

Forthcoming:

"Sweet Tea and MamaLady" in Dark Eclipse (online, not yet scheduled)

"Coke Mule Deer" in Diabolic Tales III (October 31st, 2013, Diabolic Publications)

"Reynolds' Tale" in Darker Edge of Desire (Spring 2014, Cleis Press)

Notes about the stories:

I had to change a small part of Life and Limb to differentiate it (thematically) from Joe McKinney's story. I was happy to do it. The fact that we came up with stories the editor felt were too similar seems like a step in the right direction for an up-and-comer like me!

As of this writing, Dark Light 2 is only available in ebook format, but will be in quality paperback soon.

Cherie Jung, the editor of Over My Dead Body, said "Your title is the best title I've read in years!" (And she liked the story, too! haha)

Coke Mule Deer is a story that had been accepted twice before, but once the publisher folded and the second time the anthology got dropped. Here's hoping the third time is the charm! Coke Mule Deer actually contains a scene that inspired the title of my first collection!

Did you know that when Edgar Allan Poe was found wandering, delirious on the streets of Baltimore, he was wearing clothing that did not fit and did not belong to him? Nurses said he remained incoherent until he died, but several noted that he kept yelling the name "Reynolds". I wanted to write about the events that led to Poe's unfortunate end, and came up with "Reynolds' Tale." 

Contests! (aka Shameless - but much needed - Promotion!)

Hi there! Thanks for visiting my blog.

I have been told that 'word of mouth' is the best promotion for an up-and-coming author. With that in mind, I'd like to offer some incentives (prizes) for getting the word out about me and my debut collection, Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles.

Here's what I'm thinking:

CONTEST # 1

1) If you already own a copy of Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles, and have finished reading it, visit Amazon and write a brief review. Let other readers know what you thought of the book, and help get the word out.

2) Post a reply here, or send me a message on Facebook, letting me know you wrote a review.

3) On April 14th, I will RANDOMLY select one winner from all reviewers. That person will receive a PDF of an exclusive, unpublished story of mine. The randomly-selected winner will be the ONLY person to own this story.


CONTEST # 2
If you do not yet own a copy of Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles, this contest is for you.

1) Become a follower of my blog. There are several easy ways to do so. I'll make note of all new followers.

2) On April 14th, I will draw a RANDOM winner from all new followers. That person will win a free copy of Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles. I will contact the winner to discuss format and delivery method.
(or, if you already own the book, but are not yet a follower of my blog, I can offer an exclusive story PDF instead.)

Thank you and good luck! I greatly appreciate your help getting the word out!
Adrian

Random News and Musings

HERE is the best place to go to order a copy of my collection, "Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles." I also have copies available at home and work for those of you who live in Rapid City or the Black Hills. My advertising budget is nonexistent, so any word-of-mouth, posting of reviews or sharing the link is greatly appreciated!
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Random news and musings:
The dark fiction community lost three wonderful authors very recently. Author/editor David B. Silva, James Herbert, and Rick Hautala. A very sobering reminder that you never know when your time will be up.

I didn't know any of them personally, and won't pretend that I did. I own an anthology that Mr. Silva edited (Dead End: City Limits) but haven't read it yet. (This isn't unusual. I probably have over fifty books that I haven't read yet.) Rick Hautala was a friend on Facebook. I often agreed with his liberal posts and often laughed at his humorous posts. I love short fiction and have read quite a few of his stories in a variety of different anthologies. I could tell he loved writing horror.
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I just realized I had the honor of sharing a table of contents with Rick Hautala. We both contributed flash fiction stories to Slices of Flesh from Dark Moon Books. The collection boasts a stellar line-up of horror and dark fiction authors, and made the final ballot for Superior Achievement in an Anthology at this year's Bram Stoker Awards.
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Blood Lite 3: Aftertaste is still widely available. Included is my story, "A Misadventure to Call Your Own". This was my first professional sale. I'm very thankful that Kevin Anderson enjoyed my story and took a chance on a no-name author like me.

As I read the reviews people posted for this collection I feel frustrated, however. It seems the majority of readers purchased this anthology just for one short story from one author. Typical comments are: "I bought it for the story by _______. I didn't read any of the other stories." or a variation: "I bought it for the story by ______. I read the others but they all sucked because they weren't like the story by ________."

I suppose it is naive of me to think that droves of new readers will 'discover' my writing. It makes me appreciate and respect those readers who do take the time to read an anthology straight through. I love anthologies because of the VARIETY they provide.
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I've been short-listed for a couple of very promising anthologies. I've been writing and revising stories as time allows. I have about a dozen short stories currently under consideration. As good as 2012 was, it paled in comparison to 2011. Here's hoping 2013 continues its exciting start and brings good news and new opportunities.

Thank you for reading.

Dark Light 2 Cover Sneak Peek

Coming in March 2013, is Dark Light 2. My story, "Granted Wishes" is included.
The first volume garnered very positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads so I am excited to read this second volume.

Diabolic Tales III

DT3 will be available for digital download for the Kindle and the Nook, and for pre-order of the trade paperback on October 15, 2013. From Diabolic Publications.

My story, "Coke Mule Deer", will be included. Inspired by a sad scene I witnessed in New Mexico many years ago.

A serial killer flees Mexican authorities, a hungry mountain lion, and a vengeful witch in this adventure. Interesting side note: the carrion beetles that inspired me to name my first collection ("Bedtime Stories for Carrion Beetles") figure prominently in this story!