paulwhitewriter

[paulwhitewriter]

A bit about why Amazon's royalty rate change is a good thing.

Even with the current changes to its royalty structure, Amazon remains one of the most author-friendly businesses in self-publishing. It is ‘better’ primarily than traditional publishing. A reason why many indie authors prefer Amazon’s 35–70% royalties over traditional publishing’s net 10–25%.Critics argue, that as the market leader, the lack of competition gives Amazon too much control over…

[paulwhitewriter]

A bit about why Amazon's royalty rate change is a good thing.

Even with the current changes to its royalty structure, Amazon remains one of the most author-friendly businesses in self-publishing. It is ‘better’ primarily than traditional publishing. A reason why many indie authors prefer Amazon’s 35–70% royalties over traditional publishing’s net 10–25%.

Critics argue, that as the market leader, the lack of competition gives Amazon too much control over author incomes. But most authors accept the trade-offs so they can access Amazon’s marketplace. Amazon is not in the position it is in because it lacks business acumen, it is because it is a competitive business and offers services and market reach others cannot, or sometimes, regarding ‘the big 5’ will not.

Now is the time to maximize your paperback and hardcover royalties. Do this by carefully selecting paper and trim.

To minimise printing costs, select cream paper, it is cheaper than white paper. Only use white paper if you have photos or other images. The white paper also enhances glare, making it uncomfortable to read in bright light, such as sunlight whilst on vacation/holiday.

Adjust trim size, 6x9" often costs less as it is an American industry standard size.

Finally, price your book correctly.

Readers value books in which they invest their money. Free and low-cost books hold no, or little value, and are considered the bargain bucket of discount sales.

Higher-priced books require the reader to make a commitment and to invest, hence the reader's purchase is something of value, and they will consider, and treat it as such.

Too many novice, or naive authors, even some long standing writers, never understand this factor and attempt to use price to influence purchases. While discounting may seem a sensible concept, the reality is, that it is devaluing the product (the book), and the reputation of the author. In the wider aspect, it devalues the entire indie author community. This is proven when readers comment to authors, and on social, about ‘when an author makes it’ or ‘when they get a proper publisher’ and so forth.

So, do not sell your books cheaply. Increase the price to the book's true value, that of the time, effort, imagination, and financial investment you have made to get it published. Simple.

You may also take this opportunity, whilst reviewing your book's position, price, and categories, to make any changes to your eBooks.

I have read both readers and authors saying that “as there is no cost of sending an eBook to readers, they think eBook should be priced extremely low.”

This is untrue. There are costs, which may be unseen or unrecognized by many, yet it is such cost increases which has, in part, forced Amazon to make these changes.

The cost of digital delivery is a fact, as are storage (data centres), and payment processing costs. This was evident in 2020 when Amazon introduced a ‘delivery fee’ for eBooks priced below certain thresholds, this effectively reduced royalties for some authors.

However, you can play the Kindle Unlimited Algorithm with your eBooks by encouraging rapid reads. Do this by writing shorter chapters, this boosts page turns, and Amazon’s algorithms favour books with strong engagement/read-through.

And, as above, do not price your eBook too low. Price it at true market value, not in the cheap, second-rate, low-cost arena, (Free/.99 range) which is becoming a quagmire of Autobot-written material churned out by AI at 100+ books a day… unless that is where you see your work belongs.

So why do I say this move by Amazon is a good thing?

Because it is a wake-up call, a well-deserved kick in the butt for all indie authors.

For too long the indie community has carried the mindset that the only way to compete in the book market is to sell cheaply, to undercut the next author, to give away their books in the forlorn hope of catching a fish, even a tiddler, who may, at some point wish to buy another of their books… nah… that never happens. Nor do cheap books lead to a plethora of stunning reviews, all for the reasons mentioned above.

And lo… oh, those poor, poor souls who have paid a company to ‘market’ their books for free… the poor misguided people who have paid a third party to give their books away to freebie hunters, of which 80% are never read, and 20% deleted unread with two weeks of downloading.

No, my author and writer friends, from today it is time to get serious about authorship. Mark up your books to their true value. Readers have, for far too long, taken advantage of you by paying next to nothing for a book that took two years of your labour, and a hefty financial investment, while they paid more for a two-minute Starbucks coffee or a McDonalds hamburger.

Get a grip. Get those prices into the real world of value for money. Stop undervaluing your work and yourself. This is why this is a good thing. A good day.

Do it. Do it now.

If you are still unhappy with Amazon and are looking at the possibility of ‘going wide’ with your marketing. I recommend this book. I seriously recommend it.

GOING WIDE for Independent Authors is a comprehensive directory and an instructional resource guide, specifically tailored for independent authors seeking to expand their distribution and sales channels. It provides detailed information on services, including book publishing platforms, reader subscription services, library distribution networks, educational resources, and direct sales solutions.

Going Wide offers independent and self-published authors actionable insights into the sales and distribution options available, enabling informed decision-making to effectively "go wide" with their works.

Electric Press–Literary Insights Magazine says, “This is one of the most useful references any independent author can own.”

CQ International Magazine commented, “Going Wide opens one’s eyes to the possibilities and options that exist for indie authors and small press publishing. A big thumbs up from us.”

UK https://amzn.to/4kgM4OB

USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F31WXDP9

Keep happy.

[paulwhitewriter]

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[paulwhitewriter]

GOING WIDE for Independent Authors is a comprehensive directory and an instructional resource guide, specifically tailored for independent authors seeking to expand their distribution and sales channels.

It provides detailed information on services, including book publishing platforms, reader subscription services, library distribution networks, educational resources, and direct sales solutions.

Going Wide offers independent and self-published authors actionable insights into the sales and distribution options available, enabling informed decision-making to effectively "go wide" with their works.

UK, https://amzn.to/42sMwmW

USA, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F31WXDP9

[paulwhitewriter]

The Phone Call is a powerful, immersive urban crime drama that packs a psychological punch.

The Phone Call can be read (for free) via your Kindle Unlimited subscription, or you can download them directly to your device as an eBook.

UK https://amzn.to/4jqbOrJ

USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F674G8L9

The Phone Call is the twelfth book in the Bite Size Reads collection.

Bite Size Reads are the perfect fillers for those moments when you have time to kill, be it a lazy afternoon, a coffee break, commuting to work, a lunchtime quicky, or a bedtime read.

Visit the Bite Size library today: https://amzn.to/4gdWxZE

[paulwhitewriter]

THEN:

Victory in Europe; our Electric Eclectic Authors, alongside their friends, have joined together to mark the day the war in Europe came to an end by presenting a collection of short stories. Each story carries a personal dedication and is written with deep respect and gratitude for all those who sacrificed their lives to secure the liberty and freedom we cherish today.

Paperback. https://amzn.to/3YCa864

NOW:

Life in the War Zone brings you the emotional truth about the effects and the long-lasting legacy of pain and suffering, to both combat troops and innocent civilian lives, devastated by war and armed conflict.

Revealed are the cold hard facts; tales from the front line, situations you may not believe are true. Yet these things have happened and are still happening.

Paperback. https://amzn.to/42EG9f4

eBook/Kindle. https://amzn.to/42zoNjK

[paulwhitewriter]

2025 will mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day on 8 May and 15 August.

Victory in Europe (VE Day), takes place on 8 May. It marks the Allied victory in Europe. The news resulted in millions celebrating the end of the war, with street parties, dancing and singing across the country. The war in the Far East did not end until 15 August 1945 with VJ Day (Victory Over Japan).

This year’s commemorations pay tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front.

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The Early May Bank Holiday will see the beginning of the events to mark VE Day 80, with events including a Military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, followed by a flypast of current and historic military aircraft including the famous Red Arrows, and the return of the poppies to the Tower of London. This yeas poppies installation will resemble a ‘wound’ at the heart of the Tower, which was itself bombed during the Blitz and still bears some of those scars today.

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The VE Day 80 commemorations will continue with a street party on HMS Belfast. HMS Belfast fired some of the opening shots on D Day in 1944 and protected Arctic convoys during the Second World War and is the most significant surviving Second World War warship.

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A service will take place at Westminster Abbey that will be both an act of shared remembrance and a celebration of the end of the war. It will be a moment to give thanks and to honour a generation that showed extraordinary courage and resilience.

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Ruth Bourne, 98, a Second World War Wren working as a link in the chain of codebreakers who intercepted Nazi messages at Bletchley Park said:

“There was an electric buzz among everyone, and eventually the Royals came out and waved, and we cheered like crazy waving whatever we had on us. People climbed on every available lamppost, lit bonfires in Hyde Park and we sat around singing songs. Not many went to bed that night.”

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Our Electric Eclectic Authors, alongside their friends, have joined together to mark the day the war in Europe came to an end by presenting a collection of short stories. Each story carries a personal dedication and is written with deep respect and gratitude for all those who sacrificed their lives to secure the liberty and freedom we cherish today.

Victory in Europe: A Celebration of VE Day, is available via Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hWSp0g click the link, or can the QR code.

.

Funds raised by the sale will help ex-servicemen. Help us to help them by ordering your copy today.

Thank you.

[paulwhitewriter]

Victory in Europe (VE Day), takes place on 8 May.

It marks the Allied victory in Europe. The news resulted in millions celebrating the end of the war, with street parties, dancing and singing across the country. The war in the Far East did not end until 15 August 1945 with VJ Day (Victory Over Japan).

This year’s commemorations pay tribute to the millions of people across the UK and Commonwealth who served in the Second World War, telling the stories of those who fought, the children who were evacuated, and those who stepped into the essential roles on the Home Front.

The Early May Bank Holiday will see the beginning of the events to mark VE Day 80, with events including a Military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, followed by a flypast of current and historic military aircraft including the famous Red Arrows, and the return of the poppies to the Tower of London. This year's poppies installation will resemble a ‘wound’ at the heart of the Tower, which was itself bombed during the Blitz and still bears some of those scars today.

The VE Day 80 commemorations will continue with a street party on HMS Belfast. HMS Belfast fired some of the opening shots on D Day in 1944 and protected Arctic convoys during the Second World War and is the most significant surviving Second World War warship.

A service will take place at Westminster Abbey that will be both an act of shared remembrance and a celebration of the end of the war. It will be a moment to give thanks and to honour a generation that showed extraordinary courage and resilience.

Ruth Bourne, 98, a Second World War Wren working as a link in the chain of codebreakers who intercepted Nazi messages at Bletchley Park said:

“There was an electric buzz among everyone, and eventually the Royals came out and waved, and we cheered like crazy waving whatever we had on us. People climbed on every available lamppost, lit bonfires in Hyde Park and we sat around singing songs. Not many went to bed that night.”

Our Electric Eclectic Authors, alongside their friends, have joined together to mark the day the war in Europe came to an end by presenting a collection of short stories. Each story carries a personal dedication and is written with deep respect and gratitude for all those who sacrificed their lives to secure the liberty and freedom we cherish today.

Victory in Europe: A Celebration of VE Day, is available via Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hWSp0g click the link, or can the QR code.

Funds raised by the sale will help ex-servicemen. Help us to help them by ordering your copy today.

Thank you

[paulwhitewriter]

GOING WIDE for Independent Authors

GOING WIDE for Independent Authors is a comprehensive directory and an instructional resource guide, specifically tailored for independent authors seeking to expand their distribution and sales channels.

It provides detailed information on services, including book publishing platforms, reader subscription services, library distribution networks, educational resources, and direct sales solutions.

Going Wide offers independent and self-published authors actionable insights into the sales and distribution options available, enabling informed decision-making to effectively "go wide" with their works.

[paulwhitewriter]

Worldbuilding is the basis for creating the settings and scenes of all great and successful works, from Sci-fi and Fantasy to Romance, Thrillers, Horror, and Historical fiction.

The Da Vinci Code-Dan Brown, Wolf Hall-Hilary Mantel, 1984-George Orwell, Gone Girl-Gillian Flynn, Pride and Prejudice-Jane Austen, and The Lost City of Z, by David Grann all featured amazing, well-crafted worlds, the stage on which their characters came to life.

Worldbuilding for Authors helps guide you through the process of creating formidable fictional worlds, no matter what genre you write.

The directory section includes ‘must have’ Apps, Sites, Links, Tools, and Communities dedicated to worldbuilding.

Worldbuilding for Authors is part of the ‘Authors Essential Library’ collection, a compendium of books dedicated to indie authors and writers.

Start building fantastic worlds where your characters play out your story, and one your readers will fall in love with.

Order your copy today, https://amzn.to/3DSEhXV

[paulwhitewriter]

If you love The Floyd, you’ll love ‘All Dark’. https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/38512358

[paulwhitewriter]

I have recently had several interesting conversations with writers and authors regarding ‘Free’ or heavily discounted books, i.e. (.99 dollar/pound/euro).

Concerning these discussions, I have been asked about my blog posts on the subject, so I am posting the links to the main two here. These posts and many more interesting articles can be found on my blog ‘Ramblings from a Writer’s Mind’ where I ‘Write about Writing for Writers’

Here are the titles, and links, to the posts concerning ‘Freebies’. Enjoy the read. Comments and constructive criticism are always welcome.

1, A word of caution about FREE & some other stuff worth knowing about. https://ramblingsfromawritersmind.wordpress.com/2018/01/23/a-word-of-caution-about-free-some-other-stuff-worth-knowing-about/

2, FREE is killing indie. (An urgent warning) https://ramblingsfromawritersmind.wordpress.com/2017/12/13/free-is-killing-indie-an-urgent-warning/

[paulwhitewriter]

Neptune and the Pollywogs

The Crossing the Line ceremony is an initiation ritual devised by seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates can endure long stints and difficult times at sea.

The ceremony plays an integral role in fostering a sense of identity, camaraderie, and brotherhood among ship’s companies by initiating novices, or ‘pollywogs’, sailors who have not yet crossed the equator, into ‘The Ancient Order of the Deep.’

Records from the early 19th century indicate that the ceremony could be a brutal affair, sometimes involving sailors being beaten with boards and wet ropes before being thrown or 'dunked' overboard.

During these times, the Crossing the Line ceremony was more a test of physical endurance and perseverance against pain than the high jinks that characterise today's initiation rites. Thankfully, nowadays, Crossing the Line is intended to be fun, albeit with a hint of the rough-and-tumble from earlier years.

The ceremony is crafted and executed using wit, wisdom, references to classical literature, and high theatre. It is said that the Crossing the Line Ceremony is a seafaring tradition dating back to the Middle Ages; however, the ceremony has its roots in much earlier times…

Read more, https://amzn.to/3FyZZ3G

[paulwhitewriter]

Marketing your books? Don’t do more, do it better.

The human attention span is shrinking, and quickly. A widely referenced 2015 study by Microsoft suggested the average attention span has dropped to just eight seconds, down from 12 seconds in 2000. To put that into perspective, it’s shorter than the attention span of a goldfish, which clocks in at nine seconds. While some have questioned the methodology behind these findings, more recent…

[paulwhitewriter]

Hey, check this out.

My song, about my story, in this anthology.

Pretty cool, don't you think?

Anyway, have a listen, grab the book, read the story... Sorted!

The QR code will take you to Crow Town... see you there.

[paulwhitewriter]

Crow Town is a captivating anthology of short stories that combines the talents of 16 international authors.

[paulwhitewriter]

Go ‘WIDE’ authors, go wide?

I have read many people suggesting indie authors should ‘go wide’ regarding their book marketing. The prime issue is those suggesting authors should ‘go wide’, have no idea what, or where, wide is. When reading posts and comments, most think the choice of going wide is a simple, easily achieved alternative, and one that leads to instant success. But… it is not such a simple undertaking. I shall…