#paperback to eBook conversion

[leebrontide]

Well, I had book 1 as free and book 2 as $5 as ebooks, BUT apparently we have to have some additional conversation about goddamn eugenics right now, so I am making them both free again until my get-these-books-into-libraries campaign. So for like, a couple weeks.

Would you like some FREE character-driven, very queer, late-YA scifi that plays with complex family dynamics, superheros, propaganda, medical trauma, disability, and eugenics? But that also aren't just here to depress you?

(Also includes one nonbinary author's take on the shapeshifting nonbinary character trope, and some girls who don't know if they wanna make out with each other or BE each other, and also an ace character who is just chill about being ace actually.)

You can get the ebooks here or here, and the not-free paperbacks from all the usual suspects. Book 1 has an audiobook on audible, book 2 and wider audiobook release for book 1 is underway. Also, should you toss me some money (optional) all funds go directly to proven climate orgs.

Secondhand Origin Stories (book 1):

An outsider with superheroic ambitions

A near-invincible teen with infamous powers

A prodigy with treasonous technology

A frail girl with a family legacy

A supervillian with mysterious motives

And a family fractured by secrets

Names in Their Blood (book 2):

After a spring they barely survived, the Sentinels, and their family, head to rural Minnesota for long awaited reunions and a chance to finally start to heal. But when they realize that genetically altered people have been going missing from the small town that houses the US's only full service hospital for genetically altered people they have to decide who they can trust- and fast, or thousands of people could die.

Reblogs very much appreciated!

Please feel free to pop into my asks if you want further content warnings or have questions.

[noa-nightingale]

Hello yes I would like to share a book rec with y'all! :3

Recently, I finished reading The Erstwhile Tyler Kyle by Steve Hugh Westenra and, folks, it is GOOD.

It's queer! It's creepy! It's horror comedy from a trans author! Here's a short description from the author's bluesky: "A cryptid-hunting Youtuber follows a (fake) video of his presumed-dead mom to an isolated island that was once a gay conversion camp & may house the monsters he swears aren't real."

A longer description can be found on the author's website.

I really really enjoyed this book. Monsters! Cryptids! Gay stuff! Drag! Body horror! :D

I've not been this invested in a book in a good while. It's intense and it pulls you in. The characters are excellent (there are also not enough queer characters over thirty who are still figuring out themselves and their love life, and this book delivered; plus, I also loved the character of Conrad Uphill, you'll get it when you read it ^-^), the story is so well-structured and well-written and the longer I read, the more I got into the "just one more chapter" mindset.

The author was kind enough to send me a free eBook but tbh that is not the reason I have so many good things to say about this book. You are really rooting for the main character Tyler, the use of language in this book is fun and fascinating, there are more elements that just the straight (hah) story (e.g. diary entries, which I also love in a book), and you know that ya queer is always a sucker for creatures and gore.

There are some twists and turns that I did not see coming, and it is amazing how close you feel to the characters.

I'll get the paperback as soon as I have the money; I really want this thing on my bookshelf. Highly recommended, and you get to support a trans author in addition to getting a great story. Plus, I loved reading this for Pride Month. <3

[jfoley38]

Fewer Days That Suck: Real Talk About Stress, Mindset, and Getting Out of Your Own Way

In Episode 157 of the No Sitting on the Sideline Dad podcast, host Joe Foley sits down with author and mindset coach Deborah Mallow to talk about something we all face—but rarely slow down to deal with: burnout, negative thought patterns, and parenting under pressure.

Deborah shares her journey from being a top sales rep on the edge of burnout to creating a simple, effective framework for living with more intention and less overwhelm. Her book, Six Steps to Fewer Days That Suck, isn’t your typical self-help read—it’s packed with short reflections, mantras, and actionable steps that helped her—and now others—retrain their mindset and take back control of their days.

This conversation is a raw, honest, and hopeful look at how small changes can have a big impact—especially when stress starts to bleed into parenting and everyday life.

Topics covered in this episode:

What burnout looks like and how it sneaks up on high-performers

Understanding negativity bias and how to break it

The connection between adult stress and a child’s self-esteem

Learning how to pause before reacting in the heat of the moment

Practical ways to build better mental habits (without adding pressure)

The power of self-kindness, daily rituals, and meaningful affirmations

How to raise resilient kids by modeling resilience ourselves

One of Deborah’s key takeaways: “Nothing is going to change… unless I change.”

Listeners can learn more about Deborah’s work—and grab her free downloadable worksheets on happiness and motivation—by visiting TheDailyDecisions.com/inspire. Her book is also available on Amazon in ebook, paperback, and hardcover.

Links and Resources:

Episode page: nosittingonthesideline.com/156

Website: nosittingonthesideline.com

Follow Joe on Instagram: @NoSittingPodcast

If this episode resonates, listeners are encouraged to subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who might need it.

Check out this episode!

[andromedaexists]

It's Been a Week...

Seven days ago I introduced my book baby (Δάιος, you might have heard of it) into the world! On 10/10 Icky baby made his debut!!

So what has happened since then?

Well, my personal life has become a living hell but that's not what we're here to discuss. Today is all about self-publishing a debut novel.

Icarus came into the world on the 10th with a KDP ebook and paperback release. Those were soon joined on the 11th by an ebook, paperback, and hard cover wide release through the distribution channels of IngramSparks.

I have learned a lot with this process. Namely: IngramSparks is a fucking bitch when it comes to covers, Amazon will not provide quality author proofs so I have no way of knowing what my book will look like before it publishes, and that I need to give myself more time to work out the kinks next time.

Before I get too far into details, I want to highlight some numbers here. If you do not want to see publication numbers then you are free to go! Thank you for stopping by, though!

Okay, so here are my numbers so far:

I had sixteen (16) preorders on the Δάιος ebook through Amazon.

On release day, these orders processed. I also received another 3 orders that day, bringing the total number to 19.

Since that first day, I have received a total of 26 orders through KDP.

As you can tell, I had a significant dip right after pub day. This is mostly my own fault, as I am terrible at marketing and by virtue of my life going to shit I haven't even been shitposting about my book.

Of these 26 orders, 5 of them have been paperbacks

This is a lot better than I expected!! I think it's because I am so partial to physical copies that I tend to push those first and foremost before the ebook.

But these are just the amazon KDP numbers, I have also gone wide with distribution!

So how many orders have I gotten through IngramSparks??? None.

Not a one. That's to be expected though, a lot of indies sell through amazon first and foremost. I mostly set up ingram for two reasons: 1. I wanted to hold a hardcover edition of Δάιος in my hands but i really dislike the way that KDP doesn't offer dust jackets for their hardcovers and 2. Consignment

I just finished filling out some consignment forms for my local NE Ohio bookstores, we'll see if I get into any of them.

There is one other place I sell, though: my website. How many orders have I gotten there? 6!!

one of those images is different, because on my website I can offer something that amazon and IS can't. Physical goodies. The books on my website come with a pack of 6 stickers, a thank you card, and my signature! And technically I have 8 orders, but one hasn't come through yet from a friend in person and the other is for Shane bb who is getting an annotated copy of the book (I haven't finished the annotations yet lol)

So now that we have all the numbers out in the open, let's talk about money. How much did it cost for me to publish δάιος? A lot. It is possible to publish for much less than what it cost me, but I went out of my way to commission a cover artist that I just knew I needed to have and that cost me a pretty penny.

All in all, I spent $2,920.16 ($1,703.02 is the cover alone after conversion from GBP)

And how much have I made back so far, just in week one?

$73.46 from KDP royalties and $44.82 from my website ($94.95 - $50.13 for the books alone, not even counting the goodies and packing supplies) for a total of...

$118.28!!! That's a lot!!!

I am very privileged to have a credit card I can put my expenses on as I slowly pay them off, and I do not regret anything I have done in the creation of my book. Even if it makes me cry a little bit at how much I spent.

Now that the numbers are over, what are some positive things that have come of this and some negative things? (pos first)

I have published my debut novel!

There are 4 people who have read my debut novel and liked it enough to rate it on goodreads! (it has a 4.75 star rating atm!)

My book is BEAUTIFUL

Icky baby has been unleashed on the world!

I feel like I've finally accomplished something with my life

DID I MENTION THAT I PUBLISHED A BOOK???

the negatives:

I really don't like that the colors of the cover don't print properly, every copy I've gotten either lightens the contrast so you can't see the title or it darkens the damned thing and you can't see Icarus

I also don't like that IngramSparks doesn't support any letters outside of the basic latin letters on the spine of covers, because that means that my baby is naked under the dust jacket and that's just boring

Amazon Fuckt Up my print proof (i will attach pictures) and I freaked out about it for a good 4 days

I just realized today that I published daios with a placeholder chapter title about halfway through the book... so I fixed that but there are already more than 30 copies of the book in circulation with that error...

Idk if it's just my bad eyes but I feel like the text is too small in the print books. I would like to make it larger when I publish the revised edition next year

INGRAMSPARKS IS A LITTLE BITCH THAT WILL YELL AT YOU AND REJECT YOUR COVER IF YOU LOOK AT IT WRONG

I can order just a regular copy of daios off amazon and it will be here in two days. So why when I order author copies does it take TWO WEEKS TO SHIP

I really hate that the hardcover can't have creme paper. Like, gimme the offwhite. It looks so much better with my cover and the vibes of the story. Lemme use something other than bleach white please i'm begging

All in all, I learned a lot with this!! I had my ups and downs, I think I've done everything in my power to make this book successful, and now I just have to roll with it!

I will check in again at the one month mark, but yeah! That's it! Thanks for reading through this long winded post!!

The pictures, as promised:

And just in case you can't immediately see what's wrong:

The colors are off, the title has like a hard demarcation when it's supposed to be a soft glow and you can't hardly see Icarus down there

My name is brushed up against the edge of the book when it's supposed to have a decent buffer room

The spine is shifted. Why is the spine text partially on the front cover?

The colors are off on the back as well, the text is hard to read and it's too close to the edge of the book when it's supposed to be more centered.

For reference, here's the finally front cover on a regular paperback purchased through amazon (I.E. what a normal customer would receive):

[free-queer-books]

EXPIRED - LOVEQUAKE by T.J. Land

No one knows what to make of Sunday. He’s handsome. He’s stylish. He’s got endless amounts of cash that he splashes around like water. But there’s something just a little bit wrong about the way he talks – like he’s never had a conversation before – and the way he walks – like he expects walls to simply get out of his way. Though his hair and beard are immaculately groomed, he never brushes the former or trims the latter. And he talks to the sky. All of which are very solid, sensible reasons for Zip Fletcher, cheerfully rude Welsh sex worker, not to develop a crush on him. Zip is, however, not a sensible man. LOVEQUAKE is an M/M + F/F romantic scifi adventure set against the backdrop of a quintillion-year-old cosmic war.

Description is from the paperback version as the ebook blurb was minimal. Per reviews + my quick skim, I'm pretty sure the book has at least one central Black character who is human (half of the F/F pairing.)

Promotion length: Unknown

Markets available: Amazon

Link to book: https://www.amazon.com/LOVEQUAKE-T-J-Land-ebook/dp/B08P7VC5YL

[elliottkay]

You ever wish your favorite sci-fi focused more on romance, comedy, and sexytimes than all that threats-to-the-galaxy stuff? Ever wanted a good boy-meets-robot alien polyamory story that still brings the space lasers and kicks a corporate CEO in the junk?

I did, so I wrote it. And now it's available in audio, narrated by the incredible Tess Irondale! (And ebook and paperback, of course!)

Riley Morgan desperately needs a reset on his life. Pit fights with aliens and illegal salvage jobs are barely enough to get by—until a salvage op turns up a beautiful stranger in a stasis pod and a clear case of kidnapping. Helping her means throwing away what’s left of his life. The trouble only gets deeper when the stranger turns out to be a wildly illegal artificial intelligence built for assassination.

Like Riley, Selene has been used and abused by her bosses… and like Riley, she longs for a life of her own choosing. Riley and Selene are ready for the struggle ahead. They aren’t ready for the dangerous and sexy aliens in their way, or the glitzy parties and corporate conspiracies, and they certainly aren’t ready for the spark between one another.

WARNING: HOT RESTART contains explicit violence, explicit sex, explicit language, polyamory, murder, kidnapping, assault, acrimony, perfidy, theft, numerous bisexuals, defenestrations, conspiracies, death and mourning, threesomes, space capitalism, interspecies hookup culture, surly co-workers, judgmental aliens, embarrassing humans, smuggling, stalking, strafing, lap-dancing, sexual promiscuity, self-discovery, self-defense, post-coital robo-violence, hedonism, exhibitionism, intimidation, surveillance, rejection, abrupt breakups, betrayals, ambushes, espionage, gang activity, false identities, pool hustling, alien/human sexytimes, questionable salvage practices, intended torture, destruction of private property, hallway foreplay, alien insectoid pseudo-anarcho-socialism, clueless appropriation of human culture for restaurant entrepreneurship, shooting, punching, kicking, flirting, taunting, aerial combat, abusive leadership, destruction of evidence, unsanitary transit through hotel ventilation, a CEO who isn’t trash, relationship boundary conversation during combat, outstanding man-ass, an amorphous alien gel-person looking for a good time, and protagonists dressed in their underwear or less for five consecutive chapters.

[thedisabilitybookarchive]

'We're Not Broken'- Garcia, Eric

Subtitle: Changing the Autism Conversation

Discusses: Autism, Autism Stereotypes, The Disabled Experience, Education, Healthcare, LGBTQ+ Identities, POC identities, USA

Published: 2021

Publisher: Mariner Books

Available Formats: Paperback, Hardback, Audiobook, Ebook, Kindle Edition

For more information on summaries, content warnings and additional tropes, see here:

[sam-loves-seb]

tag game wednesday

i was tagged by these lovelies: @deedala @creepkinginc @darlingian @gallawitchxx @mybrainismelted @sickness-health-all-that-shit @mickeysgaymom 💙

Another this or that! The rules are simple: here's two things, you must choose one from between them!! aaand go! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

iced coffee or hot coffee?- gross, neither. ice water.

iced tea or hot tea?- gross, neither. hot chocolate.

lemonade or sweet tea?- both, gimme that half and half.

minty gum or fruity gum?- minty always

pasta or potatoes?- potatoes all day, i couldn't live without fries

olives or pickles?- absolutely not.

rice or bread?- bread x a million

cookies or brownies?- cookies

hand written reminders or phone reminders?- i gotta go handwritten on this one. i use so many sticky notes at work to remember shit. also, my phone reminders tell me to go to sleep at 12:30am every night if i'm still awake, and not once have i listened to it, so. yeah. handwritten all the way (also more satisfying to check off)

pull-over hoodie or zippy hoodie?- pull-over always, i hate zippers

jeans or sweatpants?- sweatpants, but i actually don't mind jeans

flip-flops/thongs or slides?- it takes very specific conditions for me to wear either tbh i am a sneaker girlie always, it's rare you catch me not in my converse or vans. that said, i think i have to go flip-flops? i only wear slides when i'm going to softball because i can't drive in cleats.

paperback book or ebook?- paperback, even though i mostly read ebooks now. there's something about a paperback that makes me more invested in the story, don't ask me why.

enemies to lovers or fwb to lovers?- fwb to lovers until the day i fucking die, enemies to lovers is an extremely hard needle to thread and i can count on one hand the number of times i've actually liked the way that trope plays out. fwb to lovers is *chefs kiss* delicious.

only one bed or fake dating?- only one bed!!!! unpopular opinion but fake dating is overrated oops!

hurt/comfort or whump?- [stares at the camera] whump.

mutual pining or amnesia?- if amnesia has a million enemies i am one of them. if amnesia has one enemy i am that one. if amnesia has no enemies then i am dead. so, mutual pining.

canon compliant or alternate universe?- canon compliant my beloved but it has to be done right, otherwise it leaves a sour taste in my mouth. i guess the same could be said about AUs, but canon compliant is probably still my favorite (though it's a close race)

soulmate au or sports au?- sports au x a million

celebrity au or coffeeshop au?- celebrity au

one-shot or longfic?- a good one shot is literally everything to me, there are so many one shots that i think about on a weekly basis, some i haven't read in years and yet, they haunt me. i love it.

AND FINALLY....😈

milkovich or gallagher?- milkovich baby !

tagging: anyone who hasn't played yet, considering it's almost thursday 💙💙💙

[authorkarajorgensen]

The Cover Reveal for THE REANIMATOR’S SOUL (The Reanimator Mysteries #2)

I have been sitting on this cover for a few weeks now, and I am SO excited to share it with you. Once again, I worked with Crowglass Design to create the perfect cover for Oliver and Felipe’s next adventure. I thought book one was the best cover I’ve ever seen, but book two upped the ante. It also fits perfectly with what happens in this book, but I can’t give it away.

If you haven’t read book one, you can grab it here in ebook, paperback, or audiobook.

The Reanimator’s Soul is the second book in the Reanimator Mysteries series and will be out October 24th, 2023. You can preorder the ebook now, and the paperback will launch in October.

Check out the cover along with the blurb, content warnings, and the preorder links below:

Manhattan, 1897 An autistic necromancer, his undead lover, and the case that could destroy everything. When a necromancer turns up dead, Oliver and Felipe think it will be the perfect, straightforward case for their new partnership. That is, until it leads them to a clinic promising a cure for magic, but they aren’t the only ones investigating the Institute for the Betterment of the Soul. Oliver’s ex, Ansley, is in town, and he’s certain the clinic isn’t the paragon of righteousness it claims to be. Forced to help Ansley infiltrate the institute, Oliver fears he is out of his depth in his work and in love as old wounds and bad habits resurface. But Oliver isn’t the only one struggling. Pulled between his cases, Oliver, and his daughter returning home for the summer, Felipe is drowning. Just when he thinks he finally has everything under control, a new reminder of his untimely demise threatens to throw his life into a tailspin once more. Between festering wounds and secrets, Oliver and Felipe’s lives stand upon a knife’s edge. To face the evil lurking behind the clinic’s genteel smiles, they must stand together or face the destruction of the place they call home.

CWs include but are not limited to/subject to change: Gore, blood, violence, murder, descriptions of dead bodies, on page sexual content, ableism toward autistic people, discussion of past sexual assault**, period specific homophobia and language, medical abuse, conversion therapy

**as a heads-up, this comes up as a discussion between Oliver and Felipe about consent and how, being neurodivergent, that can look different. There is no on-page in-depth description of the event itself. It felt important to include this scene/discussion as autistic people are more likely to be sexually assaulted than allistics.**

You can preorder The Reanimator’s Soul at

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Apple Books | Smashwords | Google Play | Add it on Goodreads

[kccarmine]

🎮💙⚽️The Blindfold Date: MM Contemporary Romance

Facing his crush from uni was not what E expected on a blind date. 🔗 mybook.to/TheBlindfoldDate

🎮 video games programmer ⚽️ ex-football player 🔥 steamy scenes ♾️ autistic MC 🍆 D/S dynamic 👀 s€x toys 🏳️‍🌈 MM 🥰 HEA

A new dating app. Rules: both parties sit at a table with blindfolds on. Each can ask three questions. If they don’t like the answers, they can leave. If both parties enjoy the conversation, they take the blindfolds off. What can go wrong? Nothing. Unless you come face-to-face with your old crush.

This is exactly how Ernesto—an autistic video game programmer with a dominant streak, reconnects with Brian—an easy-going ex-football player with a burgeoning desire to submit. After his secret obsession with Brian comes to light, he realises both of them have changed since their time at uni. E is willing to risk a potential emotional disaster to have Brian under him, even if just for one night.

Brian threw himself into his bi-awakening with so much enthusiasm, he got hurt too many times to count, but succumbing to the demands of this lean, geeky Dom may be just what Brian needs. He has to overcome his past to truly give himself to E, at the danger of having his heart broken by a man who desires his body but doesn’t know his secrets.

A standalone MM book 2 from the contemporary Pursuit of Love series. High steam/low angst.

Available in KU, ebook and paperback 📚

[holofoiltowercard]

The Journey of The Tarot Haiku

I: The Magician - Resources

I used a variety of tools and resources in creating the book, so I thought I would share the most important ones.

At one point I purchased Scrivener because I heard good things about it, and initially I was planning to use it to create the book, only to discover that it didn't support the type of layout I wanted to design. I was stubborn, however, and decided to use it anyway because the way you can create folders and pages in it really appealed to the creature in me that wanted to squirrel away the poems like nuts for the winter. I also used it to manually keep track of my progress, and I still love opening it to go through all the folders.

To make sure the syllable count was accurate, I used this Syllable Counter to double check as I was typing down the poems. I tried others, but some of them were inconsistent, and this one was really easy to use!

I used to draw extensively and did digital art, and in the course of looking for software, I purchased Clip Studio Paint, which can be used for digital art as well as designing printable volumes like comics and zines. I was first and foremost going to concentrate on the Tarot cards in my poetry project, but eventually decided to supplement them with more poems explaining the fundamentals of reading and understanding the Tarot, so the next step was to create some digital illustrations to accompany those. I ended up learning about vector art because I wanted to create crisp images that could be resized if needed, and then went on to design the original manuscript using CSP. For the longest time I thought I would be using that for publication, but it did not have a working Table of Contents and I worried that any reformatting might take it apart, so I didn't use the manuscript, just the digital illustrations I made.

The Rider-Waite Tarot Deck is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., but the illustrations are technically public domain, so you can use them for different projects and products. Because I wanted to feature the cards in my book but I only had access to a Hungarian language version of the deck (and so my scans would have shown Hungarian text), I purchased a set of high quality scans of the original Rider-Waite Tarot from ElementalEmpress on Etsy. I first used these in my project proposal and later in the manuscript.

In some of my posts, you might have noticed a Tower mandala watermark. I commissioned the design from Mixtichin - check out their Square Space or their Ko-fi if you want cool mandala designs! (The holofoil effect was my doing.)

I ultimately decided to self-publish by signing up to Kindle Direct Publishing, and there I downloaded Kindle Create in order to prepare my manuscript for publishing. This was the point where I realized that my original manuscript created in CSP might not survive a reformatting and the non-functional Table of Contents would be irritating, so I fired up Microsoft Word and recreated the entire manuscript from scratch. Thankfully I figured out how to do upside down text in it, which is how the ebook retains the original ergodic layout. I had to convert it to PDF using the built-in conversion function because Kindle Create is very fickle and will not sometimes recognize completely legitimate DOCX files, but that turned out to be for the best because I had an image heavy layout and could thus use the Print Replica option. Kindle Create is kind of vital for KDP projects because it will take care of things like borders, trim, bleed, etc. and when I got the hang of it, submitting the paperback and hardcover became much easier.

Last but not least, I used this website to convert PNG to PDF because KDP asked for the cover to be submitted as a PDF, but whenever I tried to open the PNG and use the convert to PDF option in the menu, it came out the wrong size. Once I converted it using the above linked site, however, the size was perfect and I could proceed with publication!

This is all I could think of for this post - see you next time!

Buy the ebook

Buy the paperback

Buy the hardcover

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

MERE HOURS REMAIN for the Kickstarter for the audiobook for The Bezzle, the sequel to Red Team Blues, narrated by @wilwheaton! You can pre-order the audiobook and ebook, DRM free, as well as the hardcover, signed or unsigned. There’s also bundles with Red Team Blues in ebook, audio or paperback.

#20yrsago Tablature for Super Mario Brothers https://artport.whitney.org/gatepages/artists/galloway/

#20yrsago Unix as she is spoke https://web.archive.org/web/20040215071845/http://www.eeng.brad.ac.uk/help/.faq/.unix/.pronun.html

#15yrsago Comprehensive excoriation of ebook stupidity https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2009/02/the-once-and-future-e-book/

#15yrsago Disneyland Paris’s smoking area/stroller rental https://www.flickr.com/photos/doctorow/3246021936/

#10yrsago Marx’s prescient predictions for the 21st century https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/marx-was-right-five-surprising-ways-karl-marx-predicted-2014-237285/

#10yrsago UK Parliament considers allowing secret courts to issue orders to seize reporters’ notebooks https://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/jan/31/secret-hearings-police-journalists-deregulation-bill

#10yrsago Massive collection of Soviet wartime posters https://windowsonwar.nottingham.ac.uk

#10yrsago Toronto Mayor Rob Ford ticketed, allegedly for public intoxication, in Vancouver https://globalnews.ca/news/1122528/breaking-rob-ford-reportedly-ticketed-in-vancouver-for-jaywalking/

#10yrsago Neil Gaiman reads “Green Eggs and Ham” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKh_WOfxkA4

#5yrsago After #MeToo, whole industries have been blacklisted by insurers for sexual harassment liability coverage https://theintercept.com/2019/02/02/workplace-harassment-insurance-metoo/

#5yrsago Women weren’t excluded from early science fiction: they were erased https://www.wired.com/2019/02/geeks-guide-history-women-sci-fi/

#5yrsago Delayed, not saved: Foxconn’s Wisconsin “factory” announcement is a bid to help Trump save face https://www.cbsnews.com/news/foxconn-says-it-will-build-wisconsin-factory-after-all-citing-conversation-with-trump/

#5yrsago The plane(t) has been hijacked by billionaires, and we’re all passengers https://www.businessinsider.com/anand-giridharadas-billionaires-inequality-interview-2019-1

#5yrsago No Deal Brexit will lead to “putrefying stockpiles of rubbish” and “slurry” https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/01/revealed-plan-to-deal-with-putrefying-stockpiles-of-rubbish-after-no-deal-brexit

#1yrago Netflix wants to chop down your family tree https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/02/nonbinary-families/#red-envelopes

Back the Kickstarter for the audiobook of The Bezzle here!

[thenewwei]

Today is the 10th Anniversary of the publication of my second book, Good Americans (The Human Tragedy, Volume 1). As such, the Kindle ebook version will be free on Amazon from today Thursday October 12, 2023 through Saturday October 14, 2023. Anybody who wants to check it out for free just needs a free Kindle application for any device. You also have the option of buying the paperback from almost any online bookseller.

From a strictly "literary" perspective, I suppose it is my best published book, but then it is the only ostensibly literary book I've released (until its sequel comes out), a short story collection of 6 stories, a 3-part novella, and a creative introduction.

The collection has a crazy history which I could write a book on itself. The oldest story, "Bridget's Brother," was composed in the winter of 2001 at the University of Oxford in the UK, where I was studying abroad at the ripe age of 20, writing under a special light so I wouldn't get depressed, trying to read (and unsuccessfully like) Henry Green's Loving, biking around George Street, attending the Oxford Union and spying on conversations in Blackwell's Bookshop so I could pick up British slang to use in my work (I also once sat next to Chelsea Clinton, but was too shy to say anything, not to mention that 9/11 had just occurred, making her SS detail all the more apprehensive, I figured. This is also referred to in the story). The story is derived from a real life experience with my fellow students, both American and British, and it shows with its subject matter, "awkward" prose and loose/dynamic construction. The last stories I wrote, "The Apprentice" and the three part jackhammer "Malta: A Love Story," were pumped out the summer before its publication, meant to beef up the collection, and the Introduction was literally written that Fall.

I had been shopping around the book as "Dhan's Debut and Other Stories," sending it to book agents and literary contests I would find in the back of publications like Poets & Writers, AWP Chronicle and Writer's Digest's. I would pay fees, wait for months, and get rejections, over and over again. All the individual stories were being sent out to literary journals and were rejected too. The few journals without word limits were sent "Old Guido." The Florida Review editor sent me back a hand written note telling me how much they admired it--but they still wouldn't publish it. Even "The Mountain," a now praised story within most journal limits, was dismissed.

This was code to me that I was wasting my time with the conventional literary world, just as I had with The Brotherhood. At the same time, I had the revelation that the stories, as a whole, could work as a panoramic portrait of different elements of American society, as collisions of worlds, albeit focused on its dregs. That prompted the creation of the final two stories, and the change in title. For years the story "Good Americans" had been called "A Good American" (and also rejected). I decided to rename it and the entire collection after it.

So while I might have been successful, potentially, at shopping around the new beefed up "Good Americans," at nearly 400 pages, to lit agents, I had zero stomach to do so after so many failures. Instead, I wrote up the satirical Intro as a kind of internal joke, arranged the collection, had readers check typos, and DIY formatted the collection for both ebook and print publications.

It was self-published in Fall 2013 through my own company The New Wei LLC, a year after my first and most popular book The Brotherhood, which would eventually have two sequels.

The few indie reviewers who deigned to read it praised it mightily. Kirkus Reviews called it "a solid collection of rare caliber" that "speaks volumes about the human condition and modern life in America." The Indian reviewer Vault of Books, now deceased, which had dismissed The Brotherhood as a B novel, were amazed at it, calling it a "a great collection of short stories" where "each and every story" "stands out" and "leaves an indelible impression on the mind."

The other indie reviewers also left no doubt this was an important work of American fiction. And yet, still, even after a major publicity tour, radio, TV, print interviews and article publications in HuffPost and Publishing Perspectives, no major reviewers (or publishers) picked it up, simply because of its self-published status.

Other than regular readers somewhat confounded by the contradiction of its low subject matter and high fallutin' self-lauded aims, most of the criticism came on one story, the last one and the original title tale, Dhan's Debut, mostly disappointed or puzzled with its ending. I wasn't surprised by this because I had struggled with the story myself upon composition, rewriting it several times from scratch. It also didn't fit as solidly with the grittiness of the other tales. I had two alternate endings too. I actually think the original ending, a more conventional one, worked better, but a good friend preferred the crazier ending, so I used that one. I realized I could always go back, but I've decided to preserve the published, controversial version for historical purposes.

In any case, now that you know some of the history, perhaps you will be even more intrigued to check out this dynamic work. As Readers' Favorite wrote at the beginning of its mostly praising review, "this book won't be for everyone," but if you're interesting in challenging your perspectives and leaving your inhibitions at its cover, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

And its anthology sequel, Bad Americans, is only a few months from being completed!

Tejas Desai October 2023

[paracosm-draw]

🤎📑and 📗 for the bookish asks :)

🤎 Are you a one-book-at-a-time reader, or do you read multiple books simultaneously?

Me *looking at my pile of unfinished books*

The pile of unfinished books *looking at me* : don't you dare

Me *sweating profusely* : I-

The pile of unfinished book *yelling* : don't fall for their trap, they will start you and never finish you ! They will get lost in all the stories and forget about them and promise to finish you but they never will !

📑 Hardcover, paperback, ebook or audiobook ?

The vast majority of my books are paperback but I've started to collection second-hands hardcover when I find them. They're pretty.

Never tried audio books, I think the voice would be to distracting. I prefer the voice in my head.

I've bought some e-books, mostly because I couldn't find them in paperback but that's not my favorite thing. Nothing can beat the feel and the scent of paper.

📗 If you could have a conversation with any authors living or deceased, who would it be and what would you asked them ?

I talked about Pierre Bottero being my favourite author earlier. But. If I could choose only one person it would be Mr. Tolkien. The man, the myth, the legend.

I would ask him precisely this about the Lord of the Rings "how did you manage to write more than a thousand pages and make every single word so interesting?" and also "teach me, senpai"

[rungeensingh]

Unlocking Minds: Discover Ruggen Singh Books Online Today

In a world overflowing with words, some authors manage to cut through the noise—Ruggen Singh is one of them. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just starting to explore modern Indian literature, Singh’s books offer something compelling. His stories often blend cultural depth with social awareness, all while maintaining a fresh, contemporary voice.

Ruggen Singh is not just an author—he’s a thought leader, activist, and advocate for change. Through his books, he brings complex social themes to the forefront, making them accessible to everyday readers. If you’re on the hunt for insightful, provocative, and powerful literature, it’s time to dive into Ruggen Singh books online.

Why Read Ruggen Singh? Thought-Provoking Themes That Matter

Reading Singh’s work is like looking into a mirror that reflects society with brutal honesty. His books often delve into topics such as youth politics, caste dynamics, inequality, and the power of education. But what sets him apart is his ability to treat these heavy subjects with hope, offering solutions rather than simply pointing out problems.

Whether it's fiction or non-fiction, Singh has a knack for writing that stirs emotions and encourages action. When you choose to explore Ruggen Singh books online, you aren't just picking up a story—you’re stepping into a conversation that challenges you to think differently and act boldly.

Top Picks: Ruggen Singh Books You Shouldn’t Miss

If you're new to his work, you might be wondering where to begin. A few titles stand out not only for their literary merit but also for their social impact. "The Political Classroom" is a must-read for students and educators alike, while "Ink for Change" combines poetry with political insight in a way that’s rarely seen in Indian literature.

Another notable mention is "Youth Awakens", a book that reads like a call to action. Each chapter ignites a spark in young readers to lead with purpose. All these titles and more are easily available when you browse Ruggen Singh books online, bringing his revolutionary writing right to your fingertips.

Where to Find Ruggen Singh Books Online: Convenience Meets Inspiration

Gone are the days when you had to visit a dozen bookstores to find the title you wanted. With digital platforms booming, getting your hands on Ruggen Singh books online is easier than ever. Websites like Amazon, Flipkart, and even Singh’s official platforms offer both paperback and eBook formats.

Not only is buying online convenient, but it also gives you access to reader reviews, ratings, and related recommendations. This way, you know you’re not just buying a book—you’re investing in an experience that others have found valuable too.

Final Thoughts: Start Your Ruggen Singh Journey Today

Books have the power to change us, and few authors wield that power like Ruggen Singh. Whether you're looking to educate yourself, inspire your community, or simply enjoy a good read, his works offer something substantial. As more people turn to meaningful literature, Ruggen Singh books online continue to rise in popularity—and for good reason.

Don’t just take our word for it. Pick a title, find a quiet corner, and let Ruggen Singh guide you through stories that matter. With every page, you’ll discover a deeper understanding of the world around you—and perhaps, a stronger version of yourself.

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4 Things Readers Expect While Shopping a Book

In today’s date, understanding what the customers desire is the priority of the publisher. They do an intense field study and run multiple promotional activities to figure out the expectations of today’s readers of any specific genre and content. At White Magic Studios, a renowned London-based self-publishing agency, the professionals work rigorously to keep their teams updated about the shifting trends from getting pulled by the presentation of the author to an impactful cover design.

Whatever might be the reason, when you have decided to self publishing book, start by collaborating with a reputed agency offering myriad services to peacefully publish the book under the constant monitoring of experts.

However, as the writer and investor for self-publishing a book- you should be well –aware of the expectations of today’s writers when shopping book. As a matter of fact, at the end of the day, all you want is to see a happy sales figure.

Here are the 4 things that readers expect while they shop for a book—

A captivating cover design

Unlike the readers of yesteryears, today, most readers find the motivation to buy the book if the book cover designers UK successfully create their magic on them with a jaw-dropping cover design. Despite the content and the popularity of the author, the impact of the cover designs and the efficiency of the designers create more sales opportunities.

A Blurb works better than introductions

Think out of the box and instead of putting an introduction on the back cover, give a blurb. Along with some of the best reviews, ratings and remarks, having a blurb, enhances the popularity of the book among readers.

EBook versions of the book available or not

Readers have two major segregations. One will always stick to buying a book while the other will download a Kindle version to read on their device. From book cover design to childrens book illustration, you can keep them all there at the eBooks.

If you choose to sell on Amazon, share a sample of a few pages and let readers download the samples to create an instant hype. The maximum number of readers buy the eBooks or paperbacks soon after scanning the sample pages.

Discounts received on Amazon

Anyone appreciate shopping for anything with a huge discount. Unlike the bookstores, Amazon and many online bookstores are capable of offering discounts of a minimum of 20% and even more of the MRP which pulls more traffic for conversion.

Let your marketing consultants provide proper suggestions to make the book more attractive to the concerned readers.