THE OFFICIAL BLOG OF INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR CHERYL KAYE TARDIF

Mystery, suspense, thrillers, paranormal, horror & YA by "Cheryl Kaye Tardif" & romance by "Cherish D'Angelo". Cheryl is represented by Trident Media Group in NY.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Time spent promoting ebooks versus promoting print books

Author Joe Konrath writes about time spent promoting print books versus ebooks, and he shares his sales stats as well as information on physical book signings, something I am all too familiar with.

Joe is so right about the average sales authors make at book signings. In Canada the numbers are even lower. I've done well over 200 book signings and am considered one of the high sellers. In fact, I was told by Chapters & Indigo managers in Edmonton that I had the highest, most consistent sales at signings for two years straight out of all visiting authors.

It was damned hard work, though I never did the cross-country touring Joe did. And I'm glad. The cost of touring across provinces or states just doesn't make it worthwhile in the end, especially when most authors are responsible for those costs--or at least a large portion of them. If you have to do book signings, start at home and gradually spiral out, without going overboard--unless your publisher is paying for your tour.

I've watched so many authors at signings. I've even organized multi-author events at major trade shows and elsewhere. Most authors were lucky to sell 5 books. Many went home without a sale. My average was a bit higher than the number Joe quoted represented a decent signing. The difference was that I greeted everyone who walked into the bookstore. And I handed them a bookmark. I engaged their attention and enjoyed their company.

I used to do 40 signings a month for 3 months before Christmas, every year. That's a LOT of hours spent with little return. When you calculate hours, gas, travel etc, it didn't pay well. But I have to admit, I do miss the social aspect. I love meeting readers face to face. I loved doing signings. That's what separated me from most, I think.

Now I meet readers online. And I use creative ways to connect. Though I'll always be grateful to all the bookstores that hosted me and I miss the "action" (but not getting asked where the bathroom is), I can use my time far more wisely by promoting my ebooks.


By the way, my last online virtual book tour (for my debut romantic suspense Lancelot's Lady) was 118 stops in 14 days. It took me 3 months to organize and write all the posts. I guess I beat Joe's record. ;-) I know what he's saying about exhausting--even an online tour can leave you feeling like you've just crossed the country...on foot. lol However, I could never have visited 118 stores in 14 days--if I had I wouldn't have been coherent.

I've done mailouts--catalogues, bookmarks, announcements, invitations, etc to sell print books. Again, another time suck. I saw no real return on that investment or on the money spent on it. This is where the ebook revolution makes it so much easier for today's authors. Why spend 8 hours in a bookstore only to sell a dozen books or time and money preparing mailouts, when you can promote online and use social networks to get your name out there and sell books? 


Authors who want to succeed must learn to change with the winds, adapt to new technologies and step out of their comfort zone. Take a risk, try something new.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Enter to win Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories eBook


For your chance to win one of three Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories, my collection of short stories that has been compared to Stephen King and The Twilight Zone, please check out the contest rules at Author Island.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Amazon Reviewer Giveaway: Review one of my ebooks and receive Children of the Fog (ebook) FREE

SPECIAL OFFER FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR CHERYL KAYE TARDIF

From now until March 15th, 2011, I'm holding a special
AMAZON REVIEWER GIVEAWAY.

Reviewers who qualify will receive a free ebook of my March 2011 supernatural thriller, Children of the Fog.

To qualify, please follow these 3 easy steps:

1. Write a review for any of my 6 titles (ebook or paperback) listed on Amazon.com (Whale Song, Lancelot's Lady, Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories, Remote Control, Divine Intervention and The River). I am only interested in HONEST reviews, so if you believe one of my novels warrants one star, please write the review accordingly--and do tell me why. I always strive to make each work better than the last.

2. Post your review on Amazon.com between today and March 15th.

3. Send an email via my website to let me know you've reviewed one of my books and posted it to Amazon.com.

As long as your review shows up on Amazon.com and you've sent me the email by March 15th, I will send you Children of the Fog (ebook). Free ebooks will be awarded to ALL reviewers who qualify, and will be awarded by the end of March. Reviews posted before January 27th do not qualify.

Why am I holding this giveaway?
As an author, the more reviews my books have posted to Amazon or any other retailer that allows reviews,  the more readers will check out my books. I know that most readers read for enjoyment, not to write reviews. So if I'm going to ask for a favor, I am willing to reward you because I appreciate the time it takes to write even a short review. So in advance, my sincere gratitude for those who are inspired to post a review. Thank you.

*If you'd like to post this on your blog or website, please do. All I ask is that you keep it as is. TY! ~Cheryl

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Vote for your favorite CHILDREN of the FOG book cover?

Well, here it is, the moment I've been waiting for--the unveiling of the covers for CHILDREN of the FOG, my upcoming supernatural thriller, which will be released in March. I must tell you that this little poll of mine today wouldn't be possible without the incredible design skills of my book cover artist, graphic designer Jennifer Johnson from Sapphire Designs. Thank you, Jenn, for your patience and attention to detail.

So below are the two covers we're down to. They're 95% complete and the only thing missing is a review blurb at the top and bottom. You'll notice that the only difference between these two covers is the text font. Click on the covers to enlarge.

Cover #1:

Cover #2:

I would appreciate any input on these, so please leave me a comment and tell me what you think. And do vote for your favorite below:

Children of the Fog will be published in March 2011 by Imajin Books.


Thank you. Voting is now closed.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Jason's Gifts: part 2

In memory of my brother Jason, whose birthday is today, here is part 2 of Jason's Gifts:
My brother, Jason, was murdered in the early morning on January 23rd, 2006. I can’t go into details, but he was injured and left alone to die in a back alley in downtown Edmonton. The police had tracked me down through my book—Whale Song. Jason’s friends didn’t know my last name. All they knew was that Jason had a sister who lived on the south side of Edmonton and who wrote a “book about whales”. Jason’s gift to them and us was that the police were able to track me down on such limited information.
The detectives offered to contact my mother in Vancouver, my father in Victoria and my other brother, Derek, in Trenton. But I knew I had to do it. This was my family. They should not hear about Jason from a complete stranger. There was no choice in my mind. After the detectives left, I broke down and grieved with my husband. Then I made him go back to work so that I could prepare for what lay ahead. I called my best friend, Shannon, and she was here in minutes. Shannon is the closest thing I have ever had to a sister, and I had gone many years without the close relationship of a best friend...until last year when I met her. She listened and talked and hugged me and let me cry. But most importantly, she helped me to prepare for the phone calls to my family. Shannon was one of Jason’s gifts.
Those three phone calls were the most awful—the most difficult ones—I have ever had to make and I pray to God I never have to make them again. It nearly killed me to tell my mother that her baby, her beautiful son, was dead. And it hurt so much to tell her how. My mother and I now share the most horrible of bonds—we have both lost our beautiful sons. This is something no mother and daughter should ever have to share. Luckily my mother’s sister, Paula, was with her when I gave her the news. That was one of Jason’s gifts.
Two days later, one of the detectives took me to the scene. I stood in that alley, thinking what a sad place to die. I left a small bouquet of flowers on the ground. The next stop was Jason’s apartment. A one-room dingy apartment in a boarding house run by a woman who, when I called her to make arrangements to get Jason’s things, said “Who’s gonna pay me what he owes? I lent him money.” Thankfully, the police escorted me to his room and I was able to collect some precious things. They have no monetary value—none of his belongings do—but they are gifts he left us.
The first thing I saw was a small pile of CD’s. On the top was an Enya CD. My mother and I had just mentioned the day before how much Jason had loved Enya…how he had hooked my mother…and all of us, for that matter. I knew that Jason had left this gift for my mother. Beside it was a stack of books and one spine immediately caught my eye. He still had Whale Song…my first book. A gift for me. Later, we noticed that one of the CD’s was for Derek …because DerekDebbie, Marc and I had gone to see the DJ on the album last time they were in Edmonton. A gift for Derek. I gathered all the CD’s and books and put them in a pile on the bed.
Then I found some photographs in a drawer beside his bed. Most were of his girlfriend K.C., whom I had never met. Some were of Jason. I added the photos to the pile. I spotted a small framed picture of Edwin, my nephew… Jason’s nephew. I knew that Derek would like to know that Jason thought of Edwin, even though he had never met him. That was a gift to Derek.
In the drawer I also found a bible, the AA handbook and an AA coin. I believe this shows Jason was trying. He was seeking a way out. I added these to the pile. Then I prayed for a last gift from Jason for each of us. I found a beautiful little basket for my mother, a huge coffee mug for my father (with a ‘message’ that he’s to only use it for water), a baseball cap for Derek, a gargoyle figure for Jessica, and a mug for Edwin and ZoĆ«.
Jason’s room was littered with computer parts. They were everywhere…in drawers, on counters, tables and floor. This was a gift to us all. Although there was nothing really salvageable, he left us with a sense of peace in knowing that he had gone back to his original passion—computers. According to his best friend, Glenn, the two of them would go “dumpster-diving” for parts. Then Jason would build computers and sell them. It is somehow satisfying to know that he found some enjoyment in an otherwise rough life.
As a result of his death, we were led to many of Jason’s friends…ones who live the same lifestyle. We spent time listening to stories of Jason, stories of putting his stinky feet up on Glenn’s table, stories of Jason coming home in the middle of the night and yelling “WAAAHHHH!”, stories of Jason cooking meals for the entire house. Perhaps this was Jason’s biggest gift…he left us with the knowledge that he had never really been all alone as we had thought. He had a close circle of friends—his family. And he was blessed by them and he blessed them. And he had never forgotten us, never blamed us and always loved us.
On the day of the viewing, I decided to keep my last memories of my brother and stay home. There were still things that needed to be organized before everyone returned to my house. Shannon picked up the food for me and kept me company. Eventually she had to leave, and I dreaded that I would be home alone with nothing to do but think. But another of Jason’s gifts knocked at my door. It was Andrew, one of Jason’s friends from elementary school. So I never had to worry about being alone after all. Jason took care of me. Shortly afterward, my friends, Bobbi and Rus, arrived.
Later, my family returned from the viewing and we remembered my brother, Jason, with stories and tears. Apparently, even in death, Jason had a sense of humor. My mother told me that he looked just the way she remembered him. His mouth had formed his usual mischievous smirk. And for a moment, she half-expected him to open his eyes, sit up and crack a joke.
Yes, my brother was a prankster, a terrible tease and wickedly humorous. That was more evident when we took a closer look at the books he had left us. One book was The Mystery of the Dead Sea Scrolls Revealed; another was Golf: How to Look Good When You’re Not. And then one title made my heart skip a beat. Lazarus .For those who may not recall or know, Lazarus was the man in the bible who rose from the dead. I couldn’t hold back a laugh as I absorbed the title, and without thinking, I muttered, “Jason, don’t you dare!”
There have been few leads and we have no idea what the outcome of the investigation will be. I learned afterward that the #2 investigator on Jason’s case was none other than the officer I had met at Starbucks just weeks before. Coincidence or another of Jason’s gifts? Who knows? But instead of worrying about the investigation, I am holding onto the best thing about Jason —his ability to make people laugh. From his impressions of drunken Haida Indians, to the message he left on my parents’ answering machine telling people (in an Sikh Indian accent) that Mary and Larry couldn’t answer the phone because they had gone on a camel ride, to his “Pardon me…said the blind man to the three-headed goat” after he burped, my brother always knew how to get a laugh.
To my brother, I say, “Jason, while you’re up there, give Sebastien and Grandma Hanna a huge hug, and since there is no grief up there we can assume your feet smell like roses now. Oh, and one final thing… Jason, don’t make an ash out of yourself!”
Yes, gifts can arrive in many forms, from unexpected places or people. Countless emails, cards and phone calls poured in after Jason’s death, and we all learned that we were not alone in loving Jason. His life, albeit short, had affected many people in positive ways. And it still does.
So, I thank my brother for the most precious gift of all—the gift of Jason Anthony Kaye.  
Jason Anthony Kaye
January 15th, 1978 - January 23, 2006


Friday, January 14, 2011

Jason's Gifts: part 1

Tomorrow, January 15, 2011, is my brother's birthday. He'll be 33. Sadly, Jason is not alive to celebrate it. Though this day is always bittersweet with memories of a freckle-faced, copper-haired younger brother with a goofy sense of humor, it is also a day when I recall some very special gifts my brother gave me--AFTER his death.
Jason's Gifts: part 1
People receive gifts all the time, often never understanding what the other person had to sacrifice in order to give them. A gift given from the heart can be many things—a box of chocolates, a visit from someone you haven’t seen in a while, a huge bear-hug…or gifts that have no other explanation but that they are gifts from God or the Universe.
My brother, Jason, always loved gifts. I remember his excitement at opening up a Christmas or birthday present, the sparkle in his eyes as he hoped it was exactly what he wanted and not a pair of underwear or socks. He’d rip into the wrapping paper, even as an adult in his twenties. There was no thought of recycling for him. And he always gave us the biggest hugs afterward. In the past few years, when it came to giving gifts, he was either in no position financially or he simply forgot because of his social and mental situation. We always understood and the only presents we expected from him was maybe his presence.
Then in January 2006, his birthday month, Jason left us more gifts than we ever expected.
It started with a book. My book. Whale Song was published in 2003 and months afterward, possibly even the following year, I mailed Jason a copy. I never knew what impact that book would have on the events that would later come.
But I digress. Jason’s story really starts many years before this one event. Jason’s story starts the night I dreamt my mother was pregnant. The night I dreamt she would bring a baby home in a green, pink and white blanket. Pink being more a girl’s color, I envisioned a beautiful red-headed girl. I was wrong on one account. Jason wasn’t a girl.
Jason Anthony Kaye was born in Bermuda and kissed by a tropical sun. God gave him copper ringlets and a cherubic face…and the temperament of a little devil at times. (God does have a sense of humor.) Jason was the ‘golden child’ in more than physical ways. Sure, he was a pest at times—especially to me and my brother, Derek. We were so much older, but we loved that little pest. And he knew it.
Jason was the chubby kid at school who got picked on. I can relate so well because I was the first Kaye child to see that side of childhood. Jason overcame the weight issue at an early age, partly with my help but mostly on his own. And I was so proud of him. He overcame many things. But then his ‘demons’ called—in the form of peer pressure, alcohol and eventually drugs.
And he slowly began to slip away from us. We lost him…and we never got him back.
My brother, Jason, became an Edmonton street person—one of the invisible people that we turn away from in fear, disgust, incomprehension, and shame. He lived in an area of the city that makes you want to lock your doors—especially at night. He lived in a one-room apartment in a rundown boarding house. He lived on social assistance. He lived a life of alcohol, middleman drug dealing and he was often beaten up. But the key is—he lived.
Almost two years ago, Jason called my mother after many months of silence and she invited him to dinner. He brought his girlfriend. And for the first time, my mother felt she had her son back. He was full of life and humor, and there was an air of hopefulness and possibility. It was a beautiful time, a time my mother will always remember. That was Jason’s gift to my mother.
He called me a few months later. It was late and he had been drinking. On this particular night, he still seemed able to comprehend, so I took my phone into my office and talked to him. Jason said he was sorry. Sorry for his life, sorry for his choices, sorry for everything. I knew at the time it was heartfelt and sincere. But I also knew that he didn’t know how to stop it. He asked if I forgave him and I did. I do. And because the message of Whale Song is ‘forgiveness sets you free’, and because I included that message after my parents’ divorce and partly for Jason anyway, I told him he had to do something as well. Jason had to learn to forgive himself. I don’t know if he did. I hope so. But in case he didn’t have time to, I forgive him. My family forgives him. And that is more than enough forgiveness to set him free. That call was maybe my gift to Jason, but also a gift from him.
In December 2005, my father had a heart attack. He survived but was left with weeks to recuperate. Thankfully, he had his wife, Dianne, to nurse him. But he needed much more than that. He needed a peaceful healing place. And he got it in the form of an email that dropped from Heaven into my lap. An email from a man I had never met who owned a B&B close to my Dad. Bernard Vincent, owner of the Qualicum Bay Bed & Breakfast, contacted me because he somehow came across my name. I am a writer—no one famous or on New York Times best selling list, just a self-published author with a passion to write. Bernard was looking for help in promoting his B&B to the writing and arts community. And for some strange reason, he chose me.
I met Bernard for coffee in a Starbucks in Sherwood Park, just outside of Edmonton. But before he arrived, I noticed a police officer sitting by himself across from my table. His uniform said NYC Police, and that sparked my curiosity. So me being the ‘investigative reporter’ type, I had to ask. The man had been to New York City—I believe he said for a conference. So I took it a step further and told him I was writing a crime series and that sometimes I needed a source to verify my facts. Things like what kinds of guns do the police in Canada use. And yes, I asked this in the middle of a Starbucks while other customers were enjoying their coffee and wondering what to make for dinner. The detective gave me his contact information, and I thanked him and tucked it into my purse. Then Bernard showed up.
Bernard’s B&B turned into a Godsend. While helping him promote his wonderful place, he gifted me with a free stay. Unable to get away, I asked if my father who was recuperating from a heart attack could stay on my behalf. And Bernard, being the awesome person that he is, said yes. My father and Dianne stayed there off and on in the first three weeks of January. I was so grateful that my father was able to relax. And even more so, now that I know what was to come next. The B&B was a miraculous healing place, and I believe it was Jason’s gift to my father.
On January 23, 2006, two nicely dressed men knocked at my door. It was voting day so I assumed they were politicians. As I opened the door, one of the men greeted me and flipped his badge. I thought, “Is this how politicians are getting into people’s houses now?” They said they needed to speak to me and asked if they could come in. So I let them into my empty house—my daughter Jessica was at the mall, my exchange student, Akari, was just leaving and my husband was at work. As they took off their shoes, my husband, Marc, pulled up in the driveway. The odd thing was that it was early afternoon, he had a trainee with him and he had a few hours until his next job. The trainee stayed outside while Marc joined me. So, my daughter was out and my husband was with me. These were Jason’s gifts to me.
The men were police detectives. I knew from the moment they asked to come inside that something was terribly wrong. And although my family and I had often talked of the day, I actually had flickering thoughts. Maybe they were here because of the mysterious vehicles that had been reported in our area…maybe they were here because something had happened to Jessica. When I couldn’t stand the wait, I said, “I need to know what this is about.” And Detective Campeau said, “Do you have a brother named Jay?” My heart sunk immediately. It dropped to my feet and exploded. And I knew that the day we all had imagined and dreaded…had finally arrived.
Jason was dead...

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

THE RIVER: "a high speed thriller"


Amazon Top 100 Reviewer, Paul Weiss, says THE RIVER is "a high speed thriller... fantastic, compelling...readers will shiver with delight..."


THE RIVER is currently available in ebook (Kindle, Kobo, Smashwords, Nook and more) and trade paperback* editions. 

*A new trade paperback edition with bonus material is slated for late 2011 and will feature an updated new cover and a smaller price tag.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Suspense author Cheryl Kaye Tardif's new office...and the office boss

 Now that we're settled into our new home, a custom build by Coventry Homes in Edmonton, I've been able to unpack everything and get to the fun stuff--decorating--and my office is finished, for the most part. Now I finally have some pics to show you. If you want to enlarge any photo, just click on it. I apologize that the quality is a bit poor--these were taken without a flash, with my iPhone. :-)

My new office has a huge picture window that faces a quiet street.This gives me a lot of light during the day.

The room is huge, like an oversized bedroom with 2 large closets that have shelves across the entire wall. I have managed to hide all my packing material, book-keeping books, paper and supplies etc in these closets, something my husband didn't think would be possible. It's amazing how much stuff an author needs! I have one bookcase in the room. It holds the paperbacks of my books--the ones I have available for sale. The walls are painted a periwinkle blue, though my photos don't really do the color justice.

One day I'll replace my office furniture with a custom wall of cabinets and built-in desk, but for now, here's what that wall looks like. I will be switching my laptop with the PC as I prefer sitting at the bigger desk while using my laptop. The PC is my backup.

Above the furniture are 3 gorgeous prints by one of my favorite artists, world-renowned artist David Miller. You'll recognize the painting on the left as the one used in the background of the cover for Whale Song. All three prints are personalized with my name and signed by David. One day soon I hope to purchase two of his paintings--My Polynesian Dream and Key to Paradise. I'm also hoping to visit David and his lovely wife Nancy in Florida one day.

On the other side of the window is my "Zen Corner". This is the place where I can de-stress, unwind, think, let my characters "speak" to me and basically meditate. The small waterfall gurgles quietly over pebbles and shells, adding to the ambiance. The "Dare to Dream" saying above the plush armchair is something I've been saying for years. It's my motto, and a very good friend and fellow author had this specially made for my new office. Thank you, Kelly!

I bought the print above the chair from one of my other favorite artists--Aynsley Nisbet. The painting is called "Whale Song". Yes, it's the same name as my novel; that's because she was inspired by my novel to paint it. If you read the new trade paperback edition of Whale Song, you can read her full story. I promise you, it's very inspiring.

I have two other prints by Aynsley, plus a painting that I commissioned her to paint specially for our new home. In this painting, Aynsley painted our family--represented by zodiac signs, with the exceptions of the two dogs in the upper corners. I'm the woman in the upper center and if you look carefully, you'll see a regal lioness within--I'm a Leo. The salmon represents my husband Marc who is Pisces. The boy and girl represent my son and daughter, who were both born in June--Geminis, sign of the twins. The white dog represents our longtime family dog, Royale, a miniature American Eskimo who died a couple of years ago. The other dog is Chai, our Pomeranian princess.

Chai has many nicknames. Chai-Chan is her official name, though I like to tell people her name is really "Venti Chai tea latte with two shots of cinnamon dolce". Yes, she WAS named after my favorite Starbucks drink. lol Chai is never far from me. She follows me everywhere and has to be where I am.

Though she has a bed on the floor, she prefers the armchair.

Chai likes to think of herself as my "Overseer" or "Boss".

She may be right...

Friday, January 07, 2011

Kindle ebooks sale - only $0.99 cents - 4 days only

For 4 days only*, you can purchase the following Kindle ebooks for only $0.99 each:

WHALE SONG
LANCELOT'S LADY
SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET & OTHER CREEPY STORIES
REMOTE CONTROL (novelette)
THE RIVER
DIVINE INTERVENTION

If you don't have a Kindle ereader, you can still take advantage of this special offer by downloading the free Kindle for Desktop app.

This same sale is on all my Smashwords ebooks too.

Happy New Year!

Cheryl Kaye Tardif
www.cherylktardif.com

*This offer expires January 10th, 2011.

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

Check out Kindle Nation Daily for everything Kindle

If you were one of the lucky ones who found a Kindle ereader under the Christmas tree this year, I invite you to visit Kindle Nation Daily for everything Kindle. Kindle Nation is run by Stephen Windwalker, a Kindle enthusiast and author of Kindle Free for All and other books about Kindle ereaders.

What you'll find at Kindle Nation Daily:

  • Kindle News
  • Kindle Bestsellers lists
  • eBook of the Day
  • eBook Sales
  • Free eBooks
  • Articles on Kindle ereaders
  • Kindle Accessories
  • Quick links to Kindle on Amazon
  • Kindle Apps for other devices
  • Publishing info
  • Kindle Contests & More

You can have all this information at your fingertips by visiting Kindle Nation Daily now.

Click here to have Kindle Nation Daily pushed directly to your Kindle 24/7 with a subscription to the Kindle edition

Literary agent Richard Curtis and author JA Konrath discuss whether authors make good agents

When I read respected agent Richard Curtis's post Do Authors Make Good Publishers? I wasn't surprised to find that Curtis believes the answer is 'No'. I get where he's coming from since I've been traditionally published AND self-published. Publishing takes a lot of hard work, knowledge and dedication. But is it fair for Curtis to lump all authors under that umbrella of 'No'? I don't think so.

For years, various elements of the publishing industry have tried to tamp down the involvement of authors in their own success. Publishers didn't want too much input from authors; they wanted to maintain their iron-gloved fist of control. Editors wanted to be seen as the experts on all things grammatical (and in many instances they were), even to the point of changing story elements to suit their tastes. And the writer has been at the bottom of the heap, the creator of a story that stemmed from their ideas.

Traditional publishing is made of many moving parts--publisher, editor, cover artist, publicist etc. Self-publishing required that an author either take on all these roles or sub-contract these areas. A smart self-published author quickly learns that though they may be good at all areas, it's far better to hire out and cut down the work load. This was they can focus on writing more books. That's what I do. That's what makes a good publisher, the ability to recognize areas of strengths and delegate others.

Respected author and self-publishing advocate JA Konrath posts a reply to Curtis on his blog, and he makes some valid points. First, anyone who has been following Konrath over the past year knows where he stands on self-publishing. He's all for it and is one of the top income earners in the ebook industry.

"Authors should self-publish," Konrath writes. "In an ebook-dominated world, are publishers even needed?"

I've watched the massive rise in popularity of ebooks and ereaders. No one predicted it would happen this quickly or early, but it's here. Ebooks are outselling print books. I know that just from my own sales data. My ebook sales in December blew my print sales out the door.

The biggest indicator for me that ebooks are King is this:

My mother who is an avid reader of about 3 paperbacks a week always claimed how much she loved print books and that she'd never read via an ereader. So I gave her one for her birthday in August. When I spoke with her at Christmas I expected her to tell me she hadn't bothered to turn her new Kobo on yet.

Boy, was I shocked by her answer. She "LOVES" her ereader. She likes that she can enlarge the font for easier reading and that she can buy books so easily. She's already downloaded all of Lee Child's "Reacher" ebooks. She reads during the day. She reads in bed. No more waiting for time to shop for books at the store. If you knew my Mom you'd know that this is a clear revelation as to where ebooks are going. The surprising news: We're there!

So back to Richard Curtis's question: Do Authors Make Good Publishers?

Here's my answer:

Some do; some don't. A self-published author taking on the role of publisher will have to dedicate time and energy to the process. If they're doing print, they may be looking at ways to get books into stores, something that is getting harder by the week. But if they're publishing ebooks, the doors are wide open.

Publishing is a skill or trade that can be learned. So yes, SOME authors can and will make great publishers. And SOME won't. It's unfair to lump all authors under the "No" umbrella.

I'm an author who has been traditionally published and self-published. Yes, taking on the publisher 'hat' requires more work, but it's worth it. A smart self-published author turned publisher builds a strong support team. I can honestly say I'm a better "publisher" than my last traditional publisher. I'm still in business.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif

P.S. I just answered the door. My new Kobo ereader with Wi-fi is here! Whooo-ooo!