UPDATED: September 2015 - Amazon's KDP, Smashwords, Withholding Tax, International Authors, ITIN and EIN

As a Canadian author using Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), my journey has been less than hassle free, so I'm posting today to help other non-US authors get through the headache of withholding taxes and IRS forms.

If you're a non-US author and you've noticed your royalty checks don't match your numbers online, it's most likely because a withholding tax has been implemented--30% on average. But there's a solution.

First, a non-US resident and DTP publisher/author does NOT need a US address or a US bank account. Amazon will mail you a check or via direct deposit.

However, Amazon will withhold approx. 30% of all earnings of non-US residents UNLESS authors have an ITIN or EIN, which you must get from the IRS.

FYI, this is how I did it a few years ago when everyone said I needed an ITIN. But I should warn you--it's much easier now, and I'll tell you exactly what you need to do after I share my experience.

Don't apply for an ITIN!!!

1. I contacted an "Acceptance Agent" in my city. There's a list of Canadian Acceptance Agents (and US and International Acceptance Agents) on the IRS website.
2. I had Smashwords send me a letter stating I was selling my books through them. You need one letter only from one distributor, and when I asked Amazon they were completely uncooperative and refused to send me the letter.
3. I filled out the W-7 form at the Agent's office, he photocopied my passport and he sent these out along with the letter from Smashwords (who are aweseome about giving letters).
4. It took about 7 weeks before I got my letter from the IRS with my ITIN.
5. Then I filled out the W-8BEN form and sent one to each US distributor (Amazon, Smashwords etc). From that point on, I've received 100% of my royalties due; no tax was withheld.

Smashwords has great instructions on all this on their site. I don't know why Amazon hasn't done the same. Smashwords also has links to all the forms and the address for sending the W-8BEN. Again, Amazon could take some pointers on customer service.

As per Smashwords, here are the important links you need:

• Request a letter for your W-7
• Download form W-8BEN
• Download W-8BEN Instructions
• Download form W-7
• Download W-7 Instructions
• Send us your completed W-8BEN

Is this a hassle? Most definitely. That's why I no longer recommend this way. Get an EIN!!!

Is it worth it to get an EIN? Yes. Why should 1/3 of my earnings be held back? I'm Canadian, I pay my taxes here.

Does anyone know the correct mailing address for sending in the W-8BEN form to Amazon?

"We need to receive a physical copy (paper form) of the W8 that contains a US tax id and that is signed in blue ink. Please put the supplier code/vendor code, vendor code: DUVNS in the upper right hand corner and then mail it to the below address. As soon as we receive it, we will update the account and reimburse withholding that has been deducted this year. Note: withholding can only be paid back in the current year it was deducted.

Amazon Digital Services
Attn: Vendor Maintenance
PO Box 80683
Seattle, WA 98108-0683

If you have further questions, please write back to us at dtp-support@amazon.com."

Please note that you may want to check to ensure that the "supplier code" is the same for everyone. I have no idea if it is or if it's linked to my account only. If you know the answer, please email me at cherylktardif (at) shaw.ca.

UPDATE 3: Sept 29, 2015 - Forget the ITIN. Get an EIN instead. It's much easier and FREE!

Get an EIN by phone via the IRS's toll-free number: (800) 829-4933.

UPDATE 2: One writer reported to me that the supplier code was different than mine, so your best bet is to email DTP support and ask them.

UPDATE: May 18, 2011 -
- Createspace will send you the letter you need to get the ITIn rolling, if you sell your books via them.
- Smashwords has a Google Chrome bug that is preventing emails to go through to them via the customer support link at the top of Smashwords.com. If you've emailed them about this or any other matter and haven't heard back from them in 3-5 days, your email may never have reached them. They're working on this issue. In the meantime, try IE or another browser.
- From Mark Coker at Smashwords: "At Smashwords, authors request the letters through their payee profile at https://www.smashwords.com/account/payee. They can request the letter once their account balance reaches $10.00."

Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Get DIVINE INTERVENTION for FREE!

Everyone needs a little DIVINE INTERVENTION. And now you can get it FREE at Amazon, Kobo and Smashwords!

Amazon: http://getBook.at/divineintervention

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/divine-intervention-20

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/13677

CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan leads a psychically gifted team in the hunt for a serial arsonist―a murderer who has already taken the lives of three people.

Jasi and her team members―Psychometric Empath and profiler Ben Roberts and Victim Empath Natassia Prushenko―are joined by Brandon Walsh, the handsome but skeptical Chief of Arson Investigations. In a manhunt that takes them from Vancouver to Kelowna, Penticton and Victoria, they are led down a twisting path of sinister secrets.

Sifting through ashes and clues, Jasi realizes that there is more to the third victim than meets the eye. Perhaps not all of the victims were that innocent. The hunt intensifies when she learns that someone they know is next on the arsonist's list.

Unleashing her gift as a Pyro-Psychic, Jasi is compelled toward smoldering ashes and enters the killer's mind―a mind bent on destruction and revenge. And in the heat of early summer, Jasi discovers that a murderer lies in wait…much closer than she ever imagined.

Book 1 in the Divine series

"Sci-fi and mystery fans will love this book." ―Writer's Digest

Be sure to share this post so all your friends can enjoy a free ebook and a little DIVINE INTERVENTION of their own.

Banned Books: WHSmith outraged over pornography, Kobo, Amazon and BN delete erotica and more

Over the past week, a virtual shitstorm (excuse the expression) targeted the book industry--again. This time erotica/pornography is the hot topic of debate, and it has resulted in one popular bookstore, WH Smith, shutting down their online store.

WH Smith was notified by outraged readers that pornographic material--titles that included incest, rape and beastiality--was being sold alongside children's books. This apparently occurred when someone typed in "daddy" or a similar word while searching for a kid's book. What they found instead were erotica and hardcore pornographic titles and covers, along with the innocent children's titles.

As a parent, I know I'd be horrified if this happened to me--or my child. I do agree that this needs to be addressed and remedied. But I am not in agreement over how this has affected the online bookstores involved. A mass exodus of titles are disappearing from Kobo, Amazon and BN, and unfortunately not all of the titles being deleted are even erotica or porn. Many innocent titles/authors have been caught in the crossfire.

WHSmith.co.uk now has a letter in place of their site. Here's an excerpt:

Last week we were made aware that a number of unacceptable titles were appearing on our website through the Kobo website that has an automated feed to ours. This is an industry wide issue impacting retailers that sell self published eBooks due to the explosion of self publishing, which in the main is good as it gives new authors the opportunity to get their content published. However we are disgusted by these particular titles, find this unacceptable and we in no way whatsoever condone them.

It is our policy not to feature titles like those highlighted and we have processes in place to screen them out. We offer over one million titles through our eBooks partner Kobo, many of which are self-published titles. Due to the massive amount of self publishing a number of these titles have got through the screening process.

So now self-published titles are being targeted and deleted from retailers, and many don't even fall into the categories of erotica/porn. Thrillers, romance and other genres have been deleted. The entire catalog from the publishing platform Draft2Digital has been deleted from Kobo, according to sources.

Kobo has also taken a stance, and authors using Kobo Writing Life received an email. Here's a snippet:

In order to address the situation Kobo is taking the following steps:  

1. We are removing titles in question from the Kobo platform.

2. We are quarantining and reviewing titles to ensure that compliance to our policies is met by all authors and publishers. We will ensure that content meeting the policy is made available online as soon as possible.

3. We are reviewing our policies and procedures to implement safeguards that will ensure this situation does not happen in the future.

All self-published authors now have to keep a close eye on their titles on these websites because ANY title could be quarantined for review. And God knows how long that will take.

I do agree that something needs to be done about this. I have already sent Kobo a letter, suggesting they consider putting filters on their website, tied into accounts with VISA/MC verification for age. Of course that doesn't stop a child from using their parent's account. But filters could be set up on an account, disabling all erotica, including blanking out titles and covers, site-wide, including bestseller lists. I don't have a problem with that as a user of Amazon, or any other book retailer.

Is this censorship? No. This is our responsibility. We should be in control of what we view while online. As for the titles that push the boundaries of what is classified as artistic erotica, I'm all for allowing those who enjoy that genre their freedoms. But adult erotica only, with consenting adult characters. There's a very fine line between erotica and hardcore porn, and the latter just doesn't belong on Amazon, Kobo, Smashwords, BN etc. It would be easy enough for retailers to create a separate website for this kind of material: AmaPorn, KoboPorn, SmashPorn, BNPorn. At least people would know exactly what they were getting.

I am somewhat disappointed that Smashwords hasn't spoken up publicly or on their blog about this problem. They could at least point out that they've tried to be a responsible retailer since they already have an adult filter on their website. I give them Kudos for that. 

I also believe in WH Smith's right to sell what they want, what fits their ideals and their model. They are entitled to that right. But I am somewhat stunned that it took them this long to realize what they're actually selling. This is, indeed, a real shake up and wake up call for online bookstores.

Don't get me wrong. I'm no prude. I've read many novels that are erotic, and I'm a huge Game of Thrones fan (um...porn city!) But I'm an adult, and there's a place for it. And it's NOT next to Curious George kids' books or my YA novel Whale Song.

You can learn more about this situation at the following links:

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/10/12/amazon-rape-porn-wh-smith_n_4090526.html

http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/oct/13/whsmith-shuts-website-hardcore-pornography-ebooks

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24519179

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/wh-smith-takes-website-offline-after-porn-ebook-scandal-8879241.html

http://www.whsmith.co.uk/

http://www.trustedreviews.com/news/wh-smith-forced-to-take-website-offline-after-ebook-porn-scandal

What do you think about this situation? Do you think these kinds of books should be removed permanently from online retailers, or do you think a filtering system would be enough?

Amazon's new carrot: KDP Select

Today someone asked me what I thought about Amazon's new KDP Select program, a program that has an exclusivity clause that prohibits participating authors from selling their ebooks anywhere else. After sending him my thoughts on the matter, I realized something: I had enough for a blog post. So here is my answer to his question of whether I was tempted to enroll and what I thought about the program...

I’m happy to share my thoughts on KDP Select, though I’ll warn you, they’re very “strong”. 

First, I think this is a ballsy move on Amazon’s part to try to monopolize the industry. From a business perspective, it’s not necessarily wrong, but they won’t make a lot of people happy.

I am definitely against aspects of this new “program” of Amazon’s, but it's compelling all the same. I think they’re using much higher numbers and authors won’t be too pleased when they realize how little they’ll actually make from it. That’s my prediction anyhow. It sounds good at first glance, sharing a pool of money, but at what cost?

The exclusivity clause is a big red flag for me. Amazon is asking authors to put all their “eggs into one basket.” It’s obvious they’re hoping to weed out other ebook retailers like Smashwords. They want the monopoly. But this is a huge risk for authors who blindly follow Amazon. Once they’re “in” and bound by exclusivity contracts, Amazon can basically do what they want and those authors won’t have any choices. They could raise ebook prices, put ebooks on sale etc.

The automatic renewal poses a serious problem as well. If it isn’t timed properly, authors who do want out will find themselves locked into another term.

I think new authors, especially the very young or very old, may be drawn into this “program” without realizing the full effects and risks. That bothers me. I’ve already seen on forums where authors have blindly signed up, not realizing until it’s too late that they won’t be able to sell anywhere else. It’s amazing how many writers don’t read the fine print—or understand it—or question it.

I don’t think the increased numbers came necessarily from Smashwords. Many writers who dealt with Smashwords and KDP probably thought it was a good idea. Some probably thought it worth checking out or experimenting with. Then again, who’s to say the increase came from authors in this program? Amazon often makes “deals” with publishers and it wouldn’t surprise me if they held back a large number of titles so it would appear that authors are “jumping ship.” Nothing Amazon may do would surprise me.

Amazon is a huge company. There’s no way around that. I have a Kindle and love it. I also have a Kobo. I have friends who have Sony ereaders. With KDP Select in place, readers with Kobo, Nook or Sony ereaders won’t be able to get the same content, unless these ereaders can download a Kindle app, which some don’t.

As for the free ebook option, it’s a short one-time promotion opportunity that probably won’t do much good for the average KDP author. If Amazon allowed unlimited free ebooks, that may draw in more authors. Many would like to offer a free ebook, just to get people interested. But even if they had that as an incentive, it wouldn’t be enough to entice me to cross over to the “dark side”.

What would entice me? If Amazon stopped their greed campaign long enough to remember that authors deserve respect. And KDP Select shows zero respect for authors and their rights by making us sign any kind of exclusivity contract. Amazon needs to learn to play fair. They don’t have to have it all. There’s room for Smashwords, Kobo, iBooks, B&N and more. And readers deserve the choice.

Ok, I’m climbing off my soapbox now...well, you did ask. hehe

For more information on KDP Select, please check out the following:
http://blog.smashwords.com/2011/12/amazon-shows-predatory-spots-with-kdp.html
https://kdp.amazon.com/self-publishing/KDPSelect
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/violetblue/amazon-kdp-select-controversy-golden-opportunity-or-trap/861
http://accrispin.blogspot.com/2011/12/fine-print-of-amazons-new-kdp-select.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-coker/amazon-ebooks-kdp-select_b_1139260.html
http://kaitnolan.com/2011/12/21/feeling-grinchy-about-kdp-select/


P.S. Authors: Do NOT enroll your books until you understand all of the risks and conditions.


KDP - Kill Da comPetition...

UPDATE: January 6, 2012

I thought I'd clarify a few things: I still don't agree with the exclusivity clause; I think Amazon should remember that not everyone owns or wants a Kindle ereader. But I AM glad that this exclusivity is short-termed. This allows authors to test the waters. Those who see great results may stay in the program; those who don't will leave.

Anyone who knows me knows that I've always been a risk-taker. I don't shy away from taking the plunge into uncharted waters, but I do my homework and investigate everything carefully. I like to be informed.

I know there are pluses to this program. That's always been a given. If authors are paid more, that's great. If a book makes a top 100 list, and sells thousands as a result of this program, even better.

I never said Amazon was stupid. :-) Though I don't like or agree with their tactics, this program is something to be tested. Since it's a short-term (3 months), there's less risk. My biggest concern is alienating readers who don't own a Kindle. But as an author trying to get my name out there among an overcrowded pool, I've decided I WILL test these waters, but only with one or two of my titles.

Always do your homework and read the fine print. Then if you think it'll work for you, take the risk.

Read an E-Book Week is nearly over

It's been 40 years since the first official ebook was created and released, and this week, we celebrate Read an E-Book Week (March 6th to 12th).

If you haven't read an ebook before, I can tell you it's a very enjoyable experience. You can read ebooks on your PC, which makes it very convenient. Or you can read ebooks on smartphones (ie. iPhone, Blackberry, etc.) You can also read ebooks on a variety of ereaders (Kindle, Kobo, Nook etc.)

As an avid reader, I balked at switching from the tangible feel of print books to the cool technical ebooks, but once I tried it, I fell in love. I enjoy the lightweight feel of my ereader and smartphone. I love the fact that that I can read it anywhere with ease and that it takes up less space in my purse than a print book.

One of the best benefits is that you can enlarge the text. So for those of you who enjoy reading large text books, you'll love this benefit. And the new e-ink technology makes reading on an ereader very easy on the eyes.

I invite you all to check out my ebooks at Amazon, Createspace, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Kobo Books and other e-tailers. My ebooks range from $0.99 to $4.99, making them more affordable than ever.

Lancelot's Lady helps feed the hungry

Along with my Whale Song promotion featured last night, today I will be donating 100% of my Kindle and Smashwords royalties* from LANCELOT'S LADY (ebook) to Hope Mission to help feed the hungry during their radiothon on CISN Country. My donation will include all royalties made on sales of Lancelot's Lady purchased today until midnight (EST).

Lancelot's Lady: 

A Bahamas holiday from dying billionaire JT Lance, a man with a dark secret, leads palliative nurse Rhianna McLeod to Jonathan, a man with his own troubled past, and Rhianna finds herself drawn to the handsome recluse, while unbeknownst to her, someone with a horrific plan is hunting her down.

When palliative care nurse Rhianna McLeod is given a gift of a dream holiday to the Bahamas from her dying patient, billionaire JT Lance, Rhianna has no idea that her 'holiday' will include being stranded on a private island with Jonathan, an irritating but irresistibly handsome recluse. Or that she'll fall head over heels for the man.

Jonathan isn't happy to discover a drop-dead gorgeous redhead has invaded his island. But his anger soon turns to attraction. After one failed marriage, he has guarded his heart, but Rhianna's sudden appearance makes him yearn to throw caution to the wind.

To live fully in the present, Rhianna must resolve her own murky past, unravel the secret that haunts JT, foil the plans of a sleazy, blackmailing private investigator and help Jonathan find his muse. Only then can Rhianna find the love she's been searching for, and finally become...Lancelot's Lady.

~*~

You can purchase Lancelot's Lady at the Amazon Kindle Store.

Or from Smashwords.

You can learn more about Lancelot's Lady and Cherish D'Angelo (aka Cheryl Kaye Tardif) at http://www.cherishdangelo.com. Follow Cherish from September 27 to October 10 on her Cherish the Romance Virtual Book Tour and win prizes.

Leave a comment here, with email address, to be entered into the prize draws. You're guaranteed to receive at least 1 free ebook just for doing so. Plus you'll be entered to win a Kobo ereader. Winners will be announced after October 10th.

* Unfortunately sales from KoboBooks won't count towards the Hope Mission donation as I can't track daily sales.

Add a little fantasy to your life with SACRIFICE by Kelly Komm

When a good friend, writer Kelly Komm, asked me to read her fantasy novel, I was thrilled. I read SACRIFICE: Book One of the Last Forever in one sitting, unable to put it down. When I was done, I wanted more.

I am so pleased to announce that Kelly Komm's novel is now available as an ebook in multiple formats. So if you own a Kindle or other ereader, or you want to read it on you PC, laptop or smartphone, you can now do so.

Though this novel is classified as a Young Adult Fantasy, SACRIFICE appeals to adults too. Many have fallen in love with the characters and the fantasy world of Cantro.

This novel is adventurous, suspenseful, intriguing and complex. There is magic, danger and a hint of romance.

Allow me to introduce you to Nell, who is about to embark on an exciting but dangerous journey...

In a land called Cantro, the Goddess Saros created eight races. One has been wiped out by another. Or so it is thought…

Nell has been raised in solitude by her Elf guardian. Her world is turned upside down as she is told she is in fact Human, a race thought to have been destroyed by the savage Garshu. She discovers these creatures murdered her parents and ruined any hopes she had for a normal life.

Lachlin and Liam are twin Humans on the run with the last of their kind: A kindly elderly couple, strong Treyton and young Bean. Lachlin hides a terrible secret about the vicious Merfolk and fears for the time her secret will come out.

Nell must now join forces with these last Humans, as they fight to take back their right to exist.

Winner of Premier Book Awards Best Fantasy Novel of 2008!

Check out the trailer for SACRIFICE: Book One of the Last Forever:




You can learn more about Kelly Komm and her fantasy novels at http://www.kellykomm.com. And in the interest of full disclosure, I have another reason to promote Kelly's new ebook (other than it's a fabulous read by a wonderful friend). She dedicated it to me! Thank you, Kelly. I am sooo honored!

Pick up a copy of SACRIFICE at Amazon's Kindle Store or Smashwords. I've heard rumors that book two is on its way shortly. I can't wait!

Should writers pursue print publication or publish their own ebooks?

The above question came up in a forum recently, and while everyone has to determine what's right for them as it is a very personal decision, I gave them my thoughts on the topic.

I say go for both--print and ebooks. If you have a traditional publisher for your print, all the better. But don't let that stop you from publishing your own ebooks, especially the ones your agent and publisher aren't interested in. You definitely don't want to overlook the ebook market. That's where the money is right now for authors, if you publish the ebooks yourself.

As a self-published and traditionally published print author, I've seen the pros and cons to both sides.

If you have a backlist of titles that your publisher is finished with, get them up on Amazon Kindle, KoboBooks and Smashwords right away. Sales of ebooks are on the rise, and they won't be stopping or slowing any time too soon.

Other ideas for ebooks: publish a collection of short stories or an anthology with other authors, publish a novella or novelette, publish a how-to book or a book of poetry.

I have 4 ebooks coming out between April 1, 2010 and Sept 27, 2010. :-) There's only one thing better than promoting your books, and that's writing them!

My agent is holding 2 thrillers. I'm considering taking one back and publishing it as an ebook next spring.

The key is this: you want to build momentum, then try to keep that momentum going. And the only way to do this is to keep releasing books under some semblance of regularity.

With Amazon's recent royalty raise to 70% for qualifying ebooks, it's possible for authors to now make more money selling less expensive ebooks than selling traditionally published print books. But in the end, it depends on the personal goals of each writer.

Ebook prices for suspense thrillers The River and Divine Intervention lowered to $2.99

The ebook prices for my bestselling thrillers The River and Divine Intervention have been lowered on Amazon (Kindle) and Smashwords, with KoboBooks price changes coming soon.

Instead of $4.99 US, you'll only pay $2.99 US.

Please note: Amazon charges a $2 Whispernet fee if you're outside of the US.

I hope you'll check out The River and Divine Intervention. I am very happy to make them even more affordable than before. Happy reading!

~Cheryl

Smashwords affiliate codes for Whale Song, The River, Divine Intervention and Lancelot's Lady

Yesterday, I invited readers to join the Smashwords Affiliate Program and become a partner in my endeavor to get my books into the hands of more readers worldwide. It doesn't matter where you live in the world, you can join my sales team.

You'll earn money when friends or family you recommend my novels to buy my books from Smashwords.com. Once you've signed up, you'll earn money from the sales of my novels, plus 4000+ others that are included in the program.

And don't forget: I raised the affiliate rate on my novels from 11% to 20%. :-)

Quick Affiliate Links:


To link to my books, feel free to copy and use the book cover from my website or from Smashwords. Or you can use plain text to create a link. Either way, either link the picture or the text to the corresponding link below, replacing yourScreenName with your actual screen name.

Whale Song:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/15512?ref=yourScreenName

The River:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/13708?ref=yourScreenName

Divine Intervention:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/13677?ref=yourScreenName

Lancelot's Lady:
(available after September 27th, 2010)

Sign up as an affiliate now and start earning money.

Please note: you are not entitled to copy any of my ebook files, distribute them for free or sell them. However, you can use Smashwords to sell my works as I have permitted this. It's a legal affiliate program. Please respect all authors and refrain from piracy. Thank you. ~Cheryl

Fans of Cheryl's novels can now earn a cut of sales they generate

Over the years, so many readers have read my novels and referred them to their friends and families. Many of you have written reviews (I can ALWAYS use more reviews!) or blogged about my books or interviewed me. THANK YOU! Through your kind words and recommendations to friends and family, my novels have traveled the world.

But now it's time to reward my fans!

If you choose to promote Whale Song, The River, Divine Intervention and Lancelot's Lady (once it's published), you can now earn a cut of the sales you generate when sending people to Smashwords.com to buy my books.

If you're blogging about me or my work, interviewing me, hosting me on your blog or reviewing my novels, I highly recommend you sign up for the free affiliate program. Because I value my fans so much, I've upped the ante from the standard rate (11%) to 20%.

All you have to do is sign up as an affiliate at:
https://www.smashwords.com/account/smashwords_affiliate_signup/1

You'll find more information about the Smashwords Affiliate Marketing Program at:
https://www.smashwords.com/about/smashwords_affiliate_documentation

If you decide to promote my novels and join my affiliate program, please let me know in the comments and leave your blog/site URL. I plan to link to my affiliates' sites/blogs on my website.
~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Father's Day weekend sale - 50% off THE RIVER ebook at Smashwords

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful fathers out there worldwide. In celebration of your day, I'm holding a 3-day special on THE RIVER, my most popular novel with men.

THE RIVER is 50% OFF until Monday morning!

Get it now via Smashwords and SAVE $. Multiple formats available for multiple devices, including Kindle. Go to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/13708 and use coupon code: QJ73M

Stem cell research, cloning, and world domination--with a twist...

For LOST fans now going through withdrawal symptoms, here's a quick fix. My bestselling thriller THE RIVER is like LOST meets PERSONS UNKNOWN meets TIMELINE meets THE DA VINCI CODE, and I am positive you'll enjoy it.

THE RIVER is set in the wilds of the northwest territories, in an area along the Nahanni River that many refer to as the Bermuda Triangle of Canada. For decades people have gone missing or have ended up dead. For real.

In THE RIVER, a group of people travel to this unpredictable and deadly area in search of a missing father, only to discover that another world awaits them--one that is fraught with danger, deception, conspiracy, time travel, medical experimentation and murder. Who will make it out alive?

Go to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/13708 and use coupon code: QJ73M
 
P.S. You don't have to be a Dad to take advantage of this offer. It's open to anyone. :-)

Love talking about books? Help me promote mine and you'll earn money

Ever read a book that was so good you just had to share it with your friends? I know I have. And have any of those friends then gone out and bought the book you'd been talking about? And did the publisher or author give you a little cut of the sale? Probably not. But you deserved one, and I'm willing to do that for you.

Over the years, many of my readers have told their friends about my novels, who in turn have gone out and purchased them based on this word-of-mouth-advertising or endorsement. I have truly appreciated readers who have helped me get my name out there, especially since it's a daunting task on my own. THANK YOU!

I am happy to announce that readers who enjoy my work will now be able to earn some income when they refer a friend who buys one of my novels via Smashwords.com. There is an affiliate program available that allows you to promote my Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention ebooks.

The affiliate program is simple and free. Just sign up as an affiliate at Smashwords and complete the form.

You can advertise any books Smashwords offers through the affiliate program, and I hope you'll continue to promote mine. I can use all the help I can get in this competitive industry.

To create affiliate links, add your referrer code to the end of a URL of a participating book. I'll give you some examples of my books, but keep in mind the referrer code would be replaced by your own specific Screen Name. The basic referrer code to add to the end of a URL is /?ref=yourScreenName

WHALE SONG http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/15512/?ref=yourScreenName

THE RIVER http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/13708/?ref=yourScreenName

DIVINE INTERVENTION http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/13677/?ref=yourScreenName
 
You may also use my book covers and embed the link in them so that people only have to click on the covers. You can save my book covers from my website or blog by right clicking on them and clicking on "Save Picture As..."
 
Smashwords offers multiple file formats for nearly every kind of ereader out there. There are also files available for viewing ebooks on your PC or laptop.
 
Earn real money and watch your affiliate sales grow. The standard affiliate rate is 11% of the sale price of books purchased via your affiliate links. However, I felt that was too low for my readers. I wanted to reward them for helping promote my novels, so I raised the affiliate rates on all my novels.
 
Divine Intervention and The River are paying 15%, but that will change to 20% in July.
 
Whale Song is already at 20%.
 
Occasionally, I may raise the affiliate rate. My books may also go on sale.
 
This is a respectable way to earn a bit of money on the Internet and I am very happy to be able to offer it to you. Don't forget, it's free to sign up and you can start earning a commission from books sold through your links right away.
 
If you decide to become an affiliate and you choose to promote my books, please let me know by leaving me a comment below with the URL to your site/blog. Or send me an email. I'll be happy to tweet about you, maybe even blog about your participation. :-)
 
https://www.smashwords.com/account/smashwords_affiliate_signup/1
 
Thank you, dear readers.
 
~Cheryl

When I grow up, I wanna be just like JA Konrath

If you're a reader, author, publisher or agent and you haven't heard about JA Konrath, then you must have been sleeping for the past 6 years and it's time to wake up and smell the margarita mix. JA, aka Joe, has become one of my book marketing idols and I aspire to be just like him "when I grow up". Truthfully, I think I'm a bit older than he is, and I really mean "when I figure out how to sell ebooks and make the kind of money Joe does."

JA Konrath is the author of the very popular "Jack" Daniels mystery series, and this guy knows how to sell ebooks--something I am just starting to get familiar with after taking back my ebook rights. In fact, he estimates he's selling 230 Kindle ebooks a day. WOW!

So what's the secret of his success? As much as he's been very gracious in sharing his techniques on his blog, I still can't see what exactly he's doing that is resulting in such high ebook sales--other than he's walked the walk, talked the talk and gotten his name (brand) out there any way he could PRIOR to going the ebook route. I've seen his name mentioned at events, conferences and everywhere online. Only a handful of authors seem to be making the ebook sales he's making.

I would like to be one of them. There! I said it. Out loud. In front of people. Ok, maybe only you, but I said it. I wanna be just like JA Konrath when I grow up. I am tired of making pennies and working long hours for such small financial rewards. Sure, money isn't everything; I LOVE to write! But I chose this as a career. Wait! That's not quite right. IT chose ME and wants to be a career. One where I make some money to validate the hours I spend pouring my heart and mind out onto my word processor, not to mention what I spend on marketing.

I was thinking of going back to school. Then I realized I AM in school. I'm attending Konrath University, reading his blog posts, reading his marketing book, studying everything he does, mimicking his techniques, creating some of my own and experimenting--because like Joe, I'm an experiment waiting to happen. And in case any of you are now rushing off to google Konrath U, I made that up. In other words, I'm kind of cyber-stalking Joe. He just doesn't know it. Yet. Or maybe he does...

Okay, break's over. Time to get back to my studies.

To learn more about JA Konrath, his novels and his amazing ebook sales, visit his blog A Newbie's Guide to Publishing and his website http://www.jakonrath.com. I'm hoping he'll add me to his links page since I blogged about him, so be sure to tell him you heard about him from Cheryl Kaye Tardif. lol

My ebooks:
Whale Song - available only at KoboBooks.com until June when it will be available thru Kindle and Smashwords.
The River - KoboBooks.com, Amazon Kindle and Smashwords
Divine Intervention - KoboBooks.com, Amazon Kindle and Smashwords

Lancelot's Lady - to be released September 27th via Kobo, Kindle and Smashwords.

Mother's Day Weekend Special: Buy 1 eBook, Get 1 FREE

UPDATE: TODAY & TOMORROW (MOTHER'S DAY)

50% of my royalties from every sale of Whale Song will go to Hope Mission.

Here's a great gift for Mom:

buy her a new ebook for only $1.59 and get her a second one absolutely FREE

From now until midnight on Sunday, May 9th, 2010, if you buy a copy of Whale Song (ebook) for only $1.59 via KoboBooks.com and email me with your receipt, you'll receive a second ebook, Divine Intervention, via Smashwords absolutely FREE.

Don't forget these steps:

• buy Whale Song at KoboBooks.com - ONLY $1.59
• email me your receipt
• I'll send you the coupon code and info for claiming your free second ebook.

To order Whale Song, please visit KoboBooks.

The newly designed book cover for Lancelot's Lady

Lancelot's Lady is scheduled for release as an ebook in October 2010.

My new romantic suspense, written under the pen name of Cherish D'Angelo, will be available via Kobo Books, Amazon (Kindle) and Smashwords in early October.

Check out the new cover, created after much input and voting from fans.

For more information on Lancelot's Lady, please visit http://www.cherishdangelo.com/

Kobo Books - Kindle - Smashwords: the ebook and ereader revolution is on the rise!

If you've been following my tweets and blog recently, you'll notice I've really jumped on board the ebook wagon. Instead of only having ebooks availabe on Amazon (Kindle), as I had for a couple of years, I now have them available via Kobo Books and Smashwords. Here are my thoughts on each...

Kobo Books - First, let me say that I'm only just a bit too proud of this company. They originally launched as Shortcovers, a Canadian spin-off from Chapters (Indigo Books & Music) that really seems to like hiring guys named Michael. :-). That they're Canadian makes me very proud. That I was one of the first Canadian authors to get involved makes me even prouder. My novel The River was offered for a while as a free novel on Kobo.

Kobo now has their own eReader, and I can't wait to see it. I've heard awesome things about it. And for those of you who have smart phones (iPhones, Blackberries and others), as opposed to dumb phones like my old LG, you can download the Kobo app (I have it on my iPhone) and read books on your cell phone. You can also read them on your PC or laptop. Versatile, clean looking, easy to use, the app is awesome. I am sure the eReader is even better!

http://www.kobobooks.com/ and follow them on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kobo

Kindle - Amazon's eReader is sleek and easy to use, or so I've been told. I've only seen one in captivity in Canada so far; Amazon was a bit late on getting them across the border, which didn't score any brownie points with me--as an author or potential eReader customer. But I did get to hold one (I asked a stranger I met at Starbucks if I could see his Kindle...no, I wasn't being naughty!) And I was impressed. Lightweight, easy to read...and easy to buy books.

I have the Kindle app on my iPhone (okay, I'm a bit of an app addict, I'll admit it) and I find it works great. My only beef with it is this: as a Canadian customer I have to pay a $2 surcharge on every e-book I order. WhisperNet, they call it. Um...let me whisper this...I don't think it costs any more to send me the file than anyone in the US. And $2? I could see $0.50 maybe. Again, not scoring brownie points with me--and I have a LOT of Canadian fans. So guess where I'm sending them? KOBO!

Smashwords - Now here's a site that offers readers a wide assortment of ebook titles, some of them at reduced prices and a large number for free. Readers can download the ebooks they buy in multiple formats, making them readable on an assortment of devices. You can read online or offline. One of the best advantages to authors promoting their books via Smashwords is that we can control special sales by issuing coupon codes; this way we can give our readers discounts whenever we want to. Right now and until April 30th, 2010, my thriller Divine Intervention is available at 50% off the ebook price of $4.99. Just go to and be sure to use the coupon code: KQ82F.

No matter whether you choose an ebook or print edition, Kindle, Kobo or Smashwords, I wish you happy reading! :-)

Cheryl Kaye Tardif
http://www.cherylktardif.com/

Divine Intervention is on sale at Smashwords for only $2.50 until April 30

Smashwords has just released an e-book edition of Divine Intervention, a "sizzling" paranormal suspense thriller, and from now until April 30th, you can get Divine Intervention from Smashwords for only $2.50US! That's a savings of 50%.

Just use the coupon code: KQ82F

“A genuine Canadian crime novel...Tardif gives her readers plenty of twists and turns before reaching a satisfying ending." --Midwest Book Review

SOMEONE IS LEAVING A BLAZING TRAIL OF CORPSES BEHIND...BUT WHO?

CFBI agent Jasmine McLellan is assigned a hot case―one that requires the psychic abilities of the PSI Division, a secret government agency located in the secluded town of Divine, BC.

Jasi leads a psychically gifted team in the hunt for a serial arsonist―a murderer who has already taken the lives of three innocent people. Unleashing her gift as a Pyro-Psychic, Jasi is compelled toward smoldering ashes and enters the killer's mind. A mind bent on destruction and revenge.

Jasi's team, consisting of Psychometric Empath and profiler, Ben Roberts, and Victim Empath, Natassia Prushenko, is led down a twisting path of dark, painful secrets. Brandon Walsh, the handsome, smooth-talking Chief of Arson Investigations joins them in a manhunt that takes them across British Columbia―from Vancouver to Kelowna, Penticton and Victoria.

While impatiently sifting through the clues that were left behind, Jasi and her team realize that there is more to the third victim than meets the eye. Perhaps not all of the victims were that innocent. The hunt intensifies when they learn that someone they know is next on the arsonist's list.

The case heats to the boiling point as Jasi steps out of the flames…and into the fire. And in the heat of early summer, Agent Jasi McLellan discovers that a murderer lies in wait…much closer than she imagined.

Divine Intervention appeals to fans of J.D. Robb and Kay Hooper and those who enjoy CSI, Medium or Ghost Whisperer.

Divine Intervention from Smashwords for only $2.50US! Code: KQ82F

"An exciting book from start to finish. The futuristic elements are believable...plenty of surprising twists and turns. Good writing, good book! Sci-fi and mystery fans will love this book." --Writer's Digest

“A crime novel at its best, with a Canadian twist, this book is a really thrilling page-turner, and is highly recommended..." --Allbooks Review