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.

Seven Easy Steps for Importing PDF or ePub Files to Your Kobo eReader

Many people are wondering if they can add PDF and ePub files to their Kobo ereader, and the answer is yes. You CAN import PDF and ePub files into your Kobo ereader using Adobe Digital Editions, a free program that you can install on your PC or laptop.

Once you've imported one PDF or ePub file, you'll see just how easy it is, and it will open the opportunities for you as an ebook consumer as you'll be able to buy books from other retailers, including Smashwords.com, where you'll find some awesome deals and multiple formats.

Here are the 7 easy steps for importing PDF and ePub files to your Kobo ereader:

1. Download and install the free Adobe Digital Editions program to your PC or laptop.
2. Authorize computer. If this doesn't show automatically, open Adobe Digital Editions (should be on your desktop after downloading) and select dropdown button Library at top left, then go to Authorize Computer and fill in info.
3. Add any PDFs or ePubs saved on your computer by using Adobe Digital Editions. To do this, simply select Library at top left―then Add Item to Library―and find the file on your computer and click Open.
4. You should then see your files added to the right side of the screen on Adobe Digital Editions.
5. Now plug your Kobo ereader into your computer. In a few seconds you will see your ereader has been added to the list under Bookshelves on left side of Adobe Digital Editions screen.
6. Now this is the easy part: DRAG a file from the right side by hovering over it, holding left mouse button and dragging to KOBOeReader file on left side. This file will turn medium gray when hovering over it. Then release left button to drop. You may see a small window appear showing status of file copy. When in doubt, just click on KOBOeReader and you will see all your files inside that folder.
7. Eject Kobo ereader from your computer. Wait for it to reload. Then view your files by clicking on Home, then Documents at very top. Your PDFs and ePubs will all be there. Happy reading!

If you found this article helpful, please consider visiting Smashwords.com and ordering one of Cheryl's novels, all under $3. They're available in multiple formats, including ePub and PDF. Or you can order them directly from KoboBooks.com.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif, aka Cherish D'Angelo, is a bestselling author and book marketing coach. You can learn more about her at:http://www.cherylktardif.com/ or http://www.cherylktardif.blogspot.com/

Betty Dravis's celebrity interview is up on DOD: Bestselling Canadian author CHERYL KAYE TARDIF tells all

I was recently interviewed by author Betty Dravis, who blogs regularly over at Dames of Dialogue. Betty is one of the authors of Dream Reachers, a book of celebrity interviews, with her co-writer Chase Von.

I was very honored when Betty asked to interview me for DOD, and even more honored when she mentioned that I would be featured in Dream Reachers 2, the second inspirational celebrity tell-all by Betty and Chase.

Want to know how Dr. Seuss influenced my writing? Check it out.

Betty Dravis's celebrity interview is up on Dames of Dialogue: Bestselling Canadian author CHERYL KAYE TARDIF tells all

Whale Song review: "mystical, honest, haunting and wonderful"

Here is a new review for my bestselling novel WHALE SONG:

"Anyone who has heard the haunting sound of a whale's song will never forget it. So it is with this story, mystical, honest, haunting and wonderful. So emotional in fact, that I am writing this review while my eyes are still damp with tears. Tears of joy, tears of sorrow, and a great feeling of enlightenment and belonging...Cheryl Kaye Tardif, you moved me...If I take nothing more away with me from reading this book, these three alone were worth the read: live life fully; "forgiveness will set you free"; know when to let go...Let me just say that this is one book I am thrilled to have had the opportunity not only to read, but to feel. It is as though I was dropped into the mind of Sarah and existing within these pages myself, feeling every emotion."

There is so much more to this review, but you really should read it from beginning to end. Without revealing spoilers, this review touches upon the relationships that make Whale Song worth reading.

Check out Betty's full review at R&B: Read and Blog.

NovelRank is giving away a signed copy of my paranormal suspense thriller Divine Intervention

If you haven't read my bestselling paranormal suspense thriller Divine Intervention, which is like a cross between CSI, Medium, and Ghost Whisperer, you now have an opportunity to win a signed trade paperback edition, courtesy of NovelRank.

NovelRank is a free rank tracking service for authors, publishers and agents. The service tracks sales ranks for books and ebooks sold on Amazon.com (& some international Amazons.) With NovelRank authors can view graphs, charts and real-time data.

This month, NovelRank is giving away two books, including Divine Intervention. To enter, visit NovelRank.

As an author and book marketing coach, I highly recommend authors to use this free service and track your book sales through Amazon.

Midwest Book Review calls Lancelot's Lady "a non-stop romantic adventure"

An early review for Cherish D'Angelo's upcoming debut romantic suspense release, Lancelot's Lady, has come out at Midwest Book Review under the Reviewer's Choice tab.

Here's an excerpt from the review:

"Lancelot's Lady is a non-stop romantic adventure combined with the agonizing struggle to not give in to the magnetism between two people with troubled pasts. Enticing. Fun." -- Christina Francine, reviewer for Midwest Book Review

To read the full review, please go to the Reviewer's Choice page at Midwest Book Review and scroll down. It's currently the second review.

Lancelot's Lady will release as an ebook on September 27th, 2010.

Celebrate Canada Day with my new ebook release: REMOTE CONTROL, a novelette by Cheryl Kaye Tardif

Celebrate Canada Day with some Canadian fiction:
the ebook release of my novelette
REMOTE CONTROL,
now available on Amazon (Kindle) and Smashwords (various formats).

ONLY $0.99 US

In this dark, suspenseful and somewhat comical look at one man's desires, Remote Control by bestselling author Cheryl Kaye Tardif delivers a strong message:
Be careful what you wish for! 

Meet Harold Fielding--plumber by part of the day, slacker/tv addict the rest of the day and night. Harry believes that fame and fortune will come to him if he wishes hard enough. God forbid if he should actually work for it.

Beatrice Fielding is Harry's hardworking wife. She holds down multiple jobs so her husband can laze about on his recliner, eating popcorn and drinking cola while watching his favorite shows. She has many wishes--some aren't so nice.

SET IN CANADA!
***2008 Textnovel contest finalist***

Remote Control is ONLY $0.99 US at Amazon, Smashwords and more to come, including KoboBooks.

WIN: Leave a comment here with your email address and you'll be entered to win a free ebook of Whale Song, my critically acclaimed, bestselling novel. One winner will be selected later tonight, so enter now.

Happy Canada Day!