I never said Amazon's KDP Select wasn't enticing :-)

This is an update to my earlier post about Amazon's new KDP Select program.

I'm not one to blindly drink the Kool-Aid, but I'm also not one to pass on a possible opportunity. Now that I've had time to investigate this program and read what others have to say (pros and cons), 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.

Ebook Sale at Imajin Books - 3 Days Left!

Imajin Books' eBook Sale is on until January 7th, 2012. 

They offer affordable ebooks by various authors in a number of genres, including mystery, suspense, horror, romance, fantasy, thriller and YA. And their ebooks aren't just for Kindle owners; if you have a Kobo, Nook, Sony or other ereader, you can buy affordable ebooks via Smashwords.

Check out this eBook Sale - all ebooks are inexpensive, priced from FREE to $2.99 until January 7th.

Prices have been adjusted on Amazon (Kindle) already; please use the coupon codes below to get the sale price on Smashwords.

ASENATH
by Anna Patricio
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: DH39W)

BLONDE DEMOLITION
by Chris Redding
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: NS35V)

CHASING CLOVERS
by Kat Flannery
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: EX44Z)

CHEAT THE HANGMAN
by Gloria Ferris
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: SE84B)

CHILDREN OF THE FOG
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: LA62M)

DIVINE INTERVENTION
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$0.99 SALE (reg. $1.99)
Amazon


DIVINE JUSTICE
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: QH92R)

LANCELOT'S LADY
by Cherish D'Angelo
$1.99 SALE (reg. $2.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: XL55P)

REMOTE CONTROL
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$0.99 SALE (reg. $1.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (no code)

ROWENA THROUGH THE WALL
by Melodie Campbell
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: JG33L)

SHADOW OF INNOCENCE
by Ric Wasley
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: VT62Z)

SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET & OTHER CREEPY STORIES
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$1.99 SALE (reg. $2.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: PL97U)

SOUL AND SHADOW
by Susan J. McLeod
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: SH43P)

THE BRIDGEMAN
by Catherine Astolfo
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: GJ55B)

THE OTHER FACE OF GOD
by C. Robert Lee
$2.99 SALE (reg. $4.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: NQ69Q)

THE RIVER
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$0.99 SALE (reg. $2.99)
Amazon


UNDER A TEXAS STAR
by Alison Bruce
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: GX44K)

VICTIM
by Catherine Astolfo
$1.99 SALE (reg. $3.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: WA86D)

WHALE SONG
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$1.99 SALE (reg. $2.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: WX86L)

WHALE SONG: School Edition
by Cheryl Kaye Tardif
$1.99 SALE (reg. $2.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: DS24C)

WHAT FEARS BECOME: An Anthology from The Horror Zine
edited by Jeani Rector and featuring Bentley Little, Graham Masterton, Elizabeth Massey, Conrad Williams, Scott Nicholson & more
$2.99 SALE (reg. $4.99)
Amazon
Smashwords (coupon code: AA37U)

FREE eBook: IMAJIN THIS!

IMAJIN THIS!

This special chapter preview book showcases all fiction titles published by Imajin Books in 2010/2011. Sample the first three chapters of each book.

Our international authors strive to entertain you with a wide range of genres - mystery, suspense, romance, horror, fantasy, paranormal, YA and more.

Featuring the following authors: Alison Bruce, Anna Patricio, Catherine Astolfo, Cherish D'Angelo, Cheryl Kaye Tardif, Chris Redding, Christian A. Larsen, C. Robert Lee, Gloria Ferris, Jeani Rector (editor), Kat Flannery, Melodie Campbell, Ric Wasley, Simon Clark, and Susan J. McLeod.

"Quality fiction beyond your wildest dreams." All ebooks under $5.

Available FREE at Smashwords.com (various file formats for all major ereaders, including Kindle, Nook and Kobo.)

Or you can download the PDF for Imajin This! HERE.

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.

Cheryl takes on the role of judge (but not executioner)

As bestselling suspense author Cheryl Kaye Tardif, I wear one hat--that of a writer. But as Cheryl Tardif, I wear so many hats I need a bigger closet. As well as wife and mother, I am the publisher and acquisitions editor at Imajin Books, a new innovative publishing company that publishes quality fiction. This month, I'll be adding a new hat--as one of the judges for Scribes Digest's 'Best Pitch Contest.' If you're a writer, here's a great way to pitch one of your finished works.

Here's some info on the contest...

Hello writers of all genres! The November Scribes Digest contest is FREE to enter and will give you a chance to publish your entry in our December issued EZINE!

In order to enter, you must have a completed work in any of these genres: feature film, short film, short story or novel.

We are looking for the TOP 3 best elevator pitches! An elevator pitch (or elevator speech or statement) is a short summary used to quickly and simply define your script, short story or novel. It should take no more than 5 lines to give your pitch and the writers with the best 3 pitches will have excerpts from their completed script, story or novel published in our December EZINE.

Our team of editors will be joined by two fantastic industry judges to choose the winners: Michael Baker, Producer and Founder of Bunk 11 Pictures Inc. and Cheryl Tardif, Publisher & Acquisitions Editor of Imajin Books.

Read more.

Count your blessings this Thanksgiving weekend

This Thanksgiving I am really counting my blessings, but most of all I'm thankful I'm here to celebrate another Thanksgiving with my family. A week ago, something could have changed this forever.

On September 30th, I was involved in a 3-car accident. A car slammed into my car and pushed me into the vehicle in front. It happened so fast that I didn't even realize at first that I'd been hit from behind. My heart raced and my hands shook as I tried to find my emergency lights.

I was the first one out of my vehicle. I went to the car behind me and discovered two girls a bit younger than my own daughter. The driver was visibly shaken by the accident. It was her first--and her first car. I felt very bad for her and was relieved that neither she nor her passenger were seriously injured--or worse.

Next I checked on the car in front of me. An elderly couple. No one hurt there either. They told me all they felt was a "bump" when my car was pushed into theirs. We checked their bumper and were stunned to find no visible damage. Yet the front end of my car had large scrapes and the hood was dented.

I went back to the girls and called 911. While waiting for the police to show, I noted the damage to our vehicles. The front end of the car behind me was sitting somewhat underneath the back end of mine, which was ripped off in places. My muffler was on the ground. Other parts dangled from underneath. The cars would have to be peeled apart.

I have no idea how long we were standing on the road waiting for the police to do what they needed to do. It's kind of a blur now. But after about 2 hours, the soreness began to creep into my body. Soft tissue damage and whiplash level 2. Not fun.

It's hard not to feel frustrated that this accident happened. The driver behind me wasn't paying close enough attention to the traffic in front. As a result, I'm suffering with pain and with the realization that my new Mustang convertible that my husband drove all the way down to BC to pick up has been damaged. We'll get it repaired, but it'll never be the same or have the same value. It was our first real luxury car and my birthday present. We'd worked so hard to get it.

And now Thanksgiving is upon us. I'm too sore to spend the day cooking and the thought of lifting a turkey or ham out of the oven makes me nauseous. So we're going out for dinner. Our anniversary is on the 11th. We'd thought about going somewhere for a few days to celebrate 25 years--our silver anniversary. Mexico maybe. But I'm too sore to travel or rush through airports. I'll admit, it really does suck that our plans have been cancelled.

But things could have been worse. Someone could have died in that accident.

It has left me very sore, but very grateful. No one was seriously hurt that day, though I'm sure that everyone involved has been somewhat scarred emotionally. It's not every day that you're faced with your own mortality. It's a huge wake-up call.

So count your blessings this weekend. Drive alert and drive safe! Don't do something that could cost a life. And be thankful for every day you wake up. Happy Thanksgiving!

Whale Song Reaches Out to Kids Who Are Bullied

I always love sharing my writing experiences and my books. Especially when the topic is timely, universal and sadly, never-ending.

And that topic is...bullying. I am sure you know someone who has been bullied. Maybe you were, as a child. Maybe your son or daughter was or is being bullied.

Just days ago, a new edition of my international bestseller, WHALE SONG, was released in a special School Edition. This edition contains a detailed discussion guide at the back. It’s something that any school teacher can use or readers can use on their own.

WHALE SONG explores issues of racism and bullying, among others, and it has been used in schools and book clubs around the world. It is one of my biggest dreams to see my “heart book” in even more schools. One teacher from ESC Trillium in Ontario, Canada, has used this book for novel study for a few years now. You can read what some of her students had to say about WHALE SONG on my blog HERE.

So what’s WHALE SONG about?

Thirteen years ago, Sarah Richardson’s life was shattered after the tragic death of her mother. The shocking event left a grief-stricken teen-aged Sarah with partial amnesia.

Some things are easier to forget.

But now a familiar voice from her childhood sends Sarah, a talented mid-twenties ad exec, back to her past. A past that she had thought was long buried.

Some things are meant to be buried.

Torn by nightmares and visions of a yellow-eyed wolf and aided by creatures of the Earth and killer whales that call to her in the night, Sarah must face her fears and recover her memories―even if it destroys her.

Some things are meant to be remembered―at all cost.

Reviews:

New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice has this to say: "Whale Song is deep and true, a compelling story of love and family and the mysteries of the human heart...a beautiful, haunting novel."

"Moving...sweet and sad." ―Booklist

"I read Whale Song and loved it." ―actress Jodelle Ferland (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse)

"Tardif again leaves a lasting mark on her readers...Moving and irresistible." ―Midwest Book Review

The Discussion Guide:

When we were young, many of us were inspired by different books and authors. We learned about the invisible walls built by societies, and it’s my goal to tear apart the walls that separate bullies from victims by challenging readers to dig deep.

Here are some samples from the guide:

·     Sarah is bullied by Annie in school. Why do you think Annie picked on Sarah so much? What clues are there in the story that might lead you to conclusions about Annie’s life and her “reasons” for being a bully?

·       Sarah’s mom told her to find a way to forgive Annie. Do you think this was good advice?

·     Have you ever been bullied? How did that make you feel? Have you ever bullied someone else? Why? What kinds of bullying are there nowadays? How can we as a society (or school) prevent bullying?

I also have strong messages for those who have been bullied:

I was a bullied child. I was the chubby redhead in the back row, who was too shy to speak out and lacked self-confidence. I’ve experienced bullying just like Sarah did. Exactly like Sarah did. I did not fight back physically, though I tried to fight verbally. That rarely works out well. I’ve experienced racism too. I was a white child living in a small town, and the native Indians weren’t too happy about the whites. Like all kids, I had my friendship issues, my first love...and my second, and family problems.

But I survived. It gets better.

If you take nothing away from this guide than those two sentences above, I’ve fulfilled another goal.

If you are bullied or if you know someone who was or is, WHALE SONG is the perfect gift. But this novel is about so much more than that. It’s about family, relationships and boundless love. From my heart to yours, I wish you the very best and I hope you read my “heart book” and experience what others of all ages have told me changed their lives forever.

If you’re a teacher, I recommend you bring WHALE SONG into your classroom. It is perfect for any ages, 11-111.

Tell your friends and family about WHALE SONG. If you know a teacher, tell them. Whale Song could be swimming to a school near you in the future. And one of its greatest messages is this: Life gets better. Now that’s something every bully and victim needs to hear.

WHALE SONG is available in ebook edition for only $2.99 at Amazon and Smashwords (more retailers coming soon), and it will be available in trade paperback any day now on Amazon and more.

I invite you to check out my books at http://www.whalesongbook.com and http://www.cherylktardif.com.

Connect with me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cherylktardif

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cheryl-Kaye-Tardif-novels/29769736630