From the Desk of J.M. Poole

Ok, since I want to make sure everyone has a chance to read The Hunt for Red Oskorlisk I hereby offer these hints.  You probably see the special “Spoilers” links down below.  I’ve hidden the clues under a spoiler tag so that you don’t accidentally read more than you want.  Are you ready?  If you need help with decrypting the password protected post containing the short story then click on the first spoiler for the first clue!

If you’re an Indie Author then chances are you’ve asked yourself the following questions:

• How do I go about getting my manuscript self-published?
• What do I do about the cover?
• Now that I’ve published/released my book, what now?  How do I attract a following?

I was asked (& I accepted!) to be a part of the “Marketing SFF” group spearheaded by fellow authors Lindsay Buroker and Joseph Lallo.  What we (plan to) do is interview other authors and ask them what they’ve done, or are doing, to achieve the success that they have.  What’s important to them?  How did they make their covers?  What type of marketing have they done?

Thus far we have learned about the importance of editing, selecting the right book cover, how to find an editor, how to build up a fan base, what NOT to do when finding a publisher, and so on.  My turn in the chair happened last night.  If you don’t mind hearing my boring voice drone on and on then I would encourage you to have a listen!

Yep, that’s me.  Our hope is to help our fellow indiw authors avoid our mistakes, take advantage of our advice, and release a good quality book.  For those that’d prefer to download just the audio, here’s the link:

Download mp3 audio for Jeffrey M. Poole’s interview

Since today is the 1st official day I’m spending on aPfyT, I’ve sketched out some details for chapter 1 and am ready to write.  So, with that being said, I could use a couple of names!  Want to name a fictional character?  Now’s your chance!  Let’s see…  I could use:

1.  At least three or four human names.  Not related.

2.  At least 2 dragon names.

3.  For kicks and giggles, let’s throw in a dwarf name or two.

I always like having extra names handy.  Come on, guys!  Got some suggestions for me?  Hit me with your best shot!

I’ve done this for the last couple of books I’ve released and thought it’d be fun to show you, the readers, the steps that I will undergo to get the book ready to be released and what stage I’m presently on.  So, without further ado, here we go!

My steps for releasing a book:

• Finish writing the flippin’ book     finished!
• Finalize book cover    finished!
• Give to wife (Beta Reader #1).  Correct any advised changes.    finished!
• Get the pdf into the hands of my Beta Readers.    finished!
• Get the pdf into the hands of my primary proofer.  You know who you are.    finished!
• Revise manuscript to reflect changes.   in progress
• Format the manuscript for KDP submission (Amazon) – takes up to 24 hrs.   in progress
• Format the manuscript for Smashwords distribution – can take around a week to show up for Apple, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Diesel, etc.   in progress
• Format the manuscript for Createspace release – this is the print edition.   in progress
• Pull out notebook and start working on Tales of Lentari #3!    in progress

I just posted this on my Facebook page but I’ll also post it here.

Who out there would like to name not one, but two dragons? I’m now accepting suggestions for dragon siblings. Two brothers from one family and two sisters from another. The names can be made to resemble one another, like Don and John, or they could be completely different. I leave it up to the fans!

So whaddya say? Got any suggestions for me? Who knows! It very well may end up in SWtwC!!

Oh, consequently, the winner of the Bakkian Chronicles cap will be announced either later today or tomorrow! Stay tuned! If you haven’t done so already, enter now for a chance to win!

It’s easy.  You have a fantastic legion of fans who love dragons just as much as I do and therefore ask for a little help.

What do I mean?   In case you don’t have facebook I’ll repost the message I put there.  This is what I said:

Is there anyone else out there that loves dragons as much as I do? I have to tell you guys, I’m really enjoying working on a story with dragons as the protagonists!

While waiting to get Lost City into the hands of my Beta Readers, I officially started on the next story in my new Tales of Lentari series. Plot is mapped out and broken into chapters. Writing is underway. Guess what I need again… Yep! More names!

I still have a few dragon names left over from Lost City, but I have a feeling I’ll go through those pretty quick. Got an idea? Want to name a fictional dragon? Tell me your suggestions! Got a description for your dragon? I’ll welcome those, too!

Hi everyone!  First off, TGIF!  Secondly, as I’m getting close to wrapping Lost City up, I could use a few more names.  Dwarf names.  Maybe even a surname or a family name.  Any suggestions?

Now’s your chance to wind up in a book’s acknowledgement page.  Want to see your name in print?  Post your suggestions below!

Thanks!  Have a great weekend!

J.

Sarah and Lia have spoken!  They have selected the three winners from last month’s photo contest!  Congrats to the winners!  If you won a prize, please drop me an email with your address and I’ll get your prize shipped off to you!  Use jmpoole (at) gmail dot com.

Thanks for playing, everyone!  Oh, and while I’m thinking about it, I’m hereby taking suggestions for the next contest!  Got an idea?  Let me know!

1st Place Winner, Nicki!

2nd Place Winner, Bob!

3rd Place Winner, Toni!