Advice; The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Knowing When Not to Listen 

     So you've gotten published and you are on cloud nine, as you should be. The sky is the limit as your book, your personal project, that you have poured your heart and soul into is put on display for all to see. Maybe you're hesitant about what reviews and feedback you'll get. Maybe you could care less and are relying on your thick skin to carry you through. Regardless feedback and reviews of your work will come back  and it is up to you to decide what to do with them.

     Some comments and reviews will be wonderful and will inspire you to write even more than your allotted amount, turning one hundred words into two hundred. Other advice will leave you second guessing yourself or you'll find yourself bothered more than you thought later that day. Still other reviews you won't even understand and wonder what book the person leaving the comment was reading because it clearly wasn't yours. Whatever the case make sure what you read doesn't stop you from writing the way YOU write. 

     Everyone has their own opinion about everything. Now let's not confuse this with constructive criticism or your own trusted team of beta readers/critique group. I'm talking about random people like jersylicious1995 leaving just plain mean negative reviews with nothing remotely constructive at all. Even if you have thirty perfect reviews and beiberdude4life leaves a comment about how poor he thought your character development was or how he wished there was more sex in your book, you'll think about this.

     Deep in your mind that little doubt ninja is lurking and ready to stab your subconscious when the time is right. Learn to distinguish between people who are genuinely trying to help you and who know what they are talking about and let the rest sort itself out. You have to write your book the only way you can. You got here because you put in the hard work, time and effort. Stay the course, ignore the haters and keep telling YOUR story.

 

What to expect after you get signed by a publisher.

What happen's after you sign with a Publisher?

     So I just signed a contract with a publishing house, now what? I thought this post would be helpful for those who are new to the publishing world or who are looking for a agent/publisher. I am by no means the authority on the matter but having just signed my first contract January 15th of this year I thought I would share my own experience with you. 

     Once the contract is signed, fireworks are lit and the parade rolls through, the work is just beginning. I know that's not what you want to hear but trust me it's the best kind of work if you're serious about your writing career. Below are the steps that I have been through so far. I have been blessed with an amazing publisher in Limitless Publishing, that has guided me every step of the way and I cannot say enough about the staff.

1) Cover: I had no idea the amount of research and study that goes into covers and hitting the right combination of coloring, model poses, and intrigue. Also the cover has to be geared toward your intended audience because that one look by a potential reader could be the only chance you get to hook them.

2) Editing: We are writers and I'll be the first to admit capable of making many... many... many mistakes. The editor goes through and sends you corrections. Some corrections are obvious others you have to talk about and decide the best fit in word choice.

3) Formatting: Another piece of the puzzle I hadn't thought about. When the book is done being edited it has to go to a formatter who adjusts it from whatever writing program you used like Microsoft Word, to fit into the online/digital version like kindle or nook, correctly.

4) Interviews: Questions are sent over in preparation for your book's release that you have to fill out and return.

5) Virtual Book/Blog Tours: Scheduled to promote your book, build awareness and even give you reviews.

6) Paper copy: Formatting for actual paper copy and in some cases a new cover. 

7) Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Blogs, Amazon Author page all need to be monitored. This will seem less and less like work as you get to answer fan mail and connect with some really great writers and readers.

8) Keep Writing: For goodness sake you have to write the sequel people want to know what happens!

New cover for the paperback copy of The Beast Within

New Cover To Be Released 

     I've received numerous questions regarding the exact date of when the paperback copy of The Beast Within will be available. Until now I've had to dodge the question or give a vague answer like "Soon" or "In the next month or so". Well the date has been set and not only that but there will be a new cover released for the paperback edition. Oh you heard me right. A new cover!

     The Beast Within will be available in paperback on April 21st. And we won't be seeing the same cover that was released for the digital edition. The amazing team at Limitless Publishing has opted for a new cover that will be revealed within the next week. 

     You can be sure that I will keep you all updated on the progress and you will be among the first to see the new cover. I know I was blown away by the quality of the digital cover and I can only imagine how great the cover for the actual paperback copy will be. I feel like I just used the word "cover" ten times. 

The Beast Within, Let Your Voice Be Heard

A Call for Reviews, Your Opinion Matters

     The Beast Within is out and available on amazon and so far has been receiving some great reviews. The virtual book tour is well underway and it has been an amazing journey thus far. I just want to give a big "thank you" to all the book's supporters and everyone who has already bought and read the book. I'd also love to hear your reviews on The Beast Within. 

     I love receiving honest feedback from everyone and anyone. Who knows what I hear from you could influence how book two in The Elite Series is written. After all I'd be nowhere if it wasn't for you and the interest shown in The Beast Within. So please take a few minutes and write a brief review for the book on amazon. I would greatly appreciate it and you may even influence the future of the series! 

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Beast-Within-Elite-ebook/dp/B00BZHNV76/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364412546&sr=1-1&keywords=the+beast+within+jonathan+yanez