The best way to find out about my latest releases and deals is to be on my mailing list. I'll send out codes for free/discounted copies through the list, as well as notify you of new releases. Don't worry, though, I'll keep the number of emails to a minimum (maybe only a handful a year). This is not a spam service, just good, honest information, and an easy way to keep track of/reward returning readers. Look for the sign-up at the top left of the page.
Note: the confirmation may end up in your spam folder. It may be that the newsletter (once we deliver one) gets dumped there as well. Generally, I'll announce on the blog when we send something out, so you'll know when to go look.
Signed Copies
I've had numerous requests for signed copies. I'm more than happy to oblige here. I will sign and personalize any book I've written, and here's how.
If it's print, you're going to have to send it to me. Then, I'm going to have to send it back. Since I can't soak a whole of shipping costs (small, shoestring business here), I'll have to ask that you do that. It costs us about $5 to ship a book right now. Send me a book with $5 and your name... I'll personalize it, sign it, and send it back ASAP.
For digital copies, it's a bit trickier. Right now, the only thing I know of is Kindlegraph. I believe it only works on Kindle copies. I'm not set up there yet, but if you want me to try to sign your digital copy, send me an email and we can give it a go. (Edit: I've also found Autography now, too. Looks like it works on other formats, but I haven't tried it yet.)
Author Partnerships
Isaac McBeth and I share a common friend, so when our he put us in touch, brainstorming commenced. We're both embarking on this authorial journey at roughly the same time, and have a lot of similar ideas and motivations. As an added bonus, we like to write fantasy novels. Seemed like a no-brainer to figure out a way to promote one another. Isaac is a good guy and a promising writer whose first book is titled Alexander Wisbal and the Hall of Heroes. I'm pleased to be able to announce a partnership with him, where I can give you his e-book free if you purchase one of mine (or visa versa). You can find more information about his books on his webpage here. Isaac has a nifty little form on his website here, or you can simply shoot me an email if you'd like to take advantage of this deal, and we'll work out the details. For my book, I'll likely be able to provide a Smashwords code. For his, I believe he can send you (directly or through me) the e-book attached to an email. We may iron out some of the details as we go, but free books are always good, right?
If you are an author and interested in partnering with me, shoot me an email! I'm sure we can work something out.
Free E-book with Print Acquisition
If you've purchased one of my print copies, you may notice that I offer a free e-book with the purchase. Why is that? Well, quite simply, it's just something I want to do for my readers. Call it a "thank you." At this juncture in my fledgling career, the plan is to do it for all my titles, forever. Your choice of formats. No strings attached.
I'm sort of trying to equate it to what I do with music. With artists I really like, I try to buy the album even though I do most of my listening on a portable device. I like to vote with my dollar, and support groups I'm fond of. Also, it's great to be able to have the physical copy as more of a collectors item and just rip the songs to my iPhone.
So I figured, why not do that with books? The issue is that you can't really "rip" a book on you own. Thus, I'm going to try to figure out clever ways to get people a free copy of the ebook so that my readers can have their cake and eat it too.
For now, if you come into possession of a print book (I'd prefer you purchase one to support me, but I honestly have no way of knowing and am just happy if people are reading it), I'm going to ask that you just send me an email with a picture of the book. I'm hoping people get clever with it, maybe take a fun picture with my book somewhere exotic. Like Kansas. Because Kansas is a lot different than Indiana. I will, however, accept and appreciate the pictures even if they're simply of the book on a table in some random house. Or in a hand held out in front of you taken via cellphone. If you don't own a camera or don't know how to get a picture into an email... email me anyway and we'll figure something out.
In the future, I may try to get a more automated system where I can embed a code that lets you download the file from somewhere, but we're not that clever yet. Or maybe I'll gift it on Amazon. Not quite sure yet. The default plan is to send you a code for a free download on Smashwords (So you'll likely need a valid email account, but don't worry, I won't send anything apart from the code. No spam. Promise.). Oh, and if you're looking for how to contact me... it's up there under the About the Author tab.
Recap. Here's what you need to do:
- Email me a picture of the book. Bonus Internet points for creativity.
- I will personally reply with a Smashwords code.
Some of the more clever pictures I may post up on this site. You can certainly opt-out if you really don't want me to show your picture for whatever reason. Just let me know. If you'd like to take the file and share it with a friend, that's fine too. I'm not including anything wonky (that I know of) with the file to track usage or anything.
Free E-Book for a Review
Not everyone wants to pay money for stories. I get that. It doesn't bother me. Money means different things to different people. Also, what I'm looking for is support, and money is only part of that. If you would like to exchange a review for a free copy of the e-book, I'm more than happy to do that. Simply contact me via email. I'll take you on your word that you'll write an honest review somewhere. You don't have to even have a review blog or anything (if you have a blog, send me the link and I can put it on the book's page). Hit up Amazon or B&N, leave one there. That works.
Free E-Book if you love to read
Maybe a review is not your thing. Fair enough, I'll still give you a free e-book if you simply convince me that you love to read. Could be a picture or an anecdote, whatever. I think reading is awesome, and want to support that. I don't want a price tag turn potential readers away. Shoot me an email!
Along with this, if you have some other promotional idea and would like a free copy, simply email me. The point is, you're helping me get the word out on the book... seems a fair trade for a free e-book to me.
Print gets a little sketchier because there are more costs involved. I'm not opposed to it, but we'll have to discuss that a little more.