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It’s the Fit
Tag: hamilton publisher
Is What You’re Doing Working?
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Neuromarketing Defined
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Pros of Self-Publishing
August 17, 2021– During August, we’re talking about what publishers want! We want you to be informed and educated about the publishing industry so that you can make the best choice for your work. Today, we’re talking about the Pros of Self-Publishing; all the good stuff makes this publishing option very attractive to the right person. But, more on that later, let’s sink our teeth into today’s subject:
- Creative control. The author is in control of the project from beginning to end; cover design, editing process and changes to the manuscript, the size, page count, layout, formatting, inventory, sales, distribution, price point, and marketing are just some of the things that the author is fully responsible for.
- Higher royalty rate. When authors choose to self-publish, they get to keep more money. There is an initial investment on their part to get the book to market, but after costs, the profit is all theirs! Once they get enough sales under their belt to cover the initial investment, the rest is profit in their pocket. Plus, there are additional ways to make money as a self-published author, such as school visits, speaking fees, and lectures, for example.
- Continuing ed. Authors should be mindful of furthering their careers and take as many continuing education classes as they can afford. Writing is something that needs to be continually improved upon, and the publishing industry is constantly changing. It’s best to keep up with what’s going on in the market and what it demands. As a self-published author, one can decide where they would like to study as most writing continuing education classes are held abroad. I’ve been fortunate to travel globally to hone my craft of publishing and writing, and the benefits have been incredible. Not only have I been able to see and study new places, but I have build friendships that have lasted a lifetime just from attending writing conferences abroad.
With every good thing, there is always an opposite. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post on the Cons of Self-Publishing.
Pros of Traditional Publishing
August 13, 2021- We’re talking about what publishers want during August, and today I thought it might be good to talk about the pros of traditional publishing. Why an author would consider traditional publishing as an option, and on Monday, we’ll chat about the cons. Let’s dive in:
- You get paid for your work. This is every aspiring author’s dream, to be paid for their work! After years of struggling, you’ve finally made it! In traditional publishing, the publisher purchases your work and pays you an advance or royalty. All you have to do is write the book and complete the revisions that the editor expects. Plus, you will receive a royalty on your book for the life of the work.
- Everything is handled. From your marketing plan to publicity, book signings, and bringing your book to market, the publisher takes care of it all. They tell you where to be and when. They take care of you and your book from beginning to end. Publishers also handle the sales, payments, earnings reports, and inventory, as well as editing design, formatting, and creation of your book.
- Opportunity. Publishers have a vast network of contacts, and from those contacts comes opportunity. Your book and your face have the potential to be in front of a ton of people and media personnel. You’ll have opportunities that most people can only dream of!
Authors can be found in documentaries (like ours!): https://drive.google.com/file/d/14HpvaRHvxk1T4J4NbRdvXwRQ3VpkAZOs/view?usp=sharing
in newspapers, on radio segments and podcasts, on blogs worldwide, interviewed on internet segments, YouTube Channels, and red carpets.
There are many pros when it comes to traditional publishing, and publishers want to see that you are informed about how the various types of publishing work. Know what you’re getting into. Happy Weekend, everybody! See you on Monday to talk about the cons of self-publishing.
Pandamonium Publishing House International Book Club 2021!
December 30, 2020– I’m so excited to announce our book club lineup for 2021! We’ll be reading books from our very OWN authors at Pandamonium Publishing House. Here’s what you can look forward to and the best part? If you’re a book box subscription member, you’ll get all of our book club selections included!
January- Machinia by Paul A. Moscarella Cybersecurity officer Damon Maxwell wakes from cryogenic sleep expecting to be ten years into his future but instead finds himself in the root ruled empire of Machinia, 2156! Welcomed by Machinia’s omnipotent leader, the Universal, Damon learns that his extraordinary journey is part of a complex plan by the Universal to bait Machinia’s deadly enemy, the Underground, into action. But the Universal’s brilliant robot aide, Nepcar, fears his leader’s dangerous scheme and pairs Damon with the beautiful and mysterious Cynthia Lhan hoping their union can prevent a catastrophe. Yet, even as the Universal’s plans fall into place an enigmatic figure appears in Damon’s life that even the mighty Universal is powerless to control. Will Damon ultimately be the destroyer of the robot race or its saviour? Machinia – Pandamonium Publishing House
February- Life Supports by K.G. Watson Is it because we don’t have stuff anymore that we feel so lost in a place like this? I ask myself this all the time. When we give up those memory chains Hiram spoke of, do we lose the anchor they connected us to? I don’t think I feel it as keenly as some others here. I have my organ and wall of memories for refuge when I feel unable to bear the loneliness of others about me as well as my own. It is the time between concerts, like now, when I find myself most strongly in retreat. “Life supports by K.G. Watson is a wonderful reminder of what matters most and his work asks us to think about what our legacy will be.” Life Supports – Pandamonium Publishing House
March-Once Upon a Vision by Gina Collins Ramkissoon and Lindsay V. Rose Becky hoped for a life full of adventure in New York City, but after a failed marriage and business, she returns to her childhood roots in Savannah, Georgia, to start over. Unsure of what her future holds, she settles into a charming loft above a Carriage House on a beautiful estate where she meets the Riley Family members. Was it by chance, or was it meant to be? Instinct draws her to read Tarot at a quaint Tea House down by the river. Becky finds her inner-self emerging. One day a mysterious woman comes into her life, and then another. Is there a connection between these two women? Will Becky’s intuition expose a hidden family secret? Will Becky trust her inner strength to unfold the mystery? Once Upon a Vision: Amazon.ca: Collins Ramkissoon, Gina, Rose, Lindsay V: Books
April-Becoming James Cass by L.L. Colling The prequel to Obsessed with Her, Becoming James Cass, is finally here. Find out what makes James the man he is today and what life-changing events forced him to take inventory of his life. Will he become the man he needs to be, or will he be left with no options except to fight his way out of the cage that he’s built around himself? This psychological thriller from L.L. Colling will make you question human behaviour and will leave you wondering just how much one person can take. Rated R for violence, language, and explicit content. Becoming James Cass – Pandamonium Publishing House
May-Duty’s Dad by K.G. Watson Duty’s Dad is a story of bravery, loss, life and love. It accompanies the book, Duty’s Son, by K.G. Watson. “Watson,” he said without preamble, “I want you to print up a poster offering a reward for the apprehension of Mr. William Lyon Mackenzie and his rebel leaders-one thousand pounds for Mackenzie and five hundred pounds for the others!” Richard was stunned by the size of the rewards. That sort of money was a life-long pension that would keep any family in comfort. He flashed back to his youth in Limerick when similar rewards for rebels or their weapons were shouted out in the parade square of Limerick Castle. He recalled the silent response, hundreds strong, from his neighbours facing the regiment and its gold-braided Colonel. He remembered that not one person claimed the reward. Would it be the same here? Would your barn ever be safe if you turned in any one of them? Duty’s Dad – Pandamonium Publishing House
June-Duty’s Son by K.G. Watson A delightful, historical fiction novel that Hamiltonians will enjoy! Lots of entertaining facts about the city as well as major events that shaped Canada. Dundurn Castle, Niagara Falls, and The Great Western Railway are just a few of the places featured. Duty’s Son by K.G. Watson is a wonderful trip back in time. John Harvey Watson was a courageous soldier, a gentleman, and a man of duty. This is his story. Duty’s Son – Pandamonium Publishing House
July-Duty’s Daughter by K.G. Watson Duty’s Daughter is a remarkable story about a courageous young woman who refuses to play by the rules. She is vibrant, fearless, and defiant. This historical fiction novel by author K.G. Watson is part of a series that includes Duty’s Son and Duty’s Dad. Duty’s Daughter – Pandamonium Publishing House
August-Obsessed with Her by L.L. Colling What would you do if your child was missing? How far would you go to find out the truth about what happened to her? Obsessed with Her is every parent’s worst nightmare; with twists and turns so shocking, it will leave you breathless until the very last page. “Totally shocking, disturbing and NOT for the easily offended or squeamish.”-Goodreads “Thrilling, scary, jump off the edge of your seat entertaining. “-Goodreads “Four stars for scaring the bejeezus out of me.”-Goodreads “Don’t read this when home alone if you are bothered by gore.”-Goodreads Obsessed with Her Novel – Pandamonium Publishing House
September-DJ the terrible by Samantha Nemeth This hilarious middle-grade novel will make you stand up and cheer for DJ the Terrible and her equally terrible cat, Godfrey. Djeaneauth (D.J) decides to go undercover with her sidekick Godfrey the Super Cat to assimilate with her new neighbours, AKA “The Borings”, gain their trust, then turn the town on its head! The only thing is…blending in simply isn’t DJ’s strong suit. With her inventive, mischievous mind, wild hair, and clumsy demeanour, Terrible trouble follows this Terrible girl wherever she goes! DJ (Djeaneautha) The Terrible! – Pandamonium Publishing House
October-Unfrogged by Tamara Botting Her parents are gone, she’s a klutz, and her cousin hates her. Plus, there’s a weird frog! This is the story of Princess Meredith and her unforgettable adventure of friendship, courage, and tea with three shakes of pepper and a pinch of hot sauce. This is definitely not a typical fairy tale! Unfrogged – Pandamonium Publishing House
November-From One Christmas to the Next by K.G. Watson He hadn’t counted on going in. He’d just been too darned lonely house-sitting the place while its owner studied overseas. He really resented the inane or gratuitously violent TV offerings. So, after his TV dinner, he’d just gone out, walking, till he got tired enough to sleep – just like every other night for the past six months. But who counted? He had seen the bustle from a block away. Cars had been trying to get into the plugged parking lot. Lines of bundled-up families chatted excitedly and called to each other as they converged. Bright light bathed the spire and filled the windows. He found himself trapped between clumps of people ahead and behind and fenced in by the solid row of parked cars to his left. The human tide simply herded him off the sidewalk with them and up the broader approach to the double doors. Rather than step out of the line into the knee-deep snowbanks, he decided he’d just go with the flow. It wasn’t that he didn’t know the drill. It was Christmas Eve. How many similar services had he conducted through his lifetime? It’s just he couldn’t do it anymore. And he had nobody to not do it with either since Margaret had died back in the Spring. From One Christmas to the Next – Pandamonium Publishing House
December-Acts of Remembrance by K.G. Watson Revolution is in our land. In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, cannons stand on every street corner. A Curfew is at 7:30, but the people are standing by the front door listening to others who are rioting. The rioters are so fed up with things they are marching through the street singing. For punishment, they have no light or water. It was not smart. Many were shot. Now, what do you do? A death sentence is carried out on everyone who does not obey. These words are straight from the pages of a young girl’s (Engelina Aasman Hummel) diary during the Second World War. They are true, haunting, and raw. Acts of Remembrance is a book that you’ll never forget. Acts of Remembrance by K.G. Watson and Engelina (Aasman) Hummel – Pandamonium Publishing House
We hope that you’ll join us for this year’s line up as we celebrate Canadian authors! For more information please email us at pandapublishing8@gmail.com
Advice From A Publisher
September 28, 2020-Today, I’ve taken a page out of my book Advice from a Publisher (Insider Secrets to Getting Your Work Published) to talk about Synopsis’. This is critical info if you want a shot at being published!
How to write a synopsis: Do you want to know what will make a publisher absolutely lose their mind and throw their laptop onto their front lawn? Read on to find out. No, I don’t mean read on to find out; I mean, when authors say, “Read the book to find out!” Let me explain: The job of a synopsis is to tell the publisher what happens in your book from beginning to end. It’s a snippet of the big picture and gives us the information that we need to know. If you remember from the previous chapter, How to Properly Query, you’ll know that a query letter is a sales pitch. A synopsis is an overview of your book which allows the publisher to identify any major problems with your manuscript, lets us determine if your book is a good fit, and helps us decide if your work is exciting, intriguing, and fresh enough to publish.
Your synopsis must include:
The main character and why we should care about them. What is at stake, and what motivates this character to take action?
The conflict. How does the main character succeed or fail in dealing with the conflict?
Conflict resolution? How is the conflict resolved, and has the character changed or learned anything? THIS IS THE ENDING! DO NOT PUT READ ON TO FIND OUT because your letter will be recycled, and you’ll never hear from us again. Seriously, this drives us crazy.
DO NOT:
Summarize each scene or every chapter. This will take way too long, and you must get your summary across quickly and concisely.
Write this with the tone of a book jacket or back cover. It’s not a marketing piece for readers that builds excitement.
Make your synopsis longer than one page.
Get weighed down with specifics such as supporting character names, detailed settings, and descriptions.
Talk about character back story. We don’t need to know, and frankly, we don’t care. Yes, even for you sci-fi writers, leave it out!
Get wordy. Don’t use eight words when four will do.
For examples of good and lousy synopsis’ check out chapter 7 in my Amazon Number 1 Best Seller book found here: https://pandamoniumpublishing.com/product/advice-from-a-publisher-insider-secrets-for-getting-your-work-published/
Insider Secret: Write your synopsis in the third person narrative even if your manuscript is told in first person. Write in the present tense and remind the publisher of the category and genre of your work. Reveal EVERYTHING and never use; it was all a dream endings or beginnings.
Best of luck! I can’t wait to read your work.
Wherever You Go (There You Are)
September 24, 2020– Before COVID happened, I popped into an Indigo bookstore in my city. Bookstores are my happy place, and I love to browse the different sections and topics; I always seem to find my way into the children’s area. Often, the store has local author visits where writers can set up a table and sell their books to customers in-store.
I wandered over to the author’s table, and the woman looked up at me as she was sitting there reading a book. I was the first to engage in conversation; I asked her how it was going, and if she had been busy with customers. She told me she hadn’t, and she wasn’t really into the “sales part” of writing and that she preferred to write the books and stay “behind the scenes.” I asked her what she thought would happen after she published her book, and she said that she hadn’t thought that far ahead. I asked her about her sales goals and if she had a plan for her book going forward. Again, she said she “hadn’t thought that far ahead.” She went on to tell me that she had spent a pile of money self-publishing her book and that now she had a garage full of unsold copies that she wasn’t sure what she was going to do with now. She also said that she wished she had more sales and that she wanted to, at minimum, break even.
I see this a lot, and it’s a shame because her book was quite good and the subject matter was interesting. As an author, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
- Are you where you want to be?
- What are you doing to get there?
- What can you improve?
If we use the woman above as an example to answer these questions, here’s what we come up with:
- She is not where she wants to be. What she wants is more sales, she wants to break even, and she wants to get rid of the inventory of books in her garage. She should be specific about her goals.
- She is going to book store events, but not much else. She needs to start brainstorming about how she can sell her books—Eg. Online platform, other book stores, schools, festivals and events etc.
- There are a lot of things she can improve; the first thing is engaging with customers when she has them in front of her, hand out literature, talk more about her book, get on social media etc.
You can’t hit a target that you can’t see. So are you where you want to be as an author? What goals do you have for your work? How will you get there? What plan of action will you take? How will you improve your current situation? These are important questions that need answers.
An Excerpt from Life Supports
August 12, 2020-If you haven’t read Life Supports by KG Watson, you should. It’s a fantastic book that examines the important things in life. Here’s an excerpt from the story:
“It was during a search of my basement music storage for material that the ladies unexpectedly came across the box of cookbooks. I had forgotten I put them there, maybe I didn’t, maybe the kids put them there when they cleaned out the kitchen prior to the arrival of the students.
The Evercare bus had dropped me off at my house after the service. After I handed my just-used material back to the digitizers, I went to find what I thought I needed for next week. I had pointed to the boxes I wanted to look through and Margaret had hoisted them up the stairs and onto a cleared corner of the dining room table for sorting.
When I opened the first box there they were rank on rank of cookbooks, ragged with loose paper sticking out of them it was not what I expected. While Trudy and Jessica continued their perfected ballet with my music scores and the electronics, Margaret diverted her attention to scan this new trove. If it looks like a book, Margaret is helpless within its sight. The kitchen library has been stacked into the box spine up. There were fat volumes of cookbooks separating words of pamphlets on the top layer.
With the removal, a packet of letter size sheets and plastic archive folders that have been stuffed down the side, fell over onto the lower layer of pamphlets. Margaret pulled a page and couldn’t help noticing the title on the top peeking from beneath the rusting pinch clamp that held the clump together. Gingerbread Cookies it said in bold print, I sighed.”
There are recipes included in this book and I think that we should attempt to make a couple of them. Gingerbread just happens to be my absolute favourite cookie of all time!
I hope you enjoyed the above excerpt from Life Supports by KG Watson. Now available on Amazon and soon on our site!
The Four Types of Writing Styles…
September 18 , 2019– Did you know that there are four types of writing styles? Every time we (writers) pick up a pen, we’re on a mission! Knowing all four types of writing styles and how to use them is essential for getting your message across to readers.
- Narrative– The style that we all know and love! The main purpose of the narrative writing style is to tell a story. Novellas, Short Stories, Biographies, Poetry, and Novels are all good examples of this style. Simply put, narrative writing style answers the question, “Then what happened?”
- Expository-This style explains or informs. The opinion of the writer is usually left out of this type of writing and it’s very subject-oriented. Textbooks, How To Instructions, Manuals, and Recipes are all good examples of expository writing.
- Persuasive-Persuasion is the main purpose of this style. It always contains the opinions/biases of the author and it’s meant to convince the reader of something. Advertisements, Opinion Columns, Resume Cover Letters, and Reviews are common persuasive styles.
- Descriptive-Descriptive writing focuses on the details of a character, event, or place and it often incorporates the five senses. Good examples of this style are Poetry and Journaling.
So now that you know the four styles of writing, which style do you use most often? I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and write in a different style this week!
X LLB
