Finding Books

Where do you find out about upcoming and newly released books? According to a survey done by RJ Scott (found here), the top method by readers responding was to sign up to an author's newletter. Second was following an author on Facebook and continuing down through several levels, most of which can be summed up as "following either a particular author or publisher".

Now, yes, I follow several authors on Facebook and their blogs and I do find out about their upcoming books from them. But those aren't the only places I use to check out about new books. Because, after all, my favorite authors can only write so fast and there are other authors out there to be discovered. And I do read very fast.

I guess I'm old-fashioned (and a former librarian). I'm used to finding out about new books via journals like Locus. I gave up on Analog and Asimov's because, while they have book review sections, somehow the reviewers either never reviewed books I was interested in or, if they did, it was always long after the book was out and I had already purchased it. Newsletters from bookstores I frequent, like the independent bookstore in my town (The Book Shelf) or Uncle Hugo’s in Minneapolis are also useful. Locus and Uncle Hugo’s paper newsletter always arrive about the same time each month, so that’s a good time for me to look for interesting titles to order.

Ebooks are usually more convoluted to find out about. Yes, I still use my previously mentioned sources and decide whether I want to order the paper version or go to Amazon and order the ebook version for my Kindle. But as an author who still has one book only available in paper at Amazon (complicated story: Talking to Trees is available electronically, and has been since 2006, but Amazon still hasn't listed the Kindle version, so I have to have a link on my webpage sending people to my publisher’s website for the mobi version for Kindle users. Nook users have no problem.), I’m aware that there might be some glitches here and there. Also, as a member of EPIC, an organization of electronically published authors, I know several authors who only have their books available in electronic format, which are often ignored by the usual methods of book announcements. Fortunately, I can get news of new releases through EPIC’s newsgroups, but I do wonder how others find out about new releases.

I will occasionally go to the Amazon Kindle store and look up favorite authors that I know only publish electronically, but that's only when I remember to or when I notice my Kindle is low on new things to read. I miss Fictionwise and the alerts I had set up there.

I do attend several conventions as an author and get to meet new authors. And there are several bookdealers I can count on to carry titles that will interest me (and they will carry my books on consignment at the convention, so it's win-win for both of us).

So, where do you find out about upcoming and newly released books?

What's new in the Sisterhood?

Sisterhood Publications is an independent publisher specializing in edgy fiction and nonfiction from the ‘hood. Their unique authors bring you riveting stories in both fiction and nonfiction. Their editors and production assistants offer ebooks and high-quality paperbacks to satisfy all readers’ expectations. Their titles have received nominations and awards from the Colorado Book Awards, North Texas Book Festival Awards, Louzelle Rose Barclay Awards, Deep South Writers Conference, and more, and many are among Amazon and indie bookstore bestsellers.

There’s a lot going on in the ‘hood!

In February, Suzanne Barr’s bestseller true crime story Fatal Kiss was featured on ID Channel’s Deadly Sins.

Joe O’Connell, author of award-winning Evacuation Plan: A Novel from the Hospice, is currently filming Love & Other Stunts, a documentary about Gary Kent (author of Shadows and Light: Journeys with Outlaws in Revolutionary Hollywood). Kent has worked on more than 100 films as a stuntman, actor, director, and writer.

Bestselling author Natalie R. Collins’ new Lost Innocent series follows FBI Agent Eden Rein on the search for a missing baby. Look for her upcoming young adult novel, Blood Run.

Coming soon! In Gem City Gypsy, Kristin Alexandre tells a fascinating story about her home town of Dayton, Ohio.

New in nonfiction for dog lovers!

Crazy Bitch: Living with Canine Compulsive Disorder by Peggy Tibbetts is the story of Venus and Zeus, two dogs whose lives were torn apart by mental illness.

“Crazy Bitch tells the story of the deep love that can exist between humans and dogs, as well as the intense - and sometimes very complicated - love that can exist between two dogs.”

“Crazy Bitch is one book dog lovers won't want to put down.”

Available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and wherever ebooks are sold

Find more books you can’t put down at Sisterhood Publications.

Holiday Shopping List.

Hi all!

Yesterday I took my last exam, in my last class of Graduate School. Now it's all over except for the crying, as they say. I'm just waiting for grades and that little note on my transcript that says "Degree Awarded". Wow, what a relief. Three years and I never thought I'd be at the end. Special Project done, Portfolio done... all DONE!

I get my life back! I can write again! Woo Hoo!!!

And while I am exited to get back to it...I need to take a minute or two to breathe. Watch some TV and enjoy not having to spend every spare minute reading or writing academic papers. Recharge my batteries and rediscover my author-self. If you haven't noticed, I've also been neglecting my promotional responsibilities lately. So here you go.

It's the holidays. And you, like many, are frantically looking for that perfect gift.

Here's my suggestion: Look to the right hand side of this page. That's it... just a little further...there. See all the pretty book covers? With the links beneath? Go and check out the books of all our YA Authors You've Never Heard Of. We've got a pretty wide range of stuff, and it's all great. Even better, you'll be supporting authors and indie publishers -- small business people. You don't even have to buy a physical book. If you buy someone an e-reader, like a Kindle, you can buy them the ebook and send it.

AND... I know I am a member of Authorgraph, which is a really cool site where you can get an electronic signature for those books. Just FYI, I actually physically make the signature for every request. It's not a copied file, but an actual signature, kind of like when you sign the credit card pad at the store. I believe several other authors on the blog are members too. So you can get a SIGNED book even without having a physical book or traveling to meet me! How awesome is that?

And if you really want a signed physical book, well, I could be persuaded. I have some copies here at home, just a few, that I would be happy to sell to you and sign. Just drop me an email. OR I even have some bookplates lying around that I can scrawl my John Hancock on and drop in the mail for you.

So, while I am counting the blessings of this joyous season (and I will be doing some celebrating, don't you worry), I hope that all of you will do the same, and that your shopping is worry-free.

Happy Holidays!

Book Review Exchanges Help Spread Word-of-Mouse

Book review exchanges are a great way to help spread the word-of-mouse about your book. The ebook revolution has resulted in an explosion of new books on the market. Everyone is hungry for those book reviews. I have been a reviewer for Midwest Book Review and Book Ideas.com for five years, and an Amazon Vine reviewer since 2008. I have posted book reviews on my blog, Advice from a Caterpillar since 2007. So when my new middle grade novel, Letters to Juniper was released two months ago I looked for ways to make my review experience work for me. Authors often contact me personally to request a review. Now I write back and offer a review exchange. I will review the author’s book if he will do the same for me. So far no one has turned me down. If you are interested in a book review exchange please email me: peggyt@siltnet.net

I have also arranged book review exchanges through BlogTour.org. Registration is free and authors can make connections with other authors with blogs and arrange their own blog tours. From book reviews to interviews to guest posts, opportunities abound at BlogTour. And it’s not just for kids books. There are authors and blogs listed in all categories.

And the book review exchange fever is catching on. Two months ago I was trolling book blogs begging for reviews. Now authors and bloggers are asking to review Letters to Juniper.

In other news –

Letters to Juniper has been nominated for a Global eBook Award in the Children’s Literature – Fiction category.


“I absolutely loved this book! Peggy Tibbetts has captured a wonderful voice with twelve-year-old Sarah Smith, and this middle grade story flows seamlessly from beginning to end … In this fast-paced story, Tibbetts’ dialogue is riveting. I wouldn’t hesitate for one minute to recommend this book. I would only give a word of caution and that is to be prepared to read into the early hours of the morning because once you start it, you won’t be able to put it down. And then there’s the shocking ending. What a twist!”
— Anne McGee, author of The Mystery at Marlatt Manor.

"Everyone is talking about eBooks," said Dan Poynter, founder of the Global eBook Awards. "eBooks have reached the tipping point and are outselling books on paper in several categories. eBook are not replacing paper books; they are in addition to. The eReading devices such as the Kindle are increasing the amount of book reading."

According to Joseph Dowdy, the Director of Awards, the category with the largest number of entries so far is Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Paranormal. The next largest number of entries are in Historical Literature, Autobiography/Memoirs, and Writing/Publishing Nonfiction. Dowdy observes that Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Paranormal is the hot topic this season. Many people are reading and writing in this area due to the phenomenal success of Amanda Hocking and her eBooks. At the recent San Francisco Writers Conference, this was the most popular genre.

The Awards have 79 categories in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, illustration, and multimedia. See: Global eBook Awards Categories

The Global eBook winners will be honored at a star-studded ceremony on August 20 in Santa Barbara, California.

The deadline for application is June 30, 2011, midnight, Pacific Time.

Peggy Tibbetts

Letters to Juniper now available in ebook & paperback at Amazon.com

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Kindle Offspring

For Christmas 2007, my husband Tod surprised me with a Kindle purchase order. I had told him I was curious about it so he ordered one for me. Kindle was so new to the ebook scene and the demand was so great, mine didn’t arrive until late January. I wrote about my love for it in Kindle Spirits.

A couple months ago my daughter Ema ordered the new Kindle Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology. She brought it over right away. We oohed about the slim new look, and ahhed at the faster speed. We swooned over the improvements in e-ink technology. The screen is way easier on the eyes than my First Gen.

But – if I upgraded to a new Kindle what would I do with my First Gen? I couldn’t just sell it to some stranger on eBay. My First Gen means something to me. We had shared our love of ebooks for over three years.

Then on my birthday this month, Tod and Ema interrupted me in my office while I was reading. I set aside my Kindle and opened the presents they handed me. The first one was a new Kindle and the second was a new cover. There they were – my two Kindles side-by-side on my desk. It was a poignant moment.

While Ema reminded me about all the great features on the new Kindle and showed off the nifty little sliding book light on the new cover, I felt mixed emotions. I had to admit the leaner, faster, and easier to read new Kindle was enticing. It has all the improvements I longed for. I caressed it in my hands.

But I felt so guilty about my First Gen. Finally I held it up and asked, “But what do I do with this?”

“Give it to Hailey,” Ema said.

Hailey is my 9-year old granddaughter. She loves to read. She also just “graduated” from elementary school.

“What a great idea!” I said. “A perfect elementary school graduation gift.”

So I wiped and de-registered my First Gen and wrapped it up. Hailey’s face lit up when she opened it. “I can’t believe it. My very own Kindle!”

My first Kindle is now Hailey’s first Kindle. She’s thrilled. I’m happy. I can’t think of a better solution all the way around. Together Hailey and the First Gen will share their joy and love of books.

Ah, spring and the shiny new Kindle. I’m in love all over again. Now please excuse me while I go read an ebook …


Peggy Tibbetts

Letters to Juniper now available in ebook & paperback @ Amazon

Become a Facebook fan

Letters to Juniper book trailer

As you may or may not know, last fall I signed a multi-book contract with Binary Press Publications, a brand new ebook publisher. My middle grade novel, Letters to Juniper will be their first children’s book offering.

Writers are really good at waiting. Besides writing, waiting is what we do. Although I have to admit, waiting for a book to be released can sometimes feel like torture. Overcoming that feeling is an exercise in creative patience. In that spirit, I have patiently created my own Top Ten List.




Top Ten List of Things To Do While Waiting For Your Book To Be Released

10: Avoid all cobwebs and cluttered closets
9: Blog
8: Go skiing
7: Make a promo & marketing plan
6: Get hopelessly addicted to Angry Birds
5: Write book reviews
4: Learn Arabic
3: Work on the next book
2: Go skiing

And the #1 thing to do while waiting for your book to be released --

Make a book trailer

Or in my case, have one talented daughter, Ema Tibbetts and her equally talented friend Brian Thornton make a book trailer for me.

And now [drum roll please]

Presenting the book trailer for Letters to Juniper!

TA-DA!



A ringing endorsement –

“When I read this book years back, I remember saying to Peggy Tibbetts, ‘Why is this not published?' It’s an incredible story that brought me to tears, made me angry and sad, and evoked a myriad of other emotions, even though it is geared to middle grade readers. It is my pleasure now, through my association with Binary Press Publications, to see this book shared with the world. As the editor, I had little to do except point a finger in a few places, for Tibbetts is a skilled and masterful writer. This is a book you will want to share with your children, your parents, and your friends. ” Natalie R. Collins

Author of Wives and Sisters, Behind Closed Doors, The Fourth World, Sister Wife, Twisted Sister, and the Jenny T. Partridge Dance Mystery Series (as Natalie Roberts)

Peggy Tibbetts

Coming in 2011 –
LETTERS TO JUNIPER

My books

My blogs:
Advice from a Caterpillar
From the Styx

Why I Joined the Ebook Revolution

Well. Actually. The truth is, I’ve always been part of the ebook revolution.

In 1999, I published Rumors of War, a novel of politics and suspense, in ebook on Fatbrain which later morphed into Mighty Words. I published the print version in 2000. My middle grade mystery anthology The Road to Weird (Zumaya Publications) was published in ebook and POD in 2003.

In 2011, Rumors of War will be re-released in ebook by Binary Press Publications (BPP).

As I mentioned in my previous post, Letters to Juniper, my middle grade novel, will be released for the first time in ebook in November.

Two more YA novels are waiting in the wings for their exclusive ebook debuts. PFC Liberty Stryker will be released in 2010. Hurricane Katrina will be released early next year.

That’s right. I signed a contract for all my un-contracted works to an ebook publisher, Binary Press Publications.

Perhaps it’s more like I'm surrendering to the ebook revolution. I had a fabulous agent who worked really hard to find traditional publishers for my unpublished works. She said publishers were interested in my work, “But they just aren’t buying.” She added, “The market is crap. The publishing industry in general is in a holding pattern. Not taking any risks.”

When my friend, author Natalie Collins told me Binary Press Publications wanted to see my manuscripts, I jumped at the chance. I released my agent. True to her fabulous self, she was understanding and supportive. She asked me to keep in touch. Then I decided to follow Oprah's advice: “I believe that one of life's greatest risks is never daring to risk.” I took the risk.

In a recent Business article, Steven Johnson outlined "10 Reasons Why the Ebook Download Market Keeps Growing". His Number 3 caught my eye:

3. Exclusivity – Books on subjects unlikely to appeal to a wide enough audience to justify publication costs can now often be found available in ebook format on the numerous websites dedicated to the promotion of, and trading in, digital books. Furthermore, several well-known authors including Stephen King, have written books that have been published solely as digital editions.

Letters to Juniper, PFC Liberty Stryker, and Hurricane Katrina, are all based on actual historical events. They are edgy – sometimes humorous – sometimes graphic – and deal honestly with young people in dangerous situations. Although I have to admit all too often editors have responded to these manuscripts with the words, “Doesn’t appeal to a wide enough audience.” Yet agents and readers – and me – believe these books will definitely find an audience.

However nothing – or no one – is really ever an overnite success and so it is with ebooks. Everybody knows ebooks have been around for more than a decade. Which came first? The computer? Or the ebook? Hmm …

So what makes this a revolution? Ebooks are selling. In fact they are currently outselling other formats. In July 2010, trade ebook sales were $40,800,000, a 250% increase over July 2009. Mind boggling numbers. What changed was the availability and price of ebook readers. I can read ebooks on my Kindle, my computer, and my iPhone and I can sync em all up. It’s just too irresistible. Books are techno – with gadgets and stuff – which makes reading way more fun.

I don’t even pretend to know what it all means. I do know this the most exciting time in publishing in my lifetime and I want to be in the thick of it.

Peggy Tibbetts

My books

My blogs:
Advice from a Caterpillar
From the Styx