Wednesday, July 7, 2010

LeBron James and The Eight Fingered Criminal's Son **

Ladies and germs, I have an announcement to make. I’m preparing to publish a short collection of The Eight Fingered Criminal’s Son stories. You may have read excepts on this blog.

No, I don’t have an agent or a publisher – unless you count me. The agent and publisher search was a big fat bust – left me with way too much negative mojo. New ways to skin this publishing cat seem to be popping up all the time*. Heck, the Japanese are publishing books on their cell phones for crying out loud.

And I have a book store. That’s right; a book store has offered to carry my collection of stories. OK, the store is owned by a friend and it’s in Bangkok, but darn it, it’s a starting point ain’t it?

My plan is pretty raw at this stage. First, I find a printer to help me self publish 100 copies of The Eight Fingered Criminal’s Son. Then I send twenty copies to Thailand. I promote and sell the remaining eighty books from the trunk of my car and my keyboard. That’s it so far. I’m keeping it real simple to start.

Consider this  announcement the beginning of The Eight Fingered Criminal's Son publicity campaign. I’ll keep you posted as I search for a printer and formulate my plan to take over the book world.

I know several talented writers frequent this blog and I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on printing and marketing.

* Who were these people that were running around looking for new ways to skin cats?
** I added LeBron James to see if I experienced an increase in hits...



This illustration is from my children's book, How Larry the Griggit Learned to Fly. It serves as an accurate metaphor for my attempt to secure an agent and conventional publisher.

19 comments:

Susan R. Mills said...

Good for you! This is definitely a good place to start. You know, my post today was about my blog not really helping sell books, but in your case, it totally will. Keep us posted on your progress. I wish the best of luck.

RealRaiderNation said...

Dude, great work! Thanks for the squat! Have a great time in Prescott. I might have a short by Friday.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Check out Lulu.com The Austin Writergrrls had no money and planned to give our profits to a charity of our choice (NAMI.) We used Lulu a few years ago. Cost us about $175 for an ISBN. Can sell on Amazon,B&N, after that. Distributes through Ingram or at least used to. You can buy copies for a reduced rate and sell them out of your trunk. Utilize your local independent books stores for readings. Also, any writer groups or people that might be most interested in your stories.

Not sure how Lulu works now, but a couple of years ago one could upload the work and save money by editing and doing the cover yourself. I do know they make you charge more for your books now. Used to be able to set your own price.

Put me down for one. Best of luck.

ISRAEL CARRASCO said...

Good luck and keep us posted

#167 Dad said...

Susan,
Thanks for the encouragement. I will keep you posted.

#167 Dad said...

RRN (Keith,
Thanks for the good mojo. also, it was great to see you the other day. shoot the story out by email.

#167 Dad said...

Midlife Jobhunter,
Thanks you for the information and the encouragement. I'm in the process of checking out Lulu. I keep hearing good thinsgs about this outfit.

Blues said...

Wooo woo!!!!! I'm so proud of you, Dad!!!!! (and that comic kicks butt!!!)
How much would a copy be to send it to Germany? Let me know so that I can start saving. :)

#167 Dad said...

IZ,
will do. thanks for the support.

#167 Dad said...

Blues,
Thank you for telling me my comic kicks butt - darn it.
The first batch of books should be relatively cheap.

Guely of Sweden said...

Snyder, let me know about one copy to Sweden. But i want the collector's DeLuxe edition in griggit skin! (A John Doe griggit will do, it doesn't need to be a known character)

#167 Dad said...

Thanks G-Man,
I knew I could count on my South American/Swedish connection!

BeFrank said...

Dude, you know I got your back. Do it!

#167 Dad said...

good to know, bryan.
thanks.

Clif said...

You should register the copyright for your book once it's published. Go to www.copyright.gov for details.

#167 Dad said...

clif,
thanks for the pointer. i've got to take you out for breakfast to talk more.

Unknown said...

Yo Snyder! When do the books arrive? Thailand is ready to be taken by storm - should i start the television ad campaign yet?

#167 Dad said...

Jason,
Be ready to roll in November. I'll have a video clip for your tv ad campaign ready to go next week. I like the way you're thinkin'.

Kavita Saharia said...

Great news...would love a copy and of course autographed by the author .See,you already are an International Author.My best wishes.

Today is Sunday and the family expects a good breakfast.I will be back soon and read the rest of the posts.