Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

In this solo episode Mark explains why you can't have Mass Market POD books; how the very definition of the term makes it impossible. Prior to the main content, Mark shares a comment from Linda from the previous episode, with a reminder that there's a still a chance for those who comment on Episode 88 to win a copy of David Win's book THE INDIE WRITER'S HANDBOOK. Mark then welcomes Chad Boyer as a new patron to the podcast via Patreon.com/StarkReflections and mentions that this past Wednesday he loaded a new "Stark Reflections on Other Podcasts" episode for Patrons. This one was on a recent episode of The Creative Penn by Joanna Penn, whose guest, Jason Brick, shared a great bit about the four critical elements from a pitch. Mark then shares a word from this episode's sponsor... You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. As the main topic for this episode, Mark explains the background of the main formats of publishing: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, and Mass Market. He then relays how just having the "mass market" size format option in POD, via Ingram Lightning Source or other POD providers, doesn't ACTUALLY make it a mass market book. He then explains what an actual mass market paperback is and its uniqueness in terms of production, warehousing, distribution, and returns. He does come to the conclusion that indie authors already have a far better proper "mass market" format that they bypassed legacy/traditional publishers in: the eBook format. Links of Interest: The Creative Penn Episode 441 (with Jason Brick) Episode 88 - Indie Publishing, Not Self-Publishing with David Wind Findaway Voices Patreon for Stark Reflections Snowman Shivers   The music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0    

Mark interviews David Wind about his forthcoming book THE INDIE WRITER'S HANDBOOK, which is coming in September 2019. Prior to the interview Mark shares a comment from Episode 81 from Jules who shared why he finds it important to write every single day. He also shares a comment that came in via email from Caro who said that she would, in fact, appreciate an episode dedicated to getting your eBook and print book into libraries in the United States, Canada and the UK. Mark then shares a word from this episodes sponsor... You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their conversation, Mark and David talk about: When David first started writing and the first book he published in 1981, which he wrote under a female pen name as a way to break into the market because of an industry trend The genres that David was passionate about writing and reading The fact that English and Math were David's two worst subjects in high school His attempt at writing in college, which he set aside for a while before returning to writing in his late twenties Leaving a position within the legal realm to work at a Playboy club in Chicago Writing a thriller (his first novel) just to see if he could write a book The response from Agent William Morris not liking the submitted manuscript but liking David's writing David's favorite editor, Kate Duffy Andre Norton, a legendary science fiction writer David was a big fan of and how she came to mentor him and also publish one of his only short stories How the first book in a YA science fiction series David wrote which has been downloaded close to 70,000 times Why David hates the term "self-publishing" The vanity press, iUniverse, that David used back in 2000 in order to bring back one of his previously traditionally published back into availability How, being fed up with traditional publishing, David whole-heartedly jumped into Kindle Direct Publishing in 2008 The fun David had releasing his first POD self-published book, which was a book he had wanted to write for thirty years and how exhilarating that experience was The transition David experienced when he moved from traditional publishing over to indie publishing Why David decided to write The Indie Writer's Handbook How he was getting frustrated at how people were misunderstanding and looking down on what proper indie publishing can be The 18 steps that the handbook walks authors through related to indie publishing your book After the interview Mark shares a reflection on the reason why David decided to create the book, and shares how he recently wrote an article for a more traditionally focused magazine for writers to serve a similar purpose. In addition, he shares the two winners of the print book COPS AND WRITERS by Patrick O'Donnell from Episode 84, one randomly selected commenter from that episode and one randomly selected Patron of the show. And he explains how listeners can win one of two signed advanbced reader copies of David's forthcoming book for writers. Links of Interest: David Wind's Website David's Books The Indie Writer's Handbook Episode 81 - Jim Kukral on Being Unskippable Episode 84 - From The Academy to the Street with Patrick O'Donnell Episode 87 - You, Your Book, And Bookstores Findaway Voices Patreon for Stark Reflections David Wind's first novel was published in 1981 and since then he has had more than 40 books published in the genres of science fiction and fantasy, mystery, thriller and suspense. A hybrid author who cut his chops in traditional publishing and then discovered the opportunity in indie publishing, David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this interview and to his forthcoming book. He is currently the Vice President of the Florida Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America, and he has a lot to say about the way by which traditional publishing still looks down their nose and misunderstands what indie publishing is really about. David lives in Florida with his wife and their dog. The music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In this solo episode, Mark offers a perspective on bookstores, booksellers, and bookselling, and shares ideas on how authors can best get their books into bookstores. Prior to the topic, Mark shares a personal update about the move back upstairs to his renovated office, discusses a comment on a previous episode, reminds listeners about the contest to win a print copy of Patrick O'Donnell's book COPS AND WRITERS, and also thanks Patrons and talks about the patron perks. Mark then shares a word from this episodes sponsor... You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. When discussing bookstores, Mark covers these topics: The importance of relationships and community Understanding the business side of print bookselling, including the margins How returns work and how that effects a bookseller's willingness to stock books How Mark got chain bookstores to order his self-published book (and how that partially backfired) How bookstores order books VS how consignment works The rules, and why bookstores might sometimes make exceptions to those rules in particular situations Why Mark tied an onion to his belt And more....   Links of Interest: Mark's First Self-Published Book: One Hand Screaming Episode 29 - Interview with Terry Fallis YouTube video of Terry Fallis interview Episode 39 - Professionalism Episode 84 - From The Academy to the Street with Patrick O'Donnell Findaway Voices Patreon for Stark Reflections   The music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0  

In this episode, Mark shares audio from the July 19, 2019 Draft2Digital ASK US ANYTHING episode in which Kevin Tumlinson, Dan Wood and Mark answer marketing questions submitted by authors. Links of Interest: The Draft2Digital Facebook Page The Ask Us Anything Live Chat Video - June 2019 The Ask Us Anything Live Chat Video - July 2019 Draft2Digital Blog Post with video & full transcript from June 2019 Findaway Voices Stark Reflections Survey Patreon for Stark Reflections   The music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In this episode Mark interviews Annette Spratte a bilingual author living in Germany who has published books in various genres and languages, including a contemporary romance series self-published in English, a children‘s book series in German with three traditionally published books and two more scheduled for 2020. A historical romance will also be traditionally published in German in 2020. In addition to writing, Annette loves to support Indie authors with affordable translation services. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word from this episodes sponsor... You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. Mark then goes on to thank Patrons of the show as well as those who left comments on episode 84, and who were entered in a chance to win a copy of Patrick O'Donnell's book COPS AND WRITERS. Thanks to Amy Tasukada, Chad Boyer, MZ Lowe, and Vale Nagle for leaving comments. Also, thanks to Patrick O'Donnell for answering the police related questions. In their conversation Mark and Annette talk about: Annette's history as a translator since 1995 before she moved over into book translation, which she enjoys far more The importance of getting the emotion and the tension right in a literary translation (as opposed to legal document translation) Annette's own writing experience with contemporary romance fiction (English) which was self-published and the children's adventure fiction (in German) that has been picked up by a publisher How Annette initially started with a self-publishing services company that she later on found out charged almost $50 for the print book in the US - she managed to get out of that deal and published the book directly herself The size of the German book industry and the fact that eBooks might be as little as 5% of overall book sales Those magic words from a publisher who said to Anette: "I read your book and I couldn't put it down!" How a lot of the romance books on the market in Germany are translations from English A bit of a perspective on the size and reach of Tolino, a major eBook retailer in Germany What it's like for an author from Europe using an American platform for eBook publishing Why authors shouldn't use something like Google translate for translating their novel Subtle differences in the form of address in the German language (formal VS familiar) The genres that Annette works with and prefers to work with in her translation business Why she prefers to avoid horror and erotica translations as well as a preference for fiction over non-fiction The research that can be involved in doing a literary translation, particularly for historical fiction Examples of terms or services that aren't used or known in Germany - such as "Uber" - for example The importance of using the same translator when working through a book series in order to have a consistent style/voice How word of mouth is the most common way that authors and translators connect with one another Typical costs of translations, and Annettes current and lower fees of 3 cents per word How an English speaking/reading author would be able to determine if the translation is a quality one Some of the legal aspects associated with copyright on translations in Germany The fixed price laws for books in Germany and how that has allowed for the continued existence of both chain and independent bookstores in that country The continued popularity of thrillers and romance in the German book market How German readers are perfectly content with books that aren't set in Germany The value of the resources on the site indiesgogerman.com Mark then reflects on the subtle differences in languages, terms, and even different laws in different countries, provinces and states and how this can both be something that can harm a story (ie, an inaccurate overlooked detail), or it can be something that brings an additional depth and realistic richness to a story if used effectively. Links of Interest: Chat with Annette (Blog) Annette's Website Annette's Facebook Page Annette on Instagram Indies Go German Website Findaway Voices Episode 84 - From The Academy to the Street with Patrick O'Donnell Patreon for Stark Reflections   The music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In this episode Mark interviews Patrick O'Donnell who has been with a larger metropolitan police department for the past three decades, about his new book COPS AND WRITERS: From The Academy to the Street. Prior to the interview Mark shares a personal update and then also shares the names of the four winners of the print copies of the book UNSKIPPABLE by Jim Kukral (from Episode 81). Prior to the main segment, Mark shares a personal updateas well as a word from this episode's sponsor Findaway Voices . . . You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.   In their conversion, which comes with a disclaimer that Patrick does not represent any specific police or law enforcement agency and does not intend for any of the information provided to be intended as legal advice, Mark and Patrick discuss: Patrick's life before police work which included Sociology, Crimonology and an intense passion for music The original goal of wanting to become a high school band director for his career The restaurant management roles that Patrick was involved in and how being a night shift manager at an IHOP he ended up getting in more fights than in the same time period as a police officer The various different ways you can get into a career with the police department and the details related to those methods of entry Learning how to read/understand people via experience as a car salesman The book (I Never Wore Plaid) he wrote about how to buy a car and navigate car salespeople under a pseudonym The unfortunate situation that led to the loss of an opportunity in selling this book to a publisher Patrick's book talking about the loss of his marriage (which is common in the police force) written under a different pseudoynm - Divorced Dad: Kids are Forever, Wives are Not Mad City, the post-apocalyptic novel that he wrote under his own name The reason why Patrick shelved the sequel to Mad City and started to write a series of books about the police force, which includes the first book, Cops and Writers: From the Academy to the Street The seventeen years of working the night shift as a cop The 50/50 chance that the average person has of their marriage failing, how being a cop bumps that up to 70% and how, if both partners are cops, the chances are 90% Some of the basic things that writers can get wrong when it comes to police procedures or protocols What Patrick has learned about book marketing through the various books and genres he has published in   After the interview, Mark shares details on how listeners and Patrons can win a print copy of Patrick's new book (you have until July 31, 2019 to leave a comment or question for Patrick on the show notes for Episode 84 at www.starkreflections.ca) as well as his thoughts on the importances of a police procedural book that delves into such detail of this aspect of a police officer's life. Links of Interest Patrick O'Donnell's website Patrick's Books: Cops and Writers I Never Wore Plaid (Joel Grey) Divorced Dad: Kids Are Forever, Wives are Not (L.J. Burke) Mad City Findaway Voices Episode 81 - Becoming Unskippable with Jim Kukral Stark Reflections Survey Patreon for Stark Reflections   The music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In this episode Mark shares the second half of a Draft2Digital "Ask Us Anything" Live Chat that was recorded on Thursday June 27, 2019. The chat was composed of questions submitted by authors and answered by Dan Wood, Kevin Tumlinson, and Mark. Prior to the main segement, Mark shares a personal updateas well as a word from this episode's sponsor Findaway Voices . . . You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.   In the Live Chat, Dan, Kevin, and Mark cover these questions: How does Draft2Digital work with its retail and library partners for various promotional opportunities, and what do those platforms look for? Formatting your own copyright page VS the system-generated copyright page option that D2D offers. An overview of publishing your eBooks "wide" to all retailers VS being exclusive to Amazon Kindle. The way that libraries purchase eBooks (the two main liscening options). What's going on with Draft2Digital and Google Play. How can an author get their books onto bookstore and retailer shelves. How Findaway Voices might change the landscape for audiobooks being available beyond Audible. After the recording, Mark reflects on the importance of actually reaching out when there is an offer available to you as an author and taking advantage of it because you and your writing are valuable and worth it. Links of Interest The Draft2Digital Facebook Page The Ask Us Anything Live Chat Video Draft2Digital Blog Post with video & full transcript Findaway Voices Stark Reflections Survey Patreon for Stark Reflections   The music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In this episode Mark shares the first half of a Draft2Digital "Ask Us Anything" Live Chat that was recorded on Thursday June 27, 2019. The chat was composed of questions submitted by authors and answered by Dan Wood, Kevin Tumlinson, and Mark. Prior to the main segement, Mark shares a personal update, talks about comments from previous episodes and shares a word from this episode's sponsor Findaway Voices . . . You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In the Live Chat, Dan, Kevin, and Mark cover these questions: What is the biggest missed opportunity on D2D for most indie authors already using the platform? I understand that the ebook will go out to places that are checked on the next page. How can I check on the results? In addition to universal links, what's the benefit of using D2D to list our books? Why are payments from Draft2Digital sometimes delayed? Is the expense for purchasing my own ISBNs worth the outlay? How do promo opportunities work for the various channels you distribute to? Places like Kobo and Apple and OverDrive. I'm confused over how to make Books2Read work for me. Beyond a link on my website, what more should I be doing to help readers find me? Is there some sort of pre-built chart or graph in the Draft2Digital dashboard that shows all your sales in one place? Questions about formatting WORD documents with images for eBooks as well as using Vellum for eBook formatting. After the recording, Mark shares a few thoughts about the idea of asking questions and how questions can be understood differently by different people. Links of Interest The Draft2Digital Facebook Page The Ask Us Anything Live Chat Video Findaway Voices Stark Reflections Survey Patreon for Stark Reflections   The music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In this episode Mark interviews Jim F. Kukral, author of Your Journey to Becoming Unskippable™: (in your business, life & career). Prior to the interview Mark Shares a comment from a previous episode Talks about a new short story he is working on and some of the logistical research challenges that were holding him back Talks about an ASK US ANYTHING Facebook Live chat that Mark, Kevin Tumlinson and Dan Wood will be hosting on the Draft2Digital Facebook page on Thursday July 27 at 3PM Eastern Mark then says a word about this episode's sponsor Findaway Voices . . . You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their conversation, Jim and Mark discuss: Why Jim opened the book sharing his perspective on goals and priorities that have more to do with personal satisfaction than seeking wealth and status The importance of the merger between mindset and business The deeply personal and vulnerable way Jim shared his experience getting involved in local politics The authenticity of Jim's voice in the book which matches the way that he would deliver the same content in person via a conversation or on stage The strategy of not wanting to write a straight-up marketing book, but, instead, a book with business lessons and personal inspiration Jim owning the trademark for the term Unskippable™ The importance of creating powerful moments and "talk triggers" that people will remember well beyond just the "cheapest price" or "fastest delivery" or some other temporary perk from a popsicle hotline at a hotel pool to the Jolly Ranchers that a business supply owner added in to every order The reasons that set you apart, take you to th next level, and make you unskippable and memorable The story behind the mysterious persona "Johnny Showtime" The importance of actually standing for something as a brand in order to reach "belief-driven buyers" After the interview Mark shares the logistics of how listeners can download a free digital copy of Jim's new book, and also possible win some signed copies. Free Digital Download Click here to access your free copy of Unskippable™ Win a Signed Copy of the paperback of Unskippable™ Leave a comment for Episode 81 at www.starkreflections.ca by July 10, 2019. Entrants will be entered into a random draw for a signed copy of the book that Jim will be shipping. All entrants who leave a comment by July 10, 2019 will be entered Possible things to comment about include: What's one point you took away from this interview that you'd want to highlightor reflect on? What's one unique thing about you or your writing that might help you towards establishing yourself as unskippable in today's skippable world? This copy is courtesy of Jim Kukral Win a paperback copy of Unskippable™ All entrants, as above, will be entered in a second random drawing for an additional copy of the paperback Mark will be ordering this via an online bookstore (most likely Amazon, unless the listener is in a country where shipping via a local store there is preferable) One more chance for winning the 3rd paperback copy All Patrons of Stark Reflections will automatically be entered in a chance to win the third copy of the book. (Yes, that means Patrons who comment get an additional chance to win) A final chance for the 4th copy (also for Patrons) Over on Patreon, patrons of the podcast can comment on this post for an additional chance to win a print copy of the book   Mark then reflects on something that Jim spoke about in the interview. When Jim was talking about standing for something and brands taking a stance, a solid, non-wishy-washy stance that focuses on beliefs and core values, it reminded Mark of the age-old advice to authors that your book is NOT for everyone. Links of Interest Jim Kukral's Website Your Journey to Becoming Unskippable™ (All Retailers) Jim's other books Jim's podcast: Unskippable with Jim Kukral Jim's co-hosted podcast - The Sell More Books Show The Creative Penn Podcast (Joanna Penn) Episode: How To Be An Unskippable Author with Jim Kukral Findaway Voices Stark Reflections Survey Patreon for Stark Reflections     Jim Kukral is recognized as an expert in online marketing and branding. He delivers insightful and entertaining keynotes to growth-oriented organizations on attention-getting marketing, creative branding and understanding how customers think, react and most importantly, buy. With a passion for speaking and teaching, Jim travels around the world to teach brands and business owners on how they can apply his UNSKIPPABLE method to their marketing and brand mission to generate positive ROI-based outcomes and purposely attract lifetime customers.   The music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0

In this episode Mark interviews Mark O'Neill a writer of German spy thrillers who has released more than a dozen books in his Department 89 spy thriller series in the past couple of years after spending thirty years passionate about writing. Prior to the interview, Mark talks about a Twitter comment from Rachel Amphlett regarding episode 78. He also thanks Patrons of the show who support it via www.patreon.com/starkreflections. Mark also shares a personal update about receiving his annual royalty statement and cheque from one of his publishers, referring to it as "Schrodinger's Envelope" - before the envelope is opened it is both larger than and small than last year's at the same time. This episode is sponsored by Findaway Voices . . . You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.   In their conversation Mark and Mark talk about: Mark's background in writing via journalism and a life-long passion until he encountered Mark Dawson who opened his eyes to the self-publishing side of things The value of the introduction to self-publishing course that Mark Dawson taught The reasoning behind setting his spy thrillers in Germany as well as making the lead character a strong female spy Mark's contacts in the police, embassy and military that have been helpful for research in his novels The concept of Mark's thrillers not being for those who want 100% accuracy but are there to enjoy the escape and fantasy of a novel that is just an entertaining romp The importance of not focusing on Captain Sophie Decker, the main character, as a sex object, but as a specialist and capable professional regardless of being male or female A bit of the backstory of how Decker created Department 89 The different English and German media programs that Mark might have been partially inspired by when writing this series The German translations that Mark has produced for the first two books in the series A little about the difference in the German market as compared to the North America and UK markets The media page that Mark has on his author website What Mark would go back and tell his younger writer self about what he has learned in the past two years   Links of Interest Mark O'Neill's Website Mark's Media Kit Mark Dawson's Self Publishing Formula Courses Episode 51 - Interview with Rachel Amphlett Findaway Voices Stark Reflections Survey Patreon for Stark Reflections   Mark is a 40-something Scotsman, now living the expatriate lifestyle in Würzburg, Germany. He has been writing in one form or another for the past 30 years. However, he is now an independently published fiction writer, currently working on the Department 89 espionage novels starring the female spy Captain Sophie Decker, protecting the German state. The first D89 book, "The Renegade Spy" was downloaded more than 4,000 times in the first 4 weeks. Plots have been outlined for up to 20 Department 89 novels. The first book, "The Renegade Spy" has received rave reviews, with one reviewer comparing Sophie Decker to the female version of Bruce Willis's character, John McClaine, in the Die Hard movies.   The music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0