If you’re looking for the opportunity to win a brand new, signed, paperback copy of Copper Centurion, then you’ve come to the right place! But I urge you to click only if you like one of the following things.
Romans Vs Barbarians
Airships
Fun new gadgetry
A Female Roman Senator
Getting lost in the middle of Scandanavia
Elephants vs Wolves
Learning that Vikings did not have horns on their helmets
Fun new latin words
Operation Northern Gale
Togas.
Quite an impressive list! I could tell you more, but then what would be the point in getting the novel? Check it out now! Giveaway ends April 16th!
Copper Centurion is uploaded to Createspace, and I’m still looking for Blog Tour Hosts – Prizes are available!
Hi everyone,
Just finished uploading Copper Centurion’s Files to Createspace, so it should be available on the release date! I had forgotten how finicky Amazon’s Print-On-Demand engine can be sometimes. It was yelling at me about the illustrations, when even my illustrators were telling me that it shouldn’t be. Grr. Any who, Did you know that there are only 17 days until Copper Centurion’s debut? I’m so excited! I’m still looking for people willing to help me out with a blog tour. Considering that I’ll be giving away a Nook or Kindle device (my choice) if I get more than five people, you’ll want to be in on it! Plus, did I mention you get free ebook copies of Copper Centurion (and Brass Legionnaire, should you want that as well!)
So what am I looking for?
Someone willing to do a book review OR
Host me as a guest blogger in May! (I’m flexible in terms of time) OR
Do an interview with me
That’s it! If you’re looking for great blog content, let me know, I’d love to visit your site! I’m particularly good in the ares of self-publishing, using kickstarter, or steampunk discussions.
I hope to hear from you! Leave a message below if you’re interested in signing up for the tour!
An introduction on How to Successfully run a Kickstarter campaign.
Kickstarter (Photo credit: Scott Beale)
Hi everyone,
I figured I should type this up since I may be asked to give a talk on it at next year’s EPICon Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Hopefully this post will help those of you interested in creating a successful crowd-sourced funding drive. One of the most common places to do this is on Kickstarter (Sample Link provided), but other commonly used sites are Indiegogo, or GoFundMe. There are many others, but Kickstarter is currently one of the largest.
So what do you need to know before starting out on Kickstarter? First, know the rules. You are not getting free money, and you are not guaranteed success. Just like you have to market your novel, product, business, etc, you also have to market your Kickstarter. Kickstarter is great for novels because you have something tangible to offer people when completed. Kickstarter funds can be used to help cut the cost of certain parts of the publishing process for self-published authors, or to provide additional monies for marketing, development, etc for both self-pub and small pub authors.
Before you start a Kickstarter Campaign, it is critical to do your research.
Look at other, successfully funded books on Kickstarter. What do they do? I can point out a few signs that generally signal a kickstarter will be successful.
They have a video OR incredibly gorgeous artwork at the top of the page.
They have a wide variety of rewards, including those starting at just $5.
They consistently provide updates and check/reply to comments posted by people.
They promote their kickstarter to friends, family, twitter/facebook followers, on goodreads, etc.
They don’t ask for too much in the beginning.
“But Daniel, my book cost me about 2k to edit! Shouldn’t I ask for all of that?”
Sure, if you want to fail right away and get nothing. (This may not be true as you will soon see). For self-pub authors, smaller amounts are better, especially if you are a debut author. For my first novel, I was truly blessed because my aunt helped out. A lot. But by the time I ran my second one, I had both followers, supporters, and fans who I could turn to. This is the caveat I wrote about earlier. IF you have a wide backing of support, including people clamoring for your next novel (Not one person, but many), then you can get away with asking for slightly more. I would say the best range to stay in is the 1k-2k range.
Creating a great title is important too. That’s what people will see first and what will grab them. Brass Legionnaire doesn’t tell people anything about what I’m doing. Copper Centurion – the 2nd Roman Steampunk Adventure does tell people what I’m doing.
Finally, justify your costs. What will the money provide? I described how I originally wanted to fund the novel with just my own money, but wanted kickstarter funds to make it better. I shared how I wanted more maps, more artwork, and additional promotional materials. And people understood.
I’ll end there for today. Hope to bring more to you very soon this week!
By the way, just to let you all know, I’ve finished Roma Aeronautica. Now I suppose it is time to start typing Iron Tribune!
I share a situation that may be happening in the future with a small publishing house, and my thoughts on whether to sign or not should an offer be forthcoming.
Hi everyone,
As many of you may know, Brass Legionnaire recently won the EPIC eBook Award for Best Action Adventure Novel. And I get an awesome new little award thingie to put on my blog and my book website! Yay! What I didn’t add earlier is that while at the conference, I was approached by an editor at a small independent publisher. She was very interested in my book, and the award made the series more attractive. She asked me to email her when I got home, so I did. She recently got back to me, and was very interested to read more, so I sent her the entirely finished first and second books of the Steam Empire Chronicles, plus Roma Aeronautica, the short story that I’ve been working on.
I’ll admit, I’m feeling a tad bit nervous. One of the best things that self-published authors have is control. Control over editing, cover art, interior illustrations, when to publish, even deadlines. With a publisher, any publisher, you lose that. I was also worried because of my Kickstarter. Companies don’t like it when you give their stuff away for free (although in this case, the people have ‘technically’ paid for it, and saved the publishing house money as they won’t need to spend as much time editing or revising the novel – theoretically). I’ve also been looking at some of their writer’s work on the computer, and while it has some good reviews, they don’t seem to have a ton of downloads, which worries me to another degree.
The end result is what to do? I’m not sure. I’m going to hold off posting this until I hear some feedback from her. Here’s what I’d love to ‘get’ out of this situation.
I want to keep my cover artist and interior artist because I believe consistency is CRITICAL with a series.
I want flexible deadlines because I’m a teacher and can’t crank sh…er… stuff… out at a ridiculously fast pace.
Money! (duh, but really, a healthy percentage cut or something…)
Marketing assistance – I can do some, more in the summer, but not a lot due to my day job. I’d love some help.
What I don’t want
Going back into edits on both novels
Arguments over illustrations or cover (MY BOOK = MY COVER)
For someone to get me to sign it over then sit on it.
Changing the character/nature of the novel
Being hung out to dry
Watching my sales stagnate.
Let me add some caveats – I’m not a control freak, not am I a crazy person to work with. Just ask my editor, cover artist, formatter, etc. I’ve very low maintenance, but I do want to be listened to and included in the conversation. I don’t want to be talked down to, but I am willing to listen to constructive criticism. I know that Self-Published authors get a lot of flak for being difficult to work with or unprofessional, but I think that publishers often think that their work is superior in all ways, and that they don’t have to listen to people. I’ve found plenty of typos in major publishing house’s work before, so that’s not an issue with just one publisher. I also don’t think the stereotypes about either side are true, as I met absolutely wonderful people at EPICon who would fit either of those categories. I’ve also been looking up and doing my research, and I noticed that this particular publisher was relatively low on the Alexa score rankings, (type in Alexa Rankings and you can type in any website and see their traffic information). So I’m still torn.
Of course, nothing has been offered and therefore this could all be moot!
The release date for Copper Centurion has been announced! Click to learn about prize winning opportunities!
Greetings to all my readers and fans!
I am extremely excited to announce that Copper Centurion will be released on May 1, 2013. This full-length novel has roughly 80,000 and will be on sale for $3.99 on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, the iStore, Kobo, and all other platforms through Smashwords. There will also be a print version available on the same day.
I am currently looking for the following…
7-10 people willing to read ARC copies of the novel.
10-15 people willing to host me for a blog tour in May.
2-3 people to be on my ‘street team’ – requesting the book at your local library, leaving the promotional posters at the local independent book store/library if possible, generally promoting it on twitter, goodreads, etc.
If you’d like to do any of these (or just want to know more) email me at daniel(dot)ottalini(at)gmail.com.
If you’re nice enough to help me make this book release a blast, you’ll get some awesomely exciting prizes.
An electronic copy of both Copper Centurion and Brass Legionnaire (If you don’t already have the first one)
A digital arts booklet featuring all the illustrations from the series (so far) plus never-before seen concept designs and rough sketches.
Your name in a drawing to win a Nook/Kindle (Haven’t decided yet!)
This will be done on a first come, first serve basis, so sign up for your slot today!
A birthday interview of two characters from Brass Legionnaire!
Hi all, Modern Papyrus here, interviewing all your favorite book characters to see what they are up to on their birthday, since they all seem to (strangely enough) have the same birthday!
Julius Brutus Caesar – You know, ever since I’ve joined the legions, I’ve sort of forgotten when it is my birthday because I lost track of time. Oh it is today? I suppose I’ll be doing some guard duty, then perhaps going out to the local tavern. My favorite drink? A good old mug of local beer. Unless it’s that North African stuff. No beer from there please. (Lowers voice conspiratorially) Actually, the centurion over in 6th cohort brews up some ridiculously strong ale. I swear, last time I had a pint I (Censored by order of FCC) and then we all (censored) but then the Tribune showed up and we had to (censored). Now that is a beer any god would be proud of!
Senatora Octavia Pelia – My birthday? Why yes it is thank you. Did you get me anything? An interview? That’s not very considerate of you. Don’t you know I hate interviews?
MP: But you’re a senator, you should love interviews.
OP: And? I greatly dislike them. Waste of time. Anyways, I’ll most likely be enjoying the comforts of home, having a few of my friends over and engaging in a wonderous evening of political talk and chat. Definitely excited to have a few very important guests coming over.
MP: Such as?
OP: Oh you know, head of the Foreign Relations Committee, the Head of the Palace Guard, Legion Commander Appius. It will be a ball!
MP: Any comment on the word that you and the commander are courting.
OP: (Icy Stare)
MP: Nevermind! On to the next interview!
I’ll be interviewing Junior Centurion Gwendyrn and Captain Alexandros, along with everyone’s favorite Legion Commander this week! Have a wonderful day!
An overview of Day 3 of EPICon and the top mistakes authors make when trying to get published.
Howdy all,
This will be my second posting about EPICon 2013 in Vancouver, Washington. Day three came early and dreary, as the near constant grey skies and overcast weather constantly seemed to try and intrude upon our learning adventure.
Day three focused on self-publishing and traditional publishing strategies. It also included an awesome eFiesta! Readers’ luncheon and Book Fair. Then the awards banquet that evening. So a very busy day!
As far as the self-publishing strategies and tips/tricks, I got a lot of very useful information from Ms. Kate Richards of Wizards in Publishing. She shared how critical it was that self-published authors find peer groups in their local areas to review and critique their work. As a self-published author, I can say that this is so critical for us. Self-published books get a bad name because there are people who don’t bother to make their book look, and read, well…professional.Critique groups and a healthy amount of beta readers can make any novel sound and flow better, before and after it is written. A good editor and a good cover artist are also important. And with editing, 99& of the time you get what you pay for. A cheap edit will frequently be a bad edit. Several writers at the convention shared horror stories about bad edits.
But Daniel, you cry, I don’t want to go broke with my editing! – That is where good critique groups and beta readers come in. They will help eliminate many of the more common issues before sending it to an editor. You shouldn’t need the most expensive editor out there, but someone who has experience (preferably with your genre) and an interest in your novel. Also look into contests that give critiques out as they can be exceptionally valuable too!
By the way, there was also an editors/publisher panel where people asked questions and shared tidbits about each publishing house and their submissions policy. They all agreed that the biggest mistake people make when submitting a book is to a.) not follow guidelines and b.) Not follow guidelines by sending it to the wrong person or not sending their book at all!
Alright, more later! Have a great day! (My spring break starts today!) If you’re on spring break also and looking for a good read, check out my Award Winning novel! (I can say that now, still makes me smile with happiness!) for Kindle, Nook, or any of the other major platforms. Enjoy!
Part Two of our Top Five places to visit in Portland – Doughnuts and Sushi!
Alright, time for Part 2! These are our top two places to visit in Portland are coming up!
#2 – Voodoo Doughnuts – This is a Portland staple! With lines stretching out the door, and open 24/7, the incredible variety of donuts in the bright pink box will satisfy anyone’s cravings. We got six of the most amazing doughnuts. My personal favorite was the Maple-Bacon one featured on the front page of their website. Bacon + Maple doughnut = delicious. Be prepared for a wait, or go early in the morning. I would suspect that late at night is actually a tougher time to get them, as the after-clubbing crowd is hungry for a post-party snack.
#1 – Bamboo Sushi – Our number one spot belongs to the first sustainable-harvest full service sushi restaurant in America. This restaurant not only believes in being ecologically responsible, but also in serving high quality, locally sourced food. THeir sushi is amazing. We ordered three rolls between the two of us.
And then ordered another one, the special – a Friday the 13th roll – because it was that amazing. I seriously was exceptionally impressed by the food, decor, people, everything. If you’ve got the time while in Portland or the nearby areas, definitely check these guys out.
Where else would you recommend we go in Portland when we return someday?
So in commemoration of our trip to Portland, the significant other demanded that we create a Top 5 destinations in Portland. These are places we went to that were amazing. Please know we didn’t have time to visit amazing natural things, which we would love to, but there simply wasn’t time, so here is a crash course in things to do in Portland when you have less than two days there. Alternatively, when you have a conference to go to and thus only have the equivalent of a day and a half spread out over a few days free. Here goes!
#5 – Deschutes Brewery – This local brewery is actually originally from Bend, Oregon. They serve amazing locally sourced food and craft beers. If you’re from the Northwest U.S., you’ve probably seen their beers on the shelf. If you’re from the East Coast like myself, you thoroughly enjoyed yourself drinking and eating the best burger I think I’ve ever had. Great service, plus a wonderful room. I’ll try to add photographs to this later for you to see the inside of the restaurant.
#4 – Buffalo Exchange – You know the song Thrift Shop, by Macklemore, where he talks about going to the Thrift Store (No really!) Well, Buffalo Exchange is the clothing thrift shop you wish was near you. Not only can you sell back your old clothing, but you can buy some really good-quality used clothing. No digging through ancient ties, Buffalo sports vintage, hard-to-find, classic and modern styles. The significant other had a field day and was quite upset at me when I drug her out (30 minutes later!) They also have locations in most other major metropolitan areas around the country.
#3 – Powell’s Books – I’m a writer. I’m also a reader. Powell’s Books is like taking the Library of Congress and putting it out for sale. The link actually links to my book because they have it. And you know that if they sell independent and self-published books, then they have a huge selection. Powell’s boasts that it is the largest independent book store on earth. And it probably is, taking up an entire city block and then some. We spent an hour in there, and I only saw probably 1/3 of the rooms and floors available. If you’re looking for something rare or hard to find, they probably have it. If you don’t have a local bookstore (independent) check them out online, they offer a flat shipping rate for 1-1000 books!
Whoa, this post is pretty long already. I’ll break it up! Be on the look out for part two tomorrow!
A Brief Overview of Days One & Two of the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalition’s 2013 Conference in Vancouver, Washington.
Greetings all!
I’m here at the Electronic Publishing Industry Coalitions’ Conference (EPICon) in beautiful Vancouver, Oregon. For those of you know don’t know where Vancouver (No, not the one in Canada) is, if you cross the stream from Portland, you’re in Vancouver. So far, it’s been quite awesome.
So why am I here? First off, as a new writer, I’ve been looking for an opportunity to network and expand my contacts of different industry participants – editors, publishers, other writers, cover artists, etc. – and a conference is a great chance to do so. Secondly, I entered Brass Legionnaire in their EPIC awards in the Action Adventure category, and was named a finalist! *Check it out here if you’ve never read it before!* Woo hoo! It was truly an honor to be nominated, but I’d love to win! The conference lasts for three days, and I’ve already met some wonderful people.
So far, in the last two days, I’ve learned a ton about marketing strategies and creating effective query letters. I also had the opportunity to observe a panel of publishers discuss different query letters and give their opinions about the book idea. So what did I learn already?
Marketing – I need to come up with a plan that includes…
1.) Specific Target Audience – Men ages 18-35 just isn’t good enough, I have to be more specific.
2.) Press Kit – I didn’t do this for the last book, definitely a must have for this one!
3.) Time & Research – I need to identify several steampunk or alternative history magazines (Or sci-fi/speculative fiction) to send said press releases to. Anyone out in the blogosphere know of any good ones before I get down to researching?
4.) Review my notes and come up with more information for you all to benefit from!
5.) Join Tribes for Twitter. Definitely a must do.
6.) Enjoy more Portland Breweries. Also a must.
I’ll be sure to write up another post about EPICon 2013. P.S. if you want to join me next year, I’m going to go to EPICon 2014 in San Antonio, Texas, March 13-15th. Here is the EPIC website for you to explore. They’ve got a great program for young authors (11-18) as well! Check it out!
Modern Papyrus 