Vincent Zandri's Blog - Posts Tagged "stonehouse-ink"
My Agent is Retiring and So What???!!!
Holy Crap, have things changed in the span of one year or what?
Ok, I'm sitting here on my bed in my apartment in Italy that I rent once a year, same as I've been doing every year for the past three Falls. Like most of Italy, the ancient buildings are the same, the good natured people are the same, the priceless works of art are the same, the old recipes are still melt in you mouth, the Tuscan hills still damp from almost daily rains, the olive groves lush with fruit, the Chinati still blood red.
I'm still sitting at the old wood desk beside the window that opens up onto the cobbled street four stories below, the sound of boots on the stone creating a kind of rat-tat-tat rhythm that combines with the tap of keys and somehow propels my work. Energizes it even.
But what's changed.
I'm a bestseller for one. Not in one Amazon category, but at least five. Five that I've seen anyway. How has that happened for me? Blame it on the publisher. My newest publisher, StoneHouseInk and its new imprint StoneGate Ink, not only welcomed me in via my agent this past spring, but took enough interest to republish my out of print novels. While the first novel they published this past summer, The Remains, has exploded in sales and great reviews, StoneGate was quick to follow up with The Innocent, the re-publication of my critically acclaimed novel, As Catch Can.
For the rest of the groundbreaking story head over to the Vox!!
http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
The Remains
The Innocent
Ok, I'm sitting here on my bed in my apartment in Italy that I rent once a year, same as I've been doing every year for the past three Falls. Like most of Italy, the ancient buildings are the same, the good natured people are the same, the priceless works of art are the same, the old recipes are still melt in you mouth, the Tuscan hills still damp from almost daily rains, the olive groves lush with fruit, the Chinati still blood red.
I'm still sitting at the old wood desk beside the window that opens up onto the cobbled street four stories below, the sound of boots on the stone creating a kind of rat-tat-tat rhythm that combines with the tap of keys and somehow propels my work. Energizes it even.
But what's changed.
I'm a bestseller for one. Not in one Amazon category, but at least five. Five that I've seen anyway. How has that happened for me? Blame it on the publisher. My newest publisher, StoneHouseInk and its new imprint StoneGate Ink, not only welcomed me in via my agent this past spring, but took enough interest to republish my out of print novels. While the first novel they published this past summer, The Remains, has exploded in sales and great reviews, StoneGate was quick to follow up with The Innocent, the re-publication of my critically acclaimed novel, As Catch Can.
For the rest of the groundbreaking story head over to the Vox!!
http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
The Remains
The Innocent
A Month in Tuscany!
Sounds like the title to a cheesy love story doesn't it. You know, writer comes to Italy to be alone and work on a new novel, and meets up with some ravishing Italian woman who is years younger, unbelievably drop-dead gorgeous, and can't speak a lick of English other than something like, "You rock!." So even if she's angry with you, she screams, "You rock, VEEENcent! You very very rock!" Something like that.
Ok, I'm not going to comment on whether or not I did actually meet the ravishing Italian woman (in other words, I'm not going to deny or confirm such an event took place). But I can tell you this: I came to Italy for a month to work on my new novel, which now has a title I'm going to stick to (unless you guys tell me to change it): Death by Moonlight.
Get the rest of the love story at the Vox: http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
The Remains
The Remains
Ok, I'm not going to comment on whether or not I did actually meet the ravishing Italian woman (in other words, I'm not going to deny or confirm such an event took place). But I can tell you this: I came to Italy for a month to work on my new novel, which now has a title I'm going to stick to (unless you guys tell me to change it): Death by Moonlight.
Get the rest of the love story at the Vox: http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
The Remains
The Remains
Crash Landing in New York!
I barely made it out of Europe the weather was so horrid. Torrential rains in Florence, snowstorms in Germany. Rain and wind in Philly, and in Albany, ex-wives and now, an ex-girlfriend. Gas is 50 cents more than when I left a month ago.
The indy bookstore at which
I'm supposed to sign first editions of The Remains tomorrow has decided to also book an ex-local news anchor who self-published a book about doing, well, the local news. I just went to the store and its full of posters for the ex-TV anchor.
Warning: Be careful being too vocal about becoming an ebook bestseller. Stay out of the press even when they beg you for interviews. Don't promote yourself. Be a nobody. Don't get reviewed. Don't sell. And by all means, avoid attributing much of your your success to the emergence of the new publishing model.
Why exactly did I leave Italy again?
For the rest of the story head to The Vincent Zandri Vox:
http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
The indy bookstore at which
I'm supposed to sign first editions of The Remains tomorrow has decided to also book an ex-local news anchor who self-published a book about doing, well, the local news. I just went to the store and its full of posters for the ex-TV anchor.
Warning: Be careful being too vocal about becoming an ebook bestseller. Stay out of the press even when they beg you for interviews. Don't promote yourself. Be a nobody. Don't get reviewed. Don't sell. And by all means, avoid attributing much of your your success to the emergence of the new publishing model.
Why exactly did I leave Italy again?
For the rest of the story head to The Vincent Zandri Vox:
http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
Social Media Balancing Act: A Guest Blog by Super Author, Bri Clark!
So I'm always either being applauded or spanked for utilizing social media for selling my novels like The Remains or The Innocent (see how I just did that?) But then, how else can one get the word out about one's new book? Rather, what better, more efficient medium is there to help spread the word? Yet authors who utilize this all important if not miraculous tool must realize that specific written and unwritten rules of engagement must be adhered to. Or else, you're nothing more than a spamaholic.
It is with this marriage of marketing and internet magic that I give you a guest post by up and coming writer, Bri Clark.
Get the rest of the scoop from The Vincent Zandri Vox!
http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
The Remains
It is with this marriage of marketing and internet magic that I give you a guest post by up and coming writer, Bri Clark.
Get the rest of the scoop from The Vincent Zandri Vox!
http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
The Remains
GUEST POST: Writer, Traveler, Seeker, Deborah Prozenzale
I haven't known Deborah Provenzale for very long. In fact, I don't really know her at all, having only spent some fun time with her and some mutual buds at The Boise Book Expo this past Fall. What I do know is that she is an intelligent, if not uber-intelligent, young woman who writes beautiful stories as much as she subscribes to La Dolce Vita, as is only fitting for a woman who loves Italy as much as I do...and that's a lot. Not only is she the author of the forthcoming novel, Enigma, and an explorer, but this Fall she will travel to China in hopes of teaching English as a second language. In preparation for this adventure she is learning Mandarin.
Wow.
I've been to China and getting around for 20 odd days was hard enough. I can't imagine what it will be like to teach there. But I'm sure Deborah will do just fine. She will flourish, become more beautiful, and no doubt discover subject matter for some more great stories and novels. Like me, she has a lust for adventure, travel, and writing stories that provide as much fuel for the wandering soul as they do entertainment for her readers. Such individuals, while difficult to maintain long lasting relationships with (Ha, had to get that in, didn't I?), are not concerned with moving from point A to point B just for the sheer hell of it, but are searching for that all illusive "meaning of life."
For all of our sakes, let's hope that Deborah "the eternal seeker" Provenzale never finds it.
Deborah, the podium is yours:...
.... Grab the post at The Vincent Zandri Vox: http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
The Remains
Wow.
I've been to China and getting around for 20 odd days was hard enough. I can't imagine what it will be like to teach there. But I'm sure Deborah will do just fine. She will flourish, become more beautiful, and no doubt discover subject matter for some more great stories and novels. Like me, she has a lust for adventure, travel, and writing stories that provide as much fuel for the wandering soul as they do entertainment for her readers. Such individuals, while difficult to maintain long lasting relationships with (Ha, had to get that in, didn't I?), are not concerned with moving from point A to point B just for the sheer hell of it, but are searching for that all illusive "meaning of life."
For all of our sakes, let's hope that Deborah "the eternal seeker" Provenzale never finds it.
Deborah, the podium is yours:...
.... Grab the post at The Vincent Zandri Vox: http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
The Remains
Aaron Patterson: My Bestselling Big Little Bro and Maverick Indie Publisher
About a year ago I decided that I would be content with publishing the occasional novel, maybe selling a few copies here and there, gathering some good reviews, and that would be that. I'd continue with my freelance journalism, travel, maybe down the road teach at a creative writing program. But the thought of once more making a living as a fiction writer no longer seemed like reality.
Then my agent at the time, Janet Benrey, told me that she was working on a deal for me with Aaron Patterson of StoneHouse Ink. StoneHouse was an E-Book-first publisher who also published in trade paper, but only after the E-Books made a splash. I remember being not only skeptical about the whole thing, I also remember being sort of, well, pissed off. E-Books??? You kidding? Are E-Books even real?
In the end however, I agreed to give it a shot. My career was going nowhere anyway, so what could it hurt?...
....Get the rest of the story at The Vincent Zandri Vox:
http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
Godchild
Then my agent at the time, Janet Benrey, told me that she was working on a deal for me with Aaron Patterson of StoneHouse Ink. StoneHouse was an E-Book-first publisher who also published in trade paper, but only after the E-Books made a splash. I remember being not only skeptical about the whole thing, I also remember being sort of, well, pissed off. E-Books??? You kidding? Are E-Books even real?
In the end however, I agreed to give it a shot. My career was going nowhere anyway, so what could it hurt?...
....Get the rest of the story at The Vincent Zandri Vox:
http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
Godchild
Choosing an Indie Publisher? Choose Wisely
The following essay is now appearing at The Vincent Zandri Vox: http://vincentzandri.blogspot.com/201...
Most of you know by now that I don't stick to one type of publishing method or even one publisher. My books are published by several publishers both large and small, and they are also published traditionally and independently. The new digitally-based publishing model has not only become a boon to small, entrepreneur-minded individuals looking to create new indie publishing start ups, but it has literally turned upside down the method by which the old New York mega-houses have been doing business for nearly a century.
Perhaps the biggest example of an indie-minded start-up is Amazon Publishing and their many imprints (I publish with AP imprint, Thomas & Mercer). AP, however, can also be considered a traditional major publisher since it operates much the same way by offering big advances, stellar marketing, and equally stellar editing. But there are other far smaller indie publishers springing up all over the country who don't offer advances per se, but instead offer a high ebook royalty rate along with the promise of a quick draft-to-distribution publishing experience.
I've published with one or two of these "indies," and trust me when I say, not all of them are what they appear to be. An author just starting out (or even a seasoned mid-list author looking to re-establish his career) needs to have their guard up when it comes to publishing with these new outfits who might appear, on the surface anyway, to be "writer friendly" and "an alternative to the old traditional model that locks up your rights forever." These indie publishers might even invest in a nice website with false testimonials plastered all over its facade, but the outfit might truly be a rat in a sheep's clothing.
By this I mean, the indie publisher might persuade you to sign on the dotted line by dangling promises before your eyes like, "superior marketing," "a 50% ebook royalty," and even "manipulation of the Amazon algorithm system." But these are false promises delivered by shady characters who are looking for one thing and one thing only: to make a buck off of your hard work. The reality is more like this: these indie publishers will get you to sign their contracts knowing full well that they will (and I bullet here for your reading convenience) ...
--Skip out on the editing (or hire interns for no pay who are entirely incompetent)
--Make no cash investment in marketing (they will expect the author to do this...)
--Manipulate the pricing of your book entirely to suit themselves
--When your book doesn't sell, they will quickly lose interest and move on to the next victim
--And this is the big one: if your book goes on to sell very well despite the odds, they will lock up your rights forever and ever, or gladly return them to you say, in exchange for a couple hundred grand. Or, if the book is being picked up by a major, demand half your advance money plus an on-going percentage. Highway robbery? You betcha...
So what should you look for in an independent publisher?
--First thing to ask is this: what are the publisher's terms should you decide to request the rights back to your book, regardless of how it sells. Get the facts of author rights reversion clarified before you even think of signing a contract. To be honest, if you end up signing with a bad indie, it's really your own fault. I blame myself for past mistakes.
--Are the publisher royalty rates competitive?
--Ask about editing. Who are the publisher's editors and what are their credentials? Read one or two of the novels on their list and scrutinize them for mistakes.
--Talk to other authors who are publishing with the house. Do you recognize any of the names?
--Do some of the top agents work with the publisher?
--Does the publisher attend events like Bouchercon and Thrillerfest?
--Is the publisher willing to put serious cash and effort into marketing? Marketing that enhances your own efforts? Ask about a marketing plan.
--Is the publisher in fact, a wanna-be writer himself? If so, this could actually be a conflict of interests since the would-be author will always take care of himself first and foremost. I know of several indie imprints being run by established authors. Some are well run establishments. Others are traps designed to lock up your rights.
--Has the publisher experienced a mass exodus of writers who feel they've been lied to or even shafted? Do writers sign with the publisher only to realize they've been snared into said trap, and then fight to get the hell out?
There are of course other things you will need to watch out for, like detailed royalty reports for instance. Anything less is criminal and reeks of underhandedness. Demand a sample royalty report upfront prior to signing.
Bottom line is this: If you're going to publish with an indie publisher, make certain they are as reputable as one of the big publishers. Your best bet is to engage in the publishing process via a reputable agent. Don't make the mistakes I've made by entering into some of these agreements casually, only to have been burned in the end. Again, I have myself and only myself to blame. In a word, don't drink the Kool-Aid. Better to start your own indie publishing business which publishes your own books exclusively than to give away your rights and profits to a used car salesman posing as a saint.
WWW.VINCENTZANDRI.COM
The Shroud KeyVincent Zandri
Most of you know by now that I don't stick to one type of publishing method or even one publisher. My books are published by several publishers both large and small, and they are also published traditionally and independently. The new digitally-based publishing model has not only become a boon to small, entrepreneur-minded individuals looking to create new indie publishing start ups, but it has literally turned upside down the method by which the old New York mega-houses have been doing business for nearly a century.
Perhaps the biggest example of an indie-minded start-up is Amazon Publishing and their many imprints (I publish with AP imprint, Thomas & Mercer). AP, however, can also be considered a traditional major publisher since it operates much the same way by offering big advances, stellar marketing, and equally stellar editing. But there are other far smaller indie publishers springing up all over the country who don't offer advances per se, but instead offer a high ebook royalty rate along with the promise of a quick draft-to-distribution publishing experience.
I've published with one or two of these "indies," and trust me when I say, not all of them are what they appear to be. An author just starting out (or even a seasoned mid-list author looking to re-establish his career) needs to have their guard up when it comes to publishing with these new outfits who might appear, on the surface anyway, to be "writer friendly" and "an alternative to the old traditional model that locks up your rights forever." These indie publishers might even invest in a nice website with false testimonials plastered all over its facade, but the outfit might truly be a rat in a sheep's clothing.
By this I mean, the indie publisher might persuade you to sign on the dotted line by dangling promises before your eyes like, "superior marketing," "a 50% ebook royalty," and even "manipulation of the Amazon algorithm system." But these are false promises delivered by shady characters who are looking for one thing and one thing only: to make a buck off of your hard work. The reality is more like this: these indie publishers will get you to sign their contracts knowing full well that they will (and I bullet here for your reading convenience) ...
--Skip out on the editing (or hire interns for no pay who are entirely incompetent)
--Make no cash investment in marketing (they will expect the author to do this...)
--Manipulate the pricing of your book entirely to suit themselves
--When your book doesn't sell, they will quickly lose interest and move on to the next victim
--And this is the big one: if your book goes on to sell very well despite the odds, they will lock up your rights forever and ever, or gladly return them to you say, in exchange for a couple hundred grand. Or, if the book is being picked up by a major, demand half your advance money plus an on-going percentage. Highway robbery? You betcha...
So what should you look for in an independent publisher?
--First thing to ask is this: what are the publisher's terms should you decide to request the rights back to your book, regardless of how it sells. Get the facts of author rights reversion clarified before you even think of signing a contract. To be honest, if you end up signing with a bad indie, it's really your own fault. I blame myself for past mistakes.
--Are the publisher royalty rates competitive?
--Ask about editing. Who are the publisher's editors and what are their credentials? Read one or two of the novels on their list and scrutinize them for mistakes.
--Talk to other authors who are publishing with the house. Do you recognize any of the names?
--Do some of the top agents work with the publisher?
--Does the publisher attend events like Bouchercon and Thrillerfest?
--Is the publisher willing to put serious cash and effort into marketing? Marketing that enhances your own efforts? Ask about a marketing plan.
--Is the publisher in fact, a wanna-be writer himself? If so, this could actually be a conflict of interests since the would-be author will always take care of himself first and foremost. I know of several indie imprints being run by established authors. Some are well run establishments. Others are traps designed to lock up your rights.
--Has the publisher experienced a mass exodus of writers who feel they've been lied to or even shafted? Do writers sign with the publisher only to realize they've been snared into said trap, and then fight to get the hell out?
There are of course other things you will need to watch out for, like detailed royalty reports for instance. Anything less is criminal and reeks of underhandedness. Demand a sample royalty report upfront prior to signing.
Bottom line is this: If you're going to publish with an indie publisher, make certain they are as reputable as one of the big publishers. Your best bet is to engage in the publishing process via a reputable agent. Don't make the mistakes I've made by entering into some of these agreements casually, only to have been burned in the end. Again, I have myself and only myself to blame. In a word, don't drink the Kool-Aid. Better to start your own indie publishing business which publishes your own books exclusively than to give away your rights and profits to a used car salesman posing as a saint.
WWW.VINCENTZANDRI.COM
The Shroud KeyVincent Zandri
