Before I write one word about selling JIM MORGAN, I must take a moment to thank everyone who has supported me in any way over the last ten years. I’ve been writing nearly every day for over a decade, and even so, I don’t think I can fully express what every kind act or encouraging word has meant me. Whether you liked my Facebook page, proofread of one of the umpteen drafts of this book (or any other one of my manuscripts at any time,) or convinced me not to give up on this novel – thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know I haven’t earned any of your generosity yet, as many of you have yet to read a word of the novel. But perhaps that’s what makes your praise and encouragement so much more special – because you’ve done it out of friendship and belief in me. That is more special than I can say and I won’t ever forget it.

So, it is with great humility that I ask yet another favor from all of you, in hopes that you’ll please indulge me one last time.

JIM MORGAN AND THE KING OF THIEVES is an independently published book, which means no financed marketing campaign, very few pre-launch reviews, and a slow trickle into brick and mortar stores, which sometimes makes me wonder how I will get anyone to read my book at all! For no matter what else, I’m proud of this little novel. I didn’t primarily write it to make gobs of money (as nice as that would be,) I wrote it to be read, if that makes any sense. I remember reading books when I was a young boy. I remember them whisking me away to far away places and sparking a sense of discovery, wonder, and joy in my imagination. I hope JIM MORGAN carries that same gift to young readers now (and older readers who still have a little bit of their childhood imagination left.) So this is where I could use as much help as possible.

While there will be multiple ways to purchase JIM MORGAN (and I am appreciative of any and all purchases of the book) a purchase through Amazon, in print or via Kindle, accompanied by a review and by tags is the best way to get my book in front of a broader audience. Amazon makes the most incredible use of reader feedback, reviews, and tags to recommend books to readers. It really is amazing how good they are at this! The more reviews (especially good ones) and more tags a book has, the more likely it will be recommended to other shoppers looking for that kind of read. So, if you are planning to buy the book when it launches, please purchase it through Amazon. And if you have a few extra minutes, and are so inclined, please leave a review and tag the book. Please know that I’m not asking for any favors in the reviews. Be honest (though of course I hope and trust that you’ll enjoy it!) Also, if you’ve already pre-ordered the book through B&N, no worries! I truly appreciate your support!

Of course, if you like the book enough, recommend it to your friends and family as well. And if your kids love it, recommend it to other parents or families who are looking for a book the whole family can read and enjoy together. You can also leave a review on Goodreads, another site where multiple reviews will attract more readers.

Once again, thank you so much to everyone who has supported me during this winding, oftentimes uphill journey into the world of writing. I’m so excited to be at this juncture with a chance to put my favorite story in front of an audience, hoping they enjoy reading it at least half as much as I enjoyed writing it. Stay tuned to the Facebook page or my twitter account for the official launch date. I’m just waiting for the Kindle conversion so that both versions can sell at the same time!

Thank you again to everyone. And for those about to meet my friend, Jim, I hope you like him and I hope that his story brings a smile or two to your heart.

James Matlack Raney